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Chapter 31: Beneath the Facade
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2024-08-14 18:05:18Related chapters
It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 32: Nothing Personal
The drive to the restaurant was a tense affair. It took several minutes before Lavender finally snapped out of her daze, but I refrained from commenting on the foolishness of her initial reaction. I had no desire to engage in another tiresome argument — I'd had my fill of those for the day.Lavender grumbled and muttered to herself throughout the remainder of the journey, likely cursing me under her breath. By the time we arrived, her temper had been thoroughly exhausted. She practically leapt out of the car before it had even come to a complete stop — a reckless move that made me pause. This was not the meek, cautious woman I had once known.As we entered the restaurant, I couldn't help but notice the marked change in Lavender's demeanor. Gone was the nervous, clingy woman who would typically cling to my arm, pressing her bosom against me in a transparent attempt to overcome her inhibitions. No, the woman who strode through the door was self-assured, almost to the point of arrogance.
Last Updated : 2024-08-15It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 33: Jealousy
Parker looked at me with an amused smile. "You got yourself another Stacy?" he asked, his tone laced with a hint of teasing."Why are you always surrounding yourself with women, Rommy?" Caroline drawled, her voice dry and unimpressed. I shuddered at the nickname she used. I kept my mouth shut, knowing that words were useless when they came from me — she was immune to their effect."Is it because you think I will always tolerate it?" Caroline continued, her gaze unwavering. "I have a heart that loves you, you know." "Lady, do be quiet or we will leave and you won't see your darling Rommy again," Lavender interjected, her tone clearly sarcastic as she used the nickname. "Sir, please sit down so we can get this over with," she added, reaching for my hand and snaking her fingers around my wrist, pulling me down into the chair. The place where she touched me left my skin buzzing even after she removed her hand. I stared down at my hand, momentarily lost to the world around me until Parker
Last Updated : 2024-08-15It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 34: The Devil's in the Details
I only intended to save him. It wasn't that I cared who wanted to throw themselves at him—no, my focus was solely on protecting my children. Another woman in his life was a threat to their happiness and future. They had only just started to love him, to trust him, and I couldn't bear the thought of his attention being snatched away by some newcomer.My children deserved his unwavering love and devotion. After all, he had been largely absent and useless for so many years. Now that he was finally making an effort to be a father, I wouldn't allow some witch to swoop in and try to claim him. Not on my watch.That tiny, insistent voice in the back of my mind whispered, 'Or you could just admit that you don't want another woman's hands on him because he's yours.'I scowled, irritated by the truth in her words. 'Dear subconscious, don't you have better things to do than torment me with your brutal honesty?''Telling you the truth is what I choose to do with my time,' she retorted unapologeti
Last Updated : 2024-08-16It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 35: Redemption
A wistful smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I gazed up at the night sky, feeling the cool breeze caress my skin. Ferris had brought me to our special place, a secluded corner of the park that had become a sanctuary for our group of friends.This was where Ferris and I had first discovered the spot, and we had later shared it with the rest of the guys, transforming it into our own private haven. The memories of the countless hours we had spent here, laughing and sharing our dreams, welled up within me, causing a prickling sensation behind my eyes."Here, I found it in my car!" Ferris exclaimed excitedly, stretching out a can of soda towards me. I quirked a brow at him, a hint of amusement playing on my features."What? How long has that been in your car?" I asked, unable to resist the urge to tease him.Ferris bit his lip, his gaze shifting upward as he pensively counted on his fingers. "Erm… yes! That time Link and I went to a basketball game!" he declared, his eyes lighting u
Last Updated : 2024-08-17It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 36: The Unraveling of a Madman
