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78. 3rd Engagement Ring

Penulis: Athena
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-02-14 22:54:29

**Rosie**

It’s the perfect way to ruin Hyacinth in the eyes of those who know her. Too bad Dad isn’t here to witness it. I have all the intimate videos of Hyacinth and Raven from their teenage years, filmed in her bedroom. Not many people know they were step-siblings back then.

I haven’t shown Venla the footage of Raven and Hyacinth. She might think I’m unethical. But my friends are well aware of how close Hyacinth and Raven were during their teens. The awkward, ugly teenager Hyacinth somehow managed to seduce a handsome boy like Raven. Then again, men will sleep with anyone, regardless of looks.

“I’m so glad you invited me last minute, Auntie,” I said to Darcy, flashing my most innocent smile. She responded with a hum and a lopsided grin.

“Oh, dear. This place isn’t exactly your father’s style,” she remarked, though her comment made little sense to me. No matter—I’m here to have fun and ruin this party.

“Venla, dear,” Darcy called out sweetly. “I’ve prepared a room for you and Ei
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  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   79.

    ***Rosie***I never had seen anyone get her attention so much. She’s like a child getting pampered. I know exactly how it works. Just a little manipulation, a few well-placed words, and she could get whatever she wanted. But what caught my attention more was the ring she’s wearing now. It was gaudy, really—full of colors, rare gems, and that obnoxious diamond in the middle. It screamed desperation, as if she needed to prove something to the world. Or maybe just to herself. “It seems that you are not enjoying it much,” Venla commented in her crisp British accent. “I see you like it loud and drinking more…” “Yes,” I said, my voice dripping with feigned boredom. “It’s kind of boring here, isn’t it?” I asked her, though I knew she wouldn’t answer. She’s too polite, too refined to admit the truth. I smiled lopsidedly, my eyes flicking to that *doctor*, the dermatologist I’ve been trying to book an appointment with. He’s currently engrossed in some mindless video game with that blonde man

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-15
  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   80. New Year's Full of Secrets

    **Hyacinth**I couldn’t take my eyes off the drive clenched in Janice’s hand. There was something on it—something Rosie was planning to reveal. But I didn’t want to confront Rosie directly. It felt like all of Raven’s friends were in on some secret, and I was the fool left in the dark. The thought gnawed at me, a quiet ache that refused to fade. I forced a smile, pretending to be happy for the New Year. This was supposed to be a fresh start for us—a chance to live happily and trust each other without secrets. But as I stared into Raven’s eyes, I couldn’t help but wonder, What else is he hiding? Why is he keeping me out of the loop? The doubt crept in, cold and unrelenting. “Bud,” he murmured, kissing my nose. “Why are you looking at me like that?”I shook my head, not wanting to ruin the party. But the question lingered, heavy in my chest. I glanced at my best friend, who seemed to notice the shift in my mood. Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought she might say something. B

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-16
  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   81. My Best Friend

    ***Hyacinth***I didn’t sleep a wink after he confirmed that my stalker was either Anthony or Eino. He tried to seduce me, to tempt me into making love with him, but I don’t know if I could ever be intimate with him again after learning that. Still, it doesn’t explain why Rosie was trying to ruin the party. What was her motive? The questions gnawed at me, leaving me restless and uneasy.I’m itching to confront Eino, but knowing he could be a prime suspect as my stalker makes me hesitate. My trust in everyone feels like it’s crumbling, piece by piece. I glanced at my best friend, Patricia, who sat beside me, holding my book with a pen in hand. She opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off.“Are you hiding something from me?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly. Patricia looked puzzled, her brow furrowing as she set the book down.“Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?” she quipped, her tone light but her eyes searching mine.I closed my eyes tightly, trying to steady myself

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-17
  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   82. The Footage

