Chapter: CHAPTER 245BETTYI remain there standing, shaking my head, not knowing if I should be furious that he made me the center of a public spectacle, or incredibly flattered that he just risked his mother's wrath to defend me.He closes the final foot of space between us and reaches out, his large, warm hand gently wrapping around mine, giving my fingers a reassuring squeeze."Are you okay?"I blink, the heat of his touch sending a jolt straight up my arm, and I slowly pull my hand away, turning to place my clutch on the marble counter to give my shaking hands something to do.He steps in right beside me, his shoulder brushing mine."You didn't have to do that," I mutter, swallowing the thick lump in my throat.He turns fully to face me and leans his forearm against the counter, bringing his face dangerously close to mine."I actually did, Betty," he says, his voice dropping into a quiet, intimate register meant only for us. "For years, I stood back and let my mother and her friends treat you like an
Last Updated: 2026-08-07
Chapter: CHAPTER 244BETTY“You are just dragging him along.”Rhys’s parting words play on a relentless, brutal loop in my head as I trace the rim of the glass with my index finger, letting the heavy, uncomfortable weight of his accusation settle into my bones.I grab my clutch and pivot away from the counter, desperate to find a bathroom, a quiet hallway, anywhere to process the guilt, but instead, I spot Eleanor.She is weaving through the guests with three of her most dedicated sycophants trailing right behind her. They move in a synchronized, aggressive glide, their eyes pinned unblinkingly on me.I let my head drop back for a of a second, and I blow out a long, drained sigh. I simply do not have the bandwidth for a high-society theatrical performance tonight.I step to the left, aiming for a small gap between a chatting couple to slip away, but the second I move, the couple shifts their weight, stepping in unison to block my path. I click my tongue, pivoting to the right, but two of Eleanor’s friends
Last Updated: 2026-08-07
Chapter: CHAPTER 244NATHANIELAfter a long moment of staring at the fairy lights, I force the impending death of our company out of my head and focus on the only thing that actually matters tonight.Is she here yet? Or did she bail?The thought pierces through the rage, and I push off the desk. I need to see for myself. I take a deep breath, cross the room, and pick up the heavy glass paperweight. I set it back on the desk, adjust my cuffs, and walk out the door.The bass of the string quartet hits my chest the second I step into the hallway, followed by the echoing, chaotic laughter of a hundred wealthy guests. But before I face them, I walk in the opposite direction to Grace’s room.The space is dark, bathed in the faint glow of a nightlight. She is fast asleep, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. I cross the plush carpet, pull the heavy duvet up over her shoulders, and step back out, pulling the door shut with a silent click.I make my way to the grand landing, and unfortunately, I find R
Last Updated: 2026-08-05
Chapter: CHAPTER 243NATHANIELThe heavy, soundproofed oak doors of my father’s study are shut, severing the swelling string quartet and the rich laughter of the ballroom below.In here, the silence is absolute. But the air is tainted.A thick, acrid cloud of cigar smoke hangs over the mahogany desk, clinging to the leather-bound books and the dark wood paneling. It is a blatant, calculated desecration of a space my father and grandfather treated as a sanctuary.I remain seated on the opposite side of the desk, keeping my palms flat against the smooth wood, forcing my fingers to spread so they don't curl into fists.Across from me sits Richard. The acting CEO of Blackwell Enterprise.Richard takes a long, arrogant drag of his cigar and leans back in the vintage leather chair, crossing one ankle over his knee, making himself far too comfortable. He wears a tuxedo jacket of gaudy gold with harsh black lapels—a vulgar, loud disruption of the classic dress code down in the ballroom, a smug, self-satisfied gri
Last Updated: 2026-08-04
Chapter: CHAPTER 242BETTYThe sheer, suffocating reality of him standing mere inches away—for the first time since we broke up—slams into my chest like a freight train and panic spikes hot in my blood. My palms turn clammy, slipping against the smooth gold metal of my clutch. I lock my knees to keep them from buckling and drag a sharp, jagged breath into my burning lungs.“Get it together, Betty.”I swallow the dry dust in my throat, bury the frantic hammering of my heart, and force my expression into a smooth, impenetrable mask. Only then do I let myself take him in.He looks different. Undeniably him, but fundamentally altered.He towers in my space, draped in a bespoke, all-black tuxedo that grips his broad shoulders and chest like a suit of armor, the sharp lines of his muscles pressing heavily against the dark fabric. He stands rooted in polished Italian leather shoes, one hand slid deep into his trouser pocket, pulling the jacket back to expose a heavy, gleaming silver watch at his wrist. The other
Last Updated: 2026-08-04
