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Racheal's POVI decided to stay with Sophia till the wedding, not because I really wanted to but because Rayla would not even allow me to stay almost overnight for office work, and that's exactly what I usually do anytime I go home.Rayla insisted on a bridal shower, which I don't seem to be very much interested i,n, but it was glaring that I have no say in my party as she would only say........"I have the right to be happy after having gone through everything I have been through""Okay....fine. I am in." I forced myself to spell out what they wanted.Ariella was granted a week's holiday, which happened because Noah specifically requested it.It was still around 5, which meant I had less than 12 hours to my big day and some hours left to do whatever Rayla insisted on doing.I have been trying to reach Juliet because she was also supposed to be here, of course, we've both passed through thick and thin together, and this moment of my life is once in my lifetime.I heaved a sigh of relief
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Betrothed 113
Racheal's POVThe pleasantries exchanged between Sophia and my dad turned the bridal shower into more of a family gathering, though Kim and my stepmom seemed to be the exceptions. I sat at a table, trying to focus on my laptop, but it was clear that I was just waiting for their conversation to wrap up. Now and then, I craned my neck to check on my dad, unable to shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in my stomach.Liana, my stepmom, had been hovering nearby, her eyes darting between me and my dad. I could tell she was trying to gauge my mood, perhaps looking for an opportunity to bridge the gap that had grown between us over the years. Her sudden kindness was disarming, and I wasn’t quite sure how to respond. I was still grappling with the emotional aftermath of my mom’s passing, and the last thing I wanted was to engage in a heartfelt conversation with Liana of all people.“Racheal,” she finally said, approaching me with an expression that was softer than usual. “I’m sorry
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Betrothed 114
Noah's POVI couldn't describe the feelings and knots tying in my stomach the moment I saw Houston, Racheal's father, walking her down the aisle. My little girl was trailing behind with another girl I didn't recognize, tossing flower petals like confetti, illuminating the moment with innocence and joy. As Rachael approached, my heart raced, and a swell of pride and love washed over me. This was everything I had hoped for. I couldn’t stop smiling at myself, lost in the moment as I took in the sight of her. The wedding gown, almost entirely made of lace, clung perfectly to her skin, accentuating her curves in all the right places. It was as if the dress had been tailored just for her, highlighting her slim waist and curvy hips. Even though I had seen her naked before, I could never tire of her beauty. The gown featured a daring slit that trailed behind her, making her the epitome of grace and allure.I was mesmerized. I couldn’t take my eyes off her throughout the ceremony—the vows exch
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Betrothed 115
Racheal's POVIt took every ounce of my energy and sanity to stop myself from trailing behind Noah the moment he dragged Kim into a quiet place. My heart raced with anxiety as the image of how I watched them disappear from view, his hands aggressively holding her firm. I understood he might have wanted to confront her about why she had come to the party, but he seemed to forget that Kim was also my family—my sister, for better or worse.Standing on the balcony of Noah's room, I stared into the night, feeling the cool breeze against my skin. The white off-shoulder dress I wore draped elegantly, revealing the soft curve of my shoulder blades, while the strap of my nightgown hung delicately beneath. The moon hung low on the horizon, casting a silvery glow that transformed the landscape into something surreal. I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me—anticipation, worry, and a tinge of jealousy. I contemplated whether to bring up the matter when Noah returned. But as I realized this wa
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Betrothed 116
Noah's POVSophia and Rayla had decided to take Ariella into their custody until Racheal and I returned from our honeymoon. The idea of having time away from the chaos of work, stress, and especially Kim filled me with relief. Just the thought of her made me shudder; I needed to escape her shadow, even if just for a little while.We had just arrived at the mansion in Cape Town, and I could see the excitement radiating off Racheal as she took in the stunning landscapes. She had talked non-stop during the flight, her eyes sparkling as she described the iconic Table Mountain, the beautiful beaches, and the vibrant cultural scenes. Cape Town was also famed for Robben Island and the picturesque Cape Winelands, known for their lush vineyards and exquisite wines. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I felt a swell of satisfaction; all my efforts to make this trip perfect were paying off.As we settled in, I couldn’t help but want to show her everything. I wanted to take her on a tour of the vin
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Betrothed 117
Kelvin's POVSitting at my desk, the weight of the world pressed down on me. I stared blankly at the stack of papers in front of me, but my mind was elsewhere—somewhere far away in Cape Town, where Rachael was likely enjoying the honeymoon I had always dreamed of giving her. The thought twisted in my gut, a painful reminder of everything I had lost.Even deep within myself, I still wanted her. I thought that flying away would help extinguish the burning flame of affection I had for Rachael, but instead, it only seemed to intensify. Each passing moment in this office felt like a dagger to my heart, a constant reminder of her laughter and the warmth of her smile. I couldn't bring myself to call her earlier; the time zone difference loomed large, but a wave of jealousy enveloped me. What if she was happy without me? What if she had already moved on?I shifted uncomfortably in my chair, trying to chase away the dark thoughts that clouded my mind. The clock on the wall ticked endlessly, e
