Chapter: Chapter 60Dinner is predictably awful. Xavier sets the pizza box on the table with three plates and opens a beer. It doesn’t escape my notice that he doesn’t offer Melanie one.We sit in our usual spots: Xavier and I across from each other, and Melanie at the head, and the mood around the table is disjointed and weird. There’s a heavy energy between Xavier and I. We’re stilted and silent. But Melanie is completely indifferent. She’s positively incandescent as she talks about how great it is for the three of us to be back together again, and how New Mexico was just “faaabulous!”“You would love New Mexico!” is the first thing she says to me when we sit down at the table—as if I had the opportunity to go and opted out. “For an artist like you, it’s so inspirational. I swear I did some of my best painting work out there. Oh! I need to show you The Faces of Love. That’s what I call it. It’s a painting of Cathedral Cliff—get it? Rock faces?”I don’t react at all, and I don’t have to. Melanie doesn’t
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-23
Chapter: Chapter 59HazelI lower myself slowly onto the couch, too stunned to know what to do. From downstairs, I can hear my parents’ voices, which means they’re being loud—the house is so soundproof.Melanie’s here. She’s back. And I have no idea what that even means.Are we supposed to go back to the way things were before?The doorbell rings again, and it takes me a minute to even remember that we’ve ordered a pizza. It feels like hours have passed since Melanie arrived at the door. It feels like years since Xavier picked me up from school, his eyes dark with lust, asking to see my panties.This past month with Xavier has been the best month of my life. For the first time ever, I truly had Xavier all to myself. In the past, Melanie was always on the horizon. Even if she was off on one of her ‘sprees,’ cheating on Xavier with some dirtbag, he was still distracted and distant, his thoughts and energy still pulled in her direction. But this time, creating a naughty, secret world of pleasure together, i
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-23
Chapter: Chapter 58“Of course I do! She’s my daughter.” For a moment, I almost believe her. For a moment, I’m almost relieved to think that she might actually love Hazel after all.“But I’ve been going through a lot,” she continues, and the illusion shatters. Melanie doesn’t care about anybody but herself. “I’ve been going through a lot, but I’m doing the work, you know? I’m figuring a lot of stuff out. Stuff that I wish I could have figured out a long time ago, so that I never would have hurt you the way I did. I wish, I mean…I wish I could undo those things, Xavi I know I fucked up, and I’m sorry.”I don’t say anything. Months ago, I wanted to hear those exact words more than anything. Despite everything that had happened, shortly after Melanie left, all I wanted was for her to come back. I had delusional notions about how we could rescue our relationship, how the cheating would stop if I could just understand her better, if I could just love her harder.But eventually I realized that life without Mel
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-22
Chapter: Chapter 57She grins broadly and stretches out her arms to me. “I’m back, baby!”“No.” I shake my head. “No. I filed for divorce. There’s no back. You’re in my house.”She tilts her head patiently, as if I’m being unreasonable. “Xavi, we’re not divorced yet. This is my house.”Damn this woman. It’s been two minutes and already I want to punch a hole in the wall.“Yes,” I bite out. “We’re not divorced because my lawyer couldn’t find you to serve the papers. You’ve been missing for two months. What the hell are you playing at?”She casts a meaningful look at Hazel lingering in the hallway and then says in a theatrical whisper, “Could we have a moment alone? To talk?”The last thing I want to do is succumb to any of her demands, but I would also prefer to spare Hazel hearing whatever it is her mother might have to say. My jaw gripping with tension, I nod towards the doorway to the basement stairs.“We can talk downstairs. Honey,” I turn to Hazel. “Your mom and I are going to have a quick chat in pr
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-22
Chapter: Chapter 56Hi Xavi- can you call me at this number pls?I don’t know if this is still your # I assume it isI need to talk to uI’ll try your office # tooBest friends with Susie from your office now lol!! She’s greatBut call me if u get a chanceThe fact that she called my office and spoke to Susie makes me nervous. Susie’s my very chatty Admin Assistant. I wonder what information Melanie could be looking for that Susie might have given her.Dropping the phone back into my pocket, I realize I have no energy for making dinner.“Sweetie,” I call out to Hazel. “I’m going to order pizza for dinner.”“Yay!” she calls out from the dining room table, flashing me a bright smile.I open my own computer at the dining room table as we wait for the pizza to arrive, trying to hide my distracted thoughts behind the screen. I’m not sure if I should tell Hazel about the texts. Does she worry about her mother? Would she want to know that Mel reached out to me? Or would she wonder why Mel hadn’t reached out to
