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Seventy - Six
Last Updated:
2025-02-05 23:54:34
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One Careless Night Seventy - Seven
The next day, I heard the doorbell ring just as I was stepping out of my room. I didn’t think much of it until I heard my mother’s voice—firm, yet sickeningly polite.“Alex, what a surprise.”I froze mid-step, my heart jumping at the sound of his name. Carefully, I moved closer to the hallway, staying out of sight but close enough to hear.“I came to see Sophia,” Alex’s voice was calm, but I could hear the slight edge of confusion. “Is she home?”My mother let out a short laugh. “She is, but there’s no need for you to see her.”There was a beat of silence before he spoke again, his tone more serious now. “No need?”“That’s right,” she said smoothly. “Sophia will be getting married soon. There’s no reason for you to be coming around anymore.”I clenched my fists at her words.Alex scoffed, clearly caught off guard. “Married?” His voice dipped into disbelief. “You mean to Jack?”“Who else?” my mother replied, her voice laced with triumph.Another beat of silence. Then Alex let out a low
Last Updated : 2025-02-06One Careless Night Seventy - Eight
The moment the door shut behind my mother, I collapsed onto my bed, gripping my phone tightly. My mind raced with everything that had just happened.Alex. My mother. The wedding.I needed this marriage to happen fast, but a small part of me wondered—was I really doing this for myself, or was I just running?No. I wasn’t going to let doubt creep in. My mother had controlled my life for too long, and this was my way out.My phone vibrated in my hand, pulling me from my thoughts. A message from Jack.Jack: I spoke to the planner. We can do it in three weeks. Is that soon enough?Three weeks. It wasn’t as immediate as I wanted, but it was still fast.Me: Perfect. Let’s do it.His response came almost instantly.Jack: Are you sure about this? We can still take a little more time if needed.I clenched my jaw. The last thing I needed was hesitation.Me: I’m sure.He didn’t push any further, just sent a simple "Alright" before ending the conversation.I set my phone down and exhaled slowly. T
Last Updated : 2025-02-07One Careless Night Seventy - Nine
Gasps rippled through the crowd as all heads turned toward Rachel. She stood at the entrance, chest heaving, eyes darting between Jack and me.Jack’s jaw tightened. “Rachel, what the hell are you doing?”I stood frozen, my fingers trembling around my bouquet. My mother shot up from her seat, her expression a mask of barely concealed rage.Rachel took a shaky step forward. “I can’t let you do this, Jack. Not after everything we shared.”Whispers swirled around us. Jack exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand down his face. “Rachel, this is not the time or the place.”“I don’t care.” Rachel’s voice wavered, but she held her ground. “You can’t marry her.”A lump formed in my throat. I had been prepared for doubts, for hesitation, even for Alex to make a last-minute plea—but not this. Not from Rachel.Jack’s shoulders squared. “Rachel, stop.”“No,” she shook her head. “You don’t love her, Jack. You love me. At least that's what you told me when we had sex.”Silence.My eyes flickered toward Jack,
Last Updated : 2025-02-08One Careless Night Eighty
The moment we stepped outside the church, the crisp afternoon air hit me like a shock to my system. My wedding dress, once a symbol of joy and promises, now felt suffocating—heavy with betrayal, with loss.Alex’s hand was warm around mine, steady, grounding. But as soon as we reached the steps, I pulled away, wrapping my arms around myself. My breath came in uneven gasps.I had just walked away from my wedding.From Jack.From everything I thought my life was supposed to be.Alex turned to face me, his expression unreadable. “Are you okay?”A laugh bubbled up in my throat—hollow, humorless. “Do I look okay?”He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I had a feeling this would happen.”My eyes snapped to his. “Excuse me?”He met my gaze, unwavering. “Rachel wasn’t going to let this wedding happen. And Jack…” He shook his head. “He’s a fool to think his lies wouldn’t catch up to him.”I swallowed the lump in my throat, my emotions tangled in knots. “And what about me?” My voice cracked
Last Updated : 2025-02-09One Careless Night Eighty - One
