Chapter: Chapter 94: Please. Just This Once, Choose MeI wiped my tears away with trembling hands and looked at him. Regan’s jaw was clenched, his face grim and unreadable. Yet, there was something in his eyes—an unspoken emotion that made my heart ache even more. He walked over to me, each step heavy with hesitation, and reached out a hand. His fingers brushed against the red mark on my cheek with a gentleness that belied the chaos around us.My eyes met his, brimming with tears and pain.“Anastasia,” he began, his voice raw and full of regret. “I’m so—”But he couldn’t finish. A voice cut through us like a knife, sharp and demanding.“Regan!”We both turned, startled, to see Zarina standing in the hallway, her arms crossed and her expression cold. Her voice was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.“I need to talk to you. Now.”Regan hesitated, his gaze flickering back to me. His hand dropped to his side, leaving the warmth of his touch lingering on my skin.“Zarina, not now,” he said firmly, his voice carrying an edge of irritation.“
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Chapter: Chapter 93: FallenA flicker of movement on the edge of the stage caught my eye. The band members exchanged confused glances. Then, a familiar face emerged from the shadows – the old man from my music school, his kind eyes crinkled in a smile that held a lifetime of understanding. It was a small gesture, but it was enough.Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. Taking a deep breath, I raised my trembling hands and hovered them over the cool ivory keys. The music book in front of me lay open, displaying the familiar score of "Moonlight Sonata."In that moment, guided by the raw ache in my heart, I began to play. The first notes were hesitant. But as I poured my emotions into the music, the pain of loving Regan, the bitter sting of betrayal, a transformation began to take place. The gasps of surprise from the audience, the almost imperceptible click of hundreds of cameras capturing the moment – all faded into the background.Tears streamed down my cheeks; each note a raw expression of the pain I
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Chapter: Chapter 92: The Pianist ProdigyMy gaze darted towards the doorway, a desperate hope that Regan might somehow show up and intervene. And then, as if on cue, the doors swung open, revealing both Regan and Zarina stepping through the threshold. They entered side-by-side, their expressions unreadable. Regan's eyes met mine, surprise replaced by worry crossing his features.The world seemed to tilt on its axis. My breath hitched in my throat, a strangled gasp that escaped my lips before I could stifle it. Pain, raw and searing, ripped through my chest. My mind was a chaotic mess. Hurt mingled with anger.Before I could even contemplate a response, the emcee called my name again, his voice booming through the silent hall. "Miss Anastasia?"A hand, cool and firm, materialized on my arm. I looked down to see my stepmother, her face plastered with a wide, predatory smile. The smile didn't reach her eyes, though, and the grip on my arm was like a vice, her perfectly manicured nails digging into my flesh. I knew ex
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Chapter: Chapter 91: Cold DreadI looked away, trying to focus on another guest who had come to speak with us. The woman, a socialite named Mrs. Harrison, was animatedly discussing their latest charity event."Anastasia, you simply must join us next month. It’s for a wonderful cause. We’re raising funds for children’s hospitals.""That sounds lovely. I’ll see if I can make it."Meanwhile, Regan seemed distracted, his eyes constantly darting around the room. He barely acknowledged Mrs. Harrison’s husband, who was talking about his new business venture."...and that’s why we’re investing heavily in renewable energy," Mr. Harrison was saying. "It’s the future, don’t you agree, Regan?"Regan snapped back to attention. "Yes, absolutely," He glanced at me, then back at the door.Mrs. Harrison looked at Regan with concern. "You seem a bit preoccupied, Mr. Del Valle. Is everything all right?"Regan cleared his throat, his face flushing slightly. "I apologize, Mrs. Harrison. Just a lot on my mind at the moment. Excuse me fo
