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Chapter 44: Force
Last Updated:
2024-01-25 19:55:37Related chapters
It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 45: Emergency Calls in the Early Morning
Leopold POVThe soft vibration of the cell phone broke the silence of the night, ruining the softness of my sleep. As I opened my eyes, the realization quickly crept in that I was still inside Serena's room.Slowly, I tried to move away without disturbing Serena's deep sleep by my side. I squirmed softly, freeing myself from her warm caresses and trying not to disturb the tranquility that was shading us. Luckily, she was still in her peaceful world.However, when a string of unfamiliar numbers kept demanding my attention, I finally could no longer avoid the call. Although, in truth, I would have preferred to stay asleep in a peaceful dream. However, there was something urgent on the other side of the phone. There was no choice but to respond. “Hello?” I greeted her, trying to mask the confusion and stiffness in my voice.“Good evening. Is this Mr. Leopold?” The voice on the other end sounded formal, despite the faint rumble in the background. “Right, this is Leopold.”“I'm represent
Last Updated : 2024-01-26It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 46: The New Guy
Serena POV The truce with my father only seemed to float in the air briefly, without a solid foundation. It didn't take long for the silence to break, like cracked glass getting worse. My father infiltrated my life again, unexpected or permission. His face revealed disbelief, breaking through time and space and dragging me along in a familiar stream of darkness. This time, like part of a never-ending drama, my father forced my way. I, a spectator without a seat and without a choice, must obey the rhythm he sets. Obstacles were inevitable. I couldn't escape, even though my heart protested. The leather seats of his car swallowed my body, enveloping it in heavy silence. The eyes of the personal bodyguard implied a forgotten, bitter story, a silent witness to the pressure that had returned. “Dad, where are we going?” I asked, bitterness hidden behind doubt. Father looked at me, cold and emotionless. “Dinner. Is this how you dress when you go to the office? You look rumpled, as if yo
Last Updated : 2024-01-28It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 47. Ultrasound Photo
Serena POV“Hi, Babe.”My coffee was about to spill when Leopold lightly put his arm around my shoulders. I was still digesting the moment when he casually grabbed the coffee cup and took a sip.“Why do you always like sweet drinks like this?” Leopold looked at my caramel latte with a doubtful expression. “When coffee is mixed with other flavors, the taste gets messy.”“Chatty, you don't ask permission, and you protest.” Taking the glass from his hand, I said. “What about Amanda?”The words felt heavy on my tongue at the mention of that name. I felt reluctant to say it, belatedly realizing that I should have been wiser. Leopold nodded. “She's good. Her baby is good, too.”My eyes narrowed when I heard that. “Your baby too?” “Not sure yet,” he replied.I let silence fill the space between us. To be honest, I could sense the inner conflict Leopold was facing. Leopold found himself caught in a complicated situation. Even though he wanted to ignore Amanda, the possibility of having a ch
Last Updated : 2024-01-29It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 48: Jealous
Serena POV“Would you like to have lunch together?” asked Leopold, his voice gently permeating the air.I smiled, surprised by Leopold's unusual offer. Usually, his visits to my office were work-related.The surprise left me speechless for a moment, until Leopold gently broke the silence by moving his finger, breaking my reverie like someone who had just woken up from sleep.“I agree,” I finally replied.Not moving immediately, Leopold still stood by my side. I turned to him, seeking an explanation for his unusual presence.“What's going on?” I asked.Leopold showed me his watch. “It's time for lunch.”The backlog of tasks had made me lose track of time. While the office seemed quiet, it was time for a lunch break. Every lunch hour is a frenzied moment in the office when everyone flocks to avoid the queue.I closed my laptop and took my wallet and cell phone from my pouch. Leopold was waiting by the door.“You're in such a hurry,” I teased.“Yeah, I'm hungry,” Leopold replies.The rea
Last Updated : 2024-01-30It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 49: An Expression of Feelings and a Warm Hug from a Best Friend
Serena POVRenesmee sat beside me, her face filled with unhidden anxiety. “What's wrong again? You're looking so gloomy,” she said.“Your favorite BBC CEO isn't staying?” teased Eloise, trying to bring a bit of humor into the tense atmosphere.I could only shake my head weakly. “With the ex-wife,” I replied, my voice filled with discomfort.Renesmee's gaze was sympathetic, revealing how much she felt about the burden I carried. Meanwhile, Amanda's presence in Leopold's life always brought uncertainty to my mind.Leopold never revealed why he wanted to meet Amanda, but I was sure it had something to do with her pregnancy. Whenever Leopold was with his ex-wife, I felt like he forgot about my existence, overshadowed by the past.I let out a deep sigh. Again, I was not willing for Leopold to spend time with Amanda, no matter what the reason.“Be careful, Serena. There is a possibility of them getting back together,” Renesmee said in a caring voice, trying to calm my worries.Leopold may h
Last Updated : 2024-02-01It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 50: The Ultimate Braggart
Serena POVUnderstanding the complexity of my feelings led to some trepidation when dealing with Leopold. I didn't want things to get awkward, or even worse. I wasn't sure I could hold myself back. All this time, keeping these feelings hidden was a laborious task.I felt like an open book, with every detail of my feelings laid bare. It revealed the tenderness of love and also brought pain to my heart.How can I express the feelings hidden in my heart?The courage is still hiding behind the shadow of fear and doubt.Not wanting my facial expression to betray me, I tried hard to hide what I really felt inside.Instead, I deliberately kept my distance from Leopold. It wasn't too hard for me to do. Leopold was involved with a big investor from Ireland, keeping him and Mr. Raymond very busy. The busyness in the office had doubled to win the tender.This time, I was truly grateful for the busyness. Leopold's limited presence was a blessing for me. Although my body struggled to feel his pre