The drive to Alex’s house was silent, the air thick with emotions I wasn’t ready to unpack. I kept my gaze on the road ahead, my wedding dress crumpled around me like a reminder of everything I had left behind. The enormity of what I had just done was settling in, pressing against my chest, but I refused to break down. Not yet.Alex didn't try to force conversation. He simply drove, his grip firm on the wheel, his presence steady beside me. I was grateful for that.By the time we pulled into his driveway, I heave a sigh of relief, soon I would be able to pull off my wedding gown. The weight of it, a constant reminder of the faliure of my wedding.He cut the engine and turned to me. “We’re here.”I nodded, but I didn’t move. My fingers tightened around the fabric of my dress as a wave of exhaustion washed over me.Alex sighed, then got out of the car and walked around to my side. He opened the door, crouching slightly so we were at eye level. “Sophia.” His voice was gentle, patient. “
Last Updated : 2025-02-10One Careless Night Eighty - Two
Silence.Then, barely above a whisper, “Is it him?”I frowned. “What?”“Alex,” Jack said, his voice laced with something dark. “Is that where you are? With him?”I hesitated, and that was answer enough. Jack let out a humorless laugh. “Wow. You didn’t waste any time, did you?”I clenched my jaw. “Don’t you dare turn this on me.”“I just find it interesting,” he said, bitterness creeping into his tone. “You walk out of our wedding and go straight to another man? Tell me, Sophia, was he the backup plan?”Anger surged through me, white-hot and burning. “You don’t get to be jealous, Jack. You don’t get to question me after what you did.”He exhaled harshly. “I didn't… I don’t want this to be the end.”I closed my eyes, trying to keep my emotions from spiraling. “It was already over the moment you betrayed me.”Another silence. This one longer, heavier.Finally, Jack spoke again, quieter this time. “Do you love him?”I sucked in a breath, caught off guard by the question.Did I?I didn’t k
Last Updated : 2025-02-11One Careless Night Eighty - Three
Silence settled over the room like a thick fog.My mother recovered first, smoothing down the front of her blouse as if my presence was nothing more than a mild inconvenience. “Sophia,” she said, her voice neutral but her eyes cold. “You should be resting.”I crossed my arms. “And you should stop deciding my life for me.”She arched a brow. “Everything I do is for you.”I let out a hollow laugh. “You paid Rachel to do something, you’re scheming over Jack’s wealth, and now you’re here telling Alex what to do with me. Tell me, Mother, where exactly do I fit into your plans?”Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t answer.Alex leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in his gaze—guilt? Frustration? I wasn’t sure.“Sophia,” he started, his tone careful.I turned to him, my anger burning hotter. “And you,” I snapped. “You really expect me to believe you care after what I just heard?”A muscle in his jaw
Last Updated : 2025-02-12One Careless Night Eighty - Four
An hour later, I arrived at the café, my heart pounding in my chest. I had chosen a table near the window, one where I could see Rachel approaching before she saw me. I needed those few seconds to read her, to prepare myself for whatever lies she might try to spin.The door chimed, and I spotted her immediately. Rachel walked in with the same confidence she always carried, her lips curving into a practiced smile. If I hadn’t known better, I would have thought she was genuinely happy to see me.But I did know better.She slid into the seat across from me, setting her purse down beside her. “You look tense,” she observed, tilting her head. “I’m guessing this isn’t just about Jack.”I forced a small, tight-lipped smile. “No, it’s not.” I leaned forward slightly. “Tell me, Rachel, how long have you been working with my mother?”For a split second, something flickered in her eyes—surprise, maybe even guilt. But she recovered quickly, letting out a soft chuckle. “Working with her?” she repe
Last Updated : 2025-02-14
Latest chapter
One Careless Night One Hundred And Eleven
The wedding reception was nothing short of magical.The grand ballroom sparkled under the glow of golden chandeliers, casting a warm, romantic ambiance. Tables were adorned with elegant floral centerpieces, soft candlelight flickering between the crystal glasses and silverware. The scent of fresh roses and vanilla from the wedding cake lingered in the air, blending with the laughter and music.Jack and I sat at the beautifully decorated sweetheart table, watching as our guests mingled, sipped champagne, and danced to the soft jazz melody filling the room. The energy was electric, a perfect blend of sophistication and celebration.“I still can’t believe we’re finally married,” I whispered to Jack, squeezing his hand.He turned to me, his blue eyes filled with warmth. “Believe it my darling wife.”A rush of happiness coursed through me. “I love the sound of that.”Jack chuckled. “Get used to it.”We had just finished our first dance as husband and wife, and everything felt like a dream.
