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2025-03-08 17:09:52
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Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. A necessary Swing-by
CHAPTER 32MAZIKEEN. I stayed home the next day too, lounging comfortably on Jordan's expensively furnished balcony.The soft ,L-shaped cushion was fast becoming one of my many favourite things about his penthouse,with its tufted backrest and light brown colour.I stretched lazily, ignoring the dull pain spreading through my still sore back,as I reached forward and picked up the bowl of diced fruits from the chrome coffee table, inhaling deeply and letting the peace settle deeply within me.There was a nagging feeling that I'd forgotten to do something like I intended,but I couldn't quite figure it out until my phone rang.I'd meant to check the time.A smile stretched over my face as I picked up the phone and saw who it was.“Lin!”“Maze!” She shrieked in response, her excitement palpable. “We're here!”I let out a confused giggle as I dropped the fruit bowl and adjusted one flap of my—well Jordan's robe,as I stood up.“What do you mean?”I heard the d
Last Updated : 2025-03-10Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. The ones who notice
CHAPTER 33.MAZIKEEN “I'm no psychologist,” Lin started, “but I can definitely say that there's absolutely nothing wrong with you for not thinking about your abuser.”I adjusted, “perhaps it's time for me to see a therapist.” “I agree,” Linda muttered,a coy smile spreading over her face. “Mr. Black can definitely afford it.”“I'm sure he can,you know,he even asked to change my whole wardrobe.”“And let me guess,you said no?”I frowned, “Why'd I say no?”Lin chuckled, her eyes glowing with mischief. “You know some girls would’ve been like…nO I Don’T neEd yOuR mOnEY,I'm A BiG giRL.”My confusion deepened but I couldn't help but laugh at her impression.“But why reject something you need though?”Lin shrugged. “Pride? Ego? plot development?”“I'll never do that,” I said honestly, shaking my head. “What kind of girls do that?” “The ones in my books and movies,” she deadpanned,then laughed again.“What are you two laughing about?” Paul suddenly asked as
Last Updated : 2025-03-11Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. On further notice
CHAPTER 34 JORDAN “Are you alright?”Maze chuckled but it sounded nothing like her usual ones. “I'm fine..I’m just…nervous about meeting your sister, that's all.”I shot her a look, trying to keep my apprehension hidden.Had I done something wrong?Did she no longer want to stay with me? Did she miss that bloody bastard?I swallowed, slowing down as the taillight of the car in front flashed.She'd been a bit too quiet since after the day I brought Linda and the brother to see her.And although we still kissed and cuddled a lot,we never did anything else and I never initiated anything because I could sense her anxietyIt was in the way she looked at me whenever she thought I wasn't paying attention,the way she held me in her sleep,like she was afraid I'd suddenly disappear when she woke up.It was in the way she had a delayed reaction to everything I said or did.Something was definitely worrying her,and it automatically became a burden to me.“You sure it's
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. Anna's Slip.
