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chapter 222
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2025-01-13 21:43:47
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ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 223
Fiona starts walking towards her, easy but uneventful. "Do you remember Jasmine's party night?" Alexis blinked and her mind flashed back to that night Matthew had arrived, dead with a smile on his face. "You went drinking," Jasmine said calmly, โand Matthew disappeared for a few moments.โ Alexis clenched her jaw. โHe said he was just gasping for air.โ April looked at Jasmine sadly. "Lex, he was not outside. I saw him in the guest room, with someone else.โThe words hit Alexis like a stab in the stomach. "You're lying." "Itโs fine," Fiona said softly. Alexis's legs were weak and she sank down on the sofa. "What are you talking about? Why havenโt you told me this before?" "We tried," said Tasha, her voice dark. "But you weren't ready to hear that." Alexis buried her face in her hands, gasping for breath. "I can't believe this. " Tasha knelt beside her and rubbed his back. "I know it's hard, Lex. But you're better than the person who did this to you." Tears welled up in Alexis' e
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-14ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 224
Setting her coffee down. His "protective" nature, as Alexis used to call it, had morphed into something ugly and controlling. He monitored her social media, questioned her about male coworkers, and had somehow convinced her that his jealousy was a sign of love.Tasha rubbed her temples, frustrated by her own helplessness. She'd tried dropping hints, sharing articles about healthy relationships, even directly pointing out Matthew's controlling behavior. But each attempt had only made Alexis withdraw further, defended by the walls Matthew had carefully constructed around her. All Tasha could do now was wait, stay present, and hope that someday Alexis would find the strength to see her situation clearly and choose freedom over fear. Until then, her coffee would remain bitter with worry for her friend.As Alexis rested on the balcony of her apartment, the sun sank lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the city. Below her the streets were full of life, but she felt a deep silence in
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-14ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 225
They sat down on the bed, hardly a good place to calm her anxiety. Alexis turned and pumped up her courage. "Matthew, I want to talk to you about something. " "Really, what's on your mind?" he asked, his expression changing to one of curiosity."โI was thinking about our relationship. and I noticed something about our past." She met his gaze, searching for signs of deception. Matthew looks a little different. "What do you mean?" โClaire warned me about your controlling behavior in past relationships. She showed me some messages where you talked about women.โ His face hardened and Alexis felt a shiver down her spine. "Claire is bitter. Sheโs justtrying to cause trouble. These messages are out of context.""Out of context?" Alexis replied, raising her voice. โIt seems too simple for me. If you're not that person, why didn't you tell me?โ Matthew's eyes narrowed. "Will you believe her over me? I thought it was trust between us.โ "I believe you, but I must listen to your explanatio
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-14ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 226
Matthew's behavior had continuously floated just outside the domain of normal, but recently, it had developed progressively whimsical. What began as little quirks, like over-checking her messages or fixating over inconsequential details, soon aggravated into minutes that made Alexis explain everything. She sat over from him presently, the engagement ring overwhelming on her finger, and observed him tap his foot with an apprehensive vitality that appeared unending. "Matthew," she started, her voice calm but cautious. "We ought to talk." He shook, his look snapping to her with a sharpness that felt off. "Talk about what? The wedding?" Alexis looked down at the coffee table between them, centering on some neatness to dodge the concentration of his gaze. "Yes and other things." Matthew leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "The wedding is in two weeks, Alexis. What could you conceivably get to talk about now?" She collapsed her hands in her lap, feeling the weight of each word she
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-14ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 227
"We take a step back," she said. "We talk, we work through things, separately, if we have to. And if weโre still sure about this we go ahead with the wedding." Matthew looked at her, his eyes red and tired. "And if weโre not sure?" Alexis gulped hard. "Then we do whatโs best for both of us. Anything that is " He shook his head gradually, as if trying to shake off a terrible dream. "I donโt know how to do this without you, Alexis." "You wonโt need to," she said tenderly. "Iโm not disappearing. I just require space." Matthew closed his eyes, breathing out through his nose. "I hate this," he mumbled. "I know," Alexis said softly. "But itโs the right thing to do." The room fell into an overwhelming quiet, broken as if by the black out ticking of the wall clock. Alexis looked at it, realizing how late it had gotten. "I ought to go," she said, standing. Matthew didnโt move. He sat on the couch, gazing vacantly at the floor. "Will I see you tomorrow?" he inquired, his voice scarcely
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-14ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 228
Matthew clenched his jaw, his fists curling at his sides. "So this is my fault. Itโs always my fault."Alexis exhaled, pressing a hand to her temple. "Thatโs not what Iโm saying. But we canโt ignore this anymore. We need to deal with it, or this marriage wonโt stand a chance."For a moment, Matthew said nothing. His chest rose and fell with quick breaths, and his gaze flickered to the engagement ring on her hand. "Is there someone else?" he asked suddenly, his voice low and dangerous.Alexis frowned, startled. "What? No, of course not!""Then why do you need space?!" Matthew shouted, slamming his hand on the wall. Alexis flinched at the sound, and Matthew immediately regretted it. His face crumpled into something like shame, but it was gone as quickly as it came."I canโt do this," Alexis whispered, standing up. "Not like this, Matthew.""Wait," he said, grabbing her armโnot hard, but firm enough to stop her. "Please donโt leave.""Iโm not leaving," she said quietly, freeing herself f
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-14ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 229
