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Chapter Fifty-Nine
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2025-04-14 21:47:46
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Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Sixty
šš«ššš”šI sit behind the wheel, fingers drumming restlessly against the steering. For the tenth time, I check the time on the dashboard. Sheās not lateānot really. But my nerves are a different story.At her insistence, todayās outing is to be strictly casual. No romance, no pressure, no expectations. I tried to pick the most un-date-like date imaginable. So, football. The one place people shout themselves hoarse, spill overpriced beer on each other, and wear matching jerseys without anyone batting an eye.Still, even with all the effort to keep things simple, Iām nervous. Because itās her.Then, I see her car pull into the lot.She steps out, and everything slows. Sheās wearing the team jersey Iād sent herāred and white, the same as mineāpaired with light blue jeans and white sneakers. Casual. Effortless. Gorgeous.She tosses me a small smirk as she approaches. āDonāt look so surprised, doctor. I do own casual clothes.āāYouāre sure youāre not secretly trying to outshine the pla
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-15Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter One
A/N: Wanted to clear this up before you start the story. Selena and Aretha are the same person. She changes her name from Selena to Aretha later on in the book. Thank you!šŗšššššāMrs. Berfield, I must say you look quite stunning tonight.ā The umpteenth business partner Daniel has introduced me to tonight says, shooting me a smirk but he may as well be talking to my cleavage just like most men here had done. Today is supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life, but the lecherous stares from men and judgmental glares from their female companions are making it difficult to enjoy the moment. The atmosphere in the extravagant events hall is filled with joy and anticipation as both the Winthrop and Berfield families gather to celebrate multiple milestonesāmy husband's 30th birthday, his induction as CEO of his family business, and my personal favorite surprise for him: the news of my pregnancy.After three long years of marriage and struggling to conceive, Iām thrilled to fin
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-29Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Two
āHow could you resort to such a thing, Selena?!ā Mother yells first, pulling me out of the safety and seclusion of the corridor, to the center of the hall. Her outburst makes head turn and before I know it, Iāve got the attention of the entire room on me and much more, courtesy of the people who have already taken out their phones to begin filming the scene.āMother, IāāI'm cut off by another slap from Melinda, one I'd been avoiding and is twice as painful that I have to bite down on my lower lip to prevent crying out. āHow dare you shame our family like this?! Is this how you repay us for taking you in when you had nothing?! It's ingrates like you that discourage benevolent people like the Winthrops from taking in orphans to help them secure a brighter future! How could you do this to us?!āShe swings her hand again to hit me but is quickly held back by my foster brother, Tyler, who shoots me a death glare and a smirk that appears almost victorious as he tries to calm his mother. Bu
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-29Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Three
The first sound I hear as I regain consciousness is the steady, rhythmic beeping of a machine beside my head. A pained moan escapes me as I open my eyes, only to close them back when a harsh, bright light overhead greets me like an abrupt slap to the face. I wince, lifting my hand to shield my eyes but the tug of an IV in my wrist stops me. Giving it a moment, I blink my eyes open again, adjusting to the light while the pungent scent of antiseptic fills my nostrils, mingling with a metallic tang in the back of my throat as I notice the various machines connected to me. My brows furrow in confusion and just as I reach the conclusion that I'm currently at the hospital, I hear a familiar voice speak up beside me. āSelena, you're finally awake.āI turn to see my best friend, Yemaya, watching me, her chocolate brown eyes glistening with concern and unshed tears. She moves closer, taking my free hand and squeezing it in hers. āYou have no idea how terrified I was, sweetheart. I thought I'd
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-29Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Four