Last Updated : 2024-02-01It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 51: My Body and Mind Want Serena
Leopold POVThe moment I saw Amanda, mixed feelings slipped into me. Her gentle gaze was still seductive, even though I was trying to cover up the complexities that were in my heart.I couldn't ignore her pregnancy. It was a stark fact, reminding me of the responsibility hidden behind her call.“Have you eaten yet?” she asked in a soft voice, intruding into the quiet room.I pondered for a moment, trying to make sense of the situation before me. She was doing her best to appear cheerful, but her worry was evident.“Yes, I did,” I replied briefly, placing the vitamins on the table. The special pregnant women's vitamins were the reason that led me here. But I knew it was about the presence and support she needed.Amanda thanked me as she put her order away. Her eyes were still searching for something, as if seeking reassurance in the darkness that enveloped her heart. I watched her stand up, carrying the dirty dishes to the kitchen, and I followed her wordlessly.In the kitchen, the sil
Last Updated : 2024-02-03It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 52: Trap
Serena POVThe atmosphere in this house has gotten worse since Mom left. Vivid memories fill every nook and cranny. I still remember how my mother refused to be hospitalized, wanting to spend her last hours among us. Those moments were so bittersweet.I remember that time when my father insisted that I go to school, but I refused. I roared at the top of my lungs. Hardin also refused to go to school and got a beating from Dad.This house never felt the same again, especially since Aunt Mary moved in and lived here. I waited until I graduated from high school and left home. Living in an apartment during college was actually much better for my mental health.This morning, the tension was heightened by the presence of Uncle Frederick. Our conversation last night changed my view of him. He no longer looks like the uncle I once admired, but like a devious and untrustworthy man. “I want Kevin to come. Make sure you look presentable; don't be embarrassed,” Dad urged in a stern tone, but I re
Last Updated : 2024-02-05
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It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 110: My Home, My Heaven
Leopold POV Five years have passed quickly, but it feels like only yesterday that I first met my chatty wife. Although we have faced various problems, both small and big, in our relationship, we have always tried to find solutions together. The first three years were a tough test for us. From minor arguments that led to days without talking to a big problem when my branch companies almost went bankrupt because of the actions of my trusted people. At that time, I was forced to leave Serena and our baby in America to deal with issues in various countries. Our relationship almost broke down, and Serena almost asked for a divorce because my busy schedule made her feel neglected, especially when she had the baby blues. Once, when Serena cried and angrily asked for a divorce over the phone, it felt like the world was crumbling before my eyes. Luckily, Serena's family was there to help take care of my son and boost her morale. I can never thank my father-in-law enough for being so unders
It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 109: After the Party
Serena POVAfter the blessing, it was time for the after-party in another hall. The night was peaceful, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves and the distant sound of crickets chirping. The tranquility of the evening enveloped everything in a sense of calm and serenity. We both stepped into another hall that had been prepared for the after-party. The party was a blast! The decorations were spectacular, with Mickey and Minnie Mouse balloons, a Cinderella castle centerpiece, and a life-sized cutout of Goofy. The music playing in the background added to the magic of the evening, with classic Disney tunes filling the air. Leopold really went all out, and I felt like a kid again. I couldn't wait to join in the fun and celebrate in this enchanting setting. It was the perfect choice to bring fun and magic to our special moment.Colorful lights hanging from the ceiling have decorated the hall, creating a magical atmosphere just like in Disneyland. The decorations were stunning: colorful b
It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 108: Our Wedding
Serena POVI can hardly believe it. Today, I got married at 23 to a 37-year-old man. He's not just any man. He's Leopold, the former CEO of my workplace and also my former one-night stand.During the proposal that came so suddenly and the surprise wedding outfit fitting, Leopold surprised me again. He calmly stated that he had already arranged our wedding with his family.My mouth dropped open, and my mind raced. I almost shouted, “What?!” But I could feel a tremor of excitement creeping up inside my chest.Speaking of Leopold's family, they all came all the way from Sweden to California.At first, I was afraid they would reject me. I was worried they'd make a big deal about Leopold siding with me to be my guardian and my father's successor. However, they welcomed me warmly. Leopold's mother was so considerate. That beautiful woman gave me a lot of advice on how to be a good wife and told me how to divide my time fairly between my husband and children. I may not have fully believed
It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 107: Fitting
Serena POVI frowned as Renesmee stopped the car in front of a luxury boutique building specializing in wedding dresses. From afar, the sunlight reflected off the boutique's windows, giving off a hypnotizing impression of luxury. “Renesmee, what did we come here for?” I protested, my hesitant voice clearly audible in the afternoon breeze that swept through my hair. She said she was taking me somewhere nice, but it turned out to be this luxury boutique.She laughed lightly, her bright-green eyes flashing. “You're curious, aren't you?”Renesmee glanced at me with a mysterious smile on her lips as we walked into the courtyard of the boutique building in Beverly Hills.I sighed, knowing for sure that she had a plan behind all this. I knew this boutique, a place only the elite could afford. It belonged to a renowned designer who used to make clothes for top celebrities and the rich.“You're getting married?” I asked Renesmee as we entered the boutique building. The fragrant smell of fresh
It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 106: Will You Marry Me?
