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Chapter 12 The shadow in college
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2024-12-04 01:01:56Related chapters
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 13 The accusation
Jennifer The whispers started innocently enough—a fleeting comment in the cafeteria, a snide remark in the library. But I’d planted the seeds, and now they were blooming into a storm that would bring Eloise down a peg or two. I watched her walk through campus, smiling as though life had handed her a perfect script. She had it all: grades, confidence, and the admiration of everyone she met. People flocked to her like moths to a flame, and it made my skin crawl. But when I saw her with him—Professor Daniel Wright—it was the final straw. Eloise’s charm had somehow worked its way into his life too. She stayed after lectures, laughed at his jokes, and walked with him across the quad. She wasn’t just his favorite student; she was his confidante. And he was married. Married! Did she have no boundaries ? She must've lost her mind. I clenched my fists as I replayed the scene in my mind. I wasn’t going to sit back and let her bask in stolen glory while I struggled with my grades. No. This
Last Updated : 2024-12-06Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 14 The shadows of the past
Eloise The tension between Jennifer and I was still raw, simmering under every stolen glance and clipped movement. The scandal she’d caused at school had left deep scars, but I wasn’t about to let her ruin everything. Not my reputation or even my dreams. Yet here we were, standing miles apart in the same house. The semester was finally over, and we were back home for the break. I thought the distance from school might dull the hostility between us, but it felt more suffocating than ever. …….. I slipped out that evening, my destination was a place few knew about—a hidden café nestled in the shadows of old streets, where I often found solace. The warm glow of the café’s lights spilled onto the cobbled road. As I entered, I felt a fleeting sense of peace, the hum of conversations a balm to my frazzled nerves. But it didn’t last long. A shadow caught my eye through the window—someone lingering outside, half-concealed by the dim streetlights. I squinted, heart sinking when the figure
Last Updated : 2024-12-08Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 15 The truth unveiled
Eloise Time has a strange way of smoothing over pain and sharpening clarity. Years had passed since the chaos of my childhood, and though the scars Jennifer and I left on each other still lingered, life moved on. I buried myself in my work, using it as an escape from the emotional wreckage. That’s why the invitation to the art exhibition felt like a much-needed escape. It was the perfect distraction—an opportunity to step away from the grind and immerse myself in the creativity of others. I could never have predicted that the night would change the course of my life. ………. The gallery buzzed with life, the clinking of glasses and soft murmur of conversation filling the air. I wandered through the exhibit, letting the vibrant colors and abstract designs wash over me. It wasn’t until I reached a particular painting, a breathtaking blend of blue and gold—that I felt a presence beside me. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” The voice was smooth, deep, and unmistakably familiar. I turned, my brea
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 16 The beginning
The present ~ Eloise The soft hum of Max’s breathing filled the room as I tucked the blanket under his chin. His small chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, his cheeks flushed with the warmth of sleep. Every time I looked at him, gratitude surged through me—a gratitude I owed to Mike. Mike’s sacrifice had been nothing short of heroic. He had stepped in to save Max when Lucian hadn’t even shown up. The thought still stung, but there was no time for resentment for now. Max needed me, and for weeks, I had poured everything I had into caring for him. But tonight was different. Tonight, I felt a shift, a quiet reminder that it was time to refocus, to reclaim the pieces of myself I had left behind. …… The morning sunlight streamed through the windows as I packed Max’s bag. His favorite toys, a couple of picture books, and enough clothes to last the weekend. I’d been dreading this moment for days, but I knew it was necessary. “Where are we going, Mommy?” Max’s sleepy voice tugg
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 17 Building the dream
Eloise The crisp December air stung my cheeks as I hurried into the bustling café, clutching a portfolio of sketches close to my chest. Inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the hum of conversations, but the warmth of the room did little to settle the knot in my stomach. My calendar was packed with meetings, pitches, and endless hours of designing. Starting a jewelry business sounded glamorous in theory, but the reality was grueling. Every conversation seemed to end in rejection or a polite, “We’ll think about it.” Every blank stare from potential investors felt like a personal failure. I slid into a corner seat, laying out my sketches and making a mental list of the tasks ahead. Securing funding, sourcing high-quality gemstones, and finding a manufacturer willing to work with a startup were proving to be monumental challenges. My phone buzzed with a text from Mike. Mike: “Did you eat lunch yet? Don’t skip meals just because you’re trying to conquer the world.” I
Last Updated : 2024-12-11Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 18 A turning point
Eloise The exhibition hall shimmered under the glow of soft elegant lighting, reflecting off the display cases that housed my jewelry pieces. Each one carried months of hard work, sleepless nights, and relentless determination. This moment was supposed to be mine to prove that I could stand on my own without Lucian, without anyone. I stood behind my display, forcing a composed smile as people filtered through, their voices blending into a distant hum. I should’ve been happy with the small victories, the approving glances, the murmurs of admiration, but anxiety sat heavy in my stomach. And then I saw them. Lucian and Jennifer walked in together, arm in arm. My ex-husband and my stepsister, the perfect picture of betrayal wrapped in designer suits and feigned sophistication. Jennifer’s smile was wide, as if she hadn’t stolen everything from me. Lucian leaned in, whispering something to her, and she laughed softly, her head tilting in that practiced demure way. My heart clenched
Last Updated : 2024-12-12Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 19 Then why are you here, Lucian?
