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chapter 20
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2024-12-05 01:42:35
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ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 21
"Haven!" Alexis exclaimed, half-laughing, half-protesting. "Put me down, you caveman!""As you wish," Haven replied, unceremoniously dropping her onto the bed. Alexis bounced on the mattress, her red hair fanning out around her like a fiery halo.Alexis sat up in bed, beside her was an empty space. Haven had already left for work. Even though their relationship wasn’t born out of romantic love, it was at least solid. Even though there were moments Alexis had doubts.Pushing off the negative thoughts, Alexis headed to the loo and carried out her morning ritual, feeling both anxious and eager for the day. As she adjusted her pencil skirt and white top, she spoke to herself in the mirror. "Alexis, you can handle this; there are just some job interviews left. No pressure.”As I walked towards the towering office building, She was trembling and needed a moment to regain. Herself before going into the building and approaching the receptionist."Despite being nervous, Alexis said, "Good morn
Last Updated : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 22
"Hey, Alexis!" Cecile 's cheerful voice came through the speaker. "How did the job hunt go?"With a sigh, Alexis headed up the stairs to the house. "To be honest, not very good. Two rejections out of two interviews.I feel like I'm doing something wrong, but I'm not sure what. It's getting tiring and I feel like I can't accomplish anything flawlessly anymore." "Oh, sweetie," Cecile said with a sympathetic tone in her voice. "I'm devastated to learn about it. Recall that today is only a single day. Any organisation would be fortunate to have you because you are intelligent and skilled.Maybe these just weren't the right fit, keep trying, you would definitely find that missing piece of the puzzle employment."Alexis smiled despite herself. "Thanks, Cecile . I know you're right, it's just I really wanted to find something to keep myself busy, you know? To have a purpose outside of this arranged marriage."Speaking of arranged marriages. How are things with Haven, by the way?” On the oppos
Last Updated : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 23
Cassandra followed Haven to his office. She tried to arrange the papers on his desk. The scent of her perfume shifted towards Haven making him a little bit uncomfortable. He kept readjusting his seat, trying to distract his mind which was already fixed on Cassandra at that moment."Is there anything else you need, Mr. Haven?" Cassandra asked, her voice low and sounding like someone on a mission.Haven cleared his throat. "No, that will be all for now, thank you."Cassandra didn't move. Instead, she perched on the edge of his desk, crossing her legs deliberately. "Are you sure? I'd be happy to stay late and help you relax." Her fingers trailed along the edge of his desk, inching closer to his hand.Haven's discomfort grew. He valued Cassandra as an employee, but her recent behavior had become increasingly inappropriate. "Cassandra," he said firmly, "I appreciate your offer, but it's unnecessary. Please, go home and enjoy your evening."As she turned to leave the office, she intentional
Last Updated : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 24
"No, of course not," Haven said, frustration creeping into his voice. "She's been flirting with me, yes. But I've never encouraged it, I’ve always stopped her. I swear."Alexis laughed bitterly. "Oh, you've never encouraged it? Is that why she was sitting on your desk, Haven?"Haven's shoulders slumped. "I... I don't know what to say, Alexis. I've been under a lot of pressure at work, and things have been difficult between us lately. But I swear, I've never cheated on you."Alexis's eyes filled with tears. "Maybe not physically, Haven. But emotionally? It seems like you checked out of our marriage a long time ago."He tried reaching out to her after her words hit differently as they felt like a physical blow on his skin. But Alexis resisted, shaking her head in disagreement."Don't," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't... I can't do this right now. I need some time to think."Sweetheart, please," he said softly. "Let me explain what happened."Alexis whirled to face h
Last Updated : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 25
Frowning, Haven turned to Cassandra. "Have you seen Alexis? I need to find my wife.”She nodded. "I saw her heading towards the elevators a few minutes ago, sir. She seemed to be in a hurry."Haven knew Alexis won’t just come into the office if not she had a good and solid reason. The fact that she came to look for him because he was late at work was a testament of how solid their relationship was, which was about to go into ruins because of a moment of weakness.Haven ran towards the elevators, his mind focused to set things right. While he waited for one to arrive, he quickly tried to recompose and rehearse what he would say to Alexis. At this point he couldn't just go and meet her unprepared. How will he begin? How could he still savage the relationship? How could he explain his actions?The elevator dinged and the door slowly opened. To his surprise, here was Alexis, looking dejected. Their eyes met and time froze with no one saying anything to each other."Alexis," Haven said, st
Last Updated : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 26
"You're right," she said, her voice cold. "We don't have that kind of relationship. Which is why I'm more embarrassed than jealous, Haven. Embarrassed that I walked in on such a compromising situation, and embarrassed for you that you would risk everything we've built for a cheap thrill."Haven felt as if he'd been slapped. "Alexis, I"But Alexis wasn't finished. She stood up, her eyes level with Haven's. "You want to know why I'm upset? Because I thought I knew you, Haven. And now I don't know what to think."Her words hung in the air between them, heavy with unspoken emotions. Haven opened his mouth to respond, but found he had no words. What could he say to make this right?Haven nodded, memories of late nights and shared dreams flooding his mind. "I’m sorry," he said softly."Then what changed?" Alexis asked, her voice tinged with sadness. "When did you become the kind of man who would risk it all for what? A moment of passion with your secretary?"Haven felt shame wash over him.