Leopold POV I sat in the center of the living room that I had carefully designed. Nervousness struck, though I tried to hide it behind my broad smile. Tonight was the night I had been waiting for—the night I would propose to Serena, my true love, to become my wife.Looking around, I couldn't help but smile at all the simple designs I had prepared. I adorned the living room with vibrant roses, their fragrance evoking memories of Serena’s alluring presence. I deliberately chose colors to reflect the joy and happiness that we will share together as a married couple.I wasn't an interior designer, but I tried my best to create something special for Serena. The walls of the living room were full of photos of Serena that I had secretly taken. It brought back memories of the special times we had spent together. The shapes were mostly hearts, representing my deep affection for her. I might not care if some find it tacky. What truly matters is expressing my love for her.On the table were v
It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 105: He Is My Only Hope
Serena POV I stared at him fiercely, my eyes shining with my newfound courage. “Maybe for you, it was a mistake, dad. But for me, it was the right choice. I love Leopold, and I will not leave him.”There were no more words from my father; there was only a pressing silence in the room. The debate over the terms of becoming part of the Alexander family would never end.After all, how could I sacrifice my love? I will defend my choice, no matter what.“I realized long ago that you never considered my presence. I struggled to find my own happiness. Then, when I found a man who accepted me sincerely, you suddenly asked me to break up,” I said disappointed.“Serena, I know what's best for you.” Dad growled as he squeezed the sofa.I shook my head. “You never knew about me, dad. All you know is the family image.”“When you regret your choice, don't come here. You're such an unreliable daughter!” He exclaimed loudly, startling Uncle Frederick, who had just entered the room.I may look wild t
It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 104: Trying
Serena POV I sat on a comfortable garden chair, looking out over the rose garden in front of me. The air seemed to be guiding me to bring all the courage I had. Here I was, in the garden of my father's house, with my heart pounding. I had considered everything carefully beforehand, and now I needed to ask for his blessing.“Dad, I'm sorry I came without telling you first,” I said, trying to compose myself.He turned to me with a serious expression, his eyes staring intently at me. I knew he was going to ask me the gist of what I wanted to talk about. That's how my father was—always straight to the point.“What do you want to talk about, Serena?” He asked, his voice sounding stiff, as if reflecting how difficult it was for him to express emotions.I swallowed, trying to organize the words properly in my mind before speaking them. I wanted my father to understand; I wanted him to support me.“I've come to talk about Leopold,” I said slowly, trying to construct my sentences carefully s
It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 103: I Have Him
Serena POVThe heat of the setting sun left an orange color on the western horizon, creating a dazzling silhouette of Leopold before me. But, even though he was there, a darkness filled my mind, filled with worries about Eloise that hovered in the back of my mind.Leopold gently touched my flowing hair, giving me goosebumps from his warm touch. However, underneath his gentleness, there was anxiety shackling my heart.“Babe, is something bothering you?” his voice hissed, easing the chaos in my mind.I looked up at him, searching for answers in his warm eyes. Our arms embraced each other, and I buried my head in his chest, feeling the calm beat of his heart. “I'm still thinking about Eloise. You know how close we were. It's painful to recall all the wonderful memories we created together.”“Can a loyal friend hurt her friend?” asked Leopold in a soft voice, but his words pierced my heart. “No,” I replied softly, letting the silence envelop us.For some people, it might be easy to sugge
It Started With One-Night Stand Chapter 102: Friendship is Over
Serena POV Silence stretched between us, only the rustling of plates and the soft sounds of songs from the restaurant's speakers trying to break the ice at our table.Renesmee was still looking intently at Eloise, as if trying to find an answer from that gaze. Meanwhile, Eloise was silent, trapped in her own world created on her phone screen.“I'm finishing it here and today, because I no longer want to deal with anything that involves Eloise,” Renesmee said firmly, her voice piercing the air with disconcerting certainty.I could feel the tremor of firmness in her intonation, as if she had prepared her plan well in advance.I looked at Eloise, attempting to catch a speck of emotion behind her rigid facial expression. My hand touched her arm, trying to grab her attention from the virtual world that was sucking her in. “What about you, Eloise?” I whispered softly, as if feeling the darkness that enveloped her mind.Eloise looked up, her eyes still glued to her phone screen, though the