Eloise The questions were becoming too much. The press crowded closer, their microphones like weapons pointed at me, demanding answers I didn’t have. Jennifer’s voice rose above the cacophony, smooth and laced with fake sorrow. “All I’ve ever wanted was to support Eloise,” she said, her crocodile tears shedding uncontrollably “We’re sisters, after all. But how do you reconcile with someone who hates you for no reason? And now… this?” She gestured toward her designs—my designs like they were some divine gift she’d crafted from her soul. My chest tightened, I couldn’t breathe. A client who had been eagerly discussing a purchase earlier suddenly turned away, whispering to her companion. Their eyes darted toward me, judgment heavy in their expressions. It was Jennifer’s words, It was always her words. She knew how to wield them like a knife, slicing through my composure, my reputation. Tears burned my eyes, streaking down my face before I could stop them. No! Not in front of these
Last Updated : 2024-12-13Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 20 Giggles and footsteps
Eloise The house was quiet except for Max’s giggles upstairs as he played with the toy car I’d brought him. I was in the kitchen humming an old tune, my way of distracting myself from all the chaos I had dragged into the house. It was supposed to be a calm evening. I’d finally gotten a chance to pick up Max after all the drama of the past few days. Holding him in my arms had felt like a balm to my soul. A sudden knock startled me out of my thoughts. Frowning, I went to the door. When I opened it, Mike was there, his face etched with concern. He didn’t say anything at first. Instead, he stepped in and wrapped me in a tight hug, his warmth seeping into me. When he pressed a kiss to my forehead, it felt like the world around me melted away, just for a moment. I let out a shaky breath. “What are you doing here?” He pulled back, his hands still on my shoulders as he looked me over. “I needed to see you, you weren't picking up.” His voice was soft, yet firm, the way it always wa
Last Updated : 2024-12-14
Latest chapter
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 21 Daddy can I stay?
Kelly I stood there, my body frozen, fists clenched at my sides as Lucian held Max in his arms, like he had every right to be here. Max’s innocent smile nearly shattered my anger. He had no idea the kind of man Lucian was, the kind of betrayal he represented. My son saw only a father who was too busy to care for him, returning as though nothing had happened. Lucian met my gaze, unbothered, like he had every right to speak as if he’d been here for him all along. “No, Max, your mom and I weren’t fighting,” he said, his tone too calm. “We were just talking about something serious.” I wanted to yell, to drag him out of here by the collar, but I couldn’t. Not in front of Max. Not when my son still clung to the hope that his father wasn’t the stranger he’d become. I swallowed down the rage building in my chest, forcing myself to keep my voice steady. “Max, sweetheart, why don’t you go to bed now? It's late,” I said, my words soft but clipped, betraying the storm inside me. Max hes
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 20 Giggles and footsteps
Eloise The house was quiet except for Max’s giggles upstairs as he played with the toy car I’d brought him. I was in the kitchen humming an old tune, my way of distracting myself from all the chaos I had dragged into the house. It was supposed to be a calm evening. I’d finally gotten a chance to pick up Max after all the drama of the past few days. Holding him in my arms had felt like a balm to my soul. A sudden knock startled me out of my thoughts. Frowning, I went to the door. When I opened it, Mike was there, his face etched with concern. He didn’t say anything at first. Instead, he stepped in and wrapped me in a tight hug, his warmth seeping into me. When he pressed a kiss to my forehead, it felt like the world around me melted away, just for a moment. I let out a shaky breath. “What are you doing here?” He pulled back, his hands still on my shoulders as he looked me over. “I needed to see you, you weren't picking up.” His voice was soft, yet firm, the way it always wa
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 19 Then why are you here, Lucian?