Last Updated : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 27
As she walked, her phone began to buzz incessantly in her purse. She knew without looking that it was Haven, probably calling to beg for forgiveness or to spin some elaborate lie. Alexis yanked the phone out and turned it off with a vicious jab of her thumb.As the sun set while Alexis was in the neighborhood near a small park. She sat on the bench and was immediately exhausted. The events of the last few hours kept replaying in her head and every replay brought about a new wave of pain and anger."Excuse me, miss?" a concerned voice broke through her deep thoughts. "Are you alright?"Alexis brought her face up and saw an elderly woman looking at her with kind eyes. Only for her to start crying all over again."I'm fine," Alexis lied, forcing a smile. "Just having a rough day."The woman nodded sympathetically. "We all have those, dear. Whatever it is, this too shall pass." As the elderly woman continued to be on her way, Alexis just couldn’t get her mind past those words. This too s
Last Updated : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 28
She climbed the stairs quickly, ignoring Haven's confused protests. In their bedroom, Alexis closed the door and leaned against it, sliding down to sit on the floor. She buried her face in her hands, hot tears spilling between her fingers.On the other side of the door, she could hear Haven's footsteps approaching. He knocked gently. "Alexis? Please, sweetheart, tell me what's wrong."The concern in his voice only made it worse. How could he stand there and pretend to care when just hours ago he'd been in Cassandra's arms?"I'm fine," Alexis called out, hating how her voice cracked. "I just need some time alone."There was a long pause before Haven spoke again. "Okay," he said softly. "I'll be downstairs if you need me."Alexis listened as his footsteps retreated, then buried her face in her knees. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of everything. Should she confront him? Leave him? Pretend she didn't know and hope it was just a one-time mistake?As the night wore on, Alexis tossed
Last Updated : 2024-12-05
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ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 246
"I actually believed that we would eventually have to take sides.” Marcus could vividly recall the memories. He had been friends with Haven since high school, witnessing his journey through a painful breakup with his college girlfriend, who had betrayed him by getting involved with his roommate. Smoothly flowing friendship marked by shared experiences and challenges. The betrayal had caused Haven to build walls so high that they appeared insurmountable. His innate warmth and optimism were buried beneath layers of protective cynicism. When Fiona first re-introduced Alexis to their friend group few months ago, Marcus noticed the same wounded walls in her. Fresh from calling off her engagement to a man who had gradually tried to suppress her sparkle, in an effort to control her better, Alexis was portraying a demeanor characterized by sharp edges and cautious aloofness. Haven and Alexis moved around each other cautiously, like two wary cats, drawn to each other yet filled with insecurit
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 245
The park seemed hushed, only the little giggles from the children playing and the jogging steps from around the park seemed to be the only sound apart from the heartbeat of both Haven and Alexis. Haven and Alexis sat across from each other, their gazes locked. Time seemed to stand still as they simply were, their presence filling the space with a quiet intensity. Haven's heart pounded in his chest. He’d never felt this way about anyone before. It was as if he was seeing her for the first time, every detail, every nuance, striking him with a fresh sense of wonder. Her eyes, a deep, captivating brown, held a universe of emotions. He could get lost in them for hours, exploring the depths of her soul. Alexis, too, was lost in the moment. She felt a warmth spreading through her, a comforting familiarity that she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Haven’s gaze was steady and kind, a stark contrast to the chaos that often surrounded her. In his eyes, she saw acceptance, understanding, and
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 244
Haven's throat was fixed. He knew precisely what she meant—how they had both lost themselves in the splits and cleft of their fizzled marriage, getting to be individuals they didn’t recognize. "Do you ever think," he said, his voice scarcely capable of being heard, "about what us?" Alexis gave him a sidelong look, her expression softening. "All the time." They fell into a pensive quiet, the kind that comes as it were when two individuals share a history as well complicated for words. "I think," Alexis began gradually, "we were trying so hard to be what we thought the other needed that we overlooked to be ourselves." Haven gestured, her words resounding deeply. "No doubt. I thought I had to be this culminating supplier, continuously solid, continuously in control. But I wasn't truly letting you in. I see that now." "And I kept trying to be this perfect spouse," Alexis included with a little, self-deprecating snicker. "I needed to demonstrate that I was enough, that I coul
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 243
Alexis let out a little, severe giggle. “I never stopped caring, Haven. That’s the problem.” The genuineness in her voice cut through him like a knife, more sharp than any offended she may have tossed his way. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “If you never stopped caring, why did you leave?” She hesitated, her expression tormented. “Because I was tired of waiting for you to choose me.” Haven felt the air leaving his lungs as if she had punched him. “What are you talking about? I was continuously there.” “You were physically there,” Alexis whispered, “but your heart was someplace else. Continuously working, continuously building. I needed more than that.” He closed his eyes, blaming wrapping around him like chains. He had worked himself to the bone to donate them both a great life, believing it would be enough. But in the process, he had missed the foremost vital thing—her. “I thought I was doing it for us,” he said, his voice overwhelming with lament.