I'm grateful for the numbness that envelops me as I step into the mansion Iād regarded as home since childhoodāa place I had believed was a sanctuary of love and family. However, now, with the veil of illusion lifted, I see it for what it truly is: a den of betrayal. But despite everything, I refuse to believe my husband, Daniel, is involved in their treachery, which is what I'm here to confirm. Yemaya informed me that he'd been staying at the Winthrop mansion while I was hospitalized, and though she strongly opposed my decision to visit, she'd driven me here and was waiting outside, ready to barge in if I wasn't out within ten minutes. Her unwavering support reassures me as I walk silently down the familiar corridor lined with obnoxiously expensive artworks. Nearing the end of the hall, I begin hearing voices emanating from what I recall as the drawing roomāa room that's never fulfilled its purpose.I don't know what to expect as I approach the ajar doorway but the sight of my husban
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-29Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Five
šš¢š± ššØš§šš”š¬ ššššš« The hum of soft conversations and the occasional clink of cutlery greets me as I step into The Gilded Stag, a beacon of luxury in the heart of London. Although I've been working here for a little over a month, the understated elegance of the restaurant never hesitates to stun me. Subdued lighting glints off the crystal chandeliers, giving the place a warm and cozy vibe while servers glide between polished tables draped in pristine white linens. I clock in at the side station, exchanging curt nods and murmured hellos with my coworkers. āGood evening, Elena.ā The maĆ®tre dā, Colette, greets, her French accent as crisp as her tailored uniform. āIt is a slow one tonight.āāAppears so,ā I reply, grabbing my program sheet for the night. Colette nods and strides off, leaving me to make my way to the alcove where my grand piano sits. It's tucked in a corner near the bar, just enough to let my music drift around the restaurant without overwhelming the guests. I l
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Six
CameronI donāt fixate on peopleāitās never been my style. And with women, Iāve never had to try too hard. The Lancaster name alone is enough to have them flocking towards me, though most recognize me before I even speak.Yet, here I am, over a week later, still thinking about herāthe pianist from one of my familyās restaurants. About that punch and how, despite the bloody pain, it only made her more intriguing. About the way she looked at me, not with interest, but irritation, like I was more of a nuisance than a man worth her time. It shouldāve pissed me off; shouldāve bruised my ego along with my nose. Instead, itās got me walking back into The Gilded Stag, feeling like Iāve got unfinished business.Officially, Iām here to celebrate another successful acquisition. But letās not kid ourselvesāthatās just an excuse. Dining at one of my own restaurants has never been my idea of celebrating. No, Iām here for her. And this time, I want my best mates to be present for this.Iāve booked a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-25Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Seven
ššš„šš§šThe elevator dings before the doors slide open and I step out into the dimly lit underground garage of the restaurant, a sigh escaping my lips. The fresh, cool air that rushes at me makes my body sag in relief as I weave through the many luxurious cars of varying brands and colors parked here, my phone pressed to my ear.I could've simply gone to relax in the staff lounge which is on the floor below the restaurant but it's routine for me to stretch my legs during my break since I spend hours seated on a bench plus, I don't want to risk bumping into a co-worker in there and being forced to interact. Perhaps not entirely safe but the underground garage is where I find myself on most nights. It provides the privacy I desire and it's the only other place besides the restaurant and lounge (which take up the 29th and 28th floors respectively) we, the staff, have access to within the entire 30-storey building complex and thus, the best place for me to stroll.āWait, are you bei
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-26
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Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Sixty
