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Noah's POVIt was just a day until Rachael's big event, and it meant a lot to me as well. I decided to bring in my secret team, something only Mike and I knew about. I hadn’t mentioned it to Racheal; I wasn’t ready to discuss the details yet.The SWAT team wasn’t an option, but I felt that having visible security would help put Racheal at ease. She needed to see that people were ready to protect her, rather than just relying on the idea of guards working undercover.I contacted the head of "The Hidden Stake," a group trained under military oversight but operating covertly. Mike and I had once been part of this team before realizing that business was our true calling. I had earned respect as their leader, and that connection gave me significant influence; I could call on them whenever necessary, especially for intel.Just as I hung up, Mike walked in with two men who exuded a deadly aura. He handed me a file, and as I flipped through it, a smirk grew on my face. “Sniper and Venom? I lo
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Betrothed 157
Noah's POVThe atmosphere was electric as I stepped into the grand hall, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling within me. Today was a significant day—Racheal's three-in-one party, marking the launch of the Houston Project, her hard work coming to fruition. The project promised to create job opportunities for countless people, and it felt surreal to witness it all unfold.The red carpet rolled out elegantly, leading us into a space adorned with crystal chandeliers that cast a warm glow, reflecting off the intricate designs. The hall was filled with elites from across the country, all eager to congratulate Racheal and see the woman who had made such an impact in the business world.As I scanned the room, my gaze landed on Juliet. Her expression was anything but pleasant; anger radiated from her. She was staring intently at someone, her countenance a storm brewing just beneath the surface. Curious, I shifted my position to follow her gaze, landing on Racheal's father, Mr. Houston. I c
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Betrothed 158
Racheal's POVThe party was in full swing, and I found myself captivated by the atmosphere. Everywhere I looked, there were smiles, laughter, and the glitter of sophistication. The energy was infectious, yet amidst the revelry, a wave of panic threatened to wash over me. Just when I felt the weight of my anxiety creeping in, Noah appeared by my side, offering the support I desperately needed.His presence was calming, and I couldn’t help but admire how stunning he looked. His tousled hair was slicked back perfectly, and he wore a matching blazer that complemented my dress. It was as if we were two pieces of a puzzle, effortlessly fitting together in this grand celebration.I scanned the room and spotted my dad amidst the crowd. He looked leaner than I remembered, and my heart swelled with emotion as I made my way to him. I hugged him tightly, almost in tears. His smile radiated warmth, but then I caught sight of my stepmother, her wide eyes filled with fear. I chose to ignore her; tod
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Betrothed 159
Kim's POVI watched in despair, a silver scarf wrapped around my head, feeling completely overshadowed as Racheal stole the spotlight at her launch party. Choosing my outfit for the night felt like a futile effort; I had opted for something simple, a decision made easier by Racheal’s insistence on paying for my gown. It wasn’t that I couldn’t afford it, but she wanted to celebrate her event in style, and I didn’t want to ruin her moment.As I stood there, my body growing weaker, I reflected on my situation. The doctor’s predictions loomed over me like a dark cloud. I wanted to believe in a second chance—another hope—but with my health deteriorating, it felt like a cruel joke. I had been visiting the clinic for treatment, clinging to the hope that I could maintain my pregnancy without resorting to chemotherapy. It was a complicated wish, but it was the only option I had left.I felt like a third wheel in Noah’s life. What was I expecting? I had told myself not to hope for more, yet eac
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Betrothed 160
Kelvin’s POVI walked Kim out of the house, releasing a heavy breath as the door closed behind us. Ever since the divorce, my mother hadn’t been herself. Her health was deteriorating, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was partly to blame for what had happened. My dad had moved on quickly from the news, especially after learning about the turmoil Kim had caused, but my mother was still stuck in the past. She believed I was proud and impatient, unable to handle my marriage properly.I called Bella about my concerns, but I didn’t go into detail. Bella had always been a great person—she didn’t fear me or see me only for my money, which made it easier to talk to her. I didn’t mind the rumors spreading about us.“I’m sorry,” I muttered, lowering my gaze as we walked. I had forced Kim to play along with my plan, and she was doing an admirable job.She glanced at the time, realizing it was just past 10. Her session with her gynecologist was supposed to start at 9 and end by 11, meaning
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Betrothed 161
Kim's POVI looked around my room, taking in the chaos I had created. The table lamp dangled sideways, wine splattered across the floor, and broken pieces of the cup and mirror lay shattered everywhere. I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt this much pain. I thought I was numb to it all, that I couldn’t feel any more dejected or rejected—until Kelvin’s words struck me like poison, coursing through my veins and driving me to the brink of insanity. His expression when we talked about that girl—someone I did not know of—haunted me. According to the rumors, she worked for him, and the contentment on his face was unmistakable. It was as if happiness radiated from him, leaving behind only a faint smile that mocked my despair.I loved Noah but had lost all hope. He wore his genuine affection for Racheal like a badge of honor, and I could no longer hold onto the dream of us being together. "I just want to be loved. Is that too much to ask?" I yelled, throwing another wine cup onto t
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Betrothed 162
Racheal's POVToday was supposed to be just another ordinary day at work, but it quickly turned into a whirlwind of chaos. I had tried my best to keep my emotions in check, especially around Noah. He had been nothing but supportive, and I felt guilty for not showing my appreciation properly. But how could I express gratitude when inside I felt like I was crumbling?As I flipped through the latest report on the Houston project, I groaned in frustration. The numbers showed an increase in demand for our product, which should have been a cause for celebration. Yet, all I could focus on was the pit of dread forming in my stomach. I wanted Noah to say something, anything, about my mood. Just a simple acknowledgment would have sufficed, but he remained silent, probably sensing my turmoil. I wished he would pry me open and coax the truth out of me, but instead, I responded to his kindness with silence.Then, just as I thought I could momentarily escape my worries, Noah called. The news he del
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Betrothed 163
Kelvin's POV“Like seriously?” The groan escaped my lips before I could stop it as the doctor delivered the news: my mom was in a coma. It felt like a punch to the gut. He said it was up to her if she wanted to wake up, and only if she found this world worth living in. Those words echoed in my mind, a haunting reminder of how fragile life could be.I had just decided to leave, tickets in hand when my phone buzzed. Racheal’s name flashed on the screen. I picked it up, expecting a work-related call. Instead, I was hit with another wave of bad news. As I turned the volume up to catch her over the network fluctuations, I heard a gasp from behind me. My heart dropped as I realized it was my mom, choking on her breath—trying to call out to me or Kim before the sound got caught in her throat.My dad had been so busy lately, hardly around, leaving my mom alone in this condition. It bothered me more than I could express, especially considering she wouldn’t even talk to me. I felt helpless.I
Last Updated : 2024-12-31
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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.”
