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Chapter 20 Giggles and footsteps
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2024-12-14 17:10:18Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2024-12-16Once 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 : 2024-11-12Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 2 At the Club
Eloise The pounding bass of the club's music felt like it was vibrating through my bones. I sat at our usual table. Ava was beside me. She had suggested I go to the club with her to unwind, and I bet you that was a bad idea for me but she insisted I go with her. As we waited for the bartender's attention, Ava kept up a steady stream of chatter, her voice a comforting background noise. Aswear her chats weren't helping the pain in my chest atall. "And then he had the nerve to say he didn't like my dress, stupid guy" she said, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Can you believe that?" I managed a genuine laugh at that. I was seriously not interested. "Seriously? Who doesn't like your dresses?" "Exactly!" she exclaimed, pulling her middle finger up in mock exasperation. "Men are idiots" I laughed a genuine laugh at that. The bartender finally noticed us, and Ava ordered our drinks. As we waited, I glanced around the club, my eyes drifting over the crowd. That's when i saw him.
Last Updated : 2024-11-12Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 3 The reality
Eloise I woke up with a heavy headache, I had barely slept, the sound of car horns blaring outside. I blinked, my vision slowly clearing, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. This wasn’t Ava's apartment. I gasped. I sniffed the white sheets that smelled faintly of oud and something else I couldn’t place. I tried to sit up, my muscles protesting as I propped myself up on an elbow. As I scanned the room, my eyes settled on a small, curious detail on the chair across from the bed—a dark, sleek watch, the kind that looked both impossibly expensive laying there. My breath caught. That wasn’t mine. And that definitely wasn’t an item I would be bringing into a hotel room. Did I lodge into the wrong room? Activities from yesterday still blurry. I grabbed my sunglasses and keys, got dressed and immediately left the hotel room. But as soon as I walked out of the hotel, I was met by the flashing cameras of the paparazzi outside and microphones came thrusting in my face. The
Last Updated : 2024-11-12Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 4 The Gala Night
Eloise My phone buzzed incessantly on the nightstand, I groaned, my eyes still heavy with sleep. The dim light of the morning filtered through the curtains, but i didn’t want to get up—not yet. With a reluctant sigh, I reached for my phone and looked at the screen. Ava's name flashed on the display, and my heart dropped into my stomach for a brief moment. "Ava, it's barely seven in the morning," I mumbled, pressing the phone to my ear. "This better be important." "Good morning," Ava’s voice came through with her usual cheerfulness, unfazed by the early hour. "I know you're probably still in bed, but get up girl! The gala is tonight! You can’t miss it again, not like last year!" I rolled over, pulling the covers up over my head to block out the light. I could already hear the excitement in her voice. “Ugh, I know, I know. I just need a little more sleep. Ava. This whole thing gives me the heebie-jeebies.” Ava laughed on the other end. “Please. You’ve been cooped up in
Last Updated : 2024-11-12Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 5 New Man
Eloise A week ago….. A feeling of warmth settled over me as I looked up, only to realise it was Mike’s arm wrapped around me for balance, his face shadowed but unmistakably kind as he settled me on the bed. The nightclub’s bass still echoed in my ears as I blinked in the dim lighting of the hotel room, the room swaying lightly. How did I get here? I can't tell. "All men are trash, you know?" i muttered, clinking my glass to his in a bitter toast. “Is that so?” He chuckled, his gaze soft and unintrusive. “Not... not all, maybe,” i admitted reluctantly. “But the kind I keep meeting? Yeah. Definitely trash.” I laughed, though there was no humor in my voice. I had been talking too much, I know, but it was as if once I start, there is no stopping. “Seven years of marriage,” i continued, shaking my head, “Gone in an instant, and for what? A spark with an old lover, my stepsister!” I looked away, focusing on the golden lights. “Turns out I was... disposable.” “Eloise...
Last Updated : 2024-11-12Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 6 The gala showdown
Eloise Jennifer’s voice sliced through the music and chatter. She stood a few feet away, her sharp eyes scanning me like I was an unfortunate piece of art she had found in a trash bin. Her lips twisted in that familiar sneer as if she enjoyed the thought of watching me squirm. I clenched my jaw. “Was is it supposed to take years to move on?” I shot back, my voice steady despite the bile rising in my throat. Jennifer’s smile faltered just for a second before it returned, colder than ever. “I think it's shameful, eloise. Coming here tonight, knowing you have a child to look after. Who's taking care of him?” Her words were deliberately loud, so everyone in earshot would hear. Her smirk widened when she saw the reaction it elicited from a few onlookers. I refused to let her bait me. Max was my priority, she knew nothing about him . But even so, her words burned in my chest. I squared my shoulders, my pulse steady despite the way her venom seemed to wrap around me like a v
Last Updated : 2024-11-22Once Upon a Marriage Chapter 7 A Heartbreaking decision
Eloise We hurriedly left the gala and slid into the car. The night air sharp against my skin as Mike and I sped down the empty streets, my heart raced with every second that passed and no matter how much I tried to calm myself, the panic kept creeping back. "Are you okay?" Mike asked, glancing at me briefly before focusing on the road. I nodded, not trusting my voice to hold up. I could feel tears burning behind my eyes, threatening to spill but I refused to let them. Not yet. Not until I knew what was going on with Max. It only took seconds and my world began to spin. A call from my Grandma had been all it took. Max had collapsed. They rushed him to the emergency room. The words echoed in my mind. I couldn't make sense of it. When we pulled up to the hospital, I jumped out of the car before it had even fully stopped. My breath came in shallow gasps, my heart pounding in my ears. The harsh white lights overhead and the antiseptic smell hit me like a wave, dragging me back to re
Last Updated : 2024-11-23
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
