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82. The Footage

Author: Athena
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-02-18 23:34:13

**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
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  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   83. The Black Calla Lilies

    ***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. “Wel

    Huling Na-update : 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

    Huling Na-update : 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

    Huling Na-update : 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

    Huling Na-update : 2025-02-22
  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   87. Black Flowers

    ***Hyacinth***I examined the Polaroid camera I had recently purchased, its surface adorned with charming little trinkets. For some reason, it reminded me of *her*—the woman who had once used a similar camera to manipulate my husband. A faint sigh escaped my lips, but I quickly shook off the memory. Turning to my best friend, Patricia, I admired her effortless elegance. We were twinning in matching trench coats, hers in a deep burgundy and mine in a soft beige. She was a natural behind the lens, and I couldn’t wait to capture some moments together.“So, where are you two off to?” My husband’s voice broke the silence. He was lounging on the sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window, still in his pajamas, a book resting in his hands. I glanced at him, my brows furrowing slightly.“Shopping, baby!” I replied with a playful grin.“Hmm,” he murmured, not looking up from his book. “Last I checked, you both had a self-defense class today.”“That’s only for four hours, and it’s in the afternoon,” I

    Huling Na-update : 2025-02-23
  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   88. Where to Stay?

    ***Patricia***My mental health is hanging by a thread. I’m barely holding it together, yet here I am, trying to advise my best friend, Hyacinth, who’s even more unstable than I am. The weight of her daily trauma makes my struggles feel almost trivial in comparison. Just this morning, I was lost in the fantasy world of my ebook, a temporary escape from reality. Now? My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, conjuring up countless scenarios of how to catch the bastard who’s been tormenting us. I imagine shoving his face into a cloud of pollen, watching him suffer as Hyacinth has suffered. The thought brings me a twisted sense of satisfaction.I sighed deeply, my fingers drumming restlessly on the coffee table. My eyes flicked to Seth as he placed a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka in front of me. His calm demeanor was both comforting and irritating. “Miss,” he said, his voice steady, “I think you need to work on your flexibility. Hyacinth is used to beatings. You’re not.”I frowned, my pride stingi

    Huling Na-update : 2025-02-24
  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   89. Stalker's Point of View

    ***Stalker’s Point of View***Her long, black, curly hair wasn’t particularly thick when we first met, but now it was. Thicker, healthier, more vibrant. Perhaps the stress of her failing marriage had lifted. Or maybe she finally had the money to invest in those luxurious hair treatments she deserved.I’ve dreamed of burying my face in those luscious curls, breathing in her essence. That’s why I stole her silk hair cap—the one she wears at night to preserve those perfect waves. Now, it’s pressed against my face as I pleasure myself, her scent intoxicating me. Rosemary… jojoba oil… whatever shampoo she uses, it’s divine.My bedroom in New York is a shrine to her. The walls are plastered with enlarged photographs of her face—sleeping, smiling, unaware. Some are candid shots I took while hiding in her cabin in Finland; others are meticulously printed from her social media. Her eyes follow me wherever I move, a constant reminder of my obsession.In one corner of the room, a glass display c

    Huling Na-update : 2025-02-25
  • Forced to Marry My Stepbrother   90. Possibilities

    ***Raven***Sleep eluded me entirely after I finished reading Hyacinth’s journal. My mind raced, piecing together every fragment of information, every clue. The thought that it could be Anthony gnawed at me, but I dismissed it. She was always safe when Anthony was around. At least, that’s what I wanted to believe. My suspicions shifted to Eino. His background was sparse, but what I knew painted a picture of a privileged young man dabbling in astrology—a rich kid with a penchant for exploring the world. His family had recently ventured into home security systems—cameras, digital surveillance, the works. I’d already checked the systems they installed at the cabin and traced their origins. Their sister company, or rather, their small-scale business, seemed innocuous enough. But something about Eino didn’t sit right with me. He was the lead I needed to focus on. “You haven’t slept at all, my love,” Hyacinth’s voice broke through my thoughts. She was bundling up in layers, pulling on a p

    Huling Na-update : 2025-02-26

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  • 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

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