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Chapter 44 Grounded

Author: Artemis Z.Y.
last update Huling Na-update: 2024-05-18 22:10:12

Bernice

Ten Years Ago

The silence in the dining room was suffocating. I could feel the weight of my parents' stares, the disappointment and anger radiating off them in waves. My heart pounded in my chest, a sickening rhythm that made it hard to breathe.

"Bernice, we need to talk about this," Dad said, his voice low and controlled. "What Melissa said... is it true?"

I shook my head vehemently, tears stinging my eyes. "No, Dad, it's not. I'm not pregnant. I swear."

"But you have been spending time with this... Charlie?" Mom asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

I swallowed hard, my throat tight. "Yes, but it's not what you think. We're just friends."

Dad scoffed, his face reddening with anger. "Friends? Bernice, you're 16 years old. You have no business hanging around with grown men, especially ones we don't know."

"But Dad, you don't understand," I pleaded, my voice cracking. "Charlie's not like that. He's kind and gentle and..."

"And what?" Melissa interjected, her tone sickly sweet.
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  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 45 Caught

    ChristianTen Years AgoI sat on the edge of the bed, the delicate necklace Bernice had made for me dangling from my fingers. The small, intricately woven pendant felt cool against my skin. She had crafted it from bits of wire and scrap metal, her nimble fingers transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary."Have it with you," she had whispered, her green eyes shining with emotion as she fastened the clasp around my neck. "No matter what happens, no matter where you go, it will always be with you."I closed my eyes, letting the memory of her words wash over me. The faint scent of her perfume still clung to the necklace, a delicate floral aroma.The sudden pounding on the door shattered my reverie. I leapt to my feet, my heart slamming against my ribs as the door burst open, revealing a dozen of my father's men. They poured into the room, their heavy boots thudding against the worn wooden floor.And there, striding through the doorway like a thundercloud, was Aaron himself. H

    Huling Na-update : 2024-05-19

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 46 Goodbye

    ChristianTen Years Ago"Aaron," he said, his voice low and measured, yet laced with a quiet fury. "I believe we need to have a conversation."My father's face paled, his bravado faltering under my grandfather's unwavering stare. "Edward, I didn't expect you to...""To what?" Edward interrupted, his tone sharp as a razor's edge. "To come and see the shambles you've made of your family? To witness the way you've disgraced my daughter's memory?"Elina stepped forward, her painted lips twisting into a saccharine smile. "Edward, darling, surely you can see that we're only trying to do what's best for Christian. The boy needs discipline, structure...""What he needs," Edward cut her off, his eyes flashing dangerously, "is to be away from the toxic influence of this household. From the poison that you and your vile offspring have brought into his life."Fed opened his mouth to protest, but a single glance from Edward silenced him, his bravado withering under the older man's fierce gaze.Aar

    Huling Na-update : 2024-05-19

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 47 Malice

    ChristianTen Years AgoI strode towards Bernice's house. And for once, I had forgone my usual mask and hat. There was no more need for disguises, not when I was about to lay my soul bare before the girl I loved.I raised my hand to knock, but before my knuckles could connect with the wood, the door swung open, revealing a girl I had never seen before. She looked to be about Bernice's age, with long, dark hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me."Can I help you?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion."I'm here to see Bernice," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "It's important."The girl's eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms over her chest. "And who are you, exactly?""I'm a friend of hers. My name is Chr-" I caught myself, remembering that Bernice only knew me as Charlie."Charlie, I'm Charlie."A flicker of recognition passed over the girl's face, and her lips curled into a smirk. "Ah, so you're the mysterious friend she's been sneaking around with.

    Huling Na-update : 2024-05-20

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 48 Fool

    ChristianNowI could barely breathe as I looked into Bernice's eyes and said the words I'd been holding back for a decade. "It's me, Bernice. I'm Charlie - the one you knew all those years ago."Her eyes widened in shock, those emerald green depths that had captivated me from the moment we met. But there was something else there too...confusion, uncertainty."How can that be possible?" she whispered, her voice strained. "Charlie...you...how?"I reached across the console, my hand hovering just over hers. "I know it seems unbelievable. But I promise you, it's the truth. I'm the same Charlie you once knew, just...older now. Wiser, I hope."She didn't pull away from my touch, but she also didn't lean into it. Her body was tense, rigid almost, like she was bracing herself."All this time..." she began haltingly. "You knew who I was? And you never said anything?"The hurt in her voice lanced through me like a physical blow. "Bernie, you have to understand, it killed me to stay away. But I

    Huling Na-update : 2024-05-20

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 49 Miss

    BerniceAfter my parents grounded me for sneaking out with Charlie. The days passed in an agonizing haze of confinement. No matter how many times I tried to explain, to make them understand how important he was to me, they wouldn't budge."He's nothing but trouble, Bernice," my mother said sternly, her lips pressed into a tight line. "A boy like that will only lead you down the wrong path."I wanted to scream at her that she was wrong, so completely wrong about the nice person Charlie was. But I knew it would be pointless. I was trapped, suffocating within the walls of my supposed "home."Especially when every night, I went to sleep hoping to dream of Charlie's warm smile and those soulful eyes that could render me utterly breathless with a single glance. Only to wake up feeling more alone than ever.I sent Charlie numerous messages explaining my situation and why I had disappeared, but he never replied to any of them. At first I thought he was just angry and that was why he didn't re