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Chapter: Chapter 90: The Gala Part 2Our family scattered like well-rehearsed performers, each drawn into conversations with different groups of guests. Regan and I found ourselves in the center of the room, surrounded by a cluster of people who seemed more interested in gushing praise than having a genuine conversation. I forced smiles, answering their questions with as much grace as I could muster."You look absolutely stunning tonight, Anastasia," a woman with elaborately styled copper hair and a dress dripping with diamonds fawned over me. "And so radiant together! A Montreal and a Del Valle, a match made in business heaven, some might say.""Thank you," I replied, my smile strained but practiced. The woman, whose name I couldn't recall, continued to chatter, but my attention had drifted. Dread dropped on my stomach as I spotted a familiar blonde head making its way through the crowd.Zarina, her blonde hair cascading down her back like a waterfall, approached our group, a smug smile plastered on her face. Beside h
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Chapter: Chapter 89: The Gala Part 1Anastasia's POVThe grand estate loomed before me; a vision of opulence bathed in the warm glow of a thousand twinkling lights. Lush gardens, meticulously manicured, flanked the sprawling mansion, and I could see guests and prominent conglomerate families making their way inside, their laughter and chatter filling the air.The driver, sent by my grandfather, pulled the car around to a discreet entrance at the back. As I stepped out, a woman in a crisp uniform materialized at my side. Her smile was polite, her hair was pulled back in a tight bun."Miss Anastasia," she greeted, her voice smooth as silk, "please follow me."I was a vision in red – a long, flowing halterneck gown that hugged my curves perfectly, red stilettos that clicked softly against the polished marble floor, and even my lips and nails matched the fiery shade. But despite the glamorous facade, I felt anything but. Nausea churned in my stomach, and a cold sweat slicked my palms. Every nerve in my body screamed at me to
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Chapter: Chapter 46As they walked, the trees thinned, revealing a breathtaking sight in the distance – a crystal-clear lake shimmering under the sun. Emily gasped, her surprise pulling her hand away from Oliver's instinctively. Without a word, she broke into a run towards the water's edge.Oliver chuckled, watching her go. He quickened his pace to catch up. "Wait, Emily!"Reaching the shore, Emily stood mesmerized. The gentle breeze ruffled her hair as she gazed at the calm surface of the lake, reflecting the blue sky like a giant mirror.Oliver joined her side, his features softening. "This place brings back a lot of memories,"Emily turned to him. "Memories?""This was my childhood haven. I used to spend hours he
Last Updated: 2024-06-08
Chapter: Chapter 45It has been four days since Emily stayed with the Sterling family. And she would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy it. The family made sure that she visited every nook and crook of their estates and even the town. It almost feels like the day was gone too fast.She quietly watched as maids, helpers, and other organizers busied themselves preparing for the party tonight. It was just morning, but the mansion was already a hive of activity. She had been here for four days now, and tonight’s party was the highlight of the week.Despite her initial reservations, Emily had to admit she enjoyed staying with Oliver’s family. They were warm and welcoming, and she found herself feeling at home. She couldn’t ignore the irony—she was supposed to be fake dating Oliver, yet she found herself genuinely liking the experience.
Last Updated: 2024-06-08
Chapter: Chapter 44Soon after that day, Emily found herself staring at the horses, their powerful forms and glossy coats gleaming in the sunlight. The Sterling family had planned a horseback riding excursion and that includes her. The air was filled with cheerful chatter and laughter."This is going to be amazing!" chirped a young girl, barely taller than Emily's knees, bouncing on the balls of her feet."I know, right?" A group of teenagers nearby chimed in. "Finally, something fun to do besides listening to Uncle George's snoring!" they joke, erupting in a fit of giggles.An older woman with silver streaks in her hair chuckled good-naturedly. "Don't be so mean to your uncle, dear. He just enjoys his afternoon naps."The
Last Updated: 2024-06-07
