MasukShare
Chapter 210
Bab terkait
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 1
It was actually very obvious whether a man loved a woman or not. Angela Graham knew it very well. For example, Dexter Bamford could spend a fortune buying out all the billboards in the central business district to celebrate the birthday of his first love, Elena Carrey. He did so that the whole city would be able to tell his sincerity toward her.But for Angela's birthday, all she got was just a small, six-inch cake. In fact, it was the very same cake the nanny had gotten on her birthday.Angela chuckled when she saw the cake. It made sense, after all. Although she was Dexter's legally wedded wife, the actual Mrs. Bamford, her job scope wasn't much different from the nanny's anyway.The only extra task she had was sleeping with Dexter.Angela felt tears well in her eyes when she thought about this. The loneliness in her eyes stood out like a sore thumb amid the noisy surroundings of the party.Dexter had been late to the party as always. Actually, he had planned on staying at the
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 2
Dexter glanced up at Angela before speaking gently into the phone. "What's the matter? Don't cry."Angela watched as Dexter changed into his outdoor clothes and left for the second time, for some other woman and that too, on her birthday.Her eyes stung with tears. She didn't feel sleepy anymore after Dexter left. Thinking she would get a book or two to read, Angela headed into the study and happened to see a contract.The contract was placed right in the center of the table, as if anyone was welcome to take a look at it.It was a contract between Dexter and Elena, his first love. Angela couldn't believe that they were still in contact with each other.The contract was very thick. It had started when Angela had first gotten married to Dexter, spanning five years.Angela's hand shook. The more she read, the more shocking it was for her. The latest date was actually last night.As it turned out, everything that Dexter had done for her, whether a celebration or an anniversary date,
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 3
Dexter could hardly believe what he had just heard. Throughout his marriage with Angela, he had only ever seen a submissive and hopeful look in her eyes. He knew she feared losing him.The term "divorce" was probably the thing she had feared hearing the most in the past three years. But now, she had uttered it so casually. When Dexter had seen Angela's retreating back at the office this morning, he had already felt annoyed. That emotion resurfaced again. He casually picked up a cigarette from the pack on the table and lit it.Amid the swirling smoke, Dexter questioned in a cold voice, "What? Are you upset because I didn't accompany you yesterday? Or is it because I refused to let you participate in that ridiculous competition?"Angela, are you out of your mind? You cried and begged to be Mrs. Bamford. You live in a villa and have luxury cars to drive you around. I even propped up your failing family. What more could you possibly be dissatisfied with?"The disdain and contem
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 4
Dexter cleared his throat with a light cough before pressing the answer button. "Yes, Grandpa?"The robust voice of an old man came from the other end. "Dexter, I may be sick, but I'm not dead. Did you even know it was Angie's birthday yesterday?"Upon hearing this, Dexter glanced at Angela before speaking politely into the phone. "Of course I knew it was her birthday yesterday. I even organized a grand celebration for her.""Hmph! Don't try to fool me!" Joseph Bamford scolded.The next moment, there was the sound of Joseph angrily handing the phone over to his butler, Gary Butler. Gary took over the call and spoke respectfully to Dexter. "Mr. Bamford Jr., Mr. Bamford Sr. has been feeling some discomfort in his chest over the past couple of days. If you have the time, bring your wife along to visit him at Bamford Manor. Mr. Bamford Sr. might not say it, but he probably misses the pasta she makes."Dexter remained silent for a moment before agreeing. "I'll bring her over shortly,
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 5
Angela had just gotten out of the car and steadied herself when the black Cullinan drove off without any hesitation, leaving her in a cloud of dust.She stood there in a daze for a moment before letting out a self-deprecating laugh and thought, "That's right. He's always been like this."But before she had time to dwell on her misery, her phone rang urgently. Angela took out her phone and saw that it was an unknown number."Hello, is this Ms. Graham? I'm the property manager for Villa Heights. I'm calling to confirm if your property has been sold.""Why do you ask?" Angela's heart skipped a beat.Over the years, she had managed the property, so the contact information listed was hers.However, when Marie had passed away, she had been too young. So, Bill had put all of Marie's assets under his name.When Angela had been young, he had used to say to her, "When you grow up and find your Prince Charming, I'll turn this house into a castle for you both to live in happily ever after!"