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Betrothed 119
Rachael's POV.I woke up to the soft glow of my phone screen, a notification lighting up the dark room. The weather forecast promised a perfect day—temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. My heart fluttered at the thought; it was the ideal opportunity to hit the beach and enjoy some time outdoors. A smile crept onto my lips as a brilliant idea sparked in my mind.Turning to Noah’s side of the bed, I couldn’t help but admire him. His features were so peaceful in sleep, the way his brow furrowed slightly and his lips formed a faint smile as if he were dreaming of something wonderful. I found myself lost in thought, reflecting on the battles and struggles we had faced together to reach this moment. It was hard to believe how far we’d come.As I studied his face, I didn’t notice my hand moving on its own, resting on my head while I propped myself up for a better view. “You’ll bore a hole in me if you continue staring like that, you know,” he teased, pulling me closer until
Last Updated : 2024-12-28Betrothed 120
Racheal's POV The car ride to Hout Bay Beach had been silent, a tension hanging in the air that I couldn’t shake. Noah’s mood was still clouded, and I felt a growing concern gnawing at me. As we stepped out of the car, the salty breeze and warm sun enveloped us, momentarily lifting my spirits. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease.We made our way toward the beach, and the sight of the golden sand and sparkling waves was breathtaking. I was dressed in a long, flowing Egyptian skirt that wrapped around my waist, designed to cover my legs but still allow for a glimpse of the swim trunks underneath. Noah, meanwhile, looked effortlessly handsome in his swim shorts, his bare chest glistening in the sunlight.As I scanned the beach, searching for a good spot to settle in, something caught my eye. A figure in the distance appeared strikingly familiar. My heart raced as I squinted, trying to get a better look. The woman had long hair and a similar build to my stepsister, Kim.
Last Updated : 2024-12-28
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Noah's POVOne week later...I stood beside Racheal, who was propped up on the hospital bed, still struggling to fully recover. The sterile scent of antiseptic hung in the air, but it was the sight of her fragile form that gripped my heart. Kelvin and Bella had flown back to New Coastal two days ago, insisting on leaving after Racheal woke up. Their departure felt like a hollow echo of the chaos that had consumed us.Juliet was locked away, and sentenced to life imprisonment. I made sure of that. She deserved every bit of it. A maniac like her wasn’t meant to walk among the living.As I watched Racheal adjust herself, attempting to sit upright, I instinctively reached out to help her. But she slapped my hand away with a surprising force. The sting of her rejection hit me like a cold wave. She had done the same thing when she first woke up, and it scared the hell out of me. I rushed to the doctor, fearing she was suffering from amnesia, but my worries eased when he assured me she had b
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Kelvin's POV"You left us, remember? You gave us hope, Ana! You let us all believe you would come back! We waited for you, Ana. I waited. Mom waited... You broke your promise! You broke your fucking promise because of your selfish interest, your lust for revenge!"I pulled Bella into an embrace, which she calmly accepted. Juliet, whom I now realized was Anabella, had recently been caught at the same tournament Bella had described. She had a lot on her mind and plenty of tools at hand. If not for Bella, we would still be in the dark; no one would have thought that this old tournament, long neglected, would be used to commit such a devious act.Just two days ago, Bella had been crying in my arms. So much was uncovered—so much I hadn’t expected at all.After coming to terms with the fact that Bella was Juliet's younger sister, it occurred to me that Juliet wasn't who we thought she was. Her initial aim in entering R.A. was to cause harm to the Houston family. As she had said moments ago,
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Kelvin's POVI was on the brink of tears the moment I set my eyes on Kim. The fact that she was breathing with the aid of oxygen wasn't enough; she was hooked up to a life-support machine. I felt a flicker of irritation that Noah had signed the forced labor consent form, but perhaps I was wrong—maybe that was the best decision.Bella had a tough time going back to sleep after mentioning a random name that only gave me a hint amidst the shattered debris of my thoughts. I tried not to force any conversation on her, at least keeping my promise to Noah until she opened up. Until then, I remained silent.We couldn't go into the ward, so we decided to stay back, looking through the transparent glass that separated us from the lobby lawn. Bella couldn't control her tears anymore; I had been hearing her trying to stifle the sobs since we arrived. Her soft gasps said it all. It made me reflect on my decision to stay outside; I didn’t think I could keep my emotions in check once we entered.Lin