One Careless Night One Hundred And Ten
The wedding hall was a vision of elegance—golden chandeliers casting a warm glow, ivory drapes flowing like soft clouds, and the scent of fresh roses and peonies filling the air. Guests were already seated, their murmurs blending with the soft melody of a string quartet playing in the background.I walked through the corridors, my wedding gown trailing behind me, the intricate lace shimmering under the warm lights. Every step I took felt heavier than the last, not because of hesitation, but because of the weight of the moment.This was it.The moment I had dreamed of since I was a little girl.The moment I had planned for months, agonizing over every detail—the flowers, the venue, the dress, the guest list. And yet, it wasn’t the aesthetics that made this moment important. It was the man waiting for me at the altar. Jack.My mother held my hand gently as we reached the bridal suite. “Are you okay?” she asked, her gaze searching mine.I swallowed, nodding. “I’m fine.”But my voice wave
One Careless Night One Hundred And Nine
The garden terrace was tucked away behind the grand wedding venue, a quiet, secluded spot where guests would later mingle during cocktail hour. The scent of jasmine and fresh roses lingered in the air, the soft rustling of leaves the only sound as I stepped onto the stone pathway.Alex was already there.Dressed in a sharp suit, his dark hair still styled the way I remembered, he turned at the sound of my footsteps. His gaze swept over me, and for a moment, there was something unreadable in his eyes.“You came,” he said.I folded my hands in front of me, keeping my voice steady. “What do you want, Alex?”He let out a slow breath. “I needed to see you. Before you marry him.”Anger flared in my chest. “You’ve had months to see me. You waited until my wedding day?”His jaw tightened. “I know. And maybe I don’t deserve this moment. But I had to try.”“Try what, exactly?”His eyes darkened. “To tell you I still love you.”Silence crashed between us.I clenched my fists. “You don’t get to s
One Careless Night One Hundred And Eight
The wedding was just two days away, and every second felt like a blur of last-minute preparations. The venue was set, the guests had confirmed their attendance, and my dress was finally hanging in my room, ready for the big day.Yet, despite all the excitement, an undercurrent of nerves buzzed beneath my skin.I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My heart pounded against my ribs, a mix of anticipation and anxiety.Karen, always attuned to my moods, plopped down beside me. “Alright, spill. What’s going on in that overthinking brain of yours?”I hesitated before sighing. “It just feels surreal, you know? After everything that’s happened, I can’t believe I’m actually getting my happily ever after.”Karen softened, squeezing my hand. “You deserve this, Sophie. Jack loves you. And after all the hell Rachel put you through, this wedding is your fresh start.”I nodded, exhaling slowly. “I know. I just—I want it to go perfectly.”She grinned. “Trust me, it will
One Careless Night One Hundred And Seven
Rachel groaned as the officers restrained her, pressing her wounded shoulder against the cold concrete. Her eyes burned with hatred as she glared up at me. "This isn't over," she spat, her voice shaking. "You think you’ve won? You haven’t. I’ll—"Jack stepped forward, his face an unreadable mask of fury. "You're done, Rachel," he said coldly. "You kidnapped Sophie, held her hostage, and threatened her life. You’re not getting out of this."Rachel’s lips trembled, her breathing uneven. "Jack, I—""Save it," Jefferson cut in, his voice as sharp as a blade. He nodded toward the officers. "Get her out of here."The police yanked Rachel to her feet, dragging her toward the exit. As she passed me, she leaned in, her voice a venomous whisper. "Enjoy this while it lasts, Sophie. Because sooner or later, your perfect little world will come crashing down."I didn’t flinch. I simply held her gaze, unshaken. "Goodbye, Rachel."And with that, they took her away.---Outside the warehouse, the cold