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 6
Angela frowned and denied it without a second thought.However, the manager didn't believe her. "Regardless, we just found out that you have no work experience. I'm sorry, but we can't hire a complete newbie like you." Even though Angela repeatedly assured him of her expertise in design, the manager was adamant about not going through with hiring her.As Angela stared at the manager, who looked deeply troubled, she instantly understood everything.It was Dexter! He was forcing her to give in!Amidst the strange gazes everyone was casting her way, Angela took her belongings and left.At that moment, she felt an urge to call Dexter and ask him why he was doing this. Still, she resisted that impulse and refrained from acting on it. She kept convincing herself not to let this get to her. It was just a job—she could find another.Angela dragged her exhausted body back to her rented apartment, only to find her belongings thrown out and lying miserably in the hallway. Nothing had be
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 7
"It's none of your business." Angela tried to pull away, but Dexter scooped her up by holding her around the waist."Are you really risking your life out of sheer stubbornness? You're nuts, Angela!" Dexter scolded, his expression glum as he carried her out the door and shoved her into the car."I'm not going with you! Even if I die, it has nothing to do with you!" Angela protested.Erica turned around from the front seat and spoke in a somewhat chastising tone. "Mrs. Bamford, I was the one who caused your job and housing issues. It had nothing to do with Mr. Bamford."She thought Angela was out of her mind to speak to Dexter like that. Who did she think she was to scream at him? Angela clearly didn't know her place.Angela ignored Erica. Without Dexter's approval, who would have dared to humiliate and push her around so mercilessly?The only reason he had done that was to make her submit and continue being his spineless trophy wife.But she was determined not to give him that sa
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 8
Zack hung his head in shame, unable to say a word.The man in black sneered. "Desire is a bottomless pit, lady. Your brother has no real skills but dreams of getting rich overnight. He took a high-interest loan from me. The interest is just piling up. If you don't want to help him, it's fine. I'll just take one of his hands to teach him a lesson.""Angie, I swear I'll never gamble or borrow money again! This is the last time—I'll turn over a new leaf! If not for me, then for your mom's house! If I'm gone, they'll definitely take it!" Zack prostrated himself before Angela and begged desperately.Angela bit her lip and reluctantly took out her wedding ring. This was her masterpiece, and when it had initially been released, it had caused a sensation in the design world. So many diamond wedding rings on the market had since been inspired by hers.Yet, to this day, no one knew she was the designer."Is this worth anything?" The man in black held up the wedding ring, examining it under
Bab terbaru
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 210
But that same person was now…Dexter let out a deep sigh.At that moment, a sharp scream pierced the air.It seemed to come from Angela's room.Dexter jumped up in a hurry, but Joanne was a step ahead of him, unlocking Angela's door with a key."You can leave," Dexter ordered firmly.That was right—Joanne was one of his people.At the moment, only he and Angela remained in the spacious room. Angela sat there, staring into space with terror in her eyes as if she had just woken from a nightmare."Are you alright?" Dexter moved closer, sitting beside her and gently holding her arm reassuringly.Grabbing his hand tightly, Angela began to sob in a low voice. She had just dreamed of snakes. For a moment, she thought she was still the person she had been one or two years ago.As time passed, the fear within her gradually faded, and only then did she realize what she was doing."Sorry." She hastily pulled her hand away. "That was inappropriate. Please leave, Mr. Bamford."The sudde
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 209
Before the server could finish speaking, Angela hastily waved her hands. "Take it away! Take it away!"She didn't dare look at the tray, convinced it was the same creature she had encountered earlier.It was too terrifying. This was the classic case of once bitten, twice shy."What's up with you? You came back from the hike acting all jumpy. Should I find someone to perform an exorcism on you?" Fiona joked.Angela was still panicking and breathing heavily, and her face was as pale as a sheet."Drink some water to calm your nerves," Dexter said, handing her a cup of warm water.Angela didn't think twice before grabbing the cup and gulping it down. Only after she was done did she finally feel her racing heart slow down.This was too much for her. She didn't have much of an appetite for the rest of the meal.Back home, Angela collapsed onto her bed, feeling like she had been through a day of pure torment.That night, she lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.Dexter c
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 208
Luckily, the snake looked like it was about to slither right over her hiking boots.At that moment, Dexter's voice rang out. "Angela! Angela!"His voice was urgent, filled with anxiety.Angela wanted to curse out loud. She was doomed!Thankfully, the snake quickly slithered away, leaving no trace behind.The relieved Angela momentarily forgot everything else and bolted toward Dexter.She ran the 100 feet like she was being chased by a monster."What happened to you?" Dexter immediately noticed her pale face and grabbed her wrist.Angela's legs felt like jelly. She glanced behind her, still feeling as if something was following her."There… T-There was… a snake…" she stammered, unable to form a complete sentence. "Let's go now!"Dexter's face darkened. "You saw a snake? Did it hurt you? Did it bite you?"Angela shook her head frantically. "No, it didn't. Let's just go quickly. Please, carry me… My legs feel like jelly…"By the end, her voice took on a tearful tone.Dexter h
