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EMILY'S POVThe sun beat down on us as we worked tirelessly to provide medical care to the villagers. Everyone was fully immersed in their tasks, from administering vaccinations to providing health education. Ronald was no exception, his focus solely on the task at hand as he assisted the medical team.As the day drew to a close, a sense of accomplishment settled over me. I had finally checked off one of the items on my bucket list – volunteering in a rural community.As the evening approached, we gathered our belongings and headed for a quick change before dinner. The sound of chatter and laughter filled the air as we made our way to the dining area.Mary was already seated at the table, a warm smile on her face as we arrived. The delicious aroma of roasting meat and steaming vegetables wafted through the air, making our mouths water in anticipation.As we sat down, the sound of utensils clinking against plates filled the air. We dug into the variety of dishes before us, savoring the
Last Updated : 2024-12-14Marriage Bargain 71
RONALD POV I stood there, frozen in time, as Emily's rejection hung in the air like a challenge. Her words, "I'm flattered, but I don't feel the same way," echoed in my mind, each syllable a fresh stab to my heart.I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Hadn't she felt the same spark that I had? Hadn't she sensed the connection between us?As I watched her turn and run, I felt a wave of despair wash over me. I took a step forward, my instinct to follow her, to try and make her understand how I felt. But something held me back, a sense of pride and dignity that refused to let me beg.I stood there, my eyes fixed on the spot where Emily had disappeared into the darkness. My heart felt heavy, weighed down by the crushing weight of rejection. I couldn't help but wonder what I had done wrong, what I could have done differently to make her feel the same way.The stars above seemed to twinkle with a cruel irony, their bea
Last Updated : 2024-12-14Marriage Bargain 72
EMILY'S POV I gazed out the window, the scenery outside blurring into a haze as my mind wandered back to earlier that morning. Ronald's offer to drive me home in his car replayed in my head, and I recalled the firmness with which I had declined. The memory of his concerned expression lingered, but I pushed it aside, focusing instead on the turmoil brewing within me.As the bus rumbled on, the chatter of the other passengers receded into the background, becoming a distant hum that barely registered in my consciousness. My thoughts consumed me, a jumble of emotions and worries that threatened to overwhelm me.My thumb found its way into my mouth, and I bit down on it nervously, the familiar habit a comforting distraction from the void in my mind. I was lost, unsure of how to navigate the secret I now carried. The weight of my pregnancy settled heavy on my shoulders, and I felt the burden of keeping it hidden.The bus hit a pothole, jolting me back to reality. I withdrew my thumb from m
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RONALD'S POV My eyes narrowed as I navigated the winding road, my gaze darting between the bus ahead and the phone in my hand. Leila's voice was a welcome distraction from the tension that had been building up inside me since I left the village. "Yes, is everything okay?" I asked, my tone firm but controlled.Leila's response was reassuring, but my mind was already racing ahead to the day's schedule. My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I remembered the flight I had to catch. The timing couldn't be worse.I accelerated, my eyes fixed on the bus ahead as I wove through the traffic. The bus was my only connection to Emily now, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was leaving her behind just when she needed me the most.Leila's voice cut through my thoughts, her words a stark reminder of the responsibilities I couldn't ignore. "I have made arrangements for your flight, and it leaves in two hours," she said, her tone crisp and efficient.I gritted my teeth, my mind racing w
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EMILY'S POV I sat at the dining table, staring blankly at my phone as it rang. I didn't recognize the number, but something about it seemed familiar. I hesitated for a moment before picking up."Hello?" I said, my voice cautious.Ethan's voice boomed through the speaker, warm and familiar. "Hey, Emily!"My heart skipped a beat as I recognized his voice. "Ethan! Hi!" I exclaimed, feeling a surge of surprise, haven not heard from him in days. "Hey, I'm so sorry I haven't reached out in a while," Ethan said, his tone apologetic. "I had to change my phone number because...well, it's a long story. But I'm sorry I didn't get in touch sooner."I felt a pang of sympathy for him. "It's okay, Ethan. I understand. How are you doing?""I'm good, thanks," Ethan replied. "Just busy with work and stuff. How about you?"I smiled, feeling a sense of comfort. "I'm good too. Just...a lot on my mind lately."We chatted for a few more minutes, catching up on each other's lives. Then Ethan said, "Hey, I
Last Updated : 2024-12-15Marriage Bargain 75
RONALD'S POV As I stepped into the elevator, I was taken aback to see Abbey already inside. Her eyes were fixed on her phone, and she didn't notice me at first. Without thinking, I said her name, "Abbey."She looked up, her eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, we just stared at each other. I was surprised to see her, and I couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked. She wore a stunning off-the-shoulder short gown, the fabric hugging her curves in all the right places.The elevator fell silent, with only the soft hum of the machinery breaking the tension. We didn't exchange another word, just stood there looking straight ahead until the elevator doors opened again.As we stepped out into the hallway, I realized that Abbey was also attending the conference. I was surprised - was she now involved in the business world? I couldn't help but wonder.But as I looked at her, I felt a sense of detachment. She was still beautiful, still captivating, but I didn't feel that spark of attr
