Mag-log inShare
69. Assumptions
Huling Na-update:
2025-02-05 20:52:37
Kaugnay na kabanata
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 70. The Flowery Threats
*** Darcy ***My heart sank as I stood there, holding the bouquet of Hyacinths. The flowers were beautiful, but they carried a weight that made my stomach churn. The note inside the envelope was a stark reminder of the darkness lurking around Hyacinth and Raven. My hands trembled slightly as I unfolded the paper, and the words written there sent a chill down my spine. The sheer malice in the message was overwhelming. *How could someone be so twisted?* I thought, my mind racing. My protective instincts flared—Hyacinth was like a daughter to me, and Raven, though stubborn and reckless, was my son. I couldn’t let anything happen to them.Janice’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “Auntie? What’s so horrifying?” Her sharp eyes caught the tension in my expression. I tried to brush it off, to shield her from the ugliness of the situation, but Janice was relentless. She was a prosecutor, after all, trained to see through lies and half-truths. When she took the note from me, I felt relief an
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-06Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 71. The Guests
*** Raven ***Janice’s unease was palpable, a dark cloud hovering over her usual sharp demeanor. She stood in the corner, her fingers gripping the wine glass like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. My eyes narrowed as I tried to piece together what had shaken her so deeply. The flowers—those damned flowers—were a piece of the puzzle, a clue to the stalker who had been lurking in the shadows. But before I could dig deeper, the door opened, and Anthony and Maggie walked in.Hyacinth greeted them with her usual warmth, but my stomach churned. Their arrival felt... calculated. My plan was unraveling, and I didn’t like it.The evening pressed on, the room filling with laughter and the clinking of glasses. My mother and Hyacinth had outdone themselves with finger snacks and drinks, creating an atmosphere that felt almost too perfect. Eino, ever the social butterfly, was already deep in conversation with my friends, his familiarity with Anthony raising my suspicions. Venla, graceful
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-07Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 72. Cuddling in the Dark
*** Hyacinth ***The soft glow of the moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a serene ambiance in our bedroom. Raven’s arms were wrapped around me, his warmth seeping into my skin as we lay there, basking in the afterglow of our love. His fingers traced lazy patterns on my arm, and I couldn’t help but smile, feeling utterly cherished. Raven made me feel like the most important person in the world, like nothing else mattered when we were together. His love was my sanctuary, a place where I could be completely myself, vulnerable and unguarded.As we made our way downstairs, his hand never left my side, his possessive and tender touch. I loved how he always seemed to need to be close to me as if even the slightest distance was too much. His PJ pants hung low on his hips, and I couldn’t help but admire the way his muscles moved with every step. Raven was effortlessly handsome, his dark hair tousled, his eyes always holding a hint of mischief. But it wasn’t just his looks that ca
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-08Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 73. Roses for Hyacinth, Letter for the Husband
**Raven**The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the house. I was already on edge after Irene handed me that letter, “This is surprisingly yours, sir.” Irene said. The single black rose in the bouquet for Hyacinth sent a chill down my spine. A black rose meant something dark. Whoever sent it knew too much, and I wasn’t about to let anything threaten my wife. I slid the letter into my pocket, determined to deal with it later.“That’s for Hyacinth,” I pointed to the bouquet. “Burn it.” “Yes, sir.” She nodded and went back to the guard’s house while I went back inside the house. I went close by the windowsill and watched as they lit up As I turned, Hyacinth descended the stairs, her hair tousled from sleep, her eyes still heavy with drowsiness. She was breathtaking, even in her half-awake state. I met her at the bottom step, pulling her into my arms. Her lips met mine, soft and warm, and for a moment, the world faded away. But of course, Patricia had to
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-09Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 74. Hyacinth's Collection
*** Hyacinth ***My beloved keyboards. I was over the moon as I arranged the new ones, each encased in the protective acrylic covers my husband had gifted me. Vintage mechanical designs—each one a masterpiece. I adored them, worshiped them even. But for now, I’d be using the keyboard Raven had bought for me, the one that felt like an extension of my thoughts, my creativity.“Hyacinth,” my mother-in-law’s voice chimed in, pulling me from my reverie. I turned around, my fingers lingering on the keys for a moment longer.“Yes, Mom?” I replied, my voice soft but attentive.“We’re off to check on the place for our New Year celebration. It won’t be in the city, but somewhere where we can watch the fireworks,” she explained, her tone light and cheerful.“Yes,” I agreed, though a flicker of unease passed through me. Fireworks in the woods? I couldn’t help but think of the birds, the animals—the chaos it might bring to them. But we’d only be watching from afar, and perhaps that made it alright.
