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113. The Puzzle
Last Updated:
2025-03-21 23:23:35
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Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 114. A Good Man
***Hyacinth***Tears welled up in my eyes as Raven knelt before me, sliding the ring onto my finger. The cool metal felt familiar, as though time had stood still. It fit snugly, a reminder of how little I had changed over the years—perhaps I had been heavier back then, and now, after shedding some weight, it clung to me just as tightly. My heart swelled with a mix of emotions: joy, nostalgia, and an undercurrent of guilt I couldn’t quite shake.“It’s so beautiful, Raven,” I whispered, my voice trembling.“Of course, it is,” he replied, his voice warm and proud. “I told you, no other ring I’ve made for you compares to this one. This is my masterpiece.” He brought my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles gently. “Though it’s a bit tight. I’ll make some adjustments. Hurry, pull it off. It’s bad luck if I do it myself.”“Okay,” I murmured, sniffling as I struggled to remove the ring. It resisted at first, as if reluctant to leave my finger.“Just a tiny adjustment,” Raven assured me, his
Last Updated : 2025-03-22Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 115. Signs
***Patricia***I sat on the edge of my bed, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, as my mind raced. Did Eino set this up? The thought gnawed at me. Or did I accidentally place it there? I was certain it hadn’t been on my reading list. My fingers drummed against my arm as I replayed the events in my head. Eino had mentioned he was heading to his bedroom earlier. Was that a coincidence? I couldn’t shake the unease settling in my chest.I stood abruptly and stepped into the corridor, my eyes darting to the security cameras. They were functioning, their tiny red lights blinking steadily. Pulling out my phone, I dialed Seth. The phone rang twice before his calm voice answered.“Hi, Miss Patricia,” he greeted, his tone professional yet warm.“Seth, can you review the footage from the corridor outside my room?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.“Is something missing?” he inquired, his tone shifting slightly, picking up on my tension.“No, nothing’s missing. But… I think someone might
Last Updated : 2025-03-23Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 116. Mixed Signals
***Hyacinth*** The words on the business textbook blurred together, meaningless shapes on a page. I tapped my pen against my notebook, leaving behind a trail of spirals and half-formed story ideas instead of notes. This wasn’t me. Numbers, strategies, corporate jargon—it all felt like a language I’d never be fluent in. But Raven had insisted, and so here I was, trapped in a role I never wanted. A sigh escaped me, heavy with frustration. “It’s interesting.” Patricia’s voice snapped me back to reality. Of course she found it fascinating. She thrived on structure, on logic, while my mind lived in the spaces between words, in the emotions that couldn’t be quantified. I slumped further in my seat, my pout deepening. “Hyacinth.” A book landed with a sharp thud in front of me. Zian loomed over the table, arms crossed, his usual calm demeanor fraying at the edges. “Are you even listening?” I blinked up at him, deliberately slow. “Can’t Patricia just handle this?” “Hey,” Patri
Last Updated : 2025-03-24Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 117. Anthony's Secrets
SethI hope Attorney Anthony is genuine when it comes to Madam Hyacinth. She's so kind-hearted that she would easily trust anyone, even with half of her heart. However, this moment does help us eliminate one of our suspects. Everyone has their own secrets, but when Anthony handed me his two phones, there was a hesitation in his gesture."Seth, there are confidential matters that I store in both of my phones, but anything related to Hyacinth, you can have," he said."Of course, sir. You can watch me go through all of it," I replied.He sat beside me as I began combing through his messages and photo gallery. There were pictures of him with Hyacinth, alongside a woman with curly hair—Maggie, I believe. I couldn’t help but wonder why there were so many photos of Hyacinth in his gallery… not just her, but Patricia and a few others as well. It didn’t seem harmful at first glance, but it could either be part of his scheme or perhaps some sort of extreme fixation on Hyacinth.I didn’t find muc
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 118. Who to Trust?
