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Chapter 23 - Echoes of Unspoken Fears
Last Updated:
2023-08-18 04:58:54
Clara J. StariGuys do leave a review, like and follow, please... Thank you
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Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 24 - Alliance of Vengeance
“You’re very quiet, hope you are not mad?” Lucian asked, attempting to initiate a conversation. “Is there a reason for me to be?” she replied with a question. “Well … I suppose,” he responded. I stared at him for a few minutes before speaking again. “Why do you suppose so?” I questioned without looking at him. Lucian remained quiet, undoubtedly searching for the perfect excuse, but that didn’t matter anymore. The cat was already out of the bag; there was no need to act all high and mighty. “Look, Mr. Creed, you …” “My apologies,” he blurted out, cutting me off. “What?” He sighed loudly, “Look, I know you wanted to keep that part of your life a secret. I mean IED is not something you share with others.” “And yet, you knew about it. Not just you, but the entire household,” I spat out. “I guess you really did dig up a lot about me.” “Not that much, and on the contrary, it’s just the four of us,” he replied. “I take it the ‘four of us’ means Josie the maid is included?” “Yes,
Last Updated : 2023-08-20Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 25 - The Intricate Dance of Strategy
In the dimly lit room, the weight of our collaboration hung in the air like a delicate dance of shadows. Lucian Creed's attention had been ensnared, and now I found myself entwined in a plan of uncertain outcomes. His intentions mirrored mine – a calculated symbiosis, a dangerous alliance shrouded in intrigue. As the firelight flickered, our pact unfolded, revealing a path fraught with risk and possibility. "It's ironic," I began, "how the aroma of raw hard cash is the only scent potent enough to lure Nicholas Dolman from his hole." Lucian's response was swift, his tone measured. "Not unlike my own theory," he mused. "But it different," I countered, eyes locking with his. "For this plan to succeed, it demands both our co-operations. My father likely believes I've been bartered away or enslaved. Little does he know, I'm poised to live as a true Creed wife – relishing opulence, wielding influence?" "Very well," he responded, a quizzical eyebrow arcing upward as his curiosity was und
Last Updated : 2023-08-22Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 26 - Veil of Emotions
Lucian found himself standing at the entrance of the lounge, lost in the labyrinth of his thoughts. His gaze was fixed on Jake, yet his mind seemed to be wandering in some distant realm, disconnected from the present moment. It was as if he was looking right through Jake, his vision clouded by the fog of contemplation. Breaking through the boundaries of Lucian's mind, Jake's voice cut through the mental haze. With a playful wave of his hand, he beckoned Lucian back to reality. "Earth to Lucian," he called out, a grin playing on his lips as he tried to bridge the gap between their worlds. Startled, Lucian blinked and refocused his attention on Jake. His brow furrowed slightly as he tried to grasp the transition from his inner musings to the external scene before him. "What?" Lucian responded, his voice a tad dazed as he shook off the remnants of his daydream. "What are you doing?" he inquired, a genuine curiosity lacing his words as he sought to reconnect with the present conversatio
Last Updated : 2023-08-24Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 27 - Secrets That Bind
Just as Jake had advised, Lucian was spending enough time with Mira.They talked about the plan to bring Nick down, stretching it further. Along the line, they ended up talking about each other and their separate families. At first, he didn’t think the information was necessary, but as time went on, he soon found out that he had no choice in the matter. Answers to her questions just kept coming out of his mouth naturally, as if it was always meant to be. All of a sudden, the idea to be close with her no longer disgust him. “So, you’re okay with doing it my way?” I asked him.“Well, compared to the brutal plan I had, yours seemed better,” he replied.“Brutal?”"Yes, but I just realized now that killing him would be a waste. It's better to make him suffer first, and then make him suffer more, even when he begs for it," he ended. "And if possible, I would love to kill him even more in death."“That sounds comforting,” I responded to him with a laugh.“I’m glad you liked it because I sur
