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CH.14

Author: Golden Butterfly
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

The next few weeks passed by in the same dreadful pattern - Karl leaving early each morning for work and not returning until well into the night, while I spent endless vacant days alone, cooped up inside binge-watching TV shows and chatting with loved ones to fend off the creeping loneliness and despair.

"Lavinia...I think I'm in love," Rosie's dreamy, wistful voice made me gape in shock through the phone line.

Rosie had been my closest friend since childhood, and her falling in love with someone was essentially a modern miracle, given her track record of rapidly cycling through flings and casual boyfriends.

"What?!" I yelped, unable to stifle my knee-jerk response. This was precisely why I often hesitated before answering Rosie's calls - never knowing what shocking revelation might tumble out next.

"Yeah...I really think I am, Lavi. Oh god, it's such a weird, intense feeling but so wonderfully giddy and intoxicating too," she gushed unabashedly. "Every time I see him, I get these int
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    "So, my little bitch, how do you feel about spending a merciless night in the Red room as a consequence of your defiance?"I couldn't help letting out a disbelieving chuckle."Punishment? My defiance? Is that what you're calling it now?" I shot back, my tone laced with incredulity. "I didn't commit any sin that warrants punishment from you. And even if I had, who gave you the authority to judge me?"My voice grew more assertive as I continued, "I have every right to voice my thoughts and fight against injustice. Your eagerness to punish me only underscores your fear of opposition and your desire to stifle individuality. Instead of trying to break me down, perhaps you should try engaging in an open conversation to understand why you act as you do."“Conversation?” His retort was swift and harsh. "Every time you feel pain... remember that it's your own doing, not mine. You need to see the beast you've turned me into."Karl's words were punctuated by a guttural roar that made me involunt

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    The two days following that traumatic night had crawled by at an agonizing pace.Karl had been colder than ice, barely acknowledging my existence unless it was to shoot me a withering glare.For my part, I did everything humanly possible to avoid being in the same room as that wretched man. Just looking at him made my blood boil with anger and shame over what he'd done to me.Finally, it was time for me to go visit my family for the first time since the wedding.I hadn't seen my parents, brothers, or any of my loved ones in what felt like an eternity, and I was aching for the warmth and comfort only they could provide.Maybe a little time away from Karl was just what I needed to catch my breath.I took extra care in picking out a casual, modest outfit, settling for loose jeans, a flowy top that didn't cling to my figure, and a pair of flats.The last thing I wanted was to give that controlling psycho any excuse to berate me over my appearance.My hair was up in a messy bun, and I deem

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    Just like that, my smile froze on my face as the weight of reality came crashing back down.My stomach twisted into an anxious knot at the mention of Karl's name.Robert must have sensed the shift in my mood because his expression sobered instantly."Lavinia? What's wrong?" His brow furrowed with concern as he studied me intently. "Did I say something to upset you?"I forced out a shaky laugh, shaking my head quickly. "No, no, you didn't do anything wrong. I just...I got lost in my own head for a second there."Robert didn't look entirely convinced, but he seemed to sense I didn't want to discuss it further.With a slight nod, he reached out and gave my hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze."Well, whatever's going on, you're here with us now. That's all that matters."He threw an arm around my shoulders and pulled me against his side in a sideways hug. "Why don't we get out there before Mom sends out a search party, huh?"I managed a small smile at that, leaning into his comforting embra

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    Mom and Dad were beaming and looking for all the world like proud parents watching their daughter's fairytale romance unfold. If only they knew the truth about the snake I'd married."Well, it's wonderful to see you, son," Dad declared heartily before striding forward to clap Karl on the shoulder. "We were just telling Lavinia how lucky she is to have a caring, attentive husband like yourself."A muscle ticked along Karl's jaw, but his smile didn't falter when he gave a modest shrug. "Luck has nothing to do with it, I'm afraid. I'm simply doing my best to dote on my wife the way she deserves. Isn't that right, my dear?"The endearment was like acid on my tongue, but I obediently nodded and forced myself to meet his eyes. "Of course. Karl takes wonderful care of me.""As he should!" Mom tutted. She looked somewhat misty-eyed as she watched us together. "A husband should always put his wife's needs first, after all."Karl's arm tightened fractionally around my waist. It was just enough

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    It felt like Karl had read my mind because his lips curved into a cruel smirk before he abruptly released me with a disdainful shove that nearly made me stumble."Get in the car. And wipe that look of fear off your face before I'm forced to give you something to actually be afraid of."I somehow managed to keep my hands from visibly shaking when I hurried around to the passenger side door and slid inside the car.My heart was thundering so loudly in my ears that I could barely even process Karl's presence when he climbed in beside me a moment later.I just stared straight ahead and struggled to regulate my breathing the moment a cold sweat broke out across my skin.The drive back to our home passed in tense, suffocating silence. That was if the lavish prison I was kept in could even be called a home.Karl didn't so much as look at me. His face was like chiseled stone as he kept his eyes trained on the road ahead. I could practically feel the waves of fury rolling off him.He was no do