I stared at Ferris with a sarcastic smile, waiting for him to provide his glorified excuse. I was infuriated that not only was he advocating for the man who had ruined my life, but he didn't even seem angry about it.I knew Ferris well. He was the kind of person who was true to his conscience, no matter what. He didn't like to suppress his emotions or deny the truth, and that was one of the many things I both loved and hated about him. If he was trying to be an advocate, then it must be something he had thought about for years, and most importantly, it had to be true. That alone was enough to make me furious. I didn't want to know what had happened to Rominic after what he had done to me. He could rot in hell for all I cared.Ferris inclined his head upward and smiled at me, a hint of sadness in his expression. I returned his smile with scorn. He shrugged his shoulders and leaned back on his hands. "Aren't you going to say anything?" I prompted."Haven't you noticed that something is
Last Updated : 2024-08-19It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 37: Bitterness and Anger
Ferris parked the car at the gate of what was supposed to be my home. After my emotional outburst, he never mentioned it again, simply taking me back home in silence. The awkward quiet reigned in the car, allowing depression and anger to dominate my mind.I knew I was being inconsiderate, but I also felt I deserved to be. What irked me was that Rominic had to suffer too. If he hadn't, my heart wouldn't have considered him for a second. But knowing he had gone through hardships, and that there was a chance he loved me, was making my heart turn against me.I was angry because I felt sorry for him, yet I also wanted to end everything. But I would never forgive him, not after what he had put me through. The fact that my children were ill, that we lived from hand to mouth, that I faced humiliation as a beggar — none of that mattered. The fact that he had ruined my life could never be forgiven or forgotten.Could he erase the memories of me using my body as a last resort to save my children
Last Updated : 2024-08-20It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 38: The Weight of Scars
I keep a smile plastered on my face as I slowly drag the zipper down the back of my dress, peeling it off my shoulders and letting it pool at my feet. I'm left standing in just my underwear, but that doesn't last long. With a few deft movements, I unclasp my bra, push the straps off, and toss it aside.The look of horror that washes over his face when he sees my once smooth, unblemished stomach now covered in scars is deeply satisfying. "Can you see?" I ask, my voice dripping with a mixture of anger and resignation. "This is what I've been hiding under my clothes. See these?"I turn around, exposing the angry red welts and lash marks across my back. "I got these when I willingly participated to be the sex slave of a wealthy psychopath. He doesn't sleep with the women, but he derives pleasure from their pain and the sight of their blood. All I had to do was take whips on my body and cry like there's no tomorrow, and I get the complete money to start Zayne's treatment."I point to a par
Last Updated : 2024-08-21It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 39: crows like shiny things
Rominic's viewpointI now truly understand the depths of Lavender's bitterness and pain. The scars that marred her body were a constant, physical reminder of the horrors she had endured, and the emotional and mental scars were even deeper, seared into her very consciousness. I felt a deep pang of guilt, knowing that my actions had been the catalyst for so much of her suffering.I desperately wanted to fix it, to make her forget the trauma and pain she had experienced. But I knew, deep down, that such a thing was impossible. The idea of using hypnosis or some kind of memory-wiping machine crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. That would be a selfish and greedy act, robbing her of her own experiences and freedom.No, if I truly wanted her forgiveness, I would have to earn it through patience and understanding, not through force or manipulation—but I knew it'll be impossible to fully control myself. The temptation to hunt down every single one of the men who had hurt her, to unlea
Last Updated : 2024-08-23
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It Should Have Been Like This Chapter 93: Bound in Transit
The muffled hum of idle chatter seeped into Zayne's consciousness, tugging him from the depths of unconsciousness like a persistent mosquito's whine. His eyelids felt glued shut, and his temples throbbed with an ache that pulsed in time with the low rumble of an engine.At first, the voices grated against his senses. The inane conversation was a jumble of vulgarities and half-formed thoughts, an assault on his already-frayed nerves. He wanted to groan, to shout at them to shut up—but then clarity struck like a lightning bolt.That kind of idle banter wasn't supposed to be anywhere near him.His eyes snapped open, the transition from darkness to dim light making him wince. For a disorienting moment, the world swam in blurred shapes and muted colors. He blinked rapidly, his focus sharpening. He was seated awkwardly on the floor of a car, his legs bound tightly together with coarse rope. His wrists were similarly tied, though the knot was haphazard at best, the frayed strands scratching
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