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-22
Chapter: Chapter 55Out of the corner of my eye, I see Bob eyeing Cynthia with a hungry gleam. There’s a taut, ready energy to him that I can just sense, as if he’s fixing to jump on her. She uncaps her bottle and watches us back with a half-smile.“Well,” I say, hoisting my mug. “Back at ‘er, I guess. See you both later.”Cynthia smiles at me, but Bob doesn’t take his eyes off her.***When I pull up to the school that afternoon, Hazel is waiting by herself on a bench near the curb. I’m pleased to see she’s alone—pleased especially that there’s no sign of Kye. Her hair is in the two neat braids I set it in this morning, and she’s the agonizing picture of innocence: white knee socks, black shoes, plaid skirt and white blouse. She’s the quintessential innocent schoolgirl. Her face lights up when she sees me, crystal blue eyes shining, and her uncomplicated joy, her pure love for me, makes me feel raw, tender, and sensitive.When she gets into the car, I lean over and kiss her cheek, inhaling the cotton ca
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-21
Chapter: 172: The Proposal [Arella]I don’t even bother sparing Lisa or Mr. Thompson another glance. They don’t deserve it.We move on with our conversations, ignoring them so thoroughly it must sting. But they still try to wedge their way in, their voices lingering like an unwanted aftertaste.Utterly pathetic. But something feels off. My gaze flickers across the room. Where the hell is Vivian?She’s nowhere in sight, and that sends a cold, uneasy ripple through my spine. She’s not the type to disappear quietly.Whatever.Eventually, we’re all guided back into the grand ballroom for gift presentations.This room screams old money—the crystal chandeliers dripping gold, the marble floors reflecting the warm glow of candlelight, the air thick with the scent of vintage cologne and wealth. A true battleground where status is the only weapon that matters.Lincoln leans in as we walk. His voice brushes against my ear, low and teasing.“So, a surprise, huh?”I smirk, locking eyes with him as I make an exaggerated mot
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-23
Chapter: 171[Arella]The dining hall glows with warmth, a golden ambiance settling over the long, elegantly set table. Laughter hums through the air, weaving into the clinking of glasses and the soft murmur of conversation.For a moment, just a fleeting moment, everything feels perfect.Lincoln’s family joins seamlessly, blending into the flow of my own—like they were always meant to be here. No tension. No awkward pauses. Just good food, good company, and an almost surreal sense of ease.It should put me at peace.It does actually.But then, as the wine flows and lighthearted discussions turn toward the Big Merge, something shifts.“Arella,” Grandpa chuckles, swirling the amber liquid in his glass, “we keep hearing about this ‘surprise’ of yours. Should we be worried?”I smirk, resting my chin on my palm as I glance at Lincoln. He’s stiff.Oh?The way his fingers tighten slightly around his fork doesn’t go unnoticed. The subtle shift in his expression—cool, composed, but definitely guarded—has m
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-22
Chapter: 170: Waiter In Disguise[Deric]Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I frown at the waiter's outfit clinging to my frame. The stiff white shirt feels like a straitjacket, the black vest squeezing my ribs like it's mocking me. The whole thing smells like starch and cheap detergent.Ames’ finances wasn't enough to get me an invitation. Or maybe no one actually wanted me here. Not even as a footnote in this perfect, glittering night.Well, too bad for them.I adjust the fake mustache and beard, scrutinizing my reflection under the dim, flickering restroom light. I look unrecognizable, just another faceless server blending into the background noise. Exactly the way I need to be.I force my shoulders back, inhale sharply, and step out.The hallways are buzzing with champagne-drenched laughter, women in shimmering gowns clinging to men with expensive watches and empty smiles. Golden chandeliers throw soft light over the polished floors, the air thick with the scent of jubilation, wine, and wealth.I move with p
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-21