Chapter: Chapter 43When Emily woke up, she was momentarily disoriented, unsure of where she was. Then the events of the previous day came rushing back. Right, she was in Oliver's family mansion pretending to be his girlfriend. The unfamiliar room around her slowly came into focus, and she sighed, feeling warm and comfortable under the heavy blankets.Snuggling closer, she enjoyed the warmth and the comforting scent surrounding her. It was a mix of something clean and distinctly masculine. But then she felt an arm around her waist, pulling her closer, and her eyes snapped open in surprise. She found herself face-to-face with a sleeping Oliver.Her breath caught in her throat as she quickly sat upright, careful not to wake him. Oliver continued to sleep soundly, his arm falling away from her as she moved.“Shit” she mumbled.Emily took a moment to steady her racing heart, her eyes drifting back to Oliver. He looked incredibly handsome in the soft morning light. His sharp jawline was relaxed in sleep, his
Last Updated: 2024-06-05
Chapter: Chapter 42After the bonfire, Emily and Oliver made their way back to their room and changed into their sleeping attire. The warmth of the fire still lingered in their bones, but the reality of their situation quickly settled in as they closed the door behind them. They stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, neither quite sure how to proceed.Oliver cleared his throat and offered, "I can take the couch, Ms. Collins. You should take the bed."Emily shook her head, her sense of duty as his secretary kicking in but also noticing that he easily switched the way he called her. "No, Oliver—I mean Sir, you're the one who should take the bed. I’m fine with the couch.""Ms. Collins, I insist. You've been through a lot today, and you deserve to be comfortable.""No, really. It's just a couch. I’ll be fine." Before Oliver could move to the couch, Emily grabbed a pillow and made a dash for it. "Emily, wait!" Oliver called out, reaching for her hand. As he did, Emily accidentally slipped on a piece of
Last Updated: 2024-06-05
Chapter: Chapter 41After spending some time in Oliver's room, Emily finally decided to venture downstairs. The house was quiet, the afternoon sun casting warm light through the large windows. After lunch, she and Oliver hadn’t spoken much; he had been called away by his father. She had changed into a simple skirt and a cozy sweater, hoping to feel more comfortable among Oliver's family.She frowned when she didn't see anyone. As she walked through the hallway, she ran into one of Oliver's cousins, a bubbly young woman. Her eyes lit up when she saw Emily. "Emily hey! We're having a bonfire outside. You should join us!"Emily hesitated, unsure if she should intrude on the family gathering. "I don't know. Maybe I should just—"Before she could finish, the woman grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the door. "Nonsense! You’re practically family now. Come on, it’ll be fun!"Reluctantly, Emily allowed herself to be dragged outside. The cool evening air greeted her as they stepped onto the lawn. She saw a l
Last Updated: 2024-06-05
Chapter: EpilogueJaidyn's Pov I sighed in pleasure as the cold breeze passed. My heart thundered as I smelled the woods that surrounded the castle where I lived with my mate. Home. Traian. A soothing elixir for my soul, his name lingered in the back of my thoughts. As with living with someone other than my own family, being mated takes some getting accustomed to but Traian and I managed to cope. He was so patient with me every day. He was also very protective, making sure I was constantly taken care of. He didn't often wander far or leave me alone. I turned to look at the people cooking and setting up for our celebration outside, among them were Claire, Evan, their daughter Clara, Adam, Sally, Kate, and her mate David, Jane, Jaxon, their son Jacob, Mom and Dad, and the Grevis Pack locals. As the sun peaked above the treetops, everything appeared to gleam golden. Cayen was not here and had a business trip in the United States while Anna had something come up. She was supposed to be here, and even
Last Updated: 2023-01-18
Chapter: Chapter 77: MatedJaidyn's Pov I was panting, my body was buzzing with relief. I still wanted something much bigger inside of me to ease this fire in me. I felt a shudder leave me as Traian kissed my inner thigh softly and licked it long and slowly. I felt one of his long, extended teeth gently scrape down my flesh. He took a sharp breath and then backed away. His eyes were hooded, his lips were parted, and his head leaned back slightly. He spoke in a strained voice I couldn't identify as human, saying, "I can't wait any longer to be inside you" I nodded while licking my lips. “I need you now.” I felt his body tense. Traian stripped, and despite his huge size and close-to-wolf transition, he was incredibly gentle with me. I let my gaze wander freely on his length. He had the recognizable enormous thickness to his cock. It seems like a very long time ago. I continued to follow the contours of his abdomen, noting the slabs of muscle, the chiseled upper chest, and the masculine points of his nipples.