    Huling Na-update : 2024-05-21

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 50 Dissonance

    Bernice"I'm so sorry for leaving you like that," he murmured, lifting a hand as if to caress my cheek. "Things were...complicated back then. But I'm here now. It's me, Fed. The one you knew before as Charlie."It was like living in a dream those first few weeks after being reunited with the man I thought was Charlie. Fed - or so he insisted on being called - was every bit the charming, sweet guy I remembered.Having him back in my life was like being able to breathe again after years of drowning. His presence resurrected feelings in me I had thought long d

    Huling Na-update : 2024-05-21

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 51 Thief

    BerniceWhen I finally heard the sound of his car pulling up, I steeled myself and pushed down the rising tide of anger and betrayal.The door opened and there was Fed, still in his expensive suit from the office. His brow furrowed when he saw me standing in his study."What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice sharp. "I've told you a thousand times not to come into my study without permission."I kept my head down, face obscured in the shadows. I couldn't let him see

    Huling Na-update : 2024-05-22

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 52 Rupture

    Bernice"I'm warning you, Bernice," Fed's eyes narrowed into slits, his grip on my wrist tightening like a vise as he leaned in close, his hot breath fanning across my face. "Don't you dare meet with that Charlie again."I shuddered at the undisguised threat in his words, a chill slithering down my spine. But I refused to show fear. Not anymore. Not after finally seeing the truth about the monster I had married.I wrenched my arm free from his grasp, a sneer twisting my lips. "Who do you think you are, Fed? My master? My jailer? I'm not the same naive girl

    Huling Na-update : 2024-05-22

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  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Epilogue

    BerniceThe gentle sea breeze ruffled my hair as I stood on the balcony of our Hamptons beach house, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Ten years had passed since that first charity gala, a decade filled with more love, laughter, and fulfillment than I could have ever imagined."Penny for your thoughts?" Christian's voice came from behind me, as familiar and comforting as ever.I turned, smiling as he handed me a glass of wine. "Just reflecting. It's hard to believe it's been ten years."Christian nodded, leaning against the railing beside me. "Ten amazing years. And you know what? I have a feeling the best is still to come."As if on cue, the sound of children's laughter floated up from the beach below. I looked down to see Hope, now fourteen, chasing her younger siblings, seven-year-old Ethan and five-year-old Olivia, through the surf. Melissa and Alex's twins, eight-year-old Sophie and Lucas, were building an elaborate sandcastle nearby."Should we call them in for dinner?" I

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 196 A Night of Stars and Hope

    BerniceThe grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel buzzed with excitement as New York's elite mingled, their designer gowns and tuxedos glittering under the chandeliers. I smoothed down the front of my own gown - a midnight blue creation that Cathy had insisted I wear - and scanned the room, making sure everything was in place for our charity gala."Relax, Bernie," Christian murmured in my ear, his hand warm on the small of my back. "Everything looks perfect."I turned to him, drinking in the sight of him in his tuxedo. Even after all these years, he still took my breath away. "I know, I know. I just want tonight to be perfect. We've worked so hard on this."Christian smiled, pressing a quick kiss to my temple. "It will be perfect. The Edward Hamilton Foundation's first major fundraiser - how could it be anything but?"I nodded, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. We had spent months planning this gala, bringing together all our friends and family to support the foundation's mission of

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 195 Love Blooms Anew

    BerniceThe soft spring breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers through Central Park as I watched Melissa and Alex stroll hand in hand ahead of me. Christian walked beside me, pushing Hope's stroller as our daughter babbled happily, pointing at the colorful tulips lining the path."They look happy," I murmured to Christian, nodding towards Melissa and Alex.Christian smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "They do. It's nice to see Melissa like this, isn't it? So carefree and content."I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. After everything Melissa had been through, seeing her find happiness with Alex felt like a small miracle.As we approached the Bethesda Fountain, I noticed Alex becoming increasingly fidgety. He kept reaching into his pocket, his face a mix of nervousness and excitement. I nudged Christian, raising an eyebrow in silent question. He nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips."You knew, didn't you?" I whispered accusingly.Christian shrugged,

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 194 Cathy was filing for divorce!