Eloise The questions were becoming too much. The press crowded closer, their microphones like weapons pointed at me, demanding answers I didn’t have. Jennifer’s voice rose above the cacophony, smooth and laced with fake sorrow. “All I’ve ever wanted was to support Eloise,” she said, her crocodile tears shedding uncontrollably “We’re sisters, after all. But how do you reconcile with someone who hates you for no reason? And now… this?” She gestured toward her designs—my designs like they were some divine gift she’d crafted from her soul. My chest tightened, I couldn’t breathe. A client who had been eagerly discussing a purchase earlier suddenly turned away, whispering to her companion. Their eyes darted toward me, judgment heavy in their expressions. It was Jennifer’s words, It was always her words. She knew how to wield them like a knife, slicing through my composure, my reputation. Tears burned my eyes, streaking down my face before I could stop them. No! Not in front of these
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 18 A turning point
Eloise The exhibition hall shimmered under the glow of soft elegant lighting, reflecting off the display cases that housed my jewelry pieces. Each one carried months of hard work, sleepless nights, and relentless determination. This moment was supposed to be mine to prove that I could stand on my own without Lucian, without anyone. I stood behind my display, forcing a composed smile as people filtered through, their voices blending into a distant hum. I should’ve been happy with the small victories, the approving glances, the murmurs of admiration, but anxiety sat heavy in my stomach. And then I saw them. Lucian and Jennifer walked in together, arm in arm. My ex-husband and my stepsister, the perfect picture of betrayal wrapped in designer suits and feigned sophistication. Jennifer’s smile was wide, as if she hadn’t stolen everything from me. Lucian leaned in, whispering something to her, and she laughed softly, her head tilting in that practiced demure way. My heart clenched
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 17 Building the dream
Eloise The crisp December air stung my cheeks as I hurried into the bustling café, clutching a portfolio of sketches close to my chest. Inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the hum of conversations, but the warmth of the room did little to settle the knot in my stomach. My calendar was packed with meetings, pitches, and endless hours of designing. Starting a jewelry business sounded glamorous in theory, but the reality was grueling. Every conversation seemed to end in rejection or a polite, “We’ll think about it.” Every blank stare from potential investors felt like a personal failure. I slid into a corner seat, laying out my sketches and making a mental list of the tasks ahead. Securing funding, sourcing high-quality gemstones, and finding a manufacturer willing to work with a startup were proving to be monumental challenges. My phone buzzed with a text from Mike. Mike: “Did you eat lunch yet? Don’t skip meals just because you’re trying to conquer the world.” I
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 16 The beginning
The present ~ Eloise The soft hum of Max’s breathing filled the room as I tucked the blanket under his chin. His small chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, his cheeks flushed with the warmth of sleep. Every time I looked at him, gratitude surged through me—a gratitude I owed to Mike. Mike’s sacrifice had been nothing short of heroic. He had stepped in to save Max when Lucian hadn’t even shown up. The thought still stung, but there was no time for resentment for now. Max needed me, and for weeks, I had poured everything I had into caring for him. But tonight was different. Tonight, I felt a shift, a quiet reminder that it was time to refocus, to reclaim the pieces of myself I had left behind. …… The morning sunlight streamed through the windows as I packed Max’s bag. His favorite toys, a couple of picture books, and enough clothes to last the weekend. I’d been dreading this moment for days, but I knew it was necessary. “Where are we going, Mommy?” Max’s sleepy voice tugg
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 15 The truth unveiled
Eloise Time has a strange way of smoothing over pain and sharpening clarity. Years had passed since the chaos of my childhood, and though the scars Jennifer and I left on each other still lingered, life moved on. I buried myself in my work, using it as an escape from the emotional wreckage. That’s why the invitation to the art exhibition felt like a much-needed escape. It was the perfect distraction—an opportunity to step away from the grind and immerse myself in the creativity of others. I could never have predicted that the night would change the course of my life. ………. The gallery buzzed with life, the clinking of glasses and soft murmur of conversation filling the air. I wandered through the exhibit, letting the vibrant colors and abstract designs wash over me. It wasn’t until I reached a particular painting, a breathtaking blend of blue and gold—that I felt a presence beside me. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” The voice was smooth, deep, and unmistakably familiar. I turned, my brea
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 14 The shadows of the past
Eloise The tension between Jennifer and I was still raw, simmering under every stolen glance and clipped movement. The scandal she’d caused at school had left deep scars, but I wasn’t about to let her ruin everything. Not my reputation or even my dreams. Yet here we were, standing miles apart in the same house. The semester was finally over, and we were back home for the break. I thought the distance from school might dull the hostility between us, but it felt more suffocating than ever. …….. I slipped out that evening, my destination was a place few knew about—a hidden café nestled in the shadows of old streets, where I often found solace. The warm glow of the café’s lights spilled onto the cobbled road. As I entered, I felt a fleeting sense of peace, the hum of conversations a balm to my frazzled nerves. But it didn’t last long. A shadow caught my eye through the window—someone lingering outside, half-concealed by the dim streetlights. I squinted, heart sinking when the figure
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 13 The accusation
Jennifer The whispers started innocently enough—a fleeting comment in the cafeteria, a snide remark in the library. But I’d planted the seeds, and now they were blooming into a storm that would bring Eloise down a peg or two. I watched her walk through campus, smiling as though life had handed her a perfect script. She had it all: grades, confidence, and the admiration of everyone she met. People flocked to her like moths to a flame, and it made my skin crawl. But when I saw her with him—Professor Daniel Wright—it was the final straw. Eloise’s charm had somehow worked its way into his life too. She stayed after lectures, laughed at his jokes, and walked with him across the quad. She wasn’t just his favorite student; she was his confidante. And he was married. Married! Did she have no boundaries ? She must've lost her mind. I clenched my fists as I replayed the scene in my mind. I wasn’t going to sit back and let her bask in stolen glory while I struggled with my grades. No. This