Last Updated: 2023-01-18
Chapter: Chapter 76: MineTraian's Pov She was standing right in front of me. She smelt exquisite as I breathed in her sweetness, I growled. The closer Jaidyn got to me, the more my cock hardened and grew impossibly larger and thicker. She also caressed my arms, digging her claws into my flesh. More than anything else in my whole life, I longed for her. I had my mate at last. I wanted Jaidyn to be at my side for the rest of my life and to bear my mark on her. She will only ever be ours, my wolf sighed. We'll lay claim to her tonight as our mate. As I caressed her tongue with mine, I caught hold of the back of her head. But as each second passed, she moved closer to me, and when the sun eventually sank and the moon quickly grew full, my need grew double. The need to mark her became intolerable now that there was a full moon and my mate was in front of me. We have been apart for a very long period, which has only increased our desire and longing. My wolf was the one who said it, but my human side was just
Last Updated: 2023-01-18
Chapter: Chapter 75: There Was No Going BackI waved at Cayden who dropped me off at Traian's house in the middle of the woods and near the creek. That sun had already set which I realized too late because I have been so occupied with Claire and the others' company. I spent the whole afternoon at Cayden's place, watching the videos of their wedding and other events which were mostly hilarious. When I invited them to accompany me to surprise Traian, they all vehemently objected, insisting that I should go alone. I made my way to the porch. I raised my hand to knock but immediately stopped midair. I inhaled deeply, quickly brushed my now short, reddish-brown hair, tucked my shirt in, and adjusted the way the green scarf Traian had given me was positioned around my neck. I raised my hand again to know but I was not yet to thump to the wooden door when it flung open, revealing the half-naked Traian with only black sweatpants. His midnight hair was still damp from the shower and the citrus with sandalwood scent immediately reached m
Last Updated: 2023-01-18
Chapter: Chapter 74: Final PieceJaidyn's Pov 2 years later............ 'Go, go where your heart belongs to' My thoughts were filled with the words of the elderly woman who was my closest neighbor in the town where I spent two years and who helped me grow my plants. I glanced down at the photo I had just taken of her and her granddaughter Alice, who was then 20 years old, standing by my side. Behind us was my modest house and yard, which was bursting to the seams with tall, vivid flowers. The pictures resemble those of houses in fairytale images. It was very magical to look back again. I put the picture in my wallet again and turned to face the airplane window, my lips curling in a smile. I'm returning to the town and the man I made a vow to after a two-year absence. During that period, I travel alone, encounter amazing people, learn a lot, and gain new insights into life. I also succeeded in acquiring and moving to a little cottage in a rural area close to a lake and a forest for a year. That place captured my
Last Updated: 2023-01-18
Chapter: Chapter 73: GoodbyeTraian's Pov I watch from a distance as the ex-fiance of Jaidyn leaves. I can't help but follow them and unintentionally hear their conversation. When the man named Anthony came up to my side, he glance at me and pat my shoulder. He whispered painfully, "Take care of her" “I will” A sorrowful smile spread across his face as he continued to walk away while I strolled in the direction of Jaidyn. I found her gazing where the sun rays were slicing through the feast of trees. "Jaidyn" I gently called her, grasping her elbow. She turned to face me, her face painted with a dejected smile I pulled her close, hugging her. She wrapped her arms around me and held me tightly. We stayed like that for a few minutes before we went back to my place. Everyone was there, waiting for us. The first to approach Jaidyn and give her a hug was Jane and her parents, with me standing nearby. "Are you okay?" Janette asked, holding her daughter's face. "Yes, Mom" Jane quipped, "What did he say?" "Not
Last Updated: 2023-01-16
Chapter: Chapter 140: Epilogue Part 4Nicholas’s POV The air crackled with energy that buzzed right through me. It wasn't my own, though. Mine simmered low, a slow burn fueled by nervous excitement and a simmering pride. No, the nervous energy radiating like heat waves originated from the room itself, a collective held their breath as the music swelled and the double doors at the far end of the aisle creaked open. There she was. Lily. No, Florence. Not quite. Today, she was a vision in white, a goddess emerging from the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows. The years hadn't touched her, not a single cruel line etched onto that face that had haunted my dreams for so long. She is still that beautiful being in my eyes with her dark blonde hair and hazel eyes that were sparkling brightly at the moment. She was wearing a white gown and a white veil on her head while her hand was clasped on a bouquet made of Lily of the Valleys. I noticed a nervous tremor in the hand that gripped Percival's arm as his, a
Last Updated: 2024-03-22