For now, all he could do was waitโand hope that when the time came, they would both still want the same future.Alexis lay in bed, tangled in the sheets, staring at the ceiling as the glow from the streetlights filtered through her curtains. Sleep eluded her, and the more she tried to relax, the tighter her chest felt. The conversation with Matthew replayed endlessly in her mindโthe look in his eyes when she told him they needed to postpone the wedding, the way his voice cracked when he said, "You donโt love me."Her phone sat on the nightstand, screen dark, but the temptation to reach for it gnawed at her. Maybe if she sent him a message, let him know she was thinking of him, it would ease the ache in her chest. But what would she even say? She had asked for space, and reaching out now would only make things worse.She rolled onto her side, clutching the pillow tighter, her mind a swirl of guilt, fear, and second-guessing. Had she made the right decision? What if Matthew didnโt forgi
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-14ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 230
โCome in,โ she whispered. Haven walked inside, the fragrance of lavender and vanilla filling the little flat. His heart fixed as thoughts overwhelmed him, Sunday mornings went through cooking together, apathetic evenings observing TV on this exceptionally coucht. He pushed those thoughts away and sat down, keeping a respectable separate. โWhatโs going on?โ he inquired tenderly. Alexis tucked her legs underneath her and gazed at the floor. โMatthew and I had a fight,โ she said, her voice scarcely over a whisper. โItโs. complicated.โ Haven gestured, cautious not to let trust crawl into his chest. โDo you need to talk about it?โ She breathed out gradually, wringing her hands together. โItโs just. He's not who I thought he was. We keep arguing about the same things, trust, space. He gets jealous, even when thereโs nothing going on.โ Haven inclined forward somewhat but kept his tone unbiased. โJealous about what?โ Alexis gave a severe snicker. โYou, for one.โ Havenโs beat animated,
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-14
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ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 246
"I actually believed that we would eventually have to take sides.โ 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 ย ย ย 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. Heโd 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 hadnโt experienced in a long time. Havenโs 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 ย ย ย chapter 244
Haven's throat was fixed. He knew precisely what she meantโhow they had both lost themselves in the splits and cleft of their fizzled marriage, getting to be individuals they didnโt 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
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Alexis let out a little, severe giggle. โI never stopped caring, Haven. Thatโs the problem.โ 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. โIf you never stopped caring, why did you leave?โ She hesitated, her expression tormented. โBecause I was tired of waiting for you to choose me.โ Haven felt the air leaving his lungs as if she had punched him. โWhat are you talking about? I was continuously there.โ โYou were physically there,โ Alexis whispered, โbut your heart was someplace else. Continuously working, continuously building. I needed more than that.โ 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 thingโher. โI thought I was doing it for us,โ he said, his voice overwhelming with lament.
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A minute, the walls around her heart trembling but not very falling. Perhaps, just perhaps, she might take another step. โYeah,โ she said unobtrusively. โI think I do.โ 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 wasnโt 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 ย ย ย chapter 241
She moved awkwardly in her seat, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. โItโs easier that way. In case you donโt expect anything, you canโt get hurt.โ Dr. Patel inclined forward marginally, her hands resting on the armrests of her chair. โIt sounds like youโve built walls around yourself to secure against dissatisfaction. But those walls also make it difficult for people to associate with you, don't they?โ Alexis collapsed her arms firmly over her chest. โYeah, well. itโs not like anyoneโs trying that hard, anyway.โ โDo you think thatโs true?โ Dr. Patel inquired tenderly. โOr is that something you tell yourself since it feels safer?โ Alexis looked absent, jaw fixing. โWhat difference does it make? They give up inevitably. Friends, boyfriends. everybody. It continuously happens.โ Dr. Patel let a minute of hush hang between them before she spoke. โTell me about your last relationship.โ Alexis moaned, rubbing her sanctuaries. โDo we have to?โ โI think it could help us learn mor
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Alexis giggled, the sound light and free. For the first time in a long time, she felt confident. โMaybe,โ she said, looking at him, โbut possibly itโs worth the risk.โ Havenโs grin mollified, and in that minute, something moved between themโsomething 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 againโnot 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 Alexisโs skin as she strolled down the quiet street. Sheโd left Havenโs place a little later than sheโd 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 ย ย ย chapter 239
Alexis didnโt drag her hand away, but she looked down at the ring once more, her lips squeezing into a lean line. โWhy does it feel like Iโve been left with nothing?โ โBecause shock could be a thief,โ Haven said delicately. โIt takes more than just the person, it takes your sense of worth with it. But thatโs a lie. You still have all of you, Alexis.โ 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 Alexisโs mind. Haven gave her hand a soft touch. โLetโs get out of here. This place isnโt precisely built for healing.โ Alexis wavered but at that point nodded, thankful for the life saver he was proposed to. They ended up at Havenโs 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. โItโs not just Mat
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Alexis yanked her arm free, dazzling at him. โNo, Matthew. You had your chance, and you blew it. I deserve way better than this.โ Matthewโs shoulders dropped back. For a moment, the sound between them was the murmur of the TV. โWhere did you indeed meet Deborah?โ Alexis inquired intensely, incapable of stopping herself. Matthew moaned intensely. โSheโs an old friend from college. She got into a few financial inconveniences, and I thought I might help.โ His voice trailed off, as if indeed he realized how lamentable the pardon sounded. Alexis shook her head in disbelief. โUnbelievable. You bet with our future for some lady from your past.โ 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. โAlexis, please!โ Matthew called after her, his voice splitting with edginess. โDonโt le
