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CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Bab terkait
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Twenty-four hours had passed since the bombshell news. Luna's mind was in shambles. Her phone rang non-stop, clients and investors demanding answers. She had tried to answer some of the calls and texts, but Sophia advised her not to, until later. The only person she had talked to over the phone was Marcus, who reassured her that he would do everything in his power to find out who was spreading such rumours.But Luna already knew who was behind them.“I knew he was up to something,” Sophia hissed as she walked back and forth in the room, nibbling on her index finger. Luna had managed to gather herself during the past hours and told Sophia everything, leaving nothing out.They already had their bath and had ordered room service to bring their breakfast up to the room Luna was staying in. Luna sat up and leaned on the wall at the edge of the bed, a small sigh escaping her lips. “George played his cards right,” she mumbled, although it was loud enough for Sophia to hear.She snorted, s
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
His heart skipped a beat as his eyes locked onto Luna's dark hazel eyes, a mix of emotions exploded within him.Four years of memories, longing, and regret flooded his mind.He drank in every detail of her face–changed yet unchanged. The same sparkling eyes, now wide with shock and a hint of fear.For a moment, he was transported back to that fateful night. The way they'd laughed, the way she had touched him, the way she'd surrendered to their passion.But she didn't recognise him. She thought he was George, her eyes flashing with anger and hurt.Luna pushed past him, heading furiously to the door. His brows scrunched up as he turned, watching her walk away from him. Why was she angry?Was she angry because of what happened that night?He navigated his way past the crowd, following Luna as she stomped out of the ballroom. He couldn't lose her again.As soon as he caught up to Luna at the door, he held her hand, stopping her in her tracks. "Wait, please," he pleaded.Luna turned, he
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
"You met Luke Garrett?!" Sophia squealed, her lips spreading into a wide grin as her eyes lit up.Luna raised her eyebrows and gave her an inquisitive look. "You know him?" Sophia's earlier excitement faltered, her expression becoming solemn. "Uhm..." she swallowed a lump in her throat as she nibbled on her index finger. Luna rolled her eyes as she reached out and swatted her hand away from her mouth. "What are you hiding Soph?" Luna narrowed her eyes at her.Sophia dodged Luna's piercing gaze, her eyes darting across the room. "Let's focus on you. What happened with Luke Garrett?" "That's not going to divert me, Soph."Sophia shrugged, attempting to appear nonchalant. "Just that he's... wealthy. Influential." Luna's scepticism deepened. "That's not what I'm asking. The way you jumped for joy when I said his name goes way beyond just knowing him as influential," she said, emphasising the last word.She sighed, fidgeting with her hands as she struggled to keep them away from her mo
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
The sleek Maybach car purred to a stop in front of Bistro Bliss, its polished surface reflecting the restaurant's elegance. The door swung open, and Luke stepped out, his presence electrifying the air and commanding attention. His casual yet effortlessly stylish attire made him look every inch the bad boy. A crisp white shirt, partially unbuttoned, revealed a hint of his chiselled chest. Tailored black trousers hugged his lean physique, accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His jet-black hair was stylishly messy, as if he'd just rolled out of bed. His piercing gaze and chiselled features made his striking face unforgettable.As Luke emerged from the car, a collective gasp echoed through the murmuring crowd. Whispered murmurs spread like wildfire: "No way. Is that Luke Garret?" "He's in Georgia?""Oh my God, it's really him!"The whispers turned to squeals and excited chatter as people caught sight of Luke Garrett, the captivating and elusive twin who had long been t
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
"I'm sorry Luna, but the allegations against your company…I won't risk my reputation," he said bluntly.Luna's stomach dropped. "Mr. Richard, let me explain–""No need, the news reports are damning. I have to terminate our partnership. Effective immediately.""But if you could just–" the line went dead. Luna slammed her phone onto the desk, frustration boiling over. Six clients gone in two days. Her company's reputation was crumbling. She sank into her chair and rubbed her temple, a frustrated sigh escaping her lips. Luna's day had started on a sour note, and things only seemed to be getting worse.Earlier, Luna had approached Sophia's office to ask what Luke wanted to discuss with her, seeing as he asked her to go alone. But Sophia completely ignored her, simply telling her that it was fine. Luna sensed something was off and decided to leave her be.A knock on the door made Luna look up, her gaze faltering from the stack of documents she'd been staring at for what felt like hours.