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 207
"Don't worry," Dexter said coldly. "I won't go the wrong way. Does your arm still hurt?"Angela didn't reply immediately. After a while, she asked, "Can you put me down for now? My back hurts."He was holding her in a way that made her particularly uncomfortable.Dexter had no choice but to set her down on a flat area. Standing up, he looked down at her from above."Why are you carrying me? It's not like we're in a rush to get down the mountain. Don't think this will change my opinion of you," Angela muttered.Ever since that incident, she had been particularly wary of Dexter; she was unwilling to be alone with him.He looked a bit exasperated. "Do you think I want to carry you? You got injured because of my mom. I'm just paying back the favor for her so that you don't accuse us of owing you anything later."Angela was momentarily at a loss for words, silently fuming to herself.This was indeed an obscure path, a narrow trail hidden deep within the bushes. It was nearly invisib
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 206
Fiona also came over. "If you like it, take it home to keep Mitsy company."As she spoke, she squatted down and gently stroked the back of the tabby cat.Angela hurriedly stopped her. "Don't touch it. It's a stray cat."It was already too late by the time she finished speaking. Just as Fiona was about to remove her hand, the tabby cat swiped at her with its claws. Angela quickly pushed Fiona aside. In that instant, a sharp pain struck. Angela's arm was scratched, with four vivid red marks that were shocking to see."Oh, no!" Fiona got up from the ground, her face pale at the sight. "Quick, you need—""You need to get vaccinated," Dexter abruptly said. "Otherwise, you might get rabies."Angela knew this too. Her arm stung with a burning pain. The cat had seemed so docile, but its claws were unexpectedly sharp. The deepest scratch was oozing dark blood, and the pain made her face turn pale."Let's head down the mountain," Dexter said.They had just climbed up, so their energy a
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 205
With his unchanging gentle demeanor, Finn emitted a calm and pleasant air that could put people at ease.Dexter, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. He was wearing a black jacket, black cargo pants, and black hiking boots.As he was clad entirely in black, he appeared brooding and intimidating, especially when he wasn't speaking or smiling—he looked like he was ready to pick a fight at any moment."What's the matter? Are you hoping I'll hurry up and divorce her so that you can take my place?" Dexter broke his silence after a pause, speaking with biting sarcasm.Finn scoffed. "Whether you divorce her or not makes no difference to me. My feelings for her aren't something you can compare to.""Oh?" Dexter smirked. "Does she know that you're that infatuated with her? Is she okay with that? Or are you just deluding yourself while she doesn't care about you at all?"It was unlike Dexter to talk this much, especially with someone he didn't care for. But today, he was unusually
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 204
"I'm over here." Fiona's voice came from behind them.Angela instinctively turned around and saw her mother-in-law in name stepping out of a black SUV, dressed in hiking attire, looking much younger than usual.However, Angela's smile quickly faded when her eyes landed on the person carrying a backpack behind Fiona.It was Dexter. Why was he everywhere?Why wasn't he in his office working overtime? Why did he have to follow them on this hike?Angela pulled Fiona aside, her tone low and questioning. "Why did you bring him here?" Fiona, usually a commanding woman who never hesitated to get things her way, looked somewhat sheepish at the moment as she forced a smile."Angela, he just happened to have the day off, and when he heard I was going to meet you all, he insisted on coming. I made him carry some food, and he can carry your bag and even drive for us. Isn't that fine?""Why would I need him to carry my bag? I'm perfectly capable of doing that myself." Angela scoffed. "Next
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 203
Lately, Angela and Dexter had been living together rather peacefully. Angela had never seen Dexter this angry before—it was entirely unlike him."Did you forget? This is my house." she sneered coldly. "You're just a guest here."Dexter was momentarily at a loss for words. His retort was caught in his throat."Angela, don't be angry anymore. Since Mr. Bamford is back, why don't we just eat together? There's no need for all this tension." Finn spoke up as he knocked lightly on the door from outside.Angela let out a disdainful huff before opening the door to step out.Finn was standing there with his signature gentle smile, his demeanor so refined that it was hard to refuse him."Mr. Bamford, would you like to join us?" Finn asked politely.Angela believed Dexter would never swallow his pride and agree."Sure."To Angela's surprise, Dexter actually headed to the kitchen, grabbed a plate, and sat down at the table.Angela was dumbfounded.Why was Dexter suddenly acting like thi
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 202
Angela's face lit up with joy before she quickly walked over."Congratulations on finally getting what you wanted," Finn said with a gentle and elegant smile.There was an indescribable warmth about him that made people feel comforted."It's also thanks to you. Let's go grab a bite. How about I treat you to some barbecue?" Angela suggested with a smile."The barbecue out here isn't good." Finn showed a slight frown.Angela replied without hesitation, "Then let's go to my place. I'll cook, but you'll have to help."The two went to the market together and bought a lot of ingredients. After some time preparing everything, they had the portable grill and ingredients ready by seven.The large living room was filled with the aroma of meat.Angela took a few oranges from the fridge to make juice and poured it into two large glasses, then handed one to Finn.He gladly accepted it. Just as the two were about to clink glasses and start eating, the door was pushed open from outside.Ang
