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Chapter 20: The Verlice Children: Unapologetically Themselves
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2024-08-05 18:17:17Related chapters
It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 21: Fear and Loathing
I walked to the elevator, rubbing my forehead from exhaustion. I pressed the button and the door slid open for me. I was about to walk inside when someone called my name. I turned around and saw that it was Giovanna. She seemed to have changed out of her previous clothes and was wearing something similar to a man's jacket. I raised a brow as she approached me.Giovanna looked at her body and laughed. "Someone spilled coffee on me so I changed out of my clothes. I always carry a spare," she explained. I nodded. She looked at the elevator and back at me. "Work already ended for the day,""The boss sent me on an errand. As you can see," I showed her my phone and my wallet, "I didn't carry my things. I'm signing out for the day,""Oh," she looked at her wristwatch. "Wanna go together?" I shook my head negatively. I liked that she was friendly but I didn't know her at all and I still had trust issues.Giovanna shrugged and started to walk away. "See you tomorrow, Laverne… Can I call you th
Last Updated : 2024-08-05It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 22: Sass and Snark
"Take a seat if you wish to," he said coldly and walked out of the room. I stared after him, rubbing my ass as I whimpered. He was acting quite cold. It wasn't like he used to be. Rominic was the sweetest… okay, facade, I get it.I sighed and stood up, groaning as the pain shot from my butt cheeks to my knees and elbows. I kicked off my shoes, pulled my sweater over my head, and tossed it on the leather mid-century modern sofa, the only one in the office that could fit four semi-fat people. I sat down on it and wiggled my throbbing ass for comfort."Bastard," I didn't even know whether to be angry or cry from the pain and humiliation, so I just chose both. Cry in rage. It would be so easy to kill him, we were alone after all. But I couldn't. Working together was a bad idea, but again, I couldn't quit. I needed to lay a good example for Zachary. If I quit, he'd know and distance himself from his father. As tempting as the situation was, I prefer not to.I never got the love of my fathe
Last Updated : 2024-08-06It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 23: Heartache and Despair
You know that feeling where you feel like the ground should swallow you up? Well, that was how I felt while sitting in his car and staring out of the window.I wanted to scream and yell from the earlier incident. I blame him for angering me and making me come after him. The fortunate reward is that he didn't die, that should be good enough as an apology for him. But what I saw…I groaned and sank into the car seat, fighting the urge to bury my face in my knees and turn to mud. As much as I was trying to be brazen about it, I knew it wasn't something I wanted to live with. It's not like I haven't seen it before, but I had always been a big-time prude and it had been years since I saw a fine naked man. The keyword is fine. I don't know if it's possible but he looked bigger than before or maybe it was because it'd been years since I last saw 'him'. And the worst part was that I was supposed to be an erotophobe.Why didn't I feel repulsed by the sight?Why did I like what I saw?And Jesus
Last Updated : 2024-08-07It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 24: Consequences of Chaos (1)
I quietly ate at the dining table, not conversing with the kids or grumpy Rominic. He was still in pain and I felt so much better after crying because he deserved it. Crying reminded me of why I need to hate him, and why I must show him no mercy for his wrongdoings.Zachary and Savia noticed it, but they didn't do anything to question me and I was glad they didn't. "So, Mom, you're quiet," Zachary stated, looking at me from the corner of his eyes. Or not.I sighed, he was ready to bother me. "I'm tired,""So I'm guessing your day didn't go so well," Savvy added, giving me her signature smirk. I rolled my eyes to Nic who grumbled something about me being an insufferable woman."Dad, how did your day go?""Bad, terrible, and I blame your mother,""Seriously?" He slammed his fork down and flared his nostrils in furious annoyance."Yes, seriously. Working with you is like signing a contract with the grim reaper. First, you almost lost your mind because of holographic snakes," my cheeks bu
Last Updated : 2024-08-08It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 25: Consequences of Chaos (2)
"I was going to tell him but there were snakes!" I exclaimed.Rominic stared at me seriously. "What happened to my children?""Some bitch teacher—""Manners, young lady," I scolded, glaring at Savia.She huffed. "Can't I just swear out loud this once?""No,""Permitted,""Rominic! You can't go encouraging your kids to swear! She's just eight!""I'm like a few months away from my ninth birthday,"My lips twitched into a sneer. "That doesn't warrant it, sweetheart. You're not allowed to swear even in your head,""That's taking away their freedom of speech," Rominic said in a somewhat complaining manner.I glared at him. "They are kids, Nic,"He rolled his eyes with a scornful glare. "You cursed at me the whole day,""I'm an adult in my early thirties,""Then you should show a good example too,""They can swear as much as they want when they are grownups," I argued, folding my arms once again."No one is allowed to tell my children what to do. They can do and say whatever they want,"I an
Last Updated : 2024-08-09It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 26: A Night of Anguish