***Raven***Anthony’s demeanor was sincere, almost too much so. I had already had my men comb through his files before he even mentioned the alleged stalking. It seemed his ex-girlfriend was indeed intent on destroying his career. Her actions were calculated, deliberate, and venomous.Anthony’s family wielded considerable power, a status they had achieved largely thanks to their influential clients—Georgina and Eevi, the formidable Af Forselles mother-daughter duo. Georgina’s trust in the firm, and her decision to pass it on to Anthony despite his scandal, spoke volumes. The scandal itself was a tangled web: Anthony’s ex-girlfriend was now engaged to his college rival, a man who had competed with him not only academically but professionally, in several high-stakes cases. Despite the rivalry, Anthony had always excelled in defending his clients, even when the odds were stacked against him.The accusations against Anthony were damning—rape, leveled by the very woman he had once loved. Y
Last Updated : 2025-03-26Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 119. Hyacinth's Connection
**Darcy** The scorching Philippine summer clung to the air like a thick, damp blanket as I made my way to the door. I plan to follow where my children are staying, which is where the yacht was parked—a brief escape from the chaos back home. The sun blazed mercilessly, turning the marina into a shimmering mirage. Even the sea breeze carried the salty tang of sweat and sunscreen. When Eino arrived, he looked like he had just run a marathon—his shirt clung to his chest, his dark hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. His usually sharp features were softened by exhaustion, his breath slightly uneven. “Oh, dear.” I plucked a few tissues from the box on the side table and dabbed at his glistening forehead. “Is the Philippine heat trying to roast you alive?” I teased, though my tone was laced with concern. He let out a breathless laugh, swiping the tissue from my hand to wipe his face. “The heat’s good, Auntie. Makes you appreciate the shade.” He pulled me into a quick hug, press
Last Updated : 2025-03-27Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 120. Doted by Sinclair
**Hyacinth**I gulped down another glass of cold water, willing myself to sober up. Having the Sinclairs on my yacht made me both nervous and excited. Two weeks wasn’t much time before we had to return to the US, but I was determined to make every moment count. Returning to the marina dock, I greeted Lian and Margarette with a warm smile. “Wow,” Lian gasped, her eyes widening as she pointed to the sleek black-and-platinum yacht. “Is that yours?” “Yes,” I said, pride lacing my voice. “A wedding gift from my husband.” I pulled Margarette into a gentle hug. “Oh, my little Regina,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “My mother-in-law and a few friends are already abroad,” I said, guiding Margarette by the arm as the staff assisted us onto the dock. She tilted her head up, her face softening. “The sky is so clear tonight,” she mused. “Full of stars.” I followed her gaze and nodded. “Just wait—the view only gets better from the water.” Inside, my mother-in-law, Darcy
Last Updated : 2025-03-28Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 121. Sober Up
PatriciaI spent the entire evening watching Eino closely, my bottle of water in hand. Tonight, I’d had my fill of alcohol. Observing the dynamics between Eino and Anthony, it became clear. Eino couldn’t take his eyes off Hyacinth, while Anthony seemed far more interested in his phone than anything else happening around him.It wasn't nearly as fun without Cal, Penny, or David around. The usual buzz seemed to be missing, and I found myself slipping into my comfort zone, distant from the others. Anthony noticed me in my bubble and, sensing my solitude, grabbed a bottle of water before making his way over. He sat beside me without hesitation.“So, no fun partying with Grandma Sinclair, huh?” he teased.I smiled, taking a sip of water, “I had fun. I was filming and taking some good photos.”“Did you get a good shot of my muscles?” he asked, clearly pleased with himself.I pulled out Janice’s expensive camera, which had been handed to me earlier. She was busy tossing floaties for photos,
Last Updated : 2025-03-29
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Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 131. Fire