    **Raven** The moment Eino and Venla left, I felt a strange unease settle in my chest. I hurried back home, eager to review the footage from the cameras. My mind raced with possibilities, but the first thing I did was search for my wife. Irene mentioned she was in Patricia’s room. I approached the door, my heart softening as I knocked gently and pushed it open. There they were—my two girls, sleeping peacefully. Patricia clung to her oversized Stitch plushie, her tiny fingers gripping it tightly, while Hyacinth lay curled under a fleece blanket, her breathing steady and calm. The sight of them safe and sound was a balm to my restless soul. I tiptoed closer, brushing a strand of hair from Hyacinth’s face before leaning down to press a tender kiss on her forehead. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake. Reluctantly, I left the room and made my way to our bedroom. Inside, I opened the hidden cabinet with the sliding door and began reviewing the footage. My stomach dropped when I notice

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-18
  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   83. The Dark Side

    ***Rosie***There’s something about him that made something crawl on my skin. The way he threatened me and the way he grabbed that drive from my hand. Eino Hekkinen? Sounds familiar. That person might have done something for our company. I drove back home. Outside by the garden is my father in his wheelchair staring at nowhere. He looked well, I shouldn’t have worried too much. I approached him and kissed his forehead. “Where did you go last night?” He asked, getting suspicious. “Hyacinth had a party in Tagaytay. I should’ve brought you with me but I was already on the road…” “Hyacinth?” He looked up at him. “It seems that she’s taken care of well.” I didn’t make any further comment but there’s something that I must know. “Do you know about the Hekkinen family? Someone who had the surname Hekkinen?” He looked up at him as it seemed that I had hooked him up. “So, you know Hekkinen?” I crossed my arms and sighed. “How do you know Hekkinen?” He asked as he raised his brows. “We

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-19
  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   84. Culprit in the Circle

    ***Hyacinth***Flowers. Black Calla Lilies. They looked beautiful, but I knew that Raven hadn’t ordered them. He would always pick fresh flowers from the garden, arrange them in a vase for me, or hand me the best one he could find. But this? We didn’t have these in our garden.I watched as Irene took them away. They hadn’t realized I’d seen them, and my husband was holding a letter. He slid it into his pocket. I knew for a fact he would still hide it from me. He wouldn’t let me read it.“Hyacinth,” Patricia called. “I think we should start preparing now so we can pack up and leave by tomorrow.”“Alright, I still feel really lazy,” I said, yawning as I approached my husband. He gave me a gentle kiss on my temple, and I felt his hand pat my butt. I returned the gesture, patting his full butt in return. It was adorable how he flushed whenever I did that. I winked at him as he shook his head.“So, I was wondering if I should go with you,” Penny suggested.“Well, you plan to tag along on s

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-20
  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   85. Welcome to New York

    ***Hyacinth***The city buzzed with life, its energy reminiscent of the bustling streets back in the Philippines. The traffic was chaotic, though not as unbearable as what I was used to. Despite the honking horns and the sea of people, I felt a spark of excitement. This new city promised adventure, and I could already imagine weaving its essence into my novel. Raven has been an endless source of inspiration lately, his magnetic presence fueling my creativity, especially when it came to writing those steamy, heart-racing scenes. “Woah,” Patricia murmured under her breath, her eyes wide as she took in the towering skyscrapers and flashing neon signs. Raven leaned back, a sly grin playing on his lips. “Maybe you’ll find someone here to suck faces with forever,” he teased, his voice low and mischievous. Patricia turned her head sharply, her brows furrowed in confusion. “Are you referring to me?” she asked, her tone a mix of disbelief and amusement. “I’m certainly not referring to my w

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-21
  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   86. Social Life

    ***Hyacinth***The afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the city as my husband left for a brief meeting, leaving Patricia and me to our own devices. We had just enjoyed a hearty meal, and now, with our fur coats wrapped snugly around us, thick tights, and winter boots protecting us from the chill, we were ready to take on the day. My mother-in-law, the meticulous planner, had already curated our wardrobes for the season, ensuring we were prepared for every social event and occasion. Patricia, my ever-reluctant best friend, had initially refused to join me for the upcoming gala, but I had managed to persuade her. After all, what’s a gala without your partner-in-crime?We were set to stay in the city for two or three months, and our schedule was packed to the brim. There was little room for boredom between self-defense classes, Finnish language lessons, and social engagements. Patricia, the brains of our duo, had already mapped out our days with military precision.As we strolled throug

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22

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  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   107. Taking Cal Away

