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CHAPTER 50 - ELENA
Huling Na-update:
2025-04-04 06:38:34
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CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 51 - ELENA
I got into the car.Not because I wanted to. Not because I was scared. But because I needed to.For Noah.If I didn’t, my father would make things worse for him. And I couldn't—wouldn’t—let that happen.The second the door shut behind me, the silence swallowed me whole.The interior of the car smelled like leather and my father’s signature cologne—crisp, expensive, and suffocating. I hated it.I could feel his presence beside me, cold and heavy like a storm rolling in. He didn’t say anything. Neither did I.The driver pulled onto the road, the hum of the engine the only sound.I stared out the window, my fingers clenching the fabric of my skirt. I didn’t look at my father.I refused to.I could still see Noah in my mind—his bruised face, the flicker of something devastating in his eyes when I left.Would he wait there? Would he go home? Would he be okay?I almost reached for my phone. Almost.But then my father shifted beside me, and I felt his eyes land on me.The air in the car got
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-04CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 52 - NOAH
The cracked mirror stared back at me like it was laughing. I looked awful. A dark bruise was spreading over my cheek, thanks to Razor’s punch. My lip was dry and cracked, stained with dried blood. My knuckles were sore, still aching from the fight. But honestly, the pain in my chest hurt more than anything else.It wasn’t just about the bruises. It was everything else.The silence after the fight. The way the world just kept turning like nothing had happened. And most of all, the way Elena had looked at me. Like she wanted to help. Like she cared.But then I remembered.She was getting married.To him.In one month.The bathroom light above me flickered and buzzed, making everything feel worse. I turned on the faucet, and warm water ran out. Slowly, I dipped an old towel into it—it used to belong to Dad—and gently pressed it against my cheek. I winced. It burned.I looked back at the mirror and sighed. I looked like a total mess. A guy like me wasn’t meant to be in a girl like Elena’s
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-05CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 53 - NOAH
The room felt too small, the air thick with the weight of everything unsaid. Martha didn’t push me, but I could feel her concern in the way she sat beside me, close enough to comfort but far enough to let me make my own decisions.I stood up slowly, the weight of my thoughts pulling at me, but I was resolute. I needed to do this. For myself. For Elena.Martha watched me quietly, her eyes soft but filled with understanding. “Do you really think this will help?”I wasn’t sure. But something inside me told me that seeing her, hearing her voice one last time, would give me the closure I needed. It might hurt like hell, but it would be the only way to truly let go.“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice rough. “But I have to try.”Martha nodded and stood up, giving me a gentle squeeze on the shoulder. “Then I’ll be here, okay? Just... don’t make any decisions you might regret later.”I let out a shaky breath, trying to gather myself. “I won’t. I just need to see her. To hear her say it. So I
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-05CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 54 - ELENA
The next day arrived, and with it came the dreaded dress fitting. My mother was practically bouncing with excitement, her eyes sparkling like she was planning the most magical event of the century. Tiffany, my friend, was just as enthusiastic, her chatter filling the air as we stepped into the bridal boutique. The place was massive, with high ceilings and mirrors that seemed to go on forever. Gowns sparkled on the racks, like something out of a fairy tale.Tiffany, of course, was all smiles, practically skipping around as she touched every gown she could reach. But me? I felt like I was carrying a weight on my shoulders. The smile I forced onto my face felt like it might crack at any second. Inside, I was miles away, my thoughts a tangled mess I couldn’t untangle. Every step I took felt like I was wading through mud, and nothing seemed to fit right. The gowns, so beautiful and elegant, seemed like they belonged to someone else’s life, not mine.As we entered the fitting room, Tiffa
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-05CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 55 - ELENA