Chapter: Chapter 139: Epilogue Part 3 The salty breeze ruffled the pages of my book as I leaned back in the wicker chair, the sun already hidden, painting the sky with a darkness filled with stars. A contented sigh escaped my lips. It’s already been six months since Nicholas and I started over again which means dating for real like a normal couple. Both of us pushed our work stuff and it was one of the best decisions I made. Six months of travel, dates, adventures, and laughter-filled days. We'd tried everything from visiting ancient ruins in Greece to white-water rafting in New Zealand. Right now, we are in one of Nicholas's owned islands, perched beside me on the balcony of his secluded beach house, absorbed in his own book, a glass of amber whiskey swirling in his hand. I set my book down with a soft thud, the sound breaking the comfortable silence. "So, Nicholas," I began, his blue eyes locking onto mine as he glanced up. I directly asked the question that popped into my head, "Why are we still mates?" Surpris
Last Updated: 2024-03-22
Chapter: Chapter 138: Epilogue Part 2 Soon after, the night had fallen, painting the sky a canvas of inky blue dotted with a million shimmering stars. Dressed in a stylish, midnight-hued dress that clung to my curves in all the right places, I emerged from the bathroom. A gasp escaped Charlotte's lips, and even Sara, usually so composed, let out a surprised whistle. "Wow, Lils," Charlotte breathed, her eyes wide with admiration. "You look incredible!" Sara, her phone clutched in her hand, held it up to my face. On the screen, a video call connected me to the familiar faces of Percival, Quinn, and his husband. "Hey guys!" I greeted them, my voice filled with a genuine smile. "There she is!” Quinn exclaimed, his booming laugh filling the room. “Hey, kiddo" boomed Percival's voice, "Our own famous artist" Quinn chimed in, "You look stunning, honey! We can't wait to see you smash this exhibition!" His husband, a kind-looking man with warm brown eyes, offered a shy smile and a wave. "Good luck," he mouthed si
Last Updated: 2024-03-22
Chapter: Chapter 137: Epilogue Part 1 6 years later….. My fingers traced the worn frame of the photograph hanging on the plain white wall. A simple black-and-white capture: a lone tree silhouetted against a fiery sunset, its branches reaching out like gnarled fingers. It evoked emotions that felt like a lifetime ago, not the picture itself. "Just making sure, Lily," a soft voice broke through my reverie. "Tomorrow's the big day, you know. Your fifth exhibition and your first appearance." I chuckled, glancing to my left. A beautiful woman stood beside me. Her closely cropped hair, a riot of ebony curls, framed a face that, though small, held a radiant warmth. Her skin, a rich, warm brown, seemed to glow with an inner light. "Tenth time this week, wouldn't you say?" I asked. She grinned, a flash of white against her warm brown skin. "Maybe. But this is different. People are buzzing about you, Lily. The mysterious artist finally makes an appearance after four years." My gaze swept across the gallery, taking in
Last Updated: 2024-03-22
Chapter: Chapter 136: -The End- Keith let out a cruel laugh. "I used all my strongest rogues to deal with the Lycans," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "And your dear Nicholas... Well, let's just say he put up a good fight. The man was a monster indeed. His regenerating ability was remarkable" My gaze fell upon the jacket he wore, a small device embedded in one of the pockets like a dark eye staring back at me. "Is that the button?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. My eyes seem lifeless. Keith raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. He nodded curtly. "The button for the chips in the rogues? Yes. One press, and they all die a quick, painless death. Useful to threaten them to do something" My face was cold and unreadable as I turned to him, watching him light his cigarette. “Want some?” he offered. I reached for the cigarette he offered, lighting it. As I inhaled, a single thought echoed in my mind: everything had to end. “You know you need to cooperate with t
Last Updated: 2024-03-22
Chapter: Chapter 135: The Final Rejection Seizing the opportunity, I turned and ran, deeper into the dense darkness of the forest to the clearing. I can see it. I had made a choice, a terrible one that left me torn between self-preservation and the agonizing cost it had come at. But as I ran, I couldn't shake the image of Nicholas, wounded, facing the wrath of the rogues because of me. The burden of that decision would be a heavy one to bear, one that I knew I would bring to my death. Suddenly, a blur of fur shot out from my peripheral vision. I snapped my head around just in time to see another rogue, its red eyes zeroing in on me. I reached for the gun. But my hand met only empty air. “Huh, of course it is gone” I scoffed in annoyance. I flung myself aside, barely avoiding the snapping jaws of the beast. But the momentum of my dodge carried me off balance, sending me tumbling to the ground. As I lay there, sprawled, the rogue loomed above, its fetid breath washing over me. An instinct older than thought, deepe
Last Updated: 2024-03-22
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