Last Updated : 2023-08-26Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 28 – A Tangle of Plans and White Gowns
Just like Lucian said the next morning, Josie and the other maids came knocking on my door. At first, I decided to ignore whoever was behind the door. It was too early, and I was too exhausted to move. Last night was way too super freaky for me to be moving up and down. The thought of going berserk again was eating at my consciousness. But even when I decided not to move, it didn't stop whoever was at the door from knocking. Irritated, I hurried and opened the door. "Just what the heck do you want?" I demanded, staring right at Josie and ignoring the other two. "Good morning, Ma'am," Josie greeted with a smile, ignoring my annoyed expression. Sighing, I snapped, "Just tell me what you want. I don't have time to play housewife." "Oh, we are sorry for disturbing your slumber," she suddenly apologized, glancing at the other two knuckleheads who were obviously yawning disgustingly, evidence that they too got out of bed too early. But I couldn’t care less. "Josie," I called with no hin
Last Updated : 2023-08-29Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 29 - Glimpses of Bride hood
Sighing, I can't believe I'm hoping for a better gown when I should be calling this whole thing stupid. Ignoring their sudden outburst, I sat down and faced the big light mirror, staring at my reflection as the maids got busy with my hair and make-up. Seriously, God is amazing... how in heaven did he create human beings, especially girls? I questioned. For the past weeks, I looked like someone who just got out of a mental hospital, which, by the way, is the truth. I even tried to apply a little makeup to my face just in case Lucian came into my room, but right now, staring at my own reflection, I look like a goddess, just after a few brush strokes. "Damn, I look good," I whispered, and Josie smiled. "Yes, Ma'am! You're beautiful, and you should keep looking like this…" she said and added, "I mean no offense with that... It's just since you married Mr. Creed, I haven't seen you going out shopping or even dressing fancy like... you know." With raised eyebrows, I replied from the mi
Last Updated : 2023-08-31Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 30 – The Captivating Charade
As Mira commenced her descent, Jake's gaze was captivated by her. He couldn't help but experience a sudden jolt of surprise at her transformation. Despite her sometimes unpredictable nature, there was an undeniable allure to her as she moved gracefully down the stairs. Absolutely, I'd be delighted to add a touch of comedic flair to the interaction: He approached Lucian, his voice laced with a hint of genuine appreciation, and greeted, "Hey!" Lucian's response was a nonchalant, "What?" "Ah, I see we're not exactly embracing the 'happily ever after' spirit today," Jake quipped, a playful glint in his eyes. Rolling his eyes, Lucian clarified, "Jake, it's not a wedding. Just a photo shoots." "Well, my dear Lucian, semantics aside, you've managed to snag a bride-to-be who is, I must say, absolutely breath-taking," Jake remarked, his gaze trailing in the direction of Lucian's fixed attention—the cameraman. Lucian's brow furrowed in bewilderment. “Seriously, what are you talking abou
Last Updated : 2023-09-01Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 31 – Honeymoon Conundrum
In his embrace, my thoughts were in utter disarray. The soft press of his lips against mine lingered, the kiss stretching out into a suspended moment that felt both exhilarating and bewildering. Was it lasting longer than it was intended to? Perhaps he, too, was caught up in the intensity of the moment, or at least that's what I believed—until the photographer's voice sliced through the atmosphere. "All done," the photographer's announcement severed the spell, and Lucian swiftly pulled back from me. The abruptness of his movement was almost startling, as if the kiss had been a figment of my imagination, dissipating into thin air the instant reality pushed back in. As my gaze remained fixed upon him, there was an absence of any visible emotional or physical impact from the kiss. No tell-tale sign that the shared moment had stirred anything within him. A sigh slipped inward, a mix of resignation and a pang of disappointment. "It was all an act after all," I whispered under my breath,
Last Updated : 2023-09-02
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Contracted: Love In The Shadow NON-CONTRACTED (Coming soon)