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EMILY'S POVI walked into work on the third day after the field trip, feeling energized and motivated. I had a surprise planned for the volunteers - a lunch outing to show my appreciation for their hard work.As the manager of the departmental stores, my morning was filled with reviewing the weekly income and comparing it to previous weeks. I met with the sales team to discuss strategies for boosting sales. The numbers were promising, but I knew there was room for improvement. As I made my rounds, supervising the store, I started to feel the strain on my back. My body began to ache all over, the discomfort growing with each step.After the morning work , I sent out a group message to the volunteers, inviting them to meet at Cheng Diner for lunch. I looked forward to seeing them and showing my gratitude for all their efforts.As I welcomed my team to Cheng Diner, the savory aromas of Chinese cuisine filled the air. I had planned this surprise lunch outing as a token of appreciation fo
Last Updated : 2024-12-15Marriage Bargain 77
RONALD'S POVAs my eyes scanned the room, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Abbey was hiding something . But before I could dwell on that thought, my gaze landed on a familiar figure.Standing by the bar, sipping a drink, was someone who was kind of related to Abbey. A spider tattoo on his neck caught my attention, and I recognized that tattoo. Suddenly, realization hit me - Abbey wasn't here for the business conference. She was here for me.I pushed through the crowded room, my eyes scanning the sea of faces for a glimpse of him. But he was nowhere to be found. I stopped in front of a tall, mirrored pillar, my breath catching in my throat as I stared at the old photograph clutched in my hand.The faded image showed my parents, smiling and happy, with a man standing beside them. His eyes seemed to bore into mine, even from across the years. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I remembered the countless times I'd tried to erase him from my memory.I spun around, determined to find
Last Updated : 2024-12-15
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EMILY'S POVAs I sat at the kitchen table, sipping my coffee and staring blankly at my phone, I couldn't shake off the thoughts of Ronald that had been plaguing me all morning. I had made up my mind to avoid him at all costs when I get back to work on Monday. But the thought of avoiding him only made my heart ache. Mia's sudden return, beaming with a bright smile, caught me off guard. "Emily," she called out, her voice low and sweet, like a gentle breeze on a summer day.I looked up, my curiosity piqued, and raised an eyebrow. "What's making you smile like that?" I asked, my tone laced with a hint of amusement.Mia just chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief, and said, "I have something to show you." My curiosity was piqued, and I found myself leaning in, eager to know what Mia had in store.Just then, Colin walked in, followed by Ronald. My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, and I felt a rush of emotions: anger, hurt, and a hint of longing. My expression changed instantly, my
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RONALD'S POV Ronald went about his morning routine, tackling his tasks with his usual efficiency. But just as he was getting into the swing of things, his phone buzzed with an unexpected call from Calling."Hey, meet me at the usual spot," Calling said, his voice low and mysterious.Ronald's brow furrowed in surprise. "What's up? It's only 2 pm. We don't usually meet until evening."There was a pause on the other end of the line before Calling responded, "Just trust me on this one, Ronald. I need to show you something."Ronald's curiosity was piqued. What could Calling possibly want to show him that couldn't wait until evening?As I drove to meet Colin, the city streets blurred together in a haze of worry and anxiety. The sound of the engine and the hum of the tires on the pavement were the only sounds that filled my mind. I navigated through the crowded streets, my eyes fixed on the road ahead, my mind racing with thoughts of Colin's call. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease
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EMILY'S POV As I lounged on the couch, lost in thought, the door swung open and Mia burst in, her energy infectious. She dropped her bag with a flourish, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Emily, let's eat out today!" she exclaimed, already moving towards me.I opened my mouth to protest, but she was too quick. Her hand shot up, palm facing me, and I felt a familiar sense of resignation wash over me. Mia always got her way, and I knew better than to argue.With a sigh, I let her pull me up from the couch. She propelled me towards the bedroom, chattering excitedly about her day. I shrugged, letting her fuss over me as she rummaged through my closet for a change of clothes.As Mia dug through my closet, her voice bubbled over with excitement, recounting the highlights of her day at the office. I couldn't help but smile as she giggled her way through a story about her boss's misadventure with a cup of coffee. "And then, he stood up, and coffee just dripped down his shirt!" Mia's laugh
