Chapter: CHAPTER 157NATHANIELShit! Even my voice sounds terrible. Rough. Unused. Like I have swallowed gravel. Which, honestly, makes sense, considering I barely speak anymore unless absolutely necessary.She takes a slow step toward me, still staring like she’s trying to process whether I’m actually real, and I instinctively take one back.The movement surprises me because suddenly I am painfully aware of everything.The alcohol probably lingering on my breath. The exhaustion beneath my eyes, and the fact that she has seen me at my absolute lowest, without warning.And then… thinking this cannot get any worse, her lips twitch.At first, it’s subtle.Just a tiny movement near the corner of her mouth, but then it grows wider and wider until a laugh suddenly bursts out of her before she slaps a hand over her mouth, too late to stop it.I stare at her in complete betrayal. Is she laughing at me?I don’t think Betty has ever laughed at me before.Argued with me? Yes. Threatened me? Absolutely. Looked at me
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-05-08
Chapter: CHAPTER 156NATHANIEL“Fuck… fuck… fuck…”The word loops violently in my brain while my body temporarily forgets basic human functions. Like breathing.What the hell is she doing here? Scratch that…I mean, why is she here now? Today. Like this.Of all the days for Betty Cooper to walk back into my life, it had to be the exact day when I look like this.Perfect. Absolutely perfect.She is staring directly at me now, her body still halfway inside the doorway, her hand wrapped around the knob behind her like she might bolt at any second.For one insane moment, I think maybe there’s still time to recover this situation if I remain completely still.Maybe if I don’t move, don’t blink, don’t breathe too aggressively, she’ll assume I’m one of Harriette’s weird sculptures and continue about her business.Shit. I should have stayed upstairs.I should have stayed locked in my chambers, where I belong, instead of wandering around the foyer looking for alcohol like a Victorian ghost.But then another thought
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-05-07
Chapter: CHAPTER 155BETTYI have been sitting outside the Blackwell estate gates for almost five whole minutes now, questioning every decision that has led me here.The engine is still running beneath me, vibrating softly through the steering wheel while I stare at the massive iron gates ahead like they might reject me the second I attempt to go in.Three months ago, I left this place swearing I would never come back unless Grace forced me to, and even then, I had imagined drop-offs at the gate, quick exchanges, as little contact with this family as humanly possible.Yet here I am alone, voluntarily about to walk straight back into the lion’s den because Rhys decided disappearing off the face of the earth was apparently a reasonable lifestyle choice.My grip tightens around the steering wheel.“What if they don’t let me in?” The thought arrives suddenly.What if Eleanor opens the door and throws me right back out? Or Nathaniel tells me to get the hell off his property? What if Harriette decides I lost al
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-05-06
Chapter: CHAPTER 154NATHANIELThree months have passed, and somewhere along the way, I have become a man I would not have allowed in my mere presence.There was a time when everything about me was deliberate. Controlled. Measured down to the smallest detail because anything less felt like weakness. Something I had no tolerance for, not in business, not in life, not in myself.Now, I stand in front of the mirror some mornings, and I can barely hold my own gaze long enough to register what the fuck I am looking at. Because there is nothing there.The beard came first. One missed shaving day turned into several, then into something thick enough to hide behind, erasing the sharp lines I once kept so carefully defined.My hair followed the same path, growing long enough that it falls into my face if I leave it loose, forcing me to tie it back in a careless knot that I do not bother adjusting even when it sits unevenly at the base of my neck.As for my perfectly tailored suits, I cannot remember the last time
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-05-06
Chapter: CHAPTER 153BETTYOutside of that, Lucy is back from London, exactly as loud and vibrant as she was before she left, slipping back into my life as if no time had passed at all.She is still with George, still as annoyingly perfect as ever, and the four of us have fallen into a rhythm of double dates, late dinners, and conversations that stretch longer than they should.And sometimes, when I sit back and watch it all unfold, Grace, laughing at something completely ridiculous, Lucy rolling her eyes dramatically, George trying to keep up, and Rhys looking at me like I am something worth holding onto, I catch myself thinking the same thing over and over again.This feels like a dream. The kind you do not want to wake up from.But I push that thought away every time it surfaces, refusing to let old fears dictate what I have now, refusing to let shadows from the past creep into something that has taken so much effort to build.I deserve this. We deserve this. And for the most part… I have allowed mysel
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-05-05
Chapter: CHAPTER 152BETTYIt’s been three whole months since I walked out of Blackwell estate with Grace’s hand in mine and suitcases that felt heavier than they had any right to be.If someone had told me back then that I would be standing here now, breathing easier, thinking clearer, living without that constant weight pressing down on my chest, I would have laughed in their face because nothing about that day felt like the beginning of something good.And yet… here I am.Living in Rhys’s building with Grace has been amazing, in a way that almost feels dangerous to admit out loud.Like if I say it too confidently, the universe might hear me and decide to correct it.Grace struggled more than I allowed myself to fully acknowledge in those first few days because if I had sat with it for too long, I might have broken under the weight of what I had done.There were tears that came out of nowhere, small at first and then louder when she realized they were not going to magically stop the change.Then there w
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-05-04
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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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.
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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.
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 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
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-06-18
Masuk