CHAPTER 35MAZIKEEN “Okay then.”Jordan's long fingers gripped mine, firmly as he led me towards the main entrance of the academy,his strides confident and purposeful.The urge to scrape my fingers down his back—was almost unbearable—holding his hand wasn't enough and the sight of the dark green knit sweater stretched across his muscled back, wasn't helping matters.God,he looked so good. His hair wonderfully tousled and styled,and he smelled sooo good,a warm,earthy citrusy smell that felt like a soothing caress.I felt the gold band of the ring on his index finger as he squeezed my fingers reassuringly and my gaze fell to the subtle stretch of his jeans,fitted perfectly around his waist.Perhaps I was a vain woman but I really, really liked how Jordan Black looked in his jeans…in all his clothes.‘You like how he looks without them too,’ a tiny voice whispered and I chewed on my bottom lip as images of that first night flashed through my mind,how he felt und
Last Updated : 2025-03-14Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. The Miscommunication Thing
CHAPTER 36JORDAN Maze's quietness bothered me more than any tantrum or vehemence could have.The way she calmly focused on the ceremony until it was all over,but still sparing Anna a genuine smile when she ran over to use with her yellow belt.“No,I'll call a ride.” Was her response when I mentioned driving Anna to my mom's before taking us home,but at least she’d gone back to the penthouse... I'd half expected her to announce that she wasn't going to stay with me anymore.I exhaled deeply as I pulled out the day old cooked rice from the fridge and moved back to the kitchen.It'd been about three hours since I returned and although I could hear Maze moving around the room up the short flight of stairs–could practically smell the lavender musk of her scent—I left her alone.After two hours of work in my study,I'd decided to make some food.I paused mid-pouring the oil into the pan, “Damn,I should've talked to her earlier.”She'd probably think I was being
Last Updated : 2025-03-15Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. Moth to Flame
CHAPTER 37MAZIKEEN “No,not yet.” Jordan answered softly, “but I know he will,we just need to give him time.”I swallowed, glancing down at my almost empty plate and feeling grateful that I'd at least eaten enough before my sudden appetite loss.“You're right,Maze.”I picked up the glass of water and raised it to her mouth, “right about what?”“There's something special about you.”I side eyed him as I drained the glass--and he looked like he was on the edge of a chuckling fit.“Why're you trying to be sweet in the middle of an important conversation?”“I'm not…” he pressed his lips together and exhaled through his nose. “I'm talking about what you told me the other day, about…feeling like you have some sort of energy…inside of you.”“Ohhh,” I nodded. “See how fast the wounds healed? Barely a full week.” I didn't mind scars but I was glad all the injuries had healed with very minimal ones.Jordan nodded,then tilted his head to the side as he studied me silently.
Last Updated : 2025-03-15Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. A Maze
CHAPTER ONE. PROLOGUE. Ten Years before. MAZIKEEN. The smell of blood and sweat hung heavily in the air,and I wanted to die. This thought was ironic because I loved life,or at least I used to until that day;I watched everything fall apart. It felt like I was bleeding from everywhere,every single part of me ached more than I could have ever imagined and I wanted it to stop. Death;that was the only thing that could make it all go away,I wanted that eerie peace I'd always heard about to wash over me and take the pain away…but whenever I reached for that dark void,a sharp whip on my back would snap me back to that dank,dimly lit room. I'd cried and begged so much,my voice had gone coarse. I swayed as another bolt of pain shot through me at the crack of the whip. The men erupted in echoes of laughter when I moaned in pain. “I think we've had enough fun….” One of them said but he was quickly interrupted by another. “Enough fun? C'mon Alaric….we haven't even started.” There wa
Last Updated : 2025-02-05Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. Blank Canvas.
CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER TWO PRESENT.MAZIKEEN. “You're fired.”My brows furrowed as I replayed the simple voice message over and over again until I felt the faint curl of anger deep in my belly.I smoothed a hand down the deep blue pencil skirt I had on as I turned to stare at my reflection in the floor length mirror.I adjusted the tied sash in front of my shirt, deliberately avoiding my eyes which I already knew would be glowing a bright green—a new change I'd for some reason refused to tell Graylin about ;plus the doctor's reassurance that nothing was wrong with my sight,had frightened me even more.This train of thought drew my gaze down to the heavy, square diamond on my finger. He'd gotten it even after I told him I wanted an amethyst.I let out a sigh before pulling up his number and dialing.“Mazekin” he said as soon as he picked up and I sighed again,arranging my words carefully.“I got your message….”“Good! Good,” he cut in sharply. “I don
Last Updated : 2025-02-05
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Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. Moth to Flame
CHAPTER 37MAZIKEEN “No,not yet.” Jordan answered softly, “but I know he will,we just need to give him time.”I swallowed, glancing down at my almost empty plate and feeling grateful that I'd at least eaten enough before my sudden appetite loss.“You're right,Maze.”I picked up the glass of water and raised it to her mouth, “right about what?”“There's something special about you.”I side eyed him as I drained the glass--and he looked like he was on the edge of a chuckling fit.“Why're you trying to be sweet in the middle of an important conversation?”“I'm not…” he pressed his lips together and exhaled through his nose. “I'm talking about what you told me the other day, about…feeling like you have some sort of energy…inside of you.”“Ohhh,” I nodded. “See how fast the wounds healed? Barely a full week.” I didn't mind scars but I was glad all the injuries had healed with very minimal ones.Jordan nodded,then tilted his head to the side as he studied me silently.
Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. The Miscommunication Thing
CHAPTER 36JORDAN Maze's quietness bothered me more than any tantrum or vehemence could have.The way she calmly focused on the ceremony until it was all over,but still sparing Anna a genuine smile when she ran over to use with her yellow belt.“No,I'll call a ride.” Was her response when I mentioned driving Anna to my mom's before taking us home,but at least she’d gone back to the penthouse... I'd half expected her to announce that she wasn't going to stay with me anymore.I exhaled deeply as I pulled out the day old cooked rice from the fridge and moved back to the kitchen.It'd been about three hours since I returned and although I could hear Maze moving around the room up the short flight of stairs–could practically smell the lavender musk of her scent—I left her alone.After two hours of work in my study,I'd decided to make some food.I paused mid-pouring the oil into the pan, “Damn,I should've talked to her earlier.”She'd probably think I was being
Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. Anna's Slip.
CHAPTER 35MAZIKEEN “Okay then.”Jordan's long fingers gripped mine, firmly as he led me towards the main entrance of the academy,his strides confident and purposeful.The urge to scrape my fingers down his back—was almost unbearable—holding his hand wasn't enough and the sight of the dark green knit sweater stretched across his muscled back, wasn't helping matters.God,he looked so good. His hair wonderfully tousled and styled,and he smelled sooo good,a warm,earthy citrusy smell that felt like a soothing caress.I felt the gold band of the ring on his index finger as he squeezed my fingers reassuringly and my gaze fell to the subtle stretch of his jeans,fitted perfectly around his waist.Perhaps I was a vain woman but I really, really liked how Jordan Black looked in his jeans…in all his clothes.‘You like how he looks without them too,’ a tiny voice whispered and I chewed on my bottom lip as images of that first night flashed through my mind,how he felt und
Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. On further notice
CHAPTER 34 JORDAN “Are you alright?”Maze chuckled but it sounded nothing like her usual ones. “I'm fine..I’m just…nervous about meeting your sister, that's all.”I shot her a look, trying to keep my apprehension hidden.Had I done something wrong?Did she no longer want to stay with me? Did she miss that bloody bastard?I swallowed, slowing down as the taillight of the car in front flashed.She'd been a bit too quiet since after the day I brought Linda and the brother to see her.And although we still kissed and cuddled a lot,we never did anything else and I never initiated anything because I could sense her anxietyIt was in the way she looked at me whenever she thought I wasn't paying attention,the way she held me in her sleep,like she was afraid I'd suddenly disappear when she woke up.It was in the way she had a delayed reaction to everything I said or did.Something was definitely worrying her,and it automatically became a burden to me.“You sure it's
Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. The ones who notice
CHAPTER 33.MAZIKEEN “I'm no psychologist,” Lin started, “but I can definitely say that there's absolutely nothing wrong with you for not thinking about your abuser.”I adjusted, “perhaps it's time for me to see a therapist.” “I agree,” Linda muttered,a coy smile spreading over her face. “Mr. Black can definitely afford it.”“I'm sure he can,you know,he even asked to change my whole wardrobe.”“And let me guess,you said no?”I frowned, “Why'd I say no?”Lin chuckled, her eyes glowing with mischief. “You know some girls would’ve been like…nO I Don’T neEd yOuR mOnEY,I'm A BiG giRL.”My confusion deepened but I couldn't help but laugh at her impression.“But why reject something you need though?”Lin shrugged. “Pride? Ego? plot development?”“I'll never do that,” I said honestly, shaking my head. “What kind of girls do that?” “The ones in my books and movies,” she deadpanned,then laughed again.“What are you two laughing about?” Paul suddenly asked as
Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. A necessary Swing-by
CHAPTER 32MAZIKEEN. I stayed home the next day too, lounging comfortably on Jordan's expensively furnished balcony.The soft ,L-shaped cushion was fast becoming one of my many favourite things about his penthouse,with its tufted backrest and light brown colour.I stretched lazily, ignoring the dull pain spreading through my still sore back,as I reached forward and picked up the bowl of diced fruits from the chrome coffee table, inhaling deeply and letting the peace settle deeply within me.There was a nagging feeling that I'd forgotten to do something like I intended,but I couldn't quite figure it out until my phone rang.I'd meant to check the time.A smile stretched over my face as I picked up the phone and saw who it was.“Lin!”“Maze!” She shrieked in response, her excitement palpable. “We're here!”I let out a confused giggle as I dropped the fruit bowl and adjusted one flap of my—well Jordan's robe,as I stood up.“What do you mean?”I heard the d
Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. Warm Contentment.
CHAPTER 31JORDAN “Graylin texted me.”My hands trembled with rage as I sieved the flour into the bowl.“Yeah? What did he say?”Maze shrugged, wiping off the counter before turning to face me.“He said he's sorry for hurting me,and that he has broken things off with Savannah and wants me to come back to him.”I swallowed painfully. “He was at the office earlier,I beat him up.”I don't know what I was expecting,but Maze's grin threw me off guard. “Good.”I smirked,pride rushing through me.“Why do you still have those clothes on?”Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “What? you'd prefer me without any?”My cheeks burned,which was a first…no woman had ever flustered me before.“I meant,why aren't you wearing any of the clothes you got today? They did arrive, didn't they?”She nodded, moving towards me at the large marble top table in the middle of the kitchen.“Your clothes are much freer which... is exactly what I need for my back,and…I love the way they
Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. Hair's breadth.
CHAPTER 30JORDAN “Sir?”I paused typing as I looked up at my assistant–Francis–an eyebrow raised in silent question.“There's some w...”“Let him in.”He hesitated, then shook his head. “It's a lady,and she says she's your fiancée.”“Tell her I'm not in,” I gritted out through and he nodded before exiting.Two minutes later,I sighed with frustration as the noise of the ruckus from the hallway reached me.I stood up and walked out,just as Arya burst into the office, followed hotly by a flustered Francis.“Enough.”They both instantly stopped moving, and Arya burst into tears as her blue eyes flicked to mine.I motioned for Francis to leave and the other man wasted no time in doing so.“What do you want?”Arya sniffed,but my expression remained the same. I'd tried to love her,or like her…but no matter what I did, I'd never felt a single spark of attraction towards her,not even an atom of what I felt from the first day I saw Maze.“Why do you keep avoiding me?”I
Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies. Her True View
CHAPTER 29 JORDAN Maze was still curled up on her side when I emerged from the bathroom. And a soft smile spread over my face as my gaze lingered on her sleeping form for a moment, before I headed into the walk-in closet to get ready.I was still in awe of the events of the early morning,her willingness,her ecstasy…. I'd definitely be thinking about everything at the office…I don't even know how I managed to shave my face without any cuts as flashes of her face,her sounds,the feel of her warm,wet walls gripping me,kept recurring.I was knotting my tie when I walked out and stopped dead as I found the bed empty.Rushing towards the bathroom,I sighed with relief as I heard the tap turn on.Then I felt a bit stupid for my reaction,like where exactly would she go without proper clothing? The balcony?I leaned closer,and although I heard the sound of someone brushing their teeth,I still knocked.“Maze?”Silence.I slowly pushed the door open and nearly fell to my
