Chapter: CHAPTER 222NATHANIELI am lounging on the stone steps outside the house, staring at the face of my watch. It’s five o’clock. A heavy sigh escapes my chest.Grace is supposed to have been dropped off by now, but they seem to be running a little late.Finally, when the heavy iron gates begin to hum open, I jolt up, my eyes locked on the driveway. But the moment the car pulls into view, my heart shrinks, and I swallow the brief, foolish spike of hope.It’s Lucy’s car. Again.I shove my hands deep into my pockets, embarrassed because by now, I should be expecting this. I need to stop hoping she will be the one dropping Grace off, because the disappointment is a physical ache every single time.Lucy parks in front of the drive, and Grace doesn’t even wait for the engine to cut before she throws the back door open and jumps out."Daddy!" she yells, her little legs carrying her as fast as she can manage up the driveway.I meet her at the bottom of the steps, scooping her up into my arms, and I kiss her
Last Updated: 2026-07-11
Chapter: Let's talk....Hey guys! ❤️First, I want to say a massive thank you to all of you. I wake up every morning, and the first thing I do is read through all of your comments. You guys are the absolute best, and your passion for this story means everything to me!Now... let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or should I say, the ghost?👻I see you guys dragging Rhys through the mud in the comments for abandoning Betty! 😂 I get it, I really do... So lets talk about it...I feel like Nathaniel sacrificed a lot to get rid of Fausto. He literally lost everything to save them. That kind of sacrifice comes with a massive, heavy debt. And because Rhys is a man of honor, of course he feels like he owes him everything, which might explain his behavior over the last month. So, I have a major question for you. I already know exactly who Betty’s endgame is going to be (my lips are sealed 🤫), but how we get to that finish line? I want to leave that up to you guys.Option 1: I give you a couple of Rhys POVs to
Last Updated: 2026-07-09
Chapter: CHAPTER 221BETTYLucy walks around the island and hops onto one of the high velvet barstools facing me."What I am trying to say is... if you stay entirely hyper-focused on the past, you’ll end up denying yourself a chance to see things differently in the present." She tilts her head, her tone impossibly gentle.I stare at her, my eyes narrowing. And at that moment, I can't help but think the only reason she is suddenly dispensing this enlightened, forgiving wisdom is because she is completely, hopelessly lovestruck with George.The old Lucy—the one who existed before George—would have never given me this advice. She probably would have offered to run Nathaniel over with her car just for the audacity of confessing his feelings.So yeah, I decide silently. I blame love. And suddenly, the defensive energy drains completely out of my body. The fight just leaves me.I walk around to the other side of the island, pull out a stool of my own, and sit down heavily, planting my elbows on the cool marble
Last Updated: 2026-07-08
Chapter: CHAPTER 220BETTYLucy slowly swirls the fizzing liquid in her flute, her eyes narrowing into a sharp, calculating squint. "You don’t care, huh?"I swallow hard, deliberately avoiding her piercing gaze, and tip the crystal flute back, downing the rest of the champagne in one highly unladylike gulp."Yep," I pop the ‘p’, slamming the empty glass down on the granite counter. "It makes absolutely no difference to me whether he checks in or not. None at all." I nudge my glass toward her. "Pour me another round."Lucy scoffs, a dry, sarcastic sound escaping her throat. She shakes her head, tilting the bottle to refill my glass. "Right. Total indifference. That’s exactly why you just chugged a hundred-dollar vintage like it was a tequila shot at a frat party." She hands the glass back to me. "But just so you know... I wouldn't judge you if you did care."I snatch the glass from her hand and turn on my heel, brushing past her shoulder as I march into the living room. She follows right behind me, carryin
Last Updated: 2026-07-08
Chapter: CHAPTER 219BETTYI slide the last heavy ceramic dinner plate onto the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet, close the wooden door with a soft click, then step back. I wipe my dusty hands on the thighs of my jeans and let out a massive, exhausting sigh that seems to carry the weight of the entire last month."That's the last of it," I announce, my voice echoing slightly against the bare walls. "Everything is officially unpacked."Standing at the small kitchen island, Lucy slowly looks around the immaculate, open-concept living space, and a proud, brilliant smile breaks across her face. "Then this," she declares, spinning around to yank open my brand-new stainless-steel refrigerator, "officially calls for a celebration."She pulls out a chilled bottle of champagne, peeling back the gold foil with practiced ease, and with a loud, echoing pop, the cork flies across the kitchen, bouncing harmlessly off the granite counters.I let out a genuine, happy sigh, leaning my hips against the lower cabinets. "I ca
Last Updated: 2026-07-07
Chapter: CHAPTER 218NATHANIELWhen the towering iron gates of the estate finally loom in the headlights, I don't even bother parking the SUV properly. I leave it angled across the driveway, jump out without locking the doors, and I take the front steps two at a time.I do the same at the stairs inside, and I only stop when I am outside her bedroom door. I drag a harsh, grounding breath into my burning lungs.“I will get on my knees if I have to,” I mutter silently to myself as I raise my fist and connect my knuckles with the heavy wood.Silence.I knock again, a little louder, and still absolutely nothing.Impatience and a cold, simmering dread push my hand to the doorknob. I twist it, and the door clicks open. The bedside lamps are still glowing, casting a warm light over the room, but Betty is nowhere to be seen.I step inside, my heart beginning to thrum in my chest when I notice the bed is flawlessly made, the heavy duvet smoothed out as if no one has slept in it for days.I walk deeper into the suit
Last Updated: 2026-07-07
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
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
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