"Don't touch me! How could you do this to me Hardin? I loved you!" "I'm sorry you had to find out this way babe," Hardin replied calmly. Too calmly for Melanie 's liking. There was no trace of regret in his voice. "But I was never really in love with you Melanie. It was always Natalia for me. She was my first and only love." Melanie Marshall thought she had it all - a loving marriage, wealth inherited from her grandfather, and a future brighter than her dreams. But one fateful day, everything came crashing down. Returning home from a business trip, Melanie was devastated to find her husband Hardin in bed with her half-sister Natalia. Not only had he betrayed her, but he served divorce papers, intent on taking everything - her inheritance, her home, even her dignity. Years later, Melanie has rebuilt her life and Hardin desperately wants her back! But this time, she's stronger. It's time for a reckoning, and revenge will be sweet.
View MoreMelanie let out a deep sigh. "Luca, I'm not bothered by your presence. I just...would be able to say it better when I'm not, you know, in the middle of a bath."She shifted slightly in the tub, the warm water lapping against her skin. Despite her attempt at being nonchalant, she couldn't deny the sudden flutter of nerves in her stomach as they were in close proximity. He moved forward, and Melanie caught the scent of his cologne, a blend of spice and clean, masculine notes that made her throat go dry.He leaned even closer, his necklace dangling just above the water's surface. "Then let me make it easier for you." He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the outline of her face.Her eyes fluttered closed, and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe. She felt Luca's breath on her lips, so close that she could almost taste him. Just as she braced herself for the kiss, Luca pulled away, a small chuckle escaping his lips."I'll be waiting for you in the bedroom," he murmured, in a low
AUTHOR’S NOTE:I know I went MIA for months but I’m surprised to see my lovely readers keep coming and I gain subscribers almost everyday. I don’t take it for granted and I appreciate everyone of you that has taken your time to read this book. Regular updates from now on and I promise to update daily till it’s marked completed. Thank you!CHAPTER SIXTEENThey began to argue until Ryder, Hardin's best man, intervened."Guys, I think I have a solution," Ryder said, walking into the room. "What about renting a large yacht? We could have the ceremony and reception on board."Natalia’s interest was instantly piqued. "A yacht? That's luxurious.I think I really love the sound of that."Ryder nodded. "But we'd have to postpone the wedding to find one that accommodates your guest list. And it won't be cheap."Hardin hesitated. "Postponing isn't ideal, but it's better than settling for a subpar venue."Natalia's face twisted in indecision. “Can’t we get one for this same weekend? I cannot postp
Natalia clutched Hardin's arm, her voice shrill with horror. "What's going to happen to our wedding now? We can't have it in any cheap place! What about the invitation cards? They've already been sent!"Hardin's expression became serious. "Stop whining for a second, Natalia. Go wait in the car."But Natalia continued complaining and whining like a dying cat. "But Hardin, this can't be happening! We—"Rolling his eyes, Hardin placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "Calm down Natalia, let me handle this." He turned to Melanie firmly. "I need you to reconsider, Melanie. Please, name your price - I'll pay anything to keep our original booking." But Melanie simply smiled very calmly."I'm afraid it's out of my hands now. Do look for another venue soon.""Hardin, darling, do something!" Natalia screamed, clutching at his arm pitifully. With a sigh, Hardin pried her fingers away. "Natalia, I said go wait in the car. Don't cause any scenes, understand?"With a huff, Natalia reluctantly walked
Melanie stood before the mirror, turning this way and that in her soft, black dress that clung to her curves like a second skin. It was a low cut dress giving a proud show of her sexy back. Naomi lounged on the bed, watching her with a knowing grin."Girl, your wedding was yesterday, and you weren't even glammed up like this," Naomi said, chuckling. "Boy, are you looking sexy this morning! Are you planning to take over the world or seduce every man in sight?!"Melanie laughed, recalling the chaotic events of the previous night. "You know how crazy last night was – very unprepared for. But I'm more than prepared for this."Naomi narrowed her eyes at Melanie clutching Luca’s card firmly. "You were given that card yesterday, and you're already using it for your evil schemes?"Melanie tossed her hair with a chuckle. "My 'husband' gave me the card, and I can use it to buy even you, if I please."They burst into peals of laughter but it was interrupted by the twins bounding into the room.