šš«ššš”šI sit behind the wheel, fingers drumming restlessly against the steering. For the tenth time, I check the time on the dashboard. Sheās not lateānot really. But my nerves are a different story.At her insistence, todayās outing is to be strictly casual. No romance, no pressure, no expectations. I tried to pick the most un-date-like date imaginable. So, football. The one place people shout themselves hoarse, spill overpriced beer on each other, and wear matching jerseys without anyone batting an eye.Still, even with all the effort to keep things simple, Iām nervous. Because itās her.Then, I see her car pull into the lot.She steps out, and everything slows. Sheās wearing the team jersey Iād sent herāred and white, the same as mineāpaired with light blue jeans and white sneakers. Casual. Effortless. Gorgeous.She tosses me a small smirk as she approaches. āDonāt look so surprised, doctor. I do own casual clothes.āāYouāre sure youāre not secretly trying to outshine the pla
Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Fifty-Nine
šš«ššš”šHis office is still the calm, neat space I remember, though now I notice how strikingly organized it is. The books on the shelf are arranged alphabetically, a soft lavender-scented diffuser hums in the corner, and a small bonsai tree sits by the window like a gentle sentinel. Thereās not a single paper out of place, every pen lined up with precision. Itās the kind of space that mirrors Marcus himselfācomposed, measured, and quietly meticulous.He closes the door behind me and gestures to the chair opposite his desk. I sink into it wordlessly as he moves around, taking his usual seat behind the desk and resting both hands on the surface like heās bracing for something heavier than an update.āFlorence is healing faster than expected,ā he begins. His voice is calm but firm, always steady. āHer vitals are stable, her scans are clean, and sheās responding well to treatment. If everything stays on track, she could be discharged by next weekend.āI close my eyes for a brief sec
Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Fifty-Seven
šš«ššš”šI linger in the hallway for a while, staring at the half-open hospital door like itās a threshold to something Iām not ready to face. Inside, Marcus still plays with Florence, their laughter carrying softly into the corridor like a warm breeze on a cold day. My hand is frozen mid-air, inches from pushing the door open, but I justā¦ canāt.Not yet.My emotions are too jumbledāgrief, gratitude, guilt, and something dangerously close to longing. Seeing him like thatāsoft and unguardedāreminded me of a version of him I hadnāt allowed myself to imagine. Itās disarming. And itās why I turn away, intending to head back toward the elevators, maybe find a quiet place to gather myself.But as I turn, I nearly collide with someone.Sheās standing silently behind meāslender, in a wrinkled blouse and jeans, her coat draped hastily over one arm. Her hair is in a messy bun, strands falling loose around her tired but softened features. I recognize her immediately: the childās mother.She
Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Fifty-Seven
šš«ššš”šItās just past 10 a.m. when my personal assistant, Winifred, bursts into my office, tablet in hand, eyes gleaming with the kind of enthusiasm that usually spells either disaster or a sudden stroke of genius. I look up from the contract Iāve been revising for the last twenty minutes, one brow lifting in silent question.āYouāre going to want to see this, Miss. Hawthorne,ā she says, practically skipping to my desk.āPlease tell me thatās not another scandal brewing,ā I mutter, half-joking. After the week Iāve had, I wouldnāt be surprised if someoneās unearthed some long-forgotten college photos or declared I secretly run a cult in my spare time.āQuite the opposite actually, Boss.ā Winnie swings the tablet around so I can see the analytics dashboard. āSales are up. Way up. Nearly thirty-two percent since yesterday. Online traffic has doubled since this morning alone. Andā¦ā she swipes to another page, āā¦our social sentiment index has shifted. Positively.āI blink at the numb
Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Fifty-Six
ššš«ššØš¬Saturday afternoon stretches out before me like a question I don't quite have the answer to. I'm home, sitting at the edge of the leather sofa, phone in hand, thumb hovering over Aretha's contact.Should I text her? Call her? Ask how she's holding up?The memory of last night lingers. Her trembling voice. The kiss. That look in her eyes when she pulled away. Part fear, part need. And then, nothing. Silence since.I sigh and toss the phone onto the couch beside me, running both hands down my face. She's probably overwhelmed, dealing with press vultures and her family. The last thing she needs is me barging into her peaceāor what's left of it.A ping vibrates on my phone. Itās from Cameron: "Meeting at the club. 5PM sharp. Drinks on Nathaniel. Donāt be late."I almost laugh. Nathaniel probably didnāt even agree to that.ā¢ ā¢ ā¢The gentlemanās club isnāt as rowdy as usual. Rich men in tailored suits, cigars in one hand, arrogance in the other. Gold accents glint in the dim li
Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Fifty-Five
šš«ššš”šI wake up to the distinct scent of chamomile tea and the soft clinking of china. For a brief second, I think Iāve dreamt it all upāthe accident, the hospital, the motherās accusations, the kiss with Marcos. But when I open my eyes and see Mom standing at the foot of my bed, holding a tray while wearing her signature pinched expression of maternal concern, I know I didnāt.āAretha, darling,ā she says carefully, as though afraid she might shatter me if she speaks too loudly, āyou donāt have to go in today.āI sit up, blinking away the sleep from my eyes. āI do.āāYou shouldnāt.ā She sets the tray on my bedside table. āNot after everything yesterday. The media is going to be relentless. And emotionally, youāreāāāIām fine, Mom. Seriously. I appreciate your concern, though.āShe gives me a look that says sheās not convinced, but she knows me well enough not to argue. Still, she lingers while I get ready, watching me like Iām about to unravel. I offer a small smile and a kiss
Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Fifty-Four
ššš«ššØš¬I stand rooted to the cold, polished hospital floor, my mind reeling as Arethaās words echo like a chime struck in the deepest part of me."I know very well what it feels like to lose a child."She says it so softly, so simply, like itās just another sentence in a long list of things that have happened to herābut it lands like a gut punch. I donāt move as she turns and walks away, her back straight, her head high, but her shouldersā¦ her shoulders tremble the slightest bit.Iāve seen death on the table. Iāve watched people code right in front of me, seen mothers scream over sons and children collapse into the arms of nurses. But this? This is different. This is the kind of pain that doesnāt bleed on the outside.The mother of the injured girl stands silently beside me, unsure nowāmaybe ashamed. Her anger drains the moment Aretha disappears around the corner. She says nothing more, just quietly returns to the waiting area, clinging to the hope I gave her minutes ago.I take
Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Fifty-Three
šš«ššš”šThe hospital air is coldātoo cold. It seeps through my skin and settles deep into my bones, making me feel like Iām walking through a fog. I sit on one of the stiff plastic chairs in the waiting area, hands clasped tightly in my lap. I mustāve checked the time on my phone a hundred times in the past hour, each glance bringing no new relief.Where are they? Why hasnāt anyone come out yet?I chew on the inside of my cheek, my mind replaying the accident in a relentless loop. The sickening thud of her body brushing the jeepās front grille, the sharp scream that tore from my lips, the way Alfie clutched my hand so tightly as we rushed out of the car. That little girlāso small, so fragileājust darting across like life was a game of tag.Iāve tried to breathe. Iāve tried to pray. Nothing sticks. I feel like Iām going to break apart, right here in this freezing corridor.Then I hear footsteps. Sharp. Hasty. Unforgiving.My eyes lift just in time to see a woman charging toward me
Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The PhoenixĀ Ā Ā Chapter Fifty-Two
šš«ššš”šThe mall is buzzing with energy as Alfie and I walk hand-in-hand past the storefronts, our steps matching in rhythm. Heās practically bouncing beside me, excitement fizzing off him like a shaken soda.āI want to check out the new Nintendo games!ā he exclaims, tugging my arm like heās trying to drag me there himself.I laugh, adjusting my sunglasses as I glance around. āWeāll get there, little man. Letās start with shoes first. Youāve outgrown yoursāyour toes are probably screaming.āāMy toes are fine,ā he mutters dramatically, but he doesn't protest when I guide him into the kidsā footwear store.He slips onto a little bench as the attendant brings options in his size. I sit beside him, watching his nose wrinkle as he examines a pair of lime green sneakers.āThese are loud,ā he declares. āLike, even the birds would hear me coming.āI snort. āIsnāt that the point? So the entire house can hear when you try to sneak cookies after bedtime?āHe flashes me a mischievous grin. ā