Chapter: 169: So Much Warmth [Arella]Ryder drags me along deeper into another section of the ballroom, where my family members are waiting. The chandeliers above cast a golden glow, making everything look grand and elegant, but all I can think about is the familiar warmth ahead.Family members... It’s a strange, comforting thought. A real, solid kind of warmth that wraps around me like a favorite childhood blanket. And suddenly, I wish Ava was with me. She’d love this—being surrounded by all these people who actually feel like home.“Hey, don’t rush a pregnant woman like this!” I snap playfully at Ryder, shooting him a glare as I struggle to keep up in my heels. My feet are killing me, my back aches, and this man is dragging me around like I’m luggage.Ryder rolls his eyes like the dramatic little gremlin he is. “Oh, please, you’re only, like, what, two, three months gone?”I scoff, flipping my hair for dramatic effect. “I’m seven months gone, Ry.”Ryder stops so suddenly that I nearly slam into him, my stomach
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-20
Chapter: 168: Uninvited Guests[Lincoln]We both turn to the source of the voice, and my brows furrow at the sight of the people before us: Mr. Thompson and Deric’s girlfriend—or should I say ex—smiling at both of us. I feel Arella stiffen beside me, her body tense like a coiled spring.“What are you doing here?” I bite out, my eyes glaring at Mr. Thompson.He gives me a sly smile, the kind that sets my teeth on edge, and for a split second, my mind flashes to the conversation with him on my last business trip. That conversation. The one where things got… personal. Just here to wish Mr. Harold a happy birthday, boy. Just like you are.I feel my blood simmer.“You’re not welcome here. Security!” Arella bites out, her voice sharp, her eyes gleaming with malice as they flicker over to Vivian, who’s wearing the smug look of someone who’s been handed all the right cards in life.“I'm sure you wouldn’t want to cause a scene now, would you?” Mr. Thompson’s smirk deepens, a slow, calculated move, like he’s enjoying this ga
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-19
Chapter: 167: Happy Birthday! [Arella]Lincoln gets down first, his movements smooth and effortless, like he’s done this a million times before. The cool night air brushes against my skin as he rounds the car, the faint scent of cologne and leather lingering in the air. His hand extends toward me, strong and steady, and I take it without hesitation. The moment I step out, a burst of bright flashes erupts from all directions, the chaotic clicking of cameras blending into a deafening hum.I blink rapidly, my lips curving into a polite yet composed smile, keeping my posture graceful despite the overwhelming attention. My heart thrums, not with fear, but with a strange, thrilling anticipation. This is what being a Sawyer means.As my neck subtly turns, another car rolls up, its sleek exterior gleaming under the grand entrance lights. My heart warms slightly when I realize who it is. Ava, and my mother-in-law. And apparently, the entire family.Pleasantries are exchanged, the usual polite words masking the deeper, uns
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-18
Chapter: Chapter 5 Sebastian "Won’t you give your wife one more chance to show you how much she’s changed?" Those words loop in my mind, tangled with the lingering sensation of her lips on mine. The way she moaned so softly, the way her eyes clung to me as if I were her entire world—Olivia has to be suffering from brain damage. How is this the same woman who, every damn day since we married, couldn’t meet my eyes without spitting venom—without cursing her fate…without cursing me? And now, suddenly, she’s pleading for a second chance? The thought alone is maddening, fucking confusing. In three years of marriage, not a day passed without Olivia throwing a tantrum, creating some new drama, doing everything in her power to gravitate closer to that dunce of a man, Philip Morris. But this morning? This morning, she was so... “Sir?” A voice halts my thoughts, and I blink back to reality, realizing I’m still sitting in the boardroom. “Yes?” My voice is composed, as if I hadn’t just been dr
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-10