—Stalker’s Point of View—Smelling her, touching her—it almost drove me insane. But it wasn’t just her that consumed me. It was something our family was meant to possess. Her mother was perfect. The epitome of intelligence. A woman who had it all, despite being a commoner, not royalty. Yet everyone wanted her as their daughter-in-law. A genius in everything… except love. “I was thinking that maybe Hyacinth was also a victim of love.” I stood, pacing around my desk, glancing at the piles of recently filed cases. Boring paperwork, but necessary. Even the bomb incident was just another file to clean up. I hadn’t meant to kill anyone—just to isolate her. If everyone around her was gone, taking her would be effortless. But no matter how many times I tried, they clung to her. Maybe I should ruin her relationship with Darcy. “How do I do that?” My fingers tapped against the windowsill as I watched Hyacinth step out of her apartment across the street, her bodyguards trailing like
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 130. Turmoil
–Hyacinth— I was certain she intended to become my husband’s mistress. Proposing in front of me? Bold. But I had seen Raven flinch multiple times. That woman—Minerva—sat across from him, her foot subtly grazing his ankle, then sliding higher, testing his restraint. Raven’s discomfort was palpable. His glare could have scorched her where she sat. When our orders arrived, I draped my hand possessively over his lap. He shifted under my touch, but I only leaned closer, crossing my legs to shield him from Minerva’s advances. Let her try. “If you want, you can visit the site with us,” Colton offered. “Are we hiking, or…?” I trailed off, waiting. “Fly. We’ll fly,” Dane cut in, grinning. “I’ll be your pilot.” Raven’s hand settled on my thigh, a silent claim. “Let me taste that,” he murmured, nodding toward my tuna. Without hesitation, I fed him a bite, rice and all. Colton groaned. “Oh, come on! I don’t want to be a third wheel here.” I smirked. “Minerva’s here. You don’t
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 129. Business Partners
–Hyacinth– My feet ached as I finally let them rest flat against the cool hardwood floor. Never again, I vowed, glaring at the discarded high heels lying near the closet. But duty called—tonight, Raven’s business partners expected us for dinner. We’d met them briefly at the gala, but between the endless introductions and the suffocating crowd, we’d barely exchanged more than pleasantries. Three days had passed since then, and though my social battery was still drained, I couldn’t postpone this any longer. My mind, however, refused to relax. Even now, I found myself checking my phone—again—for updates on Penny and David. They were safe, I knew that, but the memory of their close call still coiled around my chest like a vise. A soft laugh drew my attention to the living room, where Kelly and Calisto were curled together on the sofa. Calisto, still recovering from his head injury, had his arm draped lazily over Kelly’s shoulders. The two of them had adjusted well to their new realit
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 128. The Spotlight
—Patricia— The Silver Gala was a spectacle of wealth and power—crystal chandeliers dripping light over marble floors, the air thick with the mingling scents of expensive perfumes and champagne. The elite moved in a slow, calculated dance, their laughter sharp as cut glass, their smiles never quite reaching their eyes. And among them, Hyacinth stood out like a rare gem in a sea of polished stones. No—not just a gem. Something far more precious. She was the kind of brilliance that made people want, that made them covet. And why wouldn’t they? With a net worth in the billions, an inheritance that could topple empires, she was more than just a woman—she was a prize. I stayed close, as always. My role was to observe, to protect in my own way. My gaze flickered to the right, where a man in a black suit stood motionless against the wall. Seth. His presence was a quiet reassurance—Hyacinth’s shadow, her shield. Then Eino approached, swift and purposeful, another man from his famil
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 127. Surprise Gift
Hyacinth For the first time in what felt like forever, we’d finally had days of good sleep. Kelly and Cal seemed to be healing each other—attending therapy together, flanked by three bodyguards and a standby nurse in case Cal had another seizure. But lately, his recovery had been startlingly fast. The shadows under his eyes had lightened, his smiles came easier, and whenever Kelly was near, he looked… happy. I was glad. Relieved, even. Yet, I couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at me. Cal’s parents still despised Kelly—or rather, they wanted nothing to do with her family. Raven had mentioned some past conflict between them, something buried deep enough that neither side spoke of it openly. All I knew was that they’d once been close. Now? They were strangers with grudges. “Rachel said this gala will expand your business knowledge,” Raven murmured, handing me a thick, embossed invitation. His fingers lingered against mine. “So, you’ll pick out our outfits?” “Yeah, of course.” I