    ***Hyacinth***It all happened so quickly, like a whirlwind tearing through our lives. We arrived at the airport to meet the private plane Raven had sent to transport Cal to a specialized facility. The place they chose was renowned for its state-of-the-art care, the best money could buy. Cal was still unconscious, trapped in a coma, and the sight of him lying there, so fragile, was a dagger to my heart. Kelly, too, was suffering, left behind in her own hospital bed. Despite our pleas, Uncle Hayden insisted she remain there, though I couldn’t shake the guilt of leaving her alone.The hospital where Kelly was staying was top-tier, but the facility Cal was being moved to offered even more personalized attention. We ensured he was settled into a VIP suite, with a dedicated nurse monitoring him around the clock. I stood by, watching as they adjusted his IVs and checked his vitals. His eyes fluttered open a few times, only to close again moments later. It was progress, albeit small. He even

  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   106. The Scapegoat?

    ***Kelly***I remember it all too vividly. Cal was driving carefully, his hands steady on the wheel, his eyes focused on the road. But that car—it came out of nowhere, swerving deliberately toward us. Cal’s reflexes were quick. He threw his right arm across me, shielding me as best as he could. But it wasn’t enough. The impact was brutal. Our car slammed into the post on my side, the sound of crunching metal and shattering glass echoing in my ears. I felt the searing pain in my right arm and leg, but it was nothing compared to the horror of seeing Cal’s head hit the windshield with a sickening crack. The glass splintered, and he went limp. “Kelly, I’m so sorry, darling.” My mother’s voice trembled as she reached for my hand, her fingers squeezing mine gently. Her eyes were red-rimmed, her face pale with worry. “Don’t lose hope. Cal’s strong. He’ll pull through. He’ll be out of the ICU soon, I promise.”“I need to see him,” I begged, my voice breaking. “Even if it’s just from the out

  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   105. Won't Sit Idly

    ***Hyacinth***I sat in my swivel chair, my mind racing as I tried to figure out what to do next. My imagination spiraled with ideas on how to catch that *bastard*. Restlessness gnawed at me, and sleep felt impossible. I glanced at my husband, Raven, who was hunched over his computer, laser-focused as he made yet another call. It was well past midnight, and here we were, still tirelessly checking on our friends back in the Philippines.“Raven,” I called out softly. He paused, his fingers hovering over the keyboard, and turned to look at me. Our eyes locked, and for a long moment, we just stared at each other. I opened my mouth to speak, but the words caught in my throat. “Never mind,” I muttered, looking away as I turned back to my laptop. I could feel his gaze lingering on me, heavy with unspoken concern.In that moment, I couldn’t help but wish I had run away with Raven years ago. I wished there were no stalkers, no threats, no shadows lurking in our lives. Why did this person want

  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   104. The Twist

    ***Zian***When we arrived at the hospital, Cal was standing outside the operating room, his arms stained with blood that still dripped onto the floor. Kelly’s parents hadn’t arrived yet, but my concern was entirely on him. His white shirt was soaked in crimson, and his face was pale, his eyes wide and unfocused. He looked shattered, broken in a way I’d never seen before.“Cal,” I called softly as I approached him, my voice trembling with worry. “You’re hurt. We need to get you checked up.”He pushed me away weakly, his hands shaking. His eyes were dilated, his breathing uneven. My heart ached seeing him like this—so lost, so consumed by guilt and fear. “Bro!” I shouted, trying to snap him out of it. “You’re bleeding! You need help!”“She’s in there…” he muttered, his voice barely audible as he pointed toward the operating room. His hand trembled, and he exhaled slowly, as if the weight of the world was crushing him.Before I could say more, I heard the sound of rushing footsteps. Ke