Chapter: Chapter 4 Olivia Bingo. Of course, he took my bait. Typical Philip. Forcing a confused look on my face, more tears stream down my cheeks, my lips trembling like a fragile leaf in the wind. “W-why can’t I get divorced, Philip?” My voice comes out small, desperate. I clutch at his hands like a woman drowning, every bit the lovesick fool I used to be. “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t be without you for a single second!” My voice cracks, and I sniff, letting my shoulders tremble just enough to sell the act. Philip exhales as if he’s been carrying the weight of the world. “I know, babe, I know,” he murmurs after a moment, lifting my fingers to his lips. I fight the urge to wrench my hand away and scrub it against the sheets. God, how did I ever fall for this? His breath is warm against my skin, but all it does is send a sickening chill down my spine. His head dips, like he’s ashamed, and I almost roll my eyes. Oh please, Cue he guilty act. “I’m not worthy of you, Liv. I can’t stand to c
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-10
Chapter: Chapter 3 Olivia My fingers curl into fists against the mattress, nails biting into my palms as my mind scrambles for an answer. What do I say? I can’t just blurt out that I’ve been reborn—he’d probably think I’ve lost my damn mind. Sebastian cocks an eyebrow, waiting for an answer. The weight of his stare makes my head spin, my throat dry. I’m losing control of this moment, and I can’t afford that. So, I resort to the only thing I know will soften him. Pouting slightly, I press into his arms again, my voice dipping into something breathy and pleading. "Because I know now that you’re the only one meant for me. I’ve been blind all these years. Won’t you give your wife one more chance to show you how much she’s changed?" For a second—a flicker of hesitation flashes in his eyes. He’s thinking about it. But then, his jaw tightens, his muscles coiling beneath my touch. His hands push at my arms, his scowl deepening. "The Olivia I know isn’t really one to change after three nights in t
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-10
Chapter: Chapter 2 Olivia Pain. Heat. Fire. My skin sears, peeling under the relentless heat. Smoke coils around me, thick and suffocating, pushing into my lungs and choking the air from my throat. My body jerks, thrashing wildly, desperate to escape the agony. Two familiar figures stand there, just beyond the flames. Mocking me like demons enjoying my suffering. “No, please don’t do this!” My screams crack and splinter, raw with terror. “No, pleas—” "Hold still." A deep, velvety voice cuts through the fog. A voice I know. It’s not the fire. It’s not hell. My eyes flutter open, my breath coming in sharp, broken gasps. The brightness burns, too pure, too white. My pulse hammers wildly, my ribs tightening. This—this isn’t death. The light is too clean. There’s no fire, no suffocating smoke. Then where am I? “Open your mouth.” The command is firm, clipped, allowing no argument. I obey on instinct. Something cool slips beneath my tongue—metal, smooth. A thermometer? “You still
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-10
Chapter: Chapter 1OliviaRegret tastes like the blood in my mouth and the stench of petrol burning my lungs.A cough rips through me, sharp and wet. Chains dig into my wrists, the cold metal biting deep, cutting skin. The smell of mold clings to everything in the warehouse, mixing with gasoline soaking the floor beneath me. My knees scream from hours on the concrete, swollen, bruised.Click. Clack.The sharp sound of heels slices through the silence. My head pounds, a dull ache of agony, but I force myself to look up.“Well, well, well… I see you’re enjoying your stay here, my darling Liv.”Hate churns in my throat, a bitter and corrosive bile, as my eyes meet Kaylee’s.She looks unbothered—like she didn’t just have me beaten half to death. A cruel smirk stretches her lips, her dark eyes shiny with wicked amusement.“Oh, c’mon, don’t look at me like that.” She tsks, her voice laced with mock pity as she struts closer.“Why?” My voice is a shaky whisper, barely more than a breath, as fresh blood spills
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-10
Taming My Cold Husband
"What are you hiding, Mr. Blackwood?"
Julian closed the gap in a heartbeat, leaving no space between them. She gasped, forced to tilt her head to meet his intense stare.
"I. Have. Nothing. To hide," he said, voice cold, his gaze never wavering.
The air crackled between them, charged and heavy. Anger lingered, but something else—something sharp and undeniable—hung there, too, just beneath the surface. Neither dared to acknowledge it.
•°•°•°•°•°•°•°
With her father’s health fading fast, struggling artist Leslie Harrison feels trapped, helpless to give him the care he needs. In a desperate twist, she finds herself caught in a marriage of convenience with billionaire Julian Blackwood, a man who thrives on control and keeps his heart locked tight. But Leslie sees through his icy demeanor, sensing there’s more beneath the surface.
As emotions get tangled and secrets begin to slip, their bond is tested in ways neither expected. Can Leslie help Julian face the shadows of his past, or will they pull him under?