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 242
A minute, the walls around her heart trembling but not very falling. Perhaps, just perhaps, she might take another step. “Yeah,” she said unobtrusively. “I think I do.” Haven leaned back in his leather chair, checking the numbers on his laptop screen with a tired but fulfilled smile. Business was good, better than ever, in reality. Growing his firm had been one of the most risky choices of his life, but the payoff had surpassed his expectations. However, even in the midst of his proficient victory, a gloomy hurt remained underneath the surface, one that wasn’t so effortlessly relieved by benefits and development charts. He tapped a number of keys to distract himself and ran a hand down his face. He had a whole lot to do on his plate for the upcoming investors meeting that could serve as a major boost for the future of his company. His company that suffered a downgrade after the divorce with Alexis was slowly getting recognized and becoming a better version of itself.Outside the wide
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 241
She moved awkwardly in her seat, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s easier that way. In case you don’t expect anything, you can’t get hurt.” Dr. Patel inclined forward marginally, her hands resting on the armrests of her chair. “It sounds like you’ve built walls around yourself to secure against dissatisfaction. But those walls also make it difficult for people to associate with you, don't they?” Alexis collapsed her arms firmly over her chest. “Yeah, well. it’s not like anyone’s trying that hard, anyway.” “Do you think that’s true?” Dr. Patel inquired tenderly. “Or is that something you tell yourself since it feels safer?” Alexis looked absent, jaw fixing. “What difference does it make? They give up inevitably. Friends, boyfriends. everybody. It continuously happens.” Dr. Patel let a minute of hush hang between them before she spoke. “Tell me about your last relationship.” Alexis moaned, rubbing her sanctuaries. “Do we have to?” “I think it could help us learn mor
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 240
Alexis giggled, the sound light and free. For the first time in a long time, she felt confident. “Maybe,” she said, looking at him, “but possibly it’s worth the risk.” Haven’s grin mollified, and in that minute, something moved between them—something inconspicuous but irrefutable. As the night wore on and the wine vanished, they found themselves closer than ever before, their chuckling blending within the warm glow of the room. And for the first time since her engagement ended, Alexis allowed herself to accept the plausibility of love again—not the perfect, fairy-tale kind, but the chaotic, complicated, genuine kind. And sitting there with Haven, she realized that perhaps, just perhaps, she was precisely where she was meant to be.The cool night air brushed against Alexis’s skin as she strolled down the quiet street. She’d left Haven’s place a little later than she’d planned, but the lingering warmth of the evening was a welcome change from the usual rush.A sense of peace washed
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 239
Alexis didn’t drag her hand away, but she looked down at the ring once more, her lips squeezing into a lean line. “Why does it feel like I’ve been left with nothing?” “Because shock could be a thief,” Haven said delicately. “It takes more than just the person, it takes your sense of worth with it. But that’s a lie. You still have all of you, Alexis.” For a long minute, neither of them talked. The hum of discussion and clinking glasses filled the hush between them, a foundation clamour to the turmoil whirling in Alexis’s mind. Haven gave her hand a soft touch. “Let’s get out of here. This place isn’t precisely built for healing.” Alexis wavered but at that point nodded, thankful for the life saver he was proposed to. They ended up at Haven’s flat, the air thick with the comforting fragrance of coffee and cinnamon candles. Alexis twisted up on the couch, holding a warm mug between her hands while Haven sat over from her, his expression open and understanding. “It’s not just Mat
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND chapter 238
Alexis yanked her arm free, dazzling at him. “No, Matthew. You had your chance, and you blew it. I deserve way better than this.” Matthew’s shoulders dropped back. For a moment, the sound between them was the murmur of the TV. “Where did you indeed meet Deborah?” Alexis inquired intensely, incapable of stopping herself. Matthew moaned intensely. “She’s an old friend from college. She got into a few financial inconveniences, and I thought I might help.” His voice trailed off, as if indeed he realized how lamentable the pardon sounded. Alexis shook her head in disbelief. “Unbelievable. You bet with our future for some lady from your past.” She turned and walked toward the door, her heart overwhelming but unfaltering. She had gone through for so long disregarding the signs, trusting Matthew would be the man he imagined to be. But presently, she saw the truth clearly, he had never been that man. “Alexis, please!” Matthew called after her, his voice splitting with edginess. “Don’t le