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RONALD'S POVI sat at my desk, staring blankly at the papers in front of me. It had been a week since I'd sent Emily packing, and I couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that had settled in my chest.I missed her. I missed her smile, her laugh, her sleepy face under the morning light . I even missed the way the calls me, the way my name rolled out of her tongue when we were intimate .But my pride refused to let me admit it. I had to maintain my tough exterior, my confident demeanor. I couldn't let anyone see the vulnerability that was eating away at me.As I glanced around the office, I noticed my subordinates whispering and glancing at me. I knew they were speculating about my relationship with Emily. The fact that she hadn't been coming to work only added fuel to the fire.I felt a surge of anger and frustration. Why did they have to gossip about my personal life? Bunch of gossipers. But deep down, I knew it was my own fault. I had let my pride and ego get the better of me. I ha
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EMILY POVI felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair, unable to escape the crushing weight of my grief. My body ached from crying, my eyes burning from the constant flow of tears. I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt such overwhelming sadness.As I lay there, I felt Mia's gentle touch on my shoulder, her soft words of comfort whispering in my ear. But I couldn't respond, couldn't even muster up the energy to push her away. I just lay there, numb and broken, as she tried to reach me.I knew Mia was worried, I could sense it in her touch, her voice. But I couldn't reassure her, couldn't even look at her. I just felt too much pain, too much sorrow.As the minutes ticked by, I felt Mia's presence fade away, leaving me alone in my darkness. The silence was oppressive, the only sound was my quiet sobs. I felt like I was suffocating under the weight of my grief, unable to escape.I don't know how long I lay there, lost in my sorrow. Time seemed to stand still, the world outside my
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RONALD'S POVI stormed into the conference room, my face a thundercloud. My team, seated around the table, exchanged nervous glances. I couldn't help it - I was still reeling from the pictures I had received the previous day. My mood was in a jumble of mess. "Alright, let's get started," I growled, slamming my fist on the table. My team jumped, taken aback by my outburst."Uh, yes, sir," one of them stammered. "We've got the quarterly reports ready for review."I snatched the report from the team member's hand, my eyes scanning the pages with a mixture of disdain and anger."This is unacceptable," I snapped, my voice rising. "You call this a report? It's a joke!"The team member who had presented the report looked taken aback. "I-I apologize, sir. I'll make sure to-"I cut him off, my face red with rage. "You'd better. I expect to see a revised report on my desk by the end of the day. And if it's not up to par, there will be consequences."The team nodded hastily, eager to escape my
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EMILY POVI trudged into the room, my heart heavy with shame, regret and confusion. Ronald's words still echoed in my mind, "I don't want to see you again." I felt like I'd been punched in the gut,my heart shattered,my breath knocked out of me.I began to pack my bags, my hands moving mechanically as I tried to process what had just happened. The question, ‘How did this happen?’ swirl in my mind,I couldn't even remember all that happened before I black out, I just know that I was in the club. I didn't have anywhere to go, no one to turn to. I contemplated calling Mia, but I didn't want to burden her again. She'd already done so much for me.But I didn't have a choice. I had to call Mia. She was the only person I could turn to. I dialed her number, my heart racing with anxiety.Mia's son came to pick me up, and the drive was silent. I could feel Mia's eyes on me, sense her curiosity and concern. But she didn't ask me any questions, didn't pry. She just let me be.When we arrived at Mi
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RONALD'S POVAs I stepped into my house, I felt a wave of fury wash over me. My expression was a mask of controlled anger, my eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. My jaw was clenched in a tight line, my face set in a stern, unyielding expression.I couldn't believe what I had just seen. A photo of Emily, laughing and smiling with a drink in her hand, had been sent to me. My mind was reeling with questions and doubts. Why had she lied to me? Why had she told me she was going to a quiet dinner with Mia when in reality she was out partying?I felt like I had been punched in the gut, my trust and faith in Emily shattered. I couldn't believe that she had betrayed me like this. I thought we had something real, something special. But now, I wasn't so sure.As I walked through the house, my footsteps were heavy and deliberate. I was weighing each step carefully, trying to calm myself down before I confronted Emily. But it was no use. My anger and hurt were simmering just below the surface, w
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EMILY'S POVThe doctor discharged me, giving instructions that I should have enough rest and should be taken care of. I couldn't stop crying as we left the hospital. The pain and grief were overwhelming, and I felt like I was drowning in my own tears.As we were about to part ways,Ethan turned to me with a pleading look in his eyes."Emily, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me," Ethan said, his voice filled with regret. "I feel like this is all my fault."Mia's voice was sharp and angry. "You're right, it's your fault. Why weren't you watching her? Why did you let her out of your sight? You invited her to the party,you should have made her your responsibility."I reached out and put a hand on Mia's arm. "It's not Ethan's fault, Mia. It's an accident. I'm the one who...who...". I couldn't finish the sentence. The pain was too much, and I felt like I was going to break.But Mia's was unforgiving. “An accident? An accident that could have been prevented if he had been paying attention.”Mia'