Chapter: CHAPTER 241BETTYEleanor Blackwell. The one person I have never managed to impress since the day I entered this family.I stand still, drawing a deep, bracing breath into my lungs. One of us will leave this conversation upset, but tonight, I swear to God it will not be me.She paints a fake, glittering smile for the guests she passes, stopping a waiter to pluck a champagne flute from his silver tray before closing the final few feet between us.She says nothing at first. She just stands there, letting the heavy, judgmental weight of her gaze rake over me. I feel her eyes drag over the slit exposing my thigh, up the velvet to scrutinize the plunging V of my chest, before resting on my face."Betty," she sneers, the disdain dripping from the single word. "What are you doing here?"I let out a measured breath, forcing the corners of my mouth upward. "Nice to see you too, Eleanor. You look well." I keep my cadence flat and calm, refusing to let the tremor in my chest bleed into my voice. The absolut
Last Updated: 2026-08-03
Chapter: Chapter 214VICTORIAFour years laterThe air feels different today — softer, lighter, almost unreal.The sun pours gently over the gardens of Valemont estate, painting the marble white and the grass gold.Children run barefoot across the lawn, their laughter spilling through the breeze like music.I am standin
Last Updated: 2025-10-31
Chapter: Chapter 213******************************************************************************************CHASEThe music floats across the beach, slow and warm, the kind that makes the night feel softer than it is.Fairy lights sway in the ocean breeze, and laughter ripples through the guests as I stand near the
Last Updated: 2025-10-31
Chapter: Chapter 212VICTORIAThe sand is warm under my heels as we walk down the narrow path leading to the beach, the faint hum of waves mixing with distant laughter.My hand rests lightly on my belly, the other laced tightly with Chase’s because I still can’t believe this is real — that he’s this happy, that we are.
Last Updated: 2025-10-31
Chapter: Chapter 211I pretend not to notice, but something cracks quietly inside me.On the jet, she wasn’t exaggerating about sleeping. The moment she sits down, she curls up, adjusts the blanket, and shuts her eyes without a word. I sit across from her and just… stare as the engines hum softly, clouds drift past the
Last Updated: 2025-10-31
Chapter: Chapter 210CHASE“That’s it. Close that laptop; we’ll be late,” I say, standing from the couch at House of Valemont, telling her for the tenth time, pretending she didn’t hear me.Victoria doesn’t even flinch. Her eyes stay fixed on the screen, the faint light tracing her sharp cheekbones as she scrolls. “One
Last Updated: 2025-10-31
Chapter: Chapter 209The entire ride to House of Valemont, I can’t calm down. I keep rehearsing my steps, my greetings, my smile. My mind runs wild with what-ifs—what if nothing’s the same, what if I walk in and everyone stares? What if I can’t do this? but I try to remain strong until we get there.Once we finally arr
Last Updated: 2025-10-30
Chapter: EPILOGUETwo years later.RACHAEL."Ms Rachael, all the meetings have been pushed to Monday," my secretary says with a warm smile. "You can go enjoy your wedding weekend."I exhale deeply, letting out a relieved laugh. "Thank you, Claire. You'll be there, right?" I ask, squinting playfully."Of course! Wouldn’t miss it for the world, “she replies before closing the door behind her.I had reopened my marketing firm and focused on luxury brands. It had been a dream of mine ever since I worked for Mrs Raymond all those years ago. One year in and we had acquired clients all over the country. Jake had been my rock through it all.I lean back in my chair, tapping my feet excitedly on the floor. "I’m getting married," I whisper to myself, a grin spreading across my face.After organizing my desk and shutting down my laptop, I grab my bag and wave goodbye to my team."See you all on Monday!" I call out, heading toward the exit.Waiting for me outside is a familiar, handsome face I hadn’t seen in a few
Last Updated: 2025-01-24
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~SEVENJAKE’S POVThe day of our trip is finally here. I stop by Rachael’s mom’s house to pick them up. Dean is practically bouncing with excitement, unable to contain his joy about flying on a plane again.Rachael’s mom walks us out to the car, her eyes glistening with tears as she hugs Rachael and Dean tightly.“I’m going to miss you two so much,” she says, her voice trembling.“Mom, we’re not going away forever,” Rachael reassures her, squeezing her in return.Her mom crouches down to Dean’s level and wraps him in another warm hug.“Grandma’s going to miss you the most,” she whispers to him before planting a gentle kiss on his forehead.She then turns to me, her expression soft but serious, and pulls me aside. “Take care of them, will you?” she orders, hugging me.“I promise,” I reply, bending down to return the hug.She leans in closer and whispers something into my ear. Whatever she says makes Rachael look at us with suspicion from where she is standing. I just smile and ignore her cur
Last Updated: 2025-01-23