I feel the familiar sting of hurt and anger as I recall how he had forgotten my birthday. I had planned everything so meticulously — baking a cake, cooking a special meal, all with the intention of spending a simple, yet meaningful day with him. But he had broken his promise and never came home, leaving me to sleep off my disappointment while waiting for him.For the past seven days, I've been giving him the silent treatment, refusing to even cook for him. Part of me wished I could just leave his house, but my anger hadn't quite reached that level yet. I was determined to make him feel the full weight of his oversight.His Royal Majesty finally joined me in bed. I'd made sure to surround myself with a barrier of pillows, creating distance between us. He hadn't even bothered to apologize, dismissing my reaction as "childish.""It's just a birthday," he said, the nonchalance in his voice only serving to infuriate me further."Laverne, are you still angry?" he asked, as if the answer was
Last Updated : 2024-08-10It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 27: A Pinch of Possession
The day began with a heavy silence. After waking up, I felt a sense of embarrassment and lingering anger over my terrible outburst the night before. To my surprise and unease, Rominic didn't utter a single word about the incident. In fact, he barely spoke to me at all throughout the day, and this only worsened my already foul mood. I couldn't bring myself to talk to the children, afraid that I might end up venting my anger and frustration on them.I had hoped we could get through the day without any further interaction, but I was wrong. It was I who ended up disrupting the tense silence.As I observed Rominic, I couldn't help but notice that he was clearly in pain, likely due to the fall he had taken the previous day. Try as I might, I couldn't ignore the fact that he was suffering. The more I tried to push it out of my mind, the more I felt the tears threatening to spill. It was my fault that he had fallen, and my mind raced with fear-driven thoughts. What if he dies? How would my ch
Last Updated : 2024-08-10It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 28: Overdose
I twisted my lips in a pained grimace, biting down hard on my lower lip until I could feel the delicate skin break. Oh, how I longed to just punch that infuriating, smug smile right off his face, to slam his head down against his desk until that self-satisfied expression was wiped away. But I couldn't, and Rominic knew it — he knew he had me trapped. My heart pounded with a burning fury as I clenched my hands at my sides, feeling the joints of my knuckles crack under the strain. The metallic taste of my own blood seeped into my mouth as my teeth continued tearing into my tender lip.Rominic's expression softened, and he slowly rose from his seat, moving to loom over me. His hand came up, reaching towards my face, and I instinctively tried to pull away, but he was too fast. His fingers gripped my chin firmly, forcing me to hold still as his thumb gently stroked the tense muscle of my cheek."Stop biting your lip," he murmured, using his other hand to press his thumb against my bottom
Last Updated : 2024-08-12
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It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 92: A Call From the Past
Lavender's POVThe cool, smooth leather of the office couch cushioned me as I sat cross-legged, my notepad balanced on one knee. I leaned forward, the pen in my hand moving swiftly, its tip scratching faintly against the paper. Around me, the soft, lingering scent of roses and bergamot filled the air—remnants of test bottles scattered haphazardly across my desk.Warm sunlight filters through the sheer curtains, bathing the room in a gentle glow. The golden light pools on the wooden floor and reflects off the edges of glass bottles, casting shadows across the walls. It's quiet except for the faint scratching of my pen and the low hum of the air conditioning. My gaze dropped back to the notepad where I meticulously outlined the ingredients for my latest obsession: a bold, layered perfume.The vision was vivid in my mind: the top notes would be sharp and citrusy, evoking the crispness of an early spring morning. The heart would be floral—a soft, comforting embrace, delicate yet unyieldin
It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 91: Between Passion and Plans
Lavender's POVI stretched my legs out on the bed, crossing them at the ankles as I leaned back against the headboard. Papers, a file, and my laptop were scattered around me, the evidence of a day spent working. My phone buzzed faintly next to me, but I ignored it, too engrossed in the file I was reviewing.The sound of running water echoed from the open bathroom door. Rominic's voice carried through the space as he talked about his day, weaving details about a difficult client and a frustrating product launch into the hum of the shower. I half-listened, my eyes scanning the lines of the document in my lap."And then the old man had the nerve to criticize the campaign visuals," Rominic grumbled.I heard the sharp squeak of the shower handle turning, followed by the dull thud of water droplets against tile as the flow stopped. "Honestly, Lav, I don't know how I managed to keep my temper. Times like this, I wish Dad hadn't retired and left me to deal with this circus.""You handled it f
It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 90: One Word
Lavender's POVI stared at my phone for what felt like the hundredth time, the faint glow of the screen casting shadows across my hands. The message sat there, glaring back at me, its words as sharp as the first time I read them:Your luck truly is magnificent, dearest Lavender. But how far does that luck extend to those around you?The number that sent it no longer existed, but the unease it left behind clung to me like cobwebs. For two weeks now, I'd replayed those words in my mind, dissecting every possible meaning. Was it a threat? A warning? A cruel joke?I rubbed my temple, trying to push away the thoughts that refused to leave me. Who could have sent it? Had I offended someone? My mind churned, dragging up memories from the past. There were people I'd cut out of my life over the years, but those falling-outs were so long ago—ten years, maybe more. And they'd been petty disagreements, nothing that would warrant this kind of cryptic hostility.Yet, the nagging thought remained: h
It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 89: A Bold Transformation