Melanie's hands trembled slightly as she stepped out of the car and onto the courthouse steps. Luca offered his arm, and she took it, feeling both nervous at the same time somewhat excited she was doing something so crazy.As they entered the courthouse, Melanie smoothed the short simple yet elegant white silk dress Luca had ordered for her last minute. The fitted bodice hugged her curves, and made her feel like a princess.The priest greeted them warmly and began the ceremony. It was almost over as quickly as it started."Do you, Melanie, take Luca to be your husband?" the priest was asking."I do," Melanie replied, her voice steady."Do you, Luca, take Melanie to be your lawfully wedded wife?"“I do,” he stated firmly as he slipped a shiny diamond ring onto her finger. Melanie gasped, her eyes widening."Isn't that...too expensive?" she whispered.Luca raised an eyebrow. "Are you cheap?" he teased.Melanie's cheeks flushed, and she remained silent.The priest pronounced them husban
Before Luca could say anything to her, the ICU doors swung open and a female doctor emerged. "Family of Damon Marchesi?" she asked politely. Luca stepped forward eagerly. "I'm his grandson, Luca. How is he? What happened?" The doctor flipped through her clipboard. "Mr. Marchesi suffered a mild heart attack but we were able to stabilize him. It was close - if not for the quick response, things might not have turned out so well."Luca breathed an immense sigh of relief. "So he's going to be alright?""It still uncertain given his age and health condition, but I'm optimistic. He's a fighter," the doctor assured with a faint smile. "The paramedics said it was this woman here who called immediately and ensured he got treatment swiftly." Luca turned to see Melanie standing in silence. "Thank you - I can't even tell you how grateful I am. You saved his life." Melanie shrugged modestly with a tiny smile. "I only did what anyone else would. I'm just glad he's stable now.Oh and let’s just
As Damon took a seat across from Luca's desk in his spacious office, his roaming eyes fell on a framed photo of Luca's late parents. Luca poured them each a glass of scotch carefully in silence."Melanie seems like a lovely woman," Damon began, leaning back in his plush leather chair. "And those twins of hers are absolutely sweet, don’t you think?."Luca shrugged, staring into his glass while swirling his drink. "I suppose."Damon chuckled. "Only 'suppose'? You haven't said much about how long you've known Melanie." Luca leaned back in his own chair, clasping his hands behind his head in a relaxed manner. "We met years ago but this project is strictly professional - she's only here representing her company." Damon eyed him thoughtfully. "Are you sure that's all there is to it?”Luca sighed, knowing where this was going. "What is it Grandpa?""Isn't it time you retire that eligible bachelor label for good?" Damon pressed.Luca sighed, dropping his casual posture as a twitch of frustr
Luca's jaw twitched, clearly fighting the urge to argue with his elderly grandfather in public. Finally he sighed tersely."All right, Grandpa. I'll check my schedule and see if I have an opening to show Melanie and the children a few residential options in town around tomorrow afternoon."Damon chuckled deeply. "Excellent! No need to be so sour, Luca. I'm sure this will be good business." He turned back to Melanie warmly. "Please, let me know if any home catches your fancy. I want you all to be comfortable during your stay."Melanie chuckled. "You’ve been too kind, sir." She paused, realizing she didn't know his name. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name earlier...""Damon. Grandpa Damon to these rascals," he replied fondly, ruffling the twins' hair. "A pleasure to meet you properly, Melanie.""Likewise, Grandpa Damon.” She glanced at Luca."And I appreciate you taking the time as well, Luca. It means a great deal."“Yeah you’re welcome,” Luca replied swiftly, giving her that intense
Melanie felt a blush creeping up her neck at the open admiration in his tone. She was surprised but pleased he still remembered her after such a long time."You remember? That’s…Wow." "Yeah of course,” he shrugged his shoulders casually. “you’re the only girl I’ve been with that passes out while she’s about to get laid." She flushed immediately and cleared her throat, trying to compose herself. "I did try calling the number on your card but it wasn't reachable."Luca frowned, giving her a pointed look. "Perhaps it would have been reachable if you tried five years earlier, don’t you think?"She sighed, dropping her eyes. "I had my reasons then for staying away. Things kinda got crazy" Her fingers fiddled restlessly with the clasp of her purse.After a pause, Melanie met his hard gaze once more. "Regardless, I wanted to properly thank you...for saving my life that night. You never gave me the chance before." He nodded stiffly, gaze roaming over her outfit in a way that made her think
Melanie wanted to surprise her husband on his birthday, but he gave her a surprise instead. And boy, was it a nasty one. It had been three draining days in Tokyo for a business trip, but all she could think about was surprising her husband, Hardin, for his 29th birthday that weekend. She tapped her foot impatiently in line, and a fluttery feeling rose in her stomach as she exited customs at SeaTac. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Hardin’s face! After retrieving her bags, she hurried to the waiting car. She was more than excited when it finally pulled up in front of the mansion. She spun the keys around her finger as she walked up the steps to her front door, an eager smile on her face. Balancing the gift bags and boxes in one arm, she quietly unlocked the door, planning to sneak up on Hardin. The house greeted her in silence. The lights were off, and her heels clicked loudly against the hardwood floor as she made her way down the hall, her gift bags swinging. "Hardin? I'...
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