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Safe....... Or not.
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2024-11-27 10:59:07The next morning, Adele woke early, her resolve steeling with the sunrise. She knew exactly what she had to do next. The events of the last few days had left her on edge, and every shadow seemed like a potential threat. She couldn't stay in the city, not with the Reid family's influence hanging over her like a storm cloud. Her best chance lay in the past, in a place she hadn't seen in years. Tanakan.
Tanakan was a small, quiet town, nestled an hour away by train. More importantly, it was home to the orphanage where Adele had spent the earliest years of her life. Sister Beatrice, the kindhearted nun who had cared for Adele during her childhood, was still there or at least Adele hoped she was. If anyone could offer her shelter, guidance, and anonymity, it would be Sister Beatrice.Adele worked quickly, packing what little she had into a borrowed bag. The bag itself was worn, the seams frayed, but it would do. She carefully folded her limited clothes, a few plain shirRelated chapters
Love's eternal blaze Hunting dogs and the hunted.
The sound of a slap rang out, sharp and sudden, echoing through the lavish study as Dothan's head snapped to the side. His right cheek stung with the force of Zach's hand.Zach stood over him, his chest rising and falling in a rare display of anger. His dark eyes burned with a fury that left no room for negotiation. "What is this?" he shouted, motioning toward the now blank television screen on the far wall.Dothan, rubbing his face, refused to cower. Instead, he straightened his posture and met Zach's glare with calm defiance. "What do you mean, 'what is this?'" he shot back, though his tone betrayed a faint quiver of nerves. "It's the most effective way.....""The media?" Zach cut him off, his voice laced with venom. He advanced on Dothan, his towering frame casting an imposing shadow. "The public? Are you insane?"Dothan held his ground. "It's the fastest way to get her. She's somewhere out there, and she's been seen. People talk. A public appe
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Love's eternal blaze Prying eyes.
The Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta cruised through the city streets, a sleek predator carving its way through the noise and chaos of the urban jungle. The hum of the engine filled the cabin with a low, almost soothing vibration, a sound of power held firmly in check. The man in the passenger seat sat reclined, his head tilted back against the leather headrest, eyes closed as if lost in thought.But he wasn't resting.There was an energy about him, something coiled and waiting. Dressed in tailored black pants and a crisp white shirt, the sleeves casually rolled up to his forearms, he carried an air of effortless dominance. The first two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing the faint outline of a toned chest beneath. Yet, despite the ease of his attire, his presence was anything but casual. He was a force contained, a storm waiting for the right moment to break.His eyes flicked open, piercing gray and sharp as blades. They shifted to the tinted window bes
Last Updated : 2024-11-29Love's eternal blaze The encounter.
Adele kept her head low, blending seamlessly into the throng of pedestrians on the busy street. She moved with the flow, her heart pounding as she tried to remain inconspicuous. A few steps ahead, a group of men dressed in black caught her eye. Panic surged in her chest as she noticed their sharp movements, someone must have tipped them off about her location because they seemed less discreet.One of the men stood slightly apart from the rest, his attention fixed on the phone in his hand. He spoke into it quietly, but as his eyes lifted and locked onto Adele, her stomach twisted in dread."Hey, you! Come forward," the man barked, his voice slicing through the ambient city noise.Adele's breath caught in her throat. Without a second thought, she pivoted and bolted in the opposite direction, her feet pounding against the pavement."That's her!" someone shouted behind her, and she heard the unmistakable sound of hurried footsteps that followed.
Last Updated : 2024-11-30Love's eternal blaze The flee to Tanakan.
Adele gathered the strength she had left, pulling her hood lower over her face to ensure she remained unrecognizable. Glancing around the bustling street, she raised her hand and flagged down a cab. The vehicle screeched to a stop in front of her. She hesitated for a moment, casting one last glance over her shoulder before sliding into the backseat."Where to?" the driver asked, adjusting his reverse mirror to get a better look at his passenger. His weathered face was calm but curious."Tanakan," she replied, her voice barely audible.The driver frowned, glancing at her again through the mirror. "Tanakan? That's a long drive, lady. I do not drive such a distance. You should take the train instead."Panic tightened her chest. Every second she lingered here, she risked being caught. She could practically feel the net tightening around her, the oppressive weight of the life she had fled. It was only a matter of time before she will be tracked down he
Last Updated : 2024-12-01Love's eternal blaze The hurt, the betrayal.