************************************NON-CONTRACTED"My heart... I can't take it. I'm crying right now," Nora whispered, her eyes misty with tears, as she watched Mira and Lucian share their vows."What would it take for her to find happiness such as this?" she murmured to herself, her gaze drifting to the man sitting beside her. In that moment, as if he sensed her shift of attention, Noah met Nora's gaze. Their eyes locked for a split second, a silent understanding passing between them.Suddenly, a bouquet fell into Nora's hands, and she gasped, shocked and stunned. Her eyes widened as she peeled her gaze away from Noah and looked at the flowers in her hands. "What is this?" she asked, her voice filled with surprise, staring at Mira, who beamed knowingly at her."It looks like it's going to be your turn soon," the man beside her said, his voice calm and casual.Nora turned almost immediately to him, her heart racing with a mix of emotions. But his focus was already on the newlywed co
Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 83 - (The Final) Mine At Last
A day before the wedding in New York, When the steady chattering of the presentation in the meeting felt like a relentless hammering inside Lucian's head, he knew it was time to escape back to his woman. Collecting his leather briefcase, he made his way toward the exit. However, Ken stopped him before he was halfway there. “You're not leaving,” he declared loudly enough to be heard over the incessant chatter. “You said I had to stay until the end,” he reminded Lucian. Lucian's patience was wearing thin. He sighed, his annoyance clear. “I take it back,” he replied, wanting nothing more than to be with the love of his life. Ken couldn't help but grin mischievously. “Feeling a little too full for this sort of thing?” he teased. Ken's expression turned knowing, his intuition telling him that becoming a father had indeed changed everything about Lucian. And he was right. “You can head back home now,” Lucian told him firmly. “I need to see my wife.” “Your soon-to-be wife, you mean?”
Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 82 - Love's Redemption
I didn’t know whether to be happy or sad. What did he mean by he was'scared?’ Of what? Me …“What do you mean?” I'd ask him“Do you know how scared I was every time I watched you torn by the emotions of your families? I sometimes wished I could kill them all.” He spat out, “I heard from Leo just how close you were with your father before he betrayed you and watching him get killed; such emotion could put you on edge again, and when your mother’s illness came up... I just couldn’t pour all that on you.” He shook his head, “It’s already bad that you are unstable and pregnant. I didn’t want anything to shake you. That’s why I treated her in secret. My plan was when she regained herself, I’ll bring her to you… But I didn’t know it would get out of hand." he said with his head between his legs, “I’m sorry for yelling at your like that,” he added. “The look of hatred and anger I saw in your eyes earlier was just too much.”I never expected to hear him come clean. Taking a deep breath, she s
Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 81 - Shattered Truth
Six months later ~~~~~~Lucian woke up restless after a bad night’s sleep. He couldn’t stop thinking about Mrs. Dolman’s situation and how he was going to break the news to Mira without her flipping out. Glancing at the time, he realized it was past noon, and Mira was already up.He sighed deeply. Since she made up with her sister and uncle, she has been spending a lot of time with them. While he was genuinely happy for her, he couldn’t deny the fact that he missed her presence terribly.“Why are they still here?” he questioned aloud, his frustration evident in his tone. He stood up, feeling a growing sense of regret for ever allowing them to stay behind. The situation was taking a toll on his relationship with Mira, and he was finding it increasingly difficult to go around that.***I sighed, lost in my thoughts, absentmindedly rubbing my round belly. I do look like a pregnant woman now. I wished my mother was he
Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 80 - Unspoken Bonds
When Lucan arrived home, he was met by Leo and Lora, who were sitting and waiting for him,The moment Leo saw him, he stood up. "Ah, good morning, Mr Creed, Were you not at home?" he asked.Lucian lifted his head above the many bags on the ground. "No... Good morning," he replied with a forced smile. "Are you going somewhere?" he asked.Leo smiled. "Yeah, well, I thought it was best to leave now...""Before we get chased out," Lora interjected, ignoring Leo’s glaring gaze."Please ignore that," Leo quickly said, with a nervous smile. “Oh, I did," Lucian replied, unfazed by the situation."Great," Leo said, smiling nervously. The man's presence was a little too overwhelming for him. "Anyway, we came for the party, and now that it's over, it’s best we leave. But I wanted to at least say my goodbyes first." He said with a smile, but Lucian wasn’t returning it. "I would have loved to speak with Mira, but... We'll just call once we’re gone," he added, his tone slightly apologetic.Lucian
Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 79 - Controlled
The moment Lucian stepped into the station, he was obstructed by one of the corrupted officers, a bald man who pretended not to know him,"Can I help you, sir?" The bald officer asked rudely, his tone laced with false politeness."Hmm. This is my boss, Lucian Creed," Ken replied instead, his voice firm. "I told you about him.""No, you didn't," the officer replied defiantly, a blatant lie hanging in the air."Huh!" Ken stared at him, his confusion evident. "I remember telling you about him, and even the papers I gave...""Sorry, man! I don't remember you mentioning anything like that," the officer lied again, his eyes avoiding direct contact."How---""That's enough," Lucian sighed, masking his frustration with a forced smile aimed at the officer. "I'd like to speak with the commander-in-chief," he requested calmly, even though he had the clearance to enter without such formalities."Is that right?" another officer interjected, appearing out of nowhere. "Do you have an appointment?" h
Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 78 - You all I need
Lucian carried me straight to the bedroom the instant he entered the door of the penthouse, ignoring everyone else. The beast of a man yanks the whole thing down without waiting for me to take off my clothes.He despised the thought of me wearing Amelia's present and then smirked at my lovely body."Ha-ah," I chuckled at his enthusiasm to strip me naked. "You won't even wait for me to clean myself?" I inquired, teasing him with my gaze. "I need a bath," I explained."Well... bathing is overrated," Lucian grumbled, "but it doesn't matter because I love your scent." He responded by carrying me to the bed.I laughed as his hand travelled all over my body before coming to a halt on my tummy.Ah! Lucian sighed, God he was so happy. Who would have thought a day will come that he too would have a child, from this stubborn woman, no less? Never in his wildest dream did he think they would even end up together… Not after all the chaos."If you continue to gaze at my stomach like that, I have a
Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 77 - I love you
Lucian stood outside the room, his hand trembling on the doorknob. He couldn't bring himself to open the door, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him like a ton of bricks. He stared at the room number, trying to find the strength to face whatever lay inside.After what felt like an eternity, he mustered the courage to push the door open, the hinges creaking softly. Mira's voice reached his ears, muffled by the walls but unmistakably filled with pain. She was crying. Lucian's heart clenched in his chest, but he remained frozen in place, listening to her words.His world shattered when he heard her confess, her voice heavy with emotion, "I love Noah and would do anything to be together with him again."His breath caught in his throat. God, he truly did love her. But in that moment, he felt like a spectator in his own life, watching his heart being torn apart. Maybe they were never meant to be. Perhaps his purpose was to guard her, even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness.
Contracted: Love In The Shadow Chapter 76 – Unexpected Revelations
Nora observed me, her eyes fixed on my trembling hand as it gently pressed against my stomach. She then shifted her gaze back to me, concern and disbelief etched on her face. "You're not seriously saying—" "Oh, for heaven's sake," Nora snapped, her voice laced with impatience. "You don't know that you're pregnant?" She let out a heavy sigh, her tone softening slightly. "I may not like admitting it, but I've been married and had kids. I can tell when a woman is carrying a child. Just look at your cheeks and breasts. How could you not know?" She pointed out that her concern was deepening. "No... that must be..." I began, but my words trailed off into uncertainty. Suddenly, the van came to a sudden halt, cutting me off mid-sentence. The back door swung open, revealing the bustling facade of the hospital. "We're here," Nora stated sharply, her frustration clear. The medical team swiftly moved, pulling Noah's trolley out of the van and rolling him into the hospital, leaving me standing