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-10Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 75. Rosie and Venla
*** Hyacinth ***The drive back to the main city was a blur of passing lights and idle chatter, but the moment we stopped by BGC, the air shifted. Conti’s cafe stood there, a familiar haven, and the promise of Mango Bravo ice cream was enough to lift my spirits. But as soon as I stepped out of the car, my heart stuttered. There they were—Venla, her tall, elegant frame impossible to miss, and Rose, her laughter ringing out like a bell. They stood there, shopping bags in hand, sharing a moment that felt too intimate for my comfort. My stomach twisted. Rosie’s presence always spelled trouble, and the thought of her whispering venom into Venla’s ear made my chest tighten. Venla would tell Eino, and then… I shook my head, trying to dispel the anxiety clawing at me. “No,” I told myself. “I shouldn’t care.”Patricia nudged me, her touch grounding. “Come on,” she said, her voice firm but kind. “Let’s get the cake.” I followed her into the store, my eyes darting back to the glass wall where
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-11Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 76. Fountain Pen
**Raven**I had identified the type of paper and the fountain pen used in the mysterious letter. I’d even enlisted an expert to analyze the nib, the ink, and the handwriting. The results had arrived earlier that day, but for now, my focus was singular. I needed to know whose handwriting this was. The answer felt close, yet elusive.“Raven!” Hyacinth’s voice pierced through the silence as she burst through the door, her chest heaving as though she’d been running for miles. She leaned against the doorframe, catching her breath, her eyes wide with urgency. “Come out, now!”“What’s the rush?” I asked, calmly sliding the analysis report into my desk drawer before standing. My wife looked flustered, her cheeks flushed, and her hair slightly disheveled. I approached her, my curiosity piqued. “What’s going on?”Without a word, she grabbed my hand and pulled me downstairs, her grip firm yet trembling with excitement. We stepped into the garden, where a peculiar sight awaited us: a delivery sof
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-12Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 77. Seeking Evidences
***Raven***I don’t have concrete evidence that Anthony is the one behind the assault on the private investigator. He’s currently in the hospital, and we’ve already collected his statement. The investigator also found a sample of Anthony’s handwriting, which I sent for forensic analysis. The results were inconclusive—while the handwriting matched, there were peculiarities in each stroke. The forensic expert Janice consulted pointed out that handwriting can be replicated, and some people even share similar styles naturally. But would Hyacinth’s stalker go to such lengths to deceive me? It’s a question that gnaws at the edges of my mind, leaving me restless.“Raven,” Hyacinth’s voice broke through my thoughts, soft and drowsy. I thought she was asleep, but she sat up, her arms wrapping around my back in a warm, sleepy embrace. “You’re still awake.”“Sorry, babe,” I murmured, turning to face her. Her eyes were half-lidded, her hair tousled from sleep, and her expression a mix of concern
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-13
Pinakabagong kabanata
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 135. Europe R18
Hyacinth I’ve always dreamed of touring Europe, and now, with our budget secured, we finally could. The private jet made the trip hassle-free, and as we stepped onto foreign soil, I intertwined my fingers with my husband’s. But he brushed my hand away, handing me my purse instead. I pouted, only for him to secure his own bag across his chest before resting a firm hand on my waist. My irritation melted into a grin when he winked at me. “So, this is the surprise birthday trip you planned for me?” he asked. “Yes,” I confirmed. “I would’ve preferred it if we were alone, you know.” His grin turned wicked as he wiggled his brows. “Locked in our room for days—lazy, indulgent, just us. I’d never get tired of that.” “But I would,” I shot back, squinting up at him. “It’s bad for me.” He laughed as I did, then pushed open the door to the first café we spotted. The place wasn’t crowded, but the rich aroma of coffee and pastries was intoxicating. My eyes locked onto the cinnamon Dani
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 134. The Lawyer
–Patricia–I had invited Anthony with Hyacinth’s approval, and they unexpectedly showed up together. I was surprised that Hyacinth had brought our favorite yogurt set, while Raven handed me the apple container.“You can eat all of that since you’re single,” Raven remarked with a pitying look. It was irritating, but I had to endure his constant jibes—after all, my best friend was paying me to tolerate his face.I put the yogurt in the fridge, only to be interrupted by a hand that appeared behind me, placing something next to it. I turned, nearly colliding noses with the newcomer. He quickly raised his hand and apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”“No, it’s fine,” I replied with a grin. “You’re not trying to flirt with me, are you?” I teased.“What if I am?” he shot back, laughing and nodding.“You’ll have to ask my best friend’s permission first,” I quipped.He chuckled and patted my arm. “Sure thing. By the way, I have some questions,” he said, extending his arm. I gracefu
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 133. Unspoken Oath
***Raven*** Rosie had put on quite the show. After days of comforting my wife and convincing her not to blame herself, it seemed to be working—somewhat. But I needed to double down. I had to find that last copy and destroy it, especially now that my wife was gaining fame. Maybe we should stop attending galas altogether. “Why are you packing so much?” I asked as she counted a few items. “We’re off to Europe,” she replied casually. “Babe, we’re not going to Finland again,” I teased. “I didn’t say Finland,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I have work.” “You can work from there. Besides, I made sure the jet is packed.” She winked and held up a piece of lingerie—tempting, to say the least. “Wow, second honeymoon?” I approached her, but she raised a finger to stop me, carefully placing the lingerie into the luggage. “Now I remember—our anniversary is coming up,” I said, walking around her and pulling her waist toward me. “Are you planning to make love to me?” “No way! After
Forced to Marry My Stepbrother 132. Suicide
–Raven–As soon as I answered his call, the first thing I heard was his heavy breathing.“I will kill her. I will kill Hyacinth,” Samuel said, as though Hyacinth wasn’t his daughter. His words sent chills down my spine. Even his own flesh and blood—he wanted her dead.“Killing Hyacinth won’t do you any good, Samuel,” I replied, keeping my tone casual.“She said something to Rosie. She must have. Now, tell me—what else did she say to Rosie?”I frowned.“I have no idea what you’re talking about. And whatever Hyacinth said must be true.”“I will end you both!”I sighed and hung up, immediately calling Samuel’s nurse. She answered after a few moments.“What’s going on in there?” I asked.“Unfortunately, Miss Rosie sent a message. She tried to overdose on pills. She’s currently in the emergency room.”I was silent for a moment, processing the news. Rosie—always desperate for attention. No, she wasn’t just seeking attention; she was demanding it. Just earlier, she had threatened Hyacinth, v
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