After the emotional moment with Tiffany, I felt a brief flicker of relief, like a weight had been lifted, but it didn’t last long.The moment we left the fitting room, my mother immediately took charge, her focus back on the task at hand. She wasn’t one to dwell on emotions, not when there was a wedding to plan.“Now, let’s see that gown, darling!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. The seamstress, who had been quietly waiting for her orders, was quick to approach my mother, her eyes wide with anticipation.As we moved to the next room, I could feel the tension build in my chest again. The air was thick with the scent of fresh fabric and the hum of busy voices.My mother, like always, was in control. She handed the gown to the seamstress, giving instructions in a tone that was equal parts firm and elegant, as though she were commanding the room.“I want it to be perfect,” she insisted, her eyes gleaming with that familiar determination. “It has to be the one. This is
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-05CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 56 - ELENA
Noah’s voice came out soft, almost a whisper, but it hit me like thunder.“The Book Nook... that café near the General Library. Do you remember?”“Yes,” I said slowly, my voice barely making it past my lips.“Tomorrow. Noon,” he said. His voice shook a little, and somehow, it made my chest tighten. “Please, Elena.”Before I could say another word, the line went dead.I stood there frozen, still holding the phone to my ear, even though all I could hear was silence. The street around me felt distant, like I was watching the world from the other side of a glass wall. My hand trembled as I lowered the phone, cold metal against my warm skin.“Elena, darling? Are you alright?” My mother’s voice snapped me out of it.Her hand, soft and cold from too many rings, landed gently on my arm. I turned to see her carefully lined eyes studying me. Next to her, Tiffany was staring too, lips pursed, eyes sharp.“I’m fine, Mother,” I lied, forcing a smile I didn’t feel. It stretched across my face too t
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-06CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 57 - ELENA
I didn’t stop running until I reached the corner of the street where the noise of the city felt loud enough to drown out my thoughts. I leaned against a wall, gasping for air, my chest heaving, heart still racing—not from the run, but from him.Noah.His voice wouldn’t leave my head.His touch still lingered on my skin.And the worst part? I didn’t want to forget.I slid down the wall, my back against the cool bricks, hugging my knees as the tears came fast and hard. I didn’t even care if people walked by and stared. Let them stare. Let them wonder what broke the girl in the pretty dress.Because I was broken. And the worst part? I’d done it to myself.My phone buzzed in my bag. I didn’t want to check it, but something told me it was him.Noah: I’m sorry if I pushed too hard. I just… I had to tell you. I had to try.I stared at the screen, my thumb hovering. What was I supposed to say? That his words shattered every lie I’d been telling myself? That I was barely holding it together?I
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-06CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 58 - ELENA
The final exam ended on a quiet Thursday afternoon.Everyone burst out of the hall like waves crashing onto shore—laughing, shouting, and hugging each other like they’d just won the lottery.It should’ve felt like freedom.But all I felt was… empty.I stepped into the sunlight, blinking against the brightness. The world looked too cheerful for how heavy my heart felt.Cameron found me before I could even take a breath.“There she is!” he grinned, sliding his arm around my shoulder. “It’s over, babe. You did great. I can feel it.”I tried to smile. “Thanks.”“Let’s celebrate tonight, yeah?” he asked. “No more exams, no more stress. Just you and me. Steak or sushi?”“Sushi’s fine,” I replied quietly.I wasn’t hungry. I wasn’t excited. I wasn’t anything.Cameron kissed my temple. “That’s my girl.”I nodded, but my mind was already far away. I was barely listening. All I could feel was this strange ache in my chest, like something was missing—like something had been missing for weeks.The
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-07
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CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 72 - ELENA