Sister Beatrice set a generous slice of pie and a steaming cup of coffee on the table in front of Adele. The rich aroma of cinnamon and apples wafted through the air, but Adele barely noticed as she sank into the chair, weary from her journey. Beatrice sat opposite her, folding her hands in front of her as she studied Adele's face with concern."Eat, child. You look like you haven't had a proper meal in days," Beatrice said softly.Adele picked up the fork with trembling fingers. She hesitated for a moment before taking a small bite, chewing without enthusiasm. The pie was warm and sweet, a comfort she couldn't fully embrace.Beatrice waited as she watched Adele eat until she had taken a few more bites before breaking the silence. "Would you tell me what's going on? Why did you run away?"I don't think I want that anymore, not with the person that was chosen for me." Adele said dropping her hands from the table to her thighs." Adele." Sister
Last Updated : 2024-12-03Love's eternal blaze Tension and defiance.
Content Warning: This story contains graphic depictions of violence, physical and emotional abuse, non-consensual sexual content, and coercion. These themes may be distressing or triggering to some readers. Please proceed with caution and prioritize your well-being. Adele stirred slightly under the covers, her body betraying the stillness she was trying to maintain. Her heart pounded as the baritone of a man's voice carried across the room. "She's still asleep sir." A deep male voice said, respectul and formal as Adele remained on the bed, her eyes tightly shut. "Alright go and inform my father about it. Tell him I'd inform Tris." A milder voice said, one that sent a chill down Adele's spine, a voice Adele could recognize anywhere. She knew it far too well "Yes sir." Adele heard footsteps leave the room. She listened intently as the heavy footsteps retreated, fading off completely into the distance. Her breath hitched but she did not move till she was certain the room was empt
Last Updated : 2024-12-04Love's eternal blaze Broken, dispirited.
Content Warning: This story contains graphic depictions of violence, physical and emotional abuse, non-consensual sexual content, and coercion. These themes may be distressing or triggering to some readers. Please proceed with caution and prioritize your well-being. Elena sat in the spacious living room but her eyes weren't on the large TV screen instead they watched Dothan as he climbed down the stairs. "Where is she?" Elena asked as Dothan made to walk past her. "She's upstairs." He replied curtly, his tone clipped. "I could hear her scream even from down here." Elena said, her voice devoid of concern, more observant than questioning. "So? it's not the first time this has happened. Why do you care now." Dothan stopped and turned to face her, irritation clear in his expression, clearly in a sour mood. "You know how Tris is about someone who isn't him touching that girl. You should have held yourself back." Elena leaned back in her chair, unbothered by his attitude. "Hold mys
Last Updated : 2024-12-05Love's eternal blaze Accepted fate.
Adele sat motionless under the steady stream of the shower, her knees pulled tightly to her chest. The water poured down from the faucet, threading through her tangled hair and over the curves and angles of her battered body. It wasn't warm, far from it but the icy chill didn't faze her. She barely registered the sting each drop caused as it made contact with her torn skin. The fresh wounds screamed for mercy, but Adele's mind was far away, lost in a fog of memories she didn't want to relive. The pain was sharp as the water cleansed her injuries, each droplet a tiny dagger against her skin, but she didn't flinch. Instead, she welcomed it, letting the sensation pierce through the numbness that had taken root inside her. She grabbed the sponge from the corner of the tub and began scrubbing at her arms. Her strokes were erratic and forceful, the rough material biting into her skin. Red marks bloomed on her pale flesh, mingling with the faint streaks of blood still flowing from her earli
Last Updated : 2024-12-05
Latest chapter
Love's eternal blaze Shameless saviour.