    BerniceThe shrill ring of my phone pierced through the peaceful silence of our bedroom at an ungodly hour. I fumbled for it, nearly knocking over the lamp in my sleep-addled state."Hello?" I mumbled, squinting at the too-bright screen."BERNICE!" Cathy's voice exploded through the speaker, causing me to jerk the phone away from my ear. "I need you! It's an emergency! "I sat up, instantly alert. "Cathy? What's wrong? Is Lily okay?""Lily? Oh, she's fine. Sleeping like an angel, the little traitor," Cathy huffed. "No, it's much worse. I'm filing for divorce!"I blinked, trying to process this information. "Divorce?! Cathy, what are you talking about?""I'm leaving Taylor!" she wailed dramatically. "I can't take it anymore, Bernie. He's driving me insane! Do you know what he did?""What did he do?" I asked cautiously, already suspecting this was going to be something ridiculous."He left his socks on the floor. AGAIN!" Cathy's voice rose to a pitch that I'm sure only dogs could hear.

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 193 A Night to Remember

    BerniceThe familiar New York skyline greeted us as our car wound its way through the city streets. After the rugged beauty of Scotland, the urban landscape felt both jarring and comforting. Hope was fast asleep in her car seat, her new stuffed highland cow clutched tightly to her chest."Home sweet home," Christian murmured, his hand finding mine in the space between us.As we pulled up to our building, I saw the doorman, George, step forward to help with our luggage. His familiar face broke into a warm smile as he saw us."Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Miller," he said, opening the car door. "How was your trip?""Wonderful, George, thank you," Christian replied, carefully lifting the still-sleeping Hope from her car seat. "But it's good to be home."I followed them into the building, my mind already racing with all the things we needed to do. Unpack, sort through mail, check in with work... The list seemed endless.As we entered our apartment, the silence enveloped us. After the bustle

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 192 A Journey to Edinburgh

    BerniceThe early morning sun streamed through the windows of our Paris apartment, casting a golden glow over the scattered suitcases and travel documents strewn across the bed. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my blouse and taking a deep breath. Today was the day we'd been planning for weeks - our family trip to Scotland, to Christian's ancestral home."Mama! Mama!" Hope's excited voice preceded her as she toddled into the room, her little arms outstretched. I scooped her up, pressing a kiss to her chubby cheek."Are you ready for our big adventure, sweetheart?" I asked, smoothing down her unruly curls.Hope nodded enthusiastically. "See sheep!" she declared, her face lighting up with joy.I laughed, remembering the picture books of Scotland we'd been reading to her. "That's right, we're going to see lots of sheep. And castles, and lochs, and maybe even a highland cow or two."Christian appeared in the doorway, looking handsome in a casual sweater and jeans. The pendant I'd

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 191 Remembrance

    BerniceThe soft glow of my desk lamp cast shadows across the scattered sketches and gemstones before me. It was well past midnight, but sleep eluded me. I was searching for a way to help Christian through his mourning.I picked up a rough sapphire, turning it over in my palm. Its deep blue reminded me of Edward's eyes, always twinkling with mischief and kindness. An idea began to form in my mind, a way to capture a piece of Edward's spirit in something tangible that Christian could carry with him.With renewed energy, I began to sketch. The design took shape under my pencil - a simple yet elegant pendant. A teardrop-shaped sapphire, surrounded by a delicate filigree of white gold, designed to look like the intertwining branches of a family tree. At the base of the pendant, almost hidden within the metalwork, I planned to engrave Edward's initials and the coordinates of his favorite spot in Paris - a bench in the Jardin des Tuileries where he used to take Christian as a boy.As the fi

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 190 A Final Farewell

    BerniceIt was a moment of pure magic, tinged with the bittersweet knowledge that it might be one of Edward's last.The night stretched on, marked by Edward's labored breathing and occasional coughs. His skin had taken on a grayish pallor, and his cheeks seemed more sunken than ever. Every so often, his eyes would flutter open, unfocused and glassy, before closing again.Dr. Fournier entered the room for what felt like the hundredth time that night. He checked Edward's vitals with practiced efficiency, his brow furrowing as he noted the dropping blood pressure and weakening pulse. "We've increased his morphine dosage," he murmured to Christian. "He shouldn't be in any pain now."Edward's fingers twitched sporadically against the bedsheet, and his breathing became more irregular - sometimes rapid and shallow, then pausing for long, terrifying moments before resuming. The oxygen mask fogged rhythmically with each exhale, a visual reminder of his continuing fight.As dawn approached, Edw

  • Married To My Ex Husband's Billionaire Brother   Chapter 189 The End of His Life

    BerniceChristian rushed in, followed closely by Dr. Fournier. For the next few minutes, the room was a flurry of activity as the doctor checked Edward's vitals and responses.Slowly, miraculously, Edward's eyes fluttered open. They were unfocused at first, but then they found Christian's face."Chris... Christian," he rasped, his voice barely audible around the breathing tube.Christian's face broke into a smile, tears streaming down his cheeks. "I'm here, Grandfather. I'm right here."Dr. Fournier quickly removed the breathing tube, replacing it with an oxygen mask. "Mr. Hamilton," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "Try not to speak too much. You've been through quite an ordeal."Edward nodded weakly, his eyes never leaving Christian's face. He lifted a shaky hand, which Christian immediately grasped."I'm sorry," Edward whispered. "I'm so sorry."Christian frowned, confused. "Sorry? Grandfather, you have nothing to be sorry for. You're going to be okay. You're going to get better

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