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Chapter 16 The beginning
Last Updated:
2024-12-10 17:06:54
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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
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 : 2024-12-14Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 21 Daddy can I stay?
Eloise 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.
Last Updated : 2024-12-16Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 22 The Reckoning
Lucian I leaned back in the leather chair, staring out at the skyline of the city. The view from my office always gave me a sense of power, as if I could control the world with the snap of my fingers. And I could. Or at least, I could control the ventures of Eloise. The thought of her made my jaw tighten. I couldn't believe the audacity of her, thinking she could stand up to me like this. All these years, I’d held the reins, guided her, shaped her into who she was. And yet, since the divorce, she’d changed. Or maybe she hadn’t changed at all. Maybe I had just missed it. Eloise had always been strong-willed. It’s one of the reasons I’d married her. She wasn’t like the others, docile, eager to please. She had a fire in her, a determination that I thought I could tame, bend to my will. She didn’t care for all the things I could give her—money, power, prestige, although her family was quite wealthy then. Or maybe she was after something deeper. That’s what made her different. And it
Last Updated : 2024-12-24Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 23
EloiseThe world felt smaller these days, tight even, suffocating, like it was closing in on me. Every corner I turned, Jennifer’s name stared back at me, mocking me. Billboards with her smug face smiled down from above, flashing the latest collection of “her” jewelry designs. My designs. Pieces I’d spent months perfecting, only for her to steal them right from under me. It wasn’t just the ads. It was everywhere. Social media, magazines, even casual conversations overheard at the coffee shop. Her success was a constant reminder of my failure. A reminder of how I’d let her, and everyone else win. I clutched my mug tightly, staring blankly at the TV as another ad played, showcasing Jennifer’s “brilliant new collection.” My fingers tightened around the ceramic until I thought it might crack. “She’s everywhere,” I muttered under my breath, the bitterness dripping from my words. “How does she keep getting away with this?” “Because she’s good at playing the victim,” Ava said from ac
Last Updated : 2025-01-25Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 1 The humiliation
Eloise I settled on the coach, reaching for the television remote. Today was Lucian's big day and and the event was broadcasted. This silly illness had prevented me from accompanying him but I didn't care. "Tonight, the world will see my vision." I smiled, feeling the pride in my chest. The Live broadcast finally began, the spotlight settled on Lucian, as he made his way to the stage, looking impeccably polished in his tailored suit. I had never felt so proud, i couldn't help but smile and settled deeper in the cushion. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our latest collection—a collection crafted with love, passion, and elegance” He said, his deep steady voice echoed through the speakers. My heart fluttered at “Our” collection, i repeated in my mind. “I’ve been fortunate to work with someone special on this project, someone whose talent and dedication have brought this vision to life” Lucian said, his gaze swee
Last Updated : 2024-11-12
Latest chapter
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 23
EloiseThe world felt smaller these days, tight even, suffocating, like it was closing in on me. Every corner I turned, Jennifer’s name stared back at me, mocking me. Billboards with her smug face smiled down from above, flashing the latest collection of “her” jewelry designs. My designs. Pieces I’d spent months perfecting, only for her to steal them right from under me. It wasn’t just the ads. It was everywhere. Social media, magazines, even casual conversations overheard at the coffee shop. Her success was a constant reminder of my failure. A reminder of how I’d let her, and everyone else win. I clutched my mug tightly, staring blankly at the TV as another ad played, showcasing Jennifer’s “brilliant new collection.” My fingers tightened around the ceramic until I thought it might crack. “She’s everywhere,” I muttered under my breath, the bitterness dripping from my words. “How does she keep getting away with this?” “Because she’s good at playing the victim,” Ava said from ac
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 22 The Reckoning
Lucian I leaned back in the leather chair, staring out at the skyline of the city. The view from my office always gave me a sense of power, as if I could control the world with the snap of my fingers. And I could. Or at least, I could control the ventures of Eloise. The thought of her made my jaw tighten. I couldn't believe the audacity of her, thinking she could stand up to me like this. All these years, I’d held the reins, guided her, shaped her into who she was. And yet, since the divorce, she’d changed. Or maybe she hadn’t changed at all. Maybe I had just missed it. Eloise had always been strong-willed. It’s one of the reasons I’d married her. She wasn’t like the others, docile, eager to please. She had a fire in her, a determination that I thought I could tame, bend to my will. She didn’t care for all the things I could give her—money, power, prestige, although her family was quite wealthy then. Or maybe she was after something deeper. That’s what made her different. And it
Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 21 Daddy can I stay?
Eloise 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.
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