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~SIXRACHAEL’S POV“That was a nice surprise,” Jake mutters, his voice breathless as he leans back against the couch.I chuckle, nodding. “You are welcome.”We both glance around the living room and burst into laughter. The place is an absolute mess—pillows on the floor, a lamp knocked over, and even a picture frame tilted on the wall. This isn’t me at all. Jake was bringing out a side of me I didn’t even know existed. It was wild, exciting, and so out of character, but I loved it.“There’s food in the kitchen if you’re hungry,” he says, brushing my shoulder lightly.“I’m good. I had dinner at my mom’s before I came,” I reply, tilting my head to look at him. “But I’ll take some water.”Jake stands and heads to the fridge. My eyes follow him, lingering on his waistline and the defined muscles of his back. A small smile plays on my lips as I lean back into the couch.He comes back with a glass of water and hands it to me.“Not that I’m complaining, Rachael, but how did you know where to find
Last Updated: 2025-01-23
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~FIVEJAKE’S POVI couldn’t wipe the grin off my face as I drove to the penthouse. The last 24 hours had been the best of my life. Having Rachael in my arms all night felt like a dream. Watching her sleep was a moment I would replay in my mind forever.It had cost us so much to get here, but we finally made it. I wasn’t about to waste any more time.Before I even pull into the basement, I grab my phone, call my attorney and financial manager, and instruct them to meet me at the penthouse as soon as possible. There is much to plan—starting with selling the house in Oakwood. I didn’t want to keep any ties to that place. It is a crime scene, but It is Oakwood—someone will still buy it without a second thought.Next, I need to file for the divorce and get the process moving for our clean slate. And then, the most important job is finding a home for us. Somewhere, we could truly start over in peace.But I already had a plan for that. It was going to be a surprise for her.By the time I get to the
Last Updated: 2025-01-22
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~FOURRACHAEL’S POVFor the first time in weeks, I slept through the night without tossing and turning. Jake and I spent the entire night cuddling, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this... peaceful.I’d called my mom to let her know I wasn’t going, and she agreed to put Dean to bed, though I suspected she knew there was more to the story.I turn to watch Jake as he sleeps. He looks so handsome and peaceful.“Stop staring, Rachael,” he murmurs, a lazy smile spreading across his lips.I laugh softly, surprised he’s awake. “I thought you were asleep.”His eyes flutter open, locking with mine. For a moment, we just gaze at each other, no words needed. Then I sit up and reach for his shirt, slipping it on as I climb out of bed.“Where are you going?” he asks, his voice husky from sleep.I laugh, shaking my head at his question. “You’re aware we have a child, right?” I tease.Jake sits up, his messy hair only making him look more irresistible. “And?” he counters with a playful smirk.
Last Updated: 2025-01-22
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ~THREEJAKE’S POVAfter giving me the best blowjob of my life, Rachael suddenly pulls away and stands up slowly. Without hesitation, I grab her waist and lift her effortlessly. Her legs wrap around me as if they belong there. I carry her to the wall and pin her gently but firmly. My mouth crashes into hers and I kiss her with a passion I didn’t know I had in me. Her hands dig into my back, pulling me closer, and I feel her nails bite into my skin—a sweet pain that only fuels my desire.I adjust her slightly, aligning us perfectly, and in one fluid motion, I enter her. A soft groan escapes me as her warmth surrounds me. She arches her back to me, her pleasure matching mine. One of my hands supports her while the other moves to her back, keeping her steady as I begin to move my hips in slow, deliberate circles.Her head falls back, and I lean down, my lips finding her chest. My teeth graze her nipple, biting it gently just enough to draw a gasp from her. The sound of her pleasure pushes me fur
Last Updated: 2025-01-21
Chapter: EPILOGUEFIFTEEN YEARS LATER.After a long day at the bakery in Shadow Ridge, I finally return home.The scent of pine and wildflowers greets me as I step onto the patio, the last light of day stretching golden across the compound.I sink into my favorite wooden bench and exhale, my shoulders softening for the first time all day.Out in the field, I watch our kids, Emily and Ethan, sparring under the fading sun. Their movements swift and deliberate.Ezra watches them closely, cane in hand, barking gentle corrections.“Welcome home, my Luna.” Lucian’s voice rumbles from behind me and I feel a familiar warmth wrap around my waist as his arms encircle me.I lean back into him, his lips brushing my cheek before settling into a kiss, and he hands me a glass of red wine.“How was work today?” he squeezes my hand gently, his voice soft.“Busy,” I sigh, smiling into my glass. “But I’ve got a solid team now, that’s why I was able to leave early for once.”“Good. I missed you.” He hums, sipping his whis
Last Updated: 2025-06-24