Adele rushed into her room and closed the door behind her with a thud, leaning against it as if the solid wood could shield her from the whirlwind of emotions stirring inside her. She couldn’t comprehend how she’d managed to walk back here because her legs seemed to have developed a mind of their own, propelling her forward while her mind remained fixated on the encounter with Lucian. Her fingers trembled slightly as she brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, and without even realizing it, she made her way to the bed. Sitting on its edge, she sank into the mattress as if its softness could absorb the tension in her body.Her thoughts were a chaotic mess. The ghost of Lucian’s grip lingered on her arm, the memory of his touch sending a confusing shiver down her spine. His eyes, those gray, penetrating eyes, had briefly flashed with something she couldn’t quite name, something raw and dangerous, before his expression had turned playful. That moment replayed in her mind again and ag
Love's eternal blaze Strayed into his arms.
Adele's breath caught in her throat as her eyes met those cold, piercing grey ones. They were void of warmth, like the lightless depths of an ocean. Her heart stumbled in her chest."Mr... Mr. Hawthorne," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.Lucian Hawthorne tilted his head, studying her with an expression she couldn’t read. His tall frame leaned slightly against the doorframe, the dim hallway lighting casting sharp shadows over his angular features. Adele noticed how disheveled he looked. His hair was messy and his shirt crumpled with three up buttons undone. Still he looked handsome, devilishly handsome."What are you doing up here?" he asked, his voice low and smooth, yet as empty as the silent halls of the mansion."I... I think I’m lost," Adele murmured, swallowing hard. Her mouth could hardly form words. She tried to straighten herself, but under his gaze, she felt impossibly small, like an ant crushed beneath his boot.His lips pressed into a thin line as he closed
Love's eternal blaze Saviour in devil's disguise: Four.
After dinner, Adele lay down in her room, her eyes fixed on the glittering chandelier above her bed. The silver crystals twinkled as it caught the faint light, scattering it in soft, mesmerizing patterns across the walls and ceiling. For the first time in a long while, she felt at ease, a rare comfort she hadn't known in years. She let her thoughts wander, drifting to her foster parents and the disaster of a marriage they'd tried to force upon her. The catastrophe that almost happened. She shuddered at the memory but quickly pushed it away, focusing instead on the tranquility of the moment.Her body sank deeper into the plush mattress, and she exhaled a long, slow breath. The weight of the day pulled at her, and her eyelids grew heavy. She didn’t realize when her brain shut down as she finally succumbed to sleep, her long lashes brushing against her cheeks as her breathing steadied into a soft rhythm.The following morning, Adele was startled awake by a knock at her door. Mrs. Owens e
Love's eternal blaze Saviour in devil's disguise: Three
As Adele followed Lucian into the building's entrance, the grand double doors creaked open, revealing a middle aged woman standing on the threshold. Her presence was imposing despite her modest attire: a maid’s uniform topped with a neatly tied apron. Strands of gray threaded through her dark hair, and fine webs of wrinkles spread across her face like faint battle scars of time. Something about her reminded Adele of the woman she’d seen at the inn, an aura of quiet authority, but this woman was taller, standing an inch above Adele herself. Her posture was ramrod straight, and her sharp eyes, which gleamed like polished obsidian, immediately darted to Adele’s petite frame.For a fleeting moment, an unplaceable look flickered across her face, gone so quickly Adele questioned if it had even been there. Was it curiosity? Suspicion? Adele couldn’t tell. The woman’s expression became stoic and unreadable as her gaze shifted to the man beside her.“Mr. Hawthorne, welcome home,” the woman sai
Love's eternal blaze Saviour in devil's disguise: Two