I couldn’t sleep.I tossed and turned in Noah’s small bed, my thoughts tangled like the bedsheets. Martha’s words kept echoing in my head, over and over again.He never gets any good things.If you break his heart... I’ll make your life hell.The room was dark, the only light coming from the streetlamp outside the window. The soft hum of the fridge and the occasional creak from the living room were the only sounds.I couldn’t take it anymore.I slid out from under the blanket and tiptoed to the door. My fingers hesitated on the knob. Then I opened it quietly and padded down the short hallway.Noah was curled up on the couch, a thin throw blanket over him. One arm was tucked under his head, his other hand resting on his chest. He looked peaceful… but tired. Like someone who had been carrying the weight of the world alone for too long.I stood there for a moment, just watching him. Then I whispered, “Noah?”His eyes opened instantly. He blinked up at me, then sat up slowly. “Hey… what’s
CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 71 - ELENA
The bus hissed loudly as it stopped, snapping me out of the soft comfort I had fallen into.“We’re here,” Noah said gently, brushing a hand over my arm. His voice was low and calm.I blinked, looking around. We weren’t near his house yet. Just a quiet bus station with flickering lights and a few tired people dragging suitcases.“This isn’t your place,” I said, confused.“Nope. I moved out of Blackwood, Elena. We’ll take a taxi from here,” he explained. “It’s about fifteen minutes to Hazel Town.”Hazel Town. I’d never heard of it before. I nodded, clutching my bag tightly. I still couldn’t believe I was doing this—running away from my old life, sitting beside a boy I barely knew a few months ago.But with him, everything felt okay.We walked toward the line of yellow taxis parked outside the station. Noah opened the back door of one and helped me in before sliding in beside me.“Where to?” the driver asked.“Hazel Town. Baker’s Row, right above Crescent Bakery.”The ride was quiet. I l
CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 70 - ELENA
The taxi smelled like old cigarettes and one of those cheap pine-scented air fresheners. Not exactly pleasant, but still way better than the heavy perfume of lilies and fake smiles I’d left behind.Noah and I sat close in the back seat. Our hands were tightly locked together, like we were holding on for dear life. I could still feel the tightness of my corset digging into my ribs, even though I had loosened it earlier.My father’s stunned face kept flashing in my mind. His silence. His shock. I wondered what my mother would say. What about Julian? Would he defend me or stay quiet?And Tiffany… she was going to get a lot of heat because of this. I still didn’t know how she got Noah’s number, but I was grateful. Without her call, I wouldn’t be sitting here now, with the boy I’d chosen. The boy who had always made me feel like I was enough.I let out a breath and looked at Noah. He hadn’t said much since we got into the car. His jaw was tight, and he looked serious, focused. But when I s
CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 69 - ELENA
The lace of my wedding dress clung to my skin like it was trying to hold me back. Every stitch, every shiny bead—it all felt like a trap. Like I was being sewn into a life I didn’t choose.Noah’s hand found mine. Warm. Steady. Real.He didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to.His touch was a promise. I wasn’t alone.We moved fast, slipping away from the lights, the noise, and the fake smiles. No more congratulations. No more champagne toasts. Just us. And freedom.A taxi waited just outside the venue gates, headlights dim under the sky. The cool air hit my face, sharp and honest. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. This was it. This was happening. We were running.And then I heard it."Elena!"My body froze.That voice… It hit harder than I expected. Deep. Loud. Controlling. My father.He always sounded like a man who expected to be obeyed. Even now, even here, outside the hall and under the stars.I stopped for just half a second. Long enough to feel the pull of fear,
CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 68 - NOAH
The cardboard box gave a small groan as I dropped it by the wall."Easy with that," Martha said behind me, raising a brow. "My charger’s in there."I turned to look at her, grinning. "What would we ever do if your phone died?"“World ends,” she replied, smirking.Marcus was on the floor across the room, setting up the tiny Wi-Fi box with serious focus. “We better get signal here,” he muttered. “Hazel Town looks like it barely has electricity.”I chuckled and looked around. Our new apartment was small—just two bedrooms, thin walls, and barely any furniture—but it was clean. And quiet. And ours.The smell of warm bread from the bakery downstairs floated through the open window. I had no idea how we landed an apartment right above heaven, but I wasn’t complaining.“It’s not Blackwood,” I said, dusting off my jeans, “but it’s home.”Martha looked around and gave a small nod. “It’s not bad.”“No screaming neighbors,” Marcus added.“No one is asking if we paid the rent yet,” I said.We all
CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 67 - ELENA
The door clicked shut behind Julian, and silence filled the room again. It wasn’t peaceful—it felt heavy, like he’d left behind all the pressure I was trying to ignore. I let out a slow breath, hoping it would calm me. It didn’t. The knot in my chest stayed right where it was.Then, just as the quiet started to eat away at me, the door burst open. Tiffany, Chloe, and Sabrina rushed in like a whirlwind of perfume, heels, and squeals. My bridesmaids.Tiffany came straight to me. No fake smiles, no silly excitement. She just wrapped her arms around me in a warm, tight hug. And in that moment, she felt like the only real person in the room.“You okay?” She whispered into my hair, her voice soft and steady.I nodded against her shoulder. “As okay as I can be.”She didn’t push. She just squeezed me tighter. Tiffany knew about Noah. She knew this wedding wasn’t something I wanted—it was something I had to do.Meanwhile, Chloe and Sabrina were already at the mirror, fussing over themselves.“
CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 65 - ELENA
The bridal suite buzzed with energy, but I felt completely detached from it all. People were moving around, their hands busy with brushes and pins, but it felt like they were working on someone else.I barely registered the soft lighting reflecting off the mirrors, the sweet scent of lilies and roses filling the room. Normally, the smell would have been comforting, but today it only seemed to make everything feel heavier.Giselle, the makeup artist, was in charge of my face. She worked with practiced precision, layering foundation and blending until my skin looked smooth and perfect, like porcelain.Marco, the stylist, fussed with my hair, pulling it into an elaborate updo, tiny pearls tucked carefully throughout. I watched them both, feeling more like an observer than a participant in the transformation happening to me.Numb. That was the only way to describe how I felt. A deep, suffocating numbness wrapped around me, keeping the fear and sadness at bay. It was like my emotions were
CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 65 - ELENA
My phone buzzed in my hand again. Another message from Mother. Probably about the luncheon with Cameron’s aunt.I didn’t even look at it.Just thinking about Cameron made my chest tighten. That life—polished, perfect, planned—felt like a heavy weight crushing me from the inside.I couldn’t breathe.The knot in my stomach twisted tighter, becoming a dull, constant pain. Each breath felt sharp, like I was dragging glass into my lungs. Marry Cameron.The words spun in my head over and over, louder each time, like someone was screaming them inside me.Marry Cameron. Marry him.No. I couldn’t. I didn’t want this.My hands shook as I unlocked my phone. It took me three tries. My fingers were ice, my face burning hot, like my body didn’t know how to react.I scrolled to Tiffany’s name. My thumb hovered over the call button.Please pick up. Please be home.I pressed the button. The phone rang. Once. Twice. Three times.“Hello?” Her voice finally came through—light, sweet, and familiar.I let
CRUEL OBSESSION CHAPTER 64 - ELENA
The phone felt so heavy in my hand, like it didn’t want me to call him. I stared at Noah’s name on the screen, my finger hovering over it. My heart was beating too fast, my chest too tight.But I had to do this.I took a deep breath and pressed the call button.It rang once. Twice. Then—“Elena?” His voice was soft but tired.I closed my eyes. Just hearing him say my name made my throat ache. “Hey,” I said. My voice didn’t even sound like mine. It was small. Weak.He didn’t say anything right away. The silence made me even more nervous.“I wasn’t expecting to hear from you,” he finally said. There was something in his tone. Distance. Maybe even pain.“I know,” I whispered. “I just... I needed to call.”“Why?”I looked down at the floor. My fingers gripped the edge of the couch. “I need closure.”That word felt so silly compared to how I really felt. Like I was trying to clean up a mess with one small sentence.Noah was quiet again.Then he sighed. “Elena, I don’t know... I’m just tire