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    I was stunned and in disbelief that Karl had slapped me. Although he hadn't used force yet, it happened.I forced back the tears that threatened to fall from my eyes. There was no way I would let him see me in that state.Karl grabbed me before I could recover. He hauled me up and over his shoulder in one swift motion."What the hell are you doing? Put me down, put me the hell down, you beast!" I screeched, kicking and thrashing wildly in his iron grip."We'll make up for it with something nicer on the bed if you don't want to shower with me, which is fine," he growled, carrying me towards the bedroom.He tossed me down onto the mattress without any warning and pinned me beneath his much larger frame before I could try to scramble away.“What's wrong with you, my lovely wife? You're terrified, huh? You need not worry; I will put an end to your uprising."One of his hands snaked up to trap both of my wrists above my head while the other started roaming freely over my body. He caressed

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    It was truly a night to remember.Andre and Rosie found themselves in the quiet of their hotel room, where they were able to spend some quality time together.While Andre's hands were softly put next to Rosie's head against the door as he gazed into her eyes intensely."What are you doing?" Rosie's voice trembled."Why are you so tense? Are you afraid?" Andre asked before caressing her cheeks tenderly.Rosie offered him a smile and shook her head. "I'm not... I just...""Don’t be nervous, just let yourself go. I'll never hurt you, my love. Everything will be fine, trust me," Andre reassured her.Rosie battled to restrain her reactions as he moved in and pressed soft kisses along her neck. She bit her lip in an attempt to suppress her moans."I love you, Rosie, you know that," Andre murmured.Rosie nodded. "I know, my love, and I love you too," she managed to say before their lips met in a tender kiss.Andre carefully lifted Rosie in his arms before carrying her to the bed. He gently s

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    Karl’s grin broadened at her words and he drew the quilt over them both before they welcomed dreamland together.The next day, Lavinia was standing in the middle of the dressing room, clad in just her underwear, angling her body towards the full-length mirror. With a small smile, she ran her hands over the gentle swell of her baby bump, admiring the changes pregnancy was bringing to her figure.She grabbed her phone and started snapping a series of photos from various angles in an attempt to document this special journey.The bathroom door opened and Karl stepped in, fresh from the shower with a towel slung low around his hips.He raised an eyebrow at his wife's actions. "Uh, what're you doing there, babe?"Lavinia glanced over her shoulder with a smile. "I'm taking belly pics! Wanna get in on this?" She motioned for him to join her. "I want to have photos documenting my whole pregnancy so we can look back on it."Without hesitation, Karl crossed the room and wrapped his arms snugly ar

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    “Is my husband still angry with me?” she murmured.She could feel the scorching heat of his body through the thin silk of her negligee and smell the warm, musky scent of his skin. It made her head spin with a dizzying rush of want.Before Karl could respond, Lavinia closed the scant distance between them and captured his lips in a deep, hungry kiss.For a long, heated moment he seemed to melt against her. His mouth moved in tandem with hers as one of his hands slid up to fist in her hair.A low rumbling groan of pure masculine appreciation vibrated against her lips and it made her shiver with delight.Then, all at once, Karl seemed to come to his senses. He tore his mouth away from hers with a harsh curse. His hands quickly dropped away from her as if she had scorched him."Dammit, Lavinia," he growled.There was an unmistakable bulge tenting the front of his pajama pants. "Don't do this, not tonight. I'm serious."Lavinia felt her heart plummet at the rejection. "But Karl--""No buts.

  • Love Trap: The Billionaire's Regret   CH.169

    Lavinia felt her stomach twist itself into an anxious knot when the realization struck her. Karl must have retreated upstairs to their bedroom, no doubt seeking the solitude and space his anger and hurt seemed to demand.She wavered in the doorway for a long moment, chewing nervously on her lower lip while weighing her options.Part of her wanted nothing more than to leave him be, to give him the time and distance he so clearly needed to process whatever emotions were raging inside him over the disastrous misunderstanding.Another, deeper part of her, however, knew that putting off a reconciliation would only breed more resentment and pain between them.No, better to bite the bullet and face the awkwardness head-on no matter how painful it might be.Drawing a fortifying breath, Lavinia finally turned on her heel and slowly headed for the stairs.By the time she reached the bedroom door, her heart was pounding a staccato rhythm against her ribcage. She could hear the muffled sounds of

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    Martin gestured grandly at the table laden with boxes of crispy fried chicken, mounds of buttery mashed potatoes, biscuits, and other picnic fare. “We were talking about food, you nutters! This glorious chicken, to be exact.”The revelation hit the women like a ton of bricks.Rosie’s face flushed a brilliant crimson, slowly lowering the rolling pin, suddenly feeling very foolish.“We…we thought…” She stammered, unable to meet anyone’s eyes when the weight of their overreaction crashed down on her shoulders. “Oh god, I’m so sorry.”Talia scoffed loudly. “Wow? After our whole dramatic scene?” She shook her head in disbelief, but carefully set the skillet down.Andre stepped forward. “It’s okay, really. I can totally see how it sounded out of context.” He shrugged. “But we were just a bunch of guys enjoying some food and…well, guy talk. That’s all.”Lavinia forced an awkward laugh while pressing a hand to her reddened face as the absurdity of the situation fully registered.“Chicken…we re

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