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 126. Next Target
CalI woke up feeling disoriented, my thoughts tangled in a fog. The last thing I remembered was the screech of tires, the blinding headlights—a collision that should’ve landed me in a hospital. But this place was warm, cozy, the ceiling above me far too elegant for sterile white walls.Then I felt it—the weight of someone curled against me.I looked down.Kelly.Her dark hair spilled across my chest, her breathing slow and steady. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. Why was she here?My head throbbed as I slowly sat up, wincing. She looked different—older, more beautiful. The girl I’d known as a teenager had softened into a woman, her features sharper yet somehow more delicate.Wait.We weren’t kids anymore. There’d been an accident. But right now, with her body pressed against mine, all I could think was—Is this my chance?A reckless impulse took over. Maybe it was the head injury, maybe it was years of wanting her, but before I could stop myself, I leaned down and kissed her.H
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 125. Flowers for Funeral
***Rosie*** I somewhat enjoyed Eino’s company. He had assigned someone to be the COO of the company temporarily. Since I am currently a partner of the Ruby Empire, I am confident that my assets and my investments are safe. Dad doesn't know about this but then, it’s the Ruby Empire. A known old money rich in Europe. “Is that a new bag?” Karissa asked, one of my best friends. “Yes, someone gifted it to me.” I said and displayed it over the table. The latest 25 Kelly in a platinum gold lock. I don’t know how that man got it, but this one is indeed the latest. There's a two to five year waiting list to get these kinds of bags. Then, I realized that there’s Hyacinth who had a lot of it. Including that little peasant who was always with her. “By the way, have you heard?” Karissa said as she handed her tablet. “There’s this thing going on around New York. The Times… and even in Forbes. The Af Forselles Heiress.” I frowned when there’s Hyacinth’s photo with Raven posing as a modern bill
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 124. Hyacinth's Oath
**Hyacinth**Watching Cal endure the MRI and CT scans after his seizure shattered my heart into pieces. Kelly wept uncontrollably, her sobs echoing through the sterile hospital hallway, while Cal’s mother observed her from a distance, her expression unreadable. My chest ached with the weight of unshed tears, but I swallowed them back—I’ve always been good at holding myself together. But now, Cal’s condition is deteriorating. Short-term memory loss? He kept forgetting things—new faces, recent conversations, even the smallest details. I should confess to Cal’s parents—or Kelly’s—that this was my fault. Maybe then they’d stop blaming each other. I didn’t know the root cause of their tension, but their constant fighting was tearing Kelly apart. And deep down, I knew Cal would never want to forget her. There had to be a psychological reason behind his lapses, right? The thought of being forgotten by Raven one day sent a cold shiver down my spine. I glanced at Cal’s mother, my lips part
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 123. Forgotten
***Kelly's POV***The Batangas vacation in our private villa had been epic. Now, my casts were finally off, though I still wore supports on my right arm and leg. With my cousin's help, we'd escaped the Philippines - and my father, who would never have approved of this. I'm a grown woman with my own career, about to marry the man I love. So why does this anxiety keep clawing at my chest? I glanced at Patricia, who was pretending to read some business book while yawning for the fifth time. Hyacinth mirrored her exactly. Those two might as well be twins - best friends who shared the same short attention span for anything resembling nonfiction.My gaze traveled across our group - the Sinclair mother-daughter duo, Seth with some Russian woman I didn't recognize. Irene was absent, needed by Darcy back home. And Eino... I remembered with a pang how he'd stayed behind in the Philippines to handle GGC business. The extra security felt oppressive - two bodyguards assigned just to me. I stretc