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Kelvin's POVI couldn't believe I had given in to my lust once more. The last time something like this happened, I apologized and vowed it would never repeat itself. Now, as I sifted through the files Noah sent me, I still struggled to admit that Juliet and Bella might be sisters. Our alliance was built on a shared goal, and the last time we had met like this was to reveal the truth behind RA. Now, we were here because of Racheal, but my purpose was to uncover Juliet's identity.*I didn’t start this relationship on a clean slate just to end it because of a culprit sharing her blood.*“You seem early!” Noah remarked, his voice laced with sarcasm.“And you seem late,” I shot back, eyeing him. He looked lean and disheveled, a total mess compared to the Noah I knew.“Is she with you?” he asked.“Why would I bring her with me?” I replied, my irritation rising.“You have no reason to call me here, then—”“What makes you think they’re related? Even if they are, I doubt she knows about her ex
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Bella's POVEvery part of my body ached from the journey, and I could barely feel my legs. But it was worth it. It had been a long time coming—discussing the idea of flying down here to visit Kelvin's parents. He had been overly protective, worrying I wasn’t ready for this. Yet, here we were, on our way to meet both my idol and his parents. The former excited me; the latter filled me with dread.Kelvin noticed my uneasiness and pulled me into an embrace, planting a soft kiss on my forehead—a gesture I had grown so accustomed to. We had just landed, and as we headed to the lobby, I spotted Kelvin shaking hands with someone I didn’t recognize. Others bowed slightly to him, showing their respect.*What should I expect?* I thought. *He is one of the youngest renowned businessmen, linking a channel between New York and the USA is no small feat.* I mustered a smile for those who acknowledged me.We would head home before leaving early to visit Racheal in the hospital. My gaze was caught in
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Kelvin's POVI had barely settled back into my office when the news hit me like a freight train. Rachael had been in an accident? My heart sank as I slumped into my chair, the weight of the world crashing down around me. I had just returned, hoping to find some semblance of normalcy, when everything spiraled out of control again.“Kelvin, are you okay?” Bella asked, moving toward my chair, her eyes scanning my face for any sign of reassurance.“No, not really,” I replied, rubbing my temples to ease the pounding in my head. She could see how close I was to Racheal, and I knew she understood my worries. “Rachael is in critical condition. I need to get down to New York,” I added, my voice strained.“Do you want me to come with you?” she offered, concern lacing her tone. I hesitated for a moment, the urgency of the situation clashing with my instincts to protect her. “No, I’ll travel alone,” I said, pushing myself to my feet. I grabbed my phone and shot a quick message to my secretary,
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Kim's POVI could remember feeling utterly drained when I returned home, free from Kelvin's silence, the weight of everything pressing heavily on my shoulders. My parents welcomed me with open arms, their warmth almost overwhelming. My dad, who had been distant for so long, embraced me tightly. The love in that moment nearly brought me to tears.“Kim, we’ve missed you so much,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ve missed you too, Dad,” I replied, feeling the tears well up in my eyes. It was a bittersweet reunion, knowing what lay ahead. I wasn't expecting such a reaction from my dad and hearing how he missed me made me feel like I was close to my endThe last time I went to the clinic for a check-up, I had received the results I had dreaded. I had known, deep down, that choosing to keep the baby while battling cancer was a gamble. The odds were stacked against me, and I felt the looming shadow of my mortality.My mom had sensed something was wrong, even when I tried to keep
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Racheal's POVI couldn't take Noah's silence anymore. It was suffocating me, and it was terrible for Ariella to witness all of this. My heart raced as I stormed into Noah's study, furious and desperate for answers. My hands trembled with anger and confusion as I stumbled upon a collection of files and documents, all centered around Juliet.I picked up every picture I could find. My breath caught in my throat as I looked at the images of Juliet and her family. There was one of a man smiling lovingly at a woman—Juliet's parents, I realized. The man’s coat struck a chord in my memory, though I couldn't pinpoint why it seemed so familiar. As I traced the photos, my eyes fell on a little girl who looked strikingly like Juliet. It had to be her sister. A shiver ran down my spine as I pieced together the fragments of my discovery. But then, my gaze landed on a guillotine with a body labeled "XAVIER'S." My heart dropped. I was about to open it when Noah’s voice shattered the silence.“You're
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Kelvin's POVThe air between us hung heavy with unspoken words. I could see Bella processing everything I had just said, her brow furrowed in thought. I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to bridge the gap that had grown between us.“Kelvin, I don’t understand why you didn’t tell me sooner. I could have helped you,” she said, her voice steady but filled with a hint of disappointment. “I thought I was protecting you,” I replied, my frustration mixing with regret. “I didn’t want you to be dragged into the chaos of my life. But now, I realize that keeping you in the dark only hurt us both.”She fell silent, staring at the ground as if searching for answers in the cracks of the pavement. I wanted to reach out, to comfort her, but I hesitated, unsure if she would welcome my touch again.“Do you think this is something I could just forget?” she finally asked, her voice breaking slightly. “You made me feel like I was special, and then you pulled the rug out from under me.”