I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to stay calm, tapping the arm of the chair rhythmically. Plans had changed last minute, and we had to cancel on Giovanna. But this wasn't a trivial decision; it was because of Rylee. I couldn't leave her alone—not in the state she was in. Anna, Tyra, and Ginger agreed without hesitation. Rylee had become part of our circle, and right now, our priority was coaxing her into facing her mistakes. We gave Giovanna the ticket as a peace offering, hoping she'd understand.Anna, Tyra, and Ginger had practically moved in to help me keep an eye on her. Suzanne couldn't be here physically, but she regularly sent messages of support. Phineas frequently checked on Rylee through me, and Nic, despite his lingering frustration with his sister, never missed a chance to ask after her. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how alike the two of them were in their stubbornness and loyalty.I was seated in the living room, Tyra gently braiding my hair whi
It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 88: Rylee's Crossroad
I stepped quietly into Rylee’s bedroom, the familiar scent of black cherry with a subtle touch of ‘black rose’ filling the air. My hands were shoved deep into the kangaroo pockets of my hoodie, fingers curling into fists. I stopped at the foot of the bed, watching her fragile figure huddled in the middle, clutching her knees to her chest, her face buried in the folds of her arms. The bedsheets, deep red with scattered flaming stars, were tangled around her legs, a stark contrast to the gray sadness that seemed to engulf her. Seeing her like this—so vulnerable—twisted something deep inside me. Rylee never showed her softness, not to anyone. But I knew better than to offer comfort too soon; she would push me away. Being sweet didn’t work with her. When she felt cornered, she lashed out.I exhaled a heavy sigh, the kind that weighed more than just air. I sat down at the edge of the bed, my body turned sideways so I could still see her face, or at least what was left of it beneath the ve
It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 87: Trouble on the Homefront
Lavender's viewpointI waited patiently in Rominic's and my bedroom, my legs stretched out comfortably on the bed while my back rested against the headboard. My eyes skimmed over the words on the page, racing through each line, but my focus was fractured. I was worried about Rylee, who Rominic had said was in tears. That wasn't something he would lie about, nor was it unusual for me to hear.Rominic was usually the first person Rylee turned to whenever she faced a problem. It always struck me as strange how they could barely stand each other's presence yet relied on one another during emotional turmoil. Their relationship was perplexing, but I had come to understand it was a unique bond. It reminded me of my own children, Zach and Savia. They bicker and fight more than any other siblings I know, yet their love and understanding for each other run deep. It seemed that Rominic and Rylee shared a similar dynamic—even after ten years, their connection remained unchanged.What truly worried
It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 86: Oh Boy
A breathless gasp fell from my lips as I threw my head back, my back arching off the bed in a deliciously desperate stretch. But Rominic didn't give me a moment to acclimate to the powerful wave of sensation that crashed over me. He began to rock his hips, plunging in and out at a maddening pace from the very start, driving me wild. My entire body burned with an insatiable heat that pooled tantalizingly in my abdomen, each thrust igniting a fever that coursed through me. I was quickly lost in the delirious bliss of our bodies colliding relentlessly, surrendering to the rhythm we created together.Rominic hovered over me, his presence consuming, as he cuffed my hands to the bed above my head, rendering me beautifully helpless. He hardly slowed his pace; in fact, every time he felt my walls tighten around him, he responded with heightened urgency, relishing in my pleasure. I could barely obey any order he barked at me, my capacity for restraint evaporating under his relentless assault. A
It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 85: Try Not To Make A Sound
Rominic's hands explored every single strand of my hair, threading through it as if he were crafting a delicate crown just for me. He hovered above, his gaze locking onto my hazy eyes as I breathed heavily, my pulse quickening. Heat radiated from my face, igniting a giddy sensation in me, as if I were melting under the influence of something intoxicating. His hand moved to cup my cheek, and I instinctively closed the eye above it, surrendering to his touch. His thumb caressed the soft flesh, brushing over my rosy cheeks in a way that sent a thrill racing through me, leaving me both curious and breathless about his next move."Try not to make a sound," Nic commanded, his voice low and sultry, as his kisses traveled down the curve of my neck, igniting a fire beneath my skin."Is that an order?" I challenged, my tone laced with defiance. He paused, that simmering challenge hanging in the air. "And what if I don't do as you say?" I teased, a smirk curling on my face.Nic brushed his tongu
It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 84: How Was Your Day?
I stretched up on my toes, arching my back slightly as a loud yawn escaped my lips. I felt utterly exhausted, every movement met with the crack and creak of my weary bones. Since starting work last week, I have poured every ounce of energy into identifying and correcting the flaws within the company. With just two days left before my night out at the club with my friends, I knew I needed to take a breather to be in top shape for the party. I was the type to fall ill at the first hint of too much alcohol or the overwhelming pulse of loud music after days of stress. It never helped me unwind.Having wrapped up the urgent tasks, I planned to work from home the next day, hoping to catch up on rest and steal a bit more time with Nic. With the recent success of the new launch, including Zach's product, he hadn't had much free time either."You're late, again." Speak of the devil. I instinctively halted my movements and peeled my tired eyes open, my arms still stretched above my head. A wear