Basahin
Chapter: Chapter 99: EpilogueLeslie's POVI unsheathed the dress from the wrap, and a gasp escaped me… woah! The dress was a beauty, and this wasn't even Lady P's signature style. I couldn't wait any longer and slipped the dress on. Oh God, soft ivory silk clung to me so beautifully. It was a midi A-line dress that stopped just above my knee at the front and, at the back, a shimmering organza trail. I felt the tears again. I never knew I was such a tearful person, but that's just what happens with Julian. He's so sweet sometimes I can't even take it. Who would have thought there was once a time when we couldn't stand each other? I smile at my reflection, my fingers slightly moving over my front, briefly stopping at my tummy. *I have a surprise for Julian too. I can't wait to see his reaction.* I styled my hair in a quick French twist that I'd learned when Julian took us to France to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday two months ago. I placed the little flower crown, which I'd seen beside the wrap–no doubt dro
Huling Na-update: 2024-09-07
Chapter: Chapter 98: Epilogue Julian's POVSix months later"Happy anniversary, Les," I coo, startling my wife. She'd just stepped out of the shower, looking fresh and all mine. God, I love her so much."Julian, you scared me," she giggles, clutching her chest. "What's all this?" she arches her chestnut brow, referring to the platter in my hand."I got you breakfast in bed, love.""Aww, Julian, that's so sweet," her eyes soften, gifting me that molten evergreen gaze of hers."Thanks, baby," she coos, and I swear I turn to mush."Why did you get out of bed?" I grumble.She laughs and crosses the distance between us as I drop the platter of food on the bedside. She wraps her arms around my neck, her sweet delectable lavender scent filling my nostrils."Stop drooling, Mr. Billionaire," she whispers, and I catch myself."What can I say, Mrs. Billionaire? My wife looks delicious in the morning."She laughs. "I'm still in my PJ's, Julian.""You look delicious in anything," I contend, and she laughs harder. I could listen
Huling Na-update: 2024-09-07
Chapter: Chapter 97The car slowly drove up to Belton's Botanical Park, a local spot, one that Leslie had always dreamed of going to. *I wonder what kind of work Julian has here?* He didn't speak to her for days, and when he finally did, it was cold and detached. *I don't even understand why. He sounded really angry. Maybe he just had a bad day?* She planned on asking him that. *I don't want to fight anymore.*Her phone hovered over the call button. She’d wanted to call Betty or Arthur, but she humphed sadly when she realized that no one had remembered her birthday. She didn't even receive a text from anyone yet. She wasn't even sure Julian knew her birthday—they never really discussed it.As the car came to a halt in the now dark park, she thought, *But why is it so dark in here?* Her phone dinged. It was Julian. “Walk inside the park.”Leslie's brows furrowed. *I should walk inside a dark park?* She gulped. “Is this some kind of prank or something?” she texted back, trying to joke.“Don’t waste my tim
Huling Na-update: 2024-09-06
Chapter: Chapter 96Leslie opened her eyes to yet another morning of Julian not being in bed with her. He'd really taken the "I need space" a bit too far, and it instantly dampened Leslie's mood. "Didn't he miss me at all?" she grumbled as she brushed her teeth and prepared for the day. Her anger towards him had dissipated a lot as she understood things from his point of view. Each time she thought of a few nights ago, she shivered, knowing that if things had gotten worse, Vanessa would have killed her.Julian wasn't around much, neither did he try to appease her since the night of their “argument." He'd go to work super early and return at night when she was already fast asleep. She humphed. "Since he doesn't want to see me, I don't want to meet him either. I'll go meet Dad today," she perked up.After having a little breakfast with Eleanor, she headed for the car. The hospital was the same as always, only this time Leslie knew she wasn't going to receive any bad news. She adjusted her denim dress shirt
Huling Na-update: 2024-09-06
Chapter: Chapter 95 "If you so much as try to make any sudden moves, I swear I'll slit your throat!," the feminine voice threatened.Leslie felt her eyes glaze over as the grip of the blade on her throat tightened."Vanessa?""Surprise, surprise, bitch,!" Vanessa spat out venomously, clad in a black hoodie and matching tight leggings. Vanessa had a crazed, expression on her face, her eyes red and puffy, lips chapped and slowly turning black."Tell me why you didn't leave when I told you to, huh?""W-what are you talking about?" Leslie couldn't believe Vanessa was here in the flesh. Her mind raced *will I die here? Oh god!*."Haha, he loves your pretty face, right? Let's see if he'll still adore you when I botch up this face of yours!" Vanessa yelled, pulling Leslie by the hair and forcing her to the ground.Leslie was genuinely confused as to why Vanessa was attacking her like this fear pricked her skin and adrenaline flowed in her veins, she couldn't let Vanessa have her way. Before Vanessa could appro
Huling Na-update: 2024-09-06
Chapter: Chapter 94 Two months. It had been two months since Alexander's demise. Everything seemed to have fallen into place. Julian fired each and every single board of directors, got reinstated as the CEO, and made back profits and deals worth more than he'd made all year. Now seated on the luxurious couch in the living room, his eyes trailed to Leslie's painting, the one near the fireplace. His therapist had praised him for using hobbies like playing the piano to help with his PTSD and also advised him to take up painting. Leslie had somehow made him spill it out, and now she gave him lessons every now and then, even though he sucked at it. His mind went back to the night he'd seen her putting up her paintings around the living room. He chuckled to himself. She was so scared then, but now she didn't even bat an eyelid before putting him in his place. He glanced at the time again and chuckled. "Thank goodness I told her to get ready an hour earlier.""I'm ready!" Leslie cooed in a sing-song voice as
Huling Na-update: 2024-09-06
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