Chapter: CHAPTER 140INGRIDThe laughter continues around the table for hours as stories echo like the wind after a storm.I catch Logan’s gaze from across the table as he rises and makes his way toward me.He leans in close, lowering his voice. “My hunters and I are ready to leave.”I nod, swallowing the knot that suddenly forms in my throat. “Okay… just a minute.”I turn to Lucian and tap his arm. He looks up, his eyes softening, and I nod toward Logan.Without needing me to explain further, he stands and wraps Logan into a strong brotherly embrace.“Thank you,” Lucian mutters under his breath. “For everything. And if you ever need anything… anything at all, you know where to find me.”Logan nods, pulling back with a smirk. “Same goes, Alpha. Take care of them.” His eyes land on me, then on Emily.Lucian nods as well and returns to his seat.I hand over Emily to him, who’s now blissfully asleep, her tiny breaths rising and falling, curled safely against his chest.I lead Logan outside, and as soon as we
Last Updated: 2025-06-22
Chapter: CHAPTER 139LUCIANThe room is warm and alive—filled with laughter, the low murmur of conversations, and the unmistakable sound of clinking cutlery.Everyone has finally gathered around the long, polished table set in the center of the room.Plates have been passed around, steam curling up into the air carrying the scent of roasted meats, seasoned vegetables, and freshly baked bread.Large bowls of buttery garlic potatoes are set down one after another, followed by grilled ribs glazed in honey and spice, and trays of baked fish seasoned with herbs.There are pitchers of mulled wine, bottles of aged whiskey, and goblets of sweet berry juice for those who prefer it.The kitchen had outdone themselves, just like I had asked them to.As I sit at the head of the table watching as laughter echoes through the room, forks dig into meals, and stories are exchanged across the table like currency, I notice the tension of the past weeks seems to have melt from everyone's shoulders.I glance over to Ingrid, wh
Last Updated: 2025-06-21
Chapter: CHAPTER 138LUCIANThe room is quiet as I lie in bed with Ingrid curled up against my side, our heartbeats finding the same rhythm.Her fingers trace lazy patterns across my chest, my hand mirroring the movement along her arm, slow, back and forth, memorizing her again.She exhales softly, her breath warming my skin, her head resting on my chest like it belongs there. And it does.I lean down, pressing a kiss to her forehead, and she tilts her head up to look at me, a sleepy smile pulling at her lips.I smile back, my fingers lingering in her hair. “We should probably get out of bed,” I mutter. “They’re waiting for us downstairs.”She groans and lifts her leg, draping it over my thigh, adjusting herself closer, her skin soft against mine, the warmth of her body making it hard for me to move. “I don’t want to leave this room,” she sighs, her voice quiet but full of emotion. “I want us to stay here, just us… after everything, we deserve some rest, Lucian.”A soft laugh escapes me, and I nod, stroki
Last Updated: 2025-06-21
Chapter: CHAPTER 137INGRIDI turn around, and Lucian is right there, his chest warm against mine, his eyes burning into me like I’m the only thing that exists.His skin is damp from the steam, his breath warm, his gaze soft but hungry.I can’t believe he’s real, that he’s here, right in front of me, and that I’m touching him."You have no idea," I whisper, my voice trembling, "how much I’ve missed you… especially thinking I was never going to see you again."He clenches his jaw like he’s swallowing the same grief, and he leans in, his hands firm on my waist, before I feel the cold tiles at my back.He presses me there, lifting one of my legs around his waist, the heat of his body sinking into mine like a brand.His forehead rests against mine, and he sighs against my ear, "I swear to you, Ingrid… I will never leave your side again."My back arches instinctively, desperate to close the space between us, to feel every inch of him, and a soft sound tears from my throat, raw and aching.One of my hands glide
Last Updated: 2025-06-19
Chapter: CHAPTER 136LUCIANThe murmurs of conversations buzz around me like distant echoes, the living room is filled with familiar faces.It feels surreal, watching everyone without raised weapons or snarling threats, and at this moment, peace feels foreign on my skin, almost suspicious.I glance toward Ezra, who’s leaning on the arm of a chair, pale and visibly weak, but upright.“Sit before you fall,” I bark, with a small grin, nodding toward the couch beside me.He exhales, chuckling as he lowers himself beside me. “Don’t jinx it.”I study him for a second, and I notice he still has that faint tremor in his hands, and his posture is tense like he’s bracing for something.“You’ve missed a lot, you know, ” I smirk, my tone low.Ezra leans forward, his elbows on his knees. “Catch me up. Last thing I remember is being stabbed and Aiden’s face above me… then nothing.”I nod slowly, drawing in a breath.“After chaos broke loose. We had to look for your cure, rogues stormed the compound, I almost died, and
Last Updated: 2025-06-18
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