Adele sat nervously in the passenger seat of the sleek black car, her fingers gripping the edge of her seat as Lucian’s hands gripped the steering wheel. She stole another glance at him, trying to make her movements appear casual. His white shirt, pristine and neatly rolled up to his elbows, revealed veiny, tan forearms adorned with intricate tattoos that seemed to tell stories she’d never be privy to. A hint of another tattoo peeked out from where three of his upper buttons were undone, just above the firm plane of his chest. His dark, inky hair kept falling forward in soft waves, framing his sharply curved features with an almost artistic perfection. The faint scent of his cologne, musky and rich, lingered in the confined space of the car, distracting her in a way she didn’t care to admit.The silence between them felt like a living thing, oppressive and heavy. Adele’s gaze wandered out the window, trying to fixate on the blur of trees and buildings they sped past, but her attention
Love's eternal blaze Saviour in devil's disguise: One
Adele's pulse was still racing when Lucian carried her in his arms down to the parking lot, his powerful stride making it look effortless. She had no idea how the evening had spiraled so out of control. Only moments ago, she'd been staring down a future she couldn't stomach, trapped in an arranged marriage with no way out, until he intervened.The cool night air hit her skin as they exited the building, but she barely noticed. Her entire focus was on Lucian, the way his cologne surrounded her, faintly sweet but with a sharp, dangerous edge. Her head was buried against his chest, her arms clutching him tightly as though letting go would cause her to fall apart."You can stop clinging to me now," he said, his deep voice cutting through the haze of her thoughts.Only then did Adele realize how tightly she had been holding on to him, how she was enjoying the musky smell of his cologne. Embarrassed, she quickly unwrapped herself and scrambled out of his arms, her feet landing unsteadily on
Love's eternal blaze One way ticket to be caged.
Adele sat in the chair in front of the ornate mirror and let the artist fuss with her face and hair. The steady buzz and hum of activity in the estate had been unrelenting all morning, filling the halls with voices and hurried footsteps. Servants moved like shadows, whispering instructions, and the occasional sharp reprimand from Elena rang out, cutting through the noise. Adele wanted to get away from it all. The day felt suffocating. As she had expected, more attention was given to Tris while she had guards in her door all day. She was grateful for it. The artist moved with precision, their hands light but purposeful as they worked. Adele barely glanced at her reflection. She had long since stopped finding comfort in mirrors. Instead, she stared past her own image, her thoughts tangled with dread. The dress she wore was a masterpiece, an off the shoulder gown of pure white, flaring at the hem with layers of silk and organza. Tiny diamond stones embroidered the fabric, catching the
Love's eternal blaze Accepted fate.
Adele sat motionless under the steady stream of the shower, her knees pulled tightly to her chest. The water poured down from the faucet, threading through her tangled hair and over the curves and angles of her battered body. It wasn't warm, far from it but the icy chill didn't faze her. She barely registered the sting each drop caused as it made contact with her torn skin. The fresh wounds screamed for mercy, but Adele's mind was far away, lost in a fog of memories she didn't want to relive. The pain was sharp as the water cleansed her injuries, each droplet a tiny dagger against her skin, but she didn't flinch. Instead, she welcomed it, letting the sensation pierce through the numbness that had taken root inside her. She grabbed the sponge from the corner of the tub and began scrubbing at her arms. Her strokes were erratic and forceful, the rough material biting into her skin. Red marks bloomed on her pale flesh, mingling with the faint streaks of blood still flowing from her earli
Love's eternal blaze Broken, dispirited.
Content Warning: This story contains graphic depictions of violence, physical and emotional abuse, non-consensual sexual content, and coercion. These themes may be distressing or triggering to some readers. Please proceed with caution and prioritize your well-being. Elena sat in the spacious living room but her eyes weren't on the large TV screen instead they watched Dothan as he climbed down the stairs. "Where is she?" Elena asked as Dothan made to walk past her. "She's upstairs." He replied curtly, his tone clipped. "I could hear her scream even from down here." Elena said, her voice devoid of concern, more observant than questioning. "So? it's not the first time this has happened. Why do you care now." Dothan stopped and turned to face her, irritation clear in his expression, clearly in a sour mood. "You know how Tris is about someone who isn't him touching that girl. You should have held yourself back." Elena leaned back in her chair, unbothered by his attitude. "Hold mys