One Careless Night One Hundred And Six
I forced myself to stay calm, pushing past the terror threatening to consume me. Rachel had lost everything—her pride, her so-called love, her future. That made her dangerous.But I refused to let her win.I flexed my wrists again, twisting my fingers in slow, careful movements against the rough rope. Every second counted. Every movement had to be precise.The man who had taunted me walked away, leaving me under the watch of another. He was younger, hesitant, his grip on his gun less confident than the others.A weakness.Rachel turned back to me, her arms crossed as she smirked. "You know, Sophie, I thought about just killing you and being done with it."A shiver ran down my spine, but I didn’t let my fear show."But then," Rachel continued, pacing in front of me, "I realized something. Killing you would be too easy. Too quick." She leaned down, her face inches from mine. "I want you to suffer first. I want you to know what it feels like to lose everything."I glared at her, refusing
One Careless Night One Hundred And Five
My knees nearly buckled beneath me. I stared at Rachel, my mind struggling to process the sight before me. The girl who once shared my secrets, my laughter, my life—now stood before me as my captor, her arms crossed with a cruel smirk playing on her lips.“Surprised?” she taunted, tilting her head slightly. “You shouldn’t be. You had to know I wasn’t going to just sit back and watch you get everything you ever wanted.”My mouth went dry. “Rachel…” My voice came out barely above a whisper, filled with disbelief and betrayal. “Why?”Her smirk widened. “Oh, Sophie… Do you really need me to spell it out for you?” She took a slow, deliberate step toward me. “Jack was supposed to be mine. Your mother promised me, but you stole him from me.”I recoiled as if she had struck me. “That’s not true! You two were never together! Jack never loved you!”Rachel’s face twisted with rage. “That’s what you tell yourself, isn’t it?” she sneered. “Well, a deal is a deal.” Her nostrils flared as she clench
One Careless Night One Hundred And Four
The SUV sped through the streets, the city lights blurring past the tinted windows. My heart pounded so hard it hurt, my breaths coming in sharp, uneven gasps as panic clawed at my chest.I was kidnapped, just like in my dream. But this was worse on all levels.First it wasn't a dream this time, and my captors were more mean looking. Lastly, I had no idea who could have sent them.The realization sent a fresh wave of terror through me. My mind raced with questions—Who were these men? Where were they taking me? Why me? But I knew one thing for sure: I couldn’t let them take me without a fight.I twisted in my seat, trying to lunge toward the door, but the grip on my arm tightened painfully.“Try anything, and I’ll put a bullet in you,” the man beside me warned, his voice low and menacing.I froze, my breath hitching. His gloved hand tightened around a sleek black pistol, the barrel glinting under the dim overhead light. My body stiffened in fear.I had to think. I had to find a way out
One Careless Night One Hundred And Three
The weeks following our engagement were nothing short of magical. My heart swelled with happiness as Jack and I began planning our future together. Every morning, I woke up feeling grateful—grateful for my daughter, for my mended relationship with my mother, and for the love I shared with Jack.With our wedding date set, the excitement in the air was almost tangible. There was so much to do—venue selection, guest lists, cake tastings, floral arrangements—but the part I had been looking forward to the most was wedding dress shopping.And today, it was finally happening.With my baby left in the care of her trusted nanny, I set out for a day of wedding dress shopping with my mother. It felt surreal, especially considering how strained our relationship had once been. But now, things were different. We were healing, and today felt like another step toward solidifying our bond.As we arrived at the upscale bridal boutique, my mother reached for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Are you
