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NOAH'S POVThe moment I opened my car door and settled in, resting my head against the headboard, the headache returned with a vengeance. I closed my eyes, trying to block out the world while waiting for Mike until my phone started to buzz, jolting me back to reality. I glanced at the screen, my heart racing at the sight of Racheal's private number flashing before me. A wave of delight surged through me, but it was quickly tempered by a sharp stab of fear. What if she was calling to discuss the divorce papers? The thought sent shivers down my spine.After a long moment of contemplation, I took a deep breath and answered the call. As I pressed the phone to my ear, I was immediately met with the sweet, innocent voice of my daughter. “Daddy! I missed you!” Ariella exclaimed, her excitement palpable even through the phone. My heart swelled at the sound of her voice. “I missed you too, sweetheart. How’s everything?”“Oh, Daddy! Mom won’t let me have ice cream until I finish my homework!”
Last Updated : 2024-12-29Betrothed 139
Racheal's POVI felt exhausted, and going through Noah's nagging again was something I had zero energy for. I was tired of the constant back and forth in this relationship. We had never lived like a normal couple, and the heaviness in my heart was becoming too much to bear.After work and picking Ariella up from school, I decided to crash at my apartment instead of going to Sophia's. Being there only made me feel guilty, and I had no plans to share every little detail I was uncovering about Noah. It felt unfair to burden her with my turmoil, so I chose the solitude of my apartment for the night. Thankfully, she didn’t mind.“If that’s what you want, who am I to stop you?” was her response, and a tinge of sadness loomed around me as she embraced me. I craved that embrace, just as much as I craved Noah’s presence.Fighting and struggling were not my things; I found them stressful and draining. But what was I to do? Every time I considered moving on, another piece of evidence against Noa
Last Updated : 2024-12-29Betrothed 140
Racheal's POV “What do you want, Noah?” I enunciated the words sharply, though not rude—just enough to express my impatience.I was about to dig into my work when I heard a beep at the door. Ariella was too focused on her assignment, so I lazily dragged myself off the couch to see who it was. I wouldn’t lie if I said I wasn’t surprised to see Noah at my doorstep. I hated that I always lost my composure whenever he was involved, except during a crisis. This was the third time I had asked him what he wanted to talk about, and I was tired of going back and forth.He looked unwell and stressed out as if he had rushed here. Wait—“Did Ariella… oh Lord,” I bit my lip as the realization hit me. I was only about 60% sure that Ariella had made him come here, but that 40% uncertainty nagged at me.I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice Noah stepping closer until he wrapped his arms around me. His beard had grown longer than before. I knew Noah was a clean freak, but looking at him like
Last Updated : 2024-12-29Betrothed 141
Noah's POVI couldn’t remember the last time I slept this peacefully. A smile crept onto my lips as memories of last night flooded back to me. Perhaps that was what gave me this newfound energy—or maybe it was simply knowing that Racheal was willing to give me a second chance.I tried not to dwell on the negatives and instead let everything flow naturally. “If you’ve woken up, just stand up and go freshen up. Ariella is dying to meet you right now. It took me an ounce of my energy to keep her still,” Rachael’s delicate voice broke the morning silence, pulling me from my thoughts. I focused my gaze on her fragile, smooth face.It seemed she hadn’t been giving herself much attention lately; her hair looked a bit unkempt. “You can stand up if you’re done staring!” she teased, standing from the sofa adjacent to my bed.She looked like she had just finished working out, her outfit alluring—a black bralette exposing her navel paired with snug joggers that accentuated her curves. I felt b
Last Updated : 2024-12-29Betrothed 142
Noah's POVAfter a long contemplation, a locking of gazes, and the exchange of unspoken words—probably due to Ariella's whining as well—Racheal finally gave in to Ariella's request. Mike had been unusually silent since we entered the car. While he’s not one to talk much, he usually updates me on new sales or competitors in the city, thanks to his frequent tours. Now, he sat in the passenger seat, while Ariella and I occupied the back. She had her gaze fixed on the landscape outside the window.Rachael didn’t like that Ariella had to skip school for this. She had grown taller since I last saw her and was about to turn eight, yet she still behaved like a child.“Dad!” Ariella whispered, her small, kiss-like lips forming a cute pout, complemented by my blue eyes. She was a wonderful outcome; I had to thank Racheal for keeping her. It was a beautiful mistake.“Dad!!” she whispered again, tugging at my sleeve.“Yes, sweetie?” I replied, pulled from my trance."...."Her hesitation surpris
Last Updated : 2024-12-29Betrothed 143
Racheal's POV"How was it?" I asked, tucking Ariella in and ensuring she had some dinner. The night was still young, so she might wake up later.I had noticed Noah's gloominess since he entered, and it sent a lump to my throat. I didn’t want to imagine the worst, so I waited patiently for him to finish on his laptop so we could talk. We had a lot to discuss, and I promised myself I would take full responsibility for it.I wore my thin nightgown with a V-opening at the back, which reached my thighs, exposing the rest of my legs. The front wasn’t bad, but it did accentuate my bosom, making my nipples visible. I draped an overgrown over it to shield myself from the cold.I sat opposite him, resting my head against the backrest, noticing how focused he was on whatever was keeping him busy. He hardly acknowledged my presence, which disappointed me. I thought about giving everything a real try, including taking our relationship to the next level.I didn’t realize how long I had been staring
Last Updated : 2024-12-29Betrothed 144
Racheal's POVI noticed slight changes in Noah after I told him why I went through chemotherapy. It was insane, but here I am, trying to move forward.I had to confront my shortcomings, especially those inflicted by the people I once called my family. Ignoring the part that triggered it all, I thought back to my diagnosis of IBD, specifically ulcerative colitis, which I discovered after the stress of escaping death and the side effects of the medication Kim had given me. It was hell for me, but thanks to Sophia and Rayla, I had it treated immediately after giving birth to Ariella. It wasn’t safe for me or the baby to undergo treatment while I was still pregnant, so I endured an agony of pain. The disease manifested again when Ariella was four, leading me to undergo extensive chemotherapy. Now, I was completely free of it—unless it was triggered again, and I was determined not to let that happen.As I explained my journey to Noah in a light tone, I maintained a low pitch, completely o
Last Updated : 2024-12-29Betrothed 145
Racheal's POVAs Juliet left the room, I took a moment to breathe deeply, allowing the weight of my responsibilities to settle. The Houston project was a significant undertaking, one that could potentially change lives, but the pressure felt palpable. Memories of my past struggles loomed large, informing every decision I made now.I glanced around my office, noting the motivational quotes adorning the walls, reminders of my journey. It felt surreal to think about how far I had come—once a woman battling illness and family betrayals, now a leader with a vision. Yet, shadows of doubt occasionally crept in, especially regarding Juliet’s recent behavior. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about her, a subtle shift in her demeanor that I couldn’t quite pinpoint.The thought of the launching ceremony tied my stomach in knots. I wanted it to be a celebration, not just of the project but of the resilience I had cultivated through my hardships. I envisioned a gathering where t
Last Updated : 2024-12-29
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Betrothed 202
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.”