  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   103. His Games

    ***Raven***I forced myself to stay seated during the meeting, even though every fiber of my being screamed to leave. Hyacinth had assured me she was fine, but the unease gnawed at me. My partners and our business dealings were important—crucial, even—but nothing mattered more than my wife. “I’m sorry, but I need to leave immediately. There’s an emergency,” I said, rising from my chair. My voice was steady, but my heart raced.Colton Pines, the first of the three partners I’d met who shared my passion for rare gems, leaned back in his chair, his tone casual. “What’s going on?”“My wife needs me,” I replied, my words clipped.“Wife?” Dane’s head snapped up, his expression a mix of surprise and mock offense. “You got married without inviting us?” His voice rose, and I raised a hand to silence him, my jaw tightening.Minerva, ever the dramatic, rolled her eyes and pushed her fiery red hair back. “Oh, bummer. Guess we’re not important enough for wedding invitations.”“I’ll introduce you

  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   102. Even in Other State

    ***Darcy***I couldn’t help but laugh when Raven and Hyacinth told me how Regina had outsmarted Samuel. It all came rushing back to me now—the reason Samuel married me. It wasn’t love. It was my alimony from my first husband. Samuel was handsome, sure, but not nearly as striking as Raven’s father. He had married Regina for her business acumen, hoping she’d save his failing company. And she did. But what he didn’t know was that Regina had already secured her wealth, transferring most of her assets to her mother and Hyacinth. Hyacinth, my dear girl, is now richer than any of us, thanks to her mother’s foresight. I couldn’t be prouder of Regina for that.But there’s one thing weighing heavily on my heart—proof that Regina’s death wasn’t an accident. Hyacinth needs closure, and I’m determined to help her find it.“Take care, my dear,” I said, waving at the screen as Hyacinth blew me a flying kiss.“Love you, Mom,” Hyacinth replied, her voice soft and sweet. I nodded, a lump forming in my

  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   101. To Washington

    ***Raven***I was pleasantly surprised when my wife greeted me at the door, wearing an adorable apron and a warm smile. She helped me remove my coat and necktie, her hands gentle and efficient. She even made sure I slipped into my home shoes, leaving my dirty ones by the rack until they were clean enough to be stored in our shoe closet. She handed me a damp, hot towel to clean my hands, her touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary. Then, with a playful grin, she led me to the round table near the balcony, where the city lights sparkled like a sea of stars. The soft hum of romantic music filled the air, and the flickering candles added a touch of magic to the scene. Patricia, Seth, and Irene were eating in the dining room, but my wife had prepared something special for just the two of us. She looked stunning in an olive green dress, her hair twisted into a low, messy bun. My mind wandered to all the things I wanted to do with her tonight, but for now, I focused on the momen

  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   100. Raven's Sister

    **Raven**I’ve always been a man who values loyalty and integrity, which is why the situation with Seth and Patricia has been gnawing at me. I know for a fact that Seth was married, but there’s an undeniable attraction brewing between him and Patricia. As much as I want to stay out of their personal lives, Patricia is like a baby sister to me—spoiled, sharp-tongued, and always two steps ahead of everyone. She’s Hyacinth’s best friend, and I don’t want Hyacinth to worry about her either. So, I’ve decided to keep a close eye on things, even if it means stepping into territory I’d rather avoid.I leaned back in my ergonomic chair, the soft hum of the office filling the silence as I scrolled through the list Hyacinth had sent me. It was all photos—handbags, shoes, and a few pieces of jewelry. My wife has always had an eye for elegance, and I couldn’t help but smile at her impeccable taste. I called for my assistant, who appeared promptly, her heels clicking softly against the polished flo

  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   99. Raven's Billionaire Wife

    **Raven**Understanding the immense influence Hyacinth’s mother held in the business world only fueled my determination to provide for Hyacinth in every way possible. Her mother’s wealth was hers, not mine, and I respected that boundary. But every penny I earned, every success I achieved, was for Hyacinth. She was my purpose, my driving force. I built my empire not for glory or power, but to ensure she lived a life free from worry, surrounded by the luxury she deserved. Yet, no amount of wealth could erase the pain etched on her face when she spoke of her mother. The emotional scars from her family ran deep, and it pained me to see her cry. Her mother, a brilliant mind who had saved countless companies, had left behind a legacy—and a final message to secure her daughter’s future. It wasn’t just the Charles Law Firm searching for Hyacinth; Sinclair was also in the mix. The weight of it all was overwhelming, but I would shoulder it for her.We left the mansion late that night, after Hy

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