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Chapter Five
Last Updated:
2025-02-22 11:53:53
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Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The Phoenix 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!𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒂“Mrs. Berfield, I must say you look quite stunning tonight.” 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 milestones—my 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, I’m thrilled to fin
Last Updated : 2024-12-29Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The Phoenix Chapter Two
“How could you resort to such a thing, Selena?!” 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, I’ve 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.“Mother, I—”I'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. “How 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?!”She 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
Last Updated : 2024-12-29Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The Phoenix 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. “Selena, you're finally awake.”I 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. “You have no idea how terrified I was, sweetheart. I thought I'd
Last Updated : 2024-12-29Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The Phoenix Chapter Four
I'm grateful for the numbness that envelops me as I step into the mansion I’d regarded as home since childhood—a 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 not 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 room—a 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 h
Last Updated : 2024-12-29
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Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The Phoenix Chapter Five
Six Months Later 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. “Good evening, Elena.” The maître d’, Colette, greets, her French accent as crisp as her tailored uniform. “It is a slow one tonight.”“Appears so,” 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 love the space
Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The Phoenix Chapter Four
I'm grateful for the numbness that envelops me as I step into the mansion I’d regarded as home since childhood—a 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 not 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 room—a 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 h
Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The Phoenix 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. “Selena, you're finally awake.”I 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. “You have no idea how terrified I was, sweetheart. I thought I'd
Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The Phoenix Chapter Two
“How could you resort to such a thing, Selena?!” 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, I’ve 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.“Mother, I—”I'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. “How 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?!”She 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
Aretha Hawthorne: The Rise Of The Phoenix 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!𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒂“Mrs. Berfield, I must say you look quite stunning tonight.” 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 milestones—my 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, I’m thrilled to fin