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Luna's eyes slowly fluttered open, her eyelids heavy as lead. She winced, a splitting headache slicing through her temples. Her vision swirled with a haze of blurred colours.As her sight cleared, she slowly took in the room she found herself in. The familiar white-coated walls and plush carpeting greeted her, confirming she was safe in her own bedroom.Luna tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through her head, a small yelp escaping her lips. Her head throbbed, her limbs trembled and her muscles protested with a dull ache. She fell back on the bed, her body feeling heavy as if weighed down by an invisible force."Relax," a low voice whispered, the sound cutting through her foggy thoughts. Luna's gaze darted toward the speaker, her heart skipping a beat as she struggled to bring into focus who has spoken.A figure lounged in an armchair beside her, his legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. His chin rested on steeple fingers, eyes fixed intently on Luna.His stare was unnervi
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER THIRTY
Luke's eyelids lifted reluctantly, a small, frustrated groan escaping his lips as he woke up. Slowly coming to life, he sat up, rubbing his sleep-heavy eyes that seemed to be weighed down by the remnants of a restful slumber.As he stretched, his eyes scanned the unfamiliar room. The cream-coloured walls, the striped curtains, and a small dresser – none of it belonged to his space.Recalling he was in one of Luna's rooms, his thoughts shifted. What time was it? How long had he slept?Luke glanced at the window, where the fading light cast a warm orange glow. The evening had arrived, painting the skies with shades of crimson and gold. He tossed off the covers and stood up, his movements fluid. A quick glance at his watch confirmed the time – 6:37 PM.His stomach growled, reminding him he'd skipped breakfast and lunch. As he made his way to the door, he noticed the silence. Where was Luna?Gently closing the door behind him, he walked softly down the hall, ensuring his footsteps were qu
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
George stormed through the gleaming glass doors of his company's headquarters, his face reddened. His eyes burned with fury as he clutched his phone, the screen still displaying the headline of the breaking news: "Eclipse Real Estates Clears Name; Luna Chavez Debunks Fraud Allegations."His footsteps echoed through the marble lobby, hushed greetings escaping the lips of his employees as they noticed his rage. The phone trembled in his hand, as if the device itself could feel his wrath. As he strode toward the elevators, his gaze locked onto the flat screens mounted on the walls, each broadcasting the same damning news. Luna's composed image appeared on the screens, her confident words slicing through George's carefully built lies.A low growl rumbled in his throat, his eyes narrowing. This wasn't over. Luna may have won this battle, but he was going to crush her entirely. The elevator doors slid open, and George stepped in, his fury now turned into a cold calculation. As he exited t
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SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER SIXTY ONE
The faint light of the afternoon seeped in through the blinds, casting a mild glow over his rugged features. He lay still, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as he got lost in thoughts of her.The soft kisses, warm hugs, and infectious laughter still swirled in his head. Her inviting scent, a subtle blend of jasmine and olive, still lingered in his memory. For a moment, he took a deep breath in, hoping to get even a whiff of her again. But was disappointed when the smell of tequila greeted him.He recalled the way her rosy lips would curve into a beautiful smile whenever he teased her. The way her lovely voice always drew him in when she spoke and her eyes?...."Ughh," he groaned as he pressed his hands on his face.How could he have been so stupid? Time seemed to fade away as he relived every moment they'd shared—from the first night they'd met to the last time he was in her house. His chest constricted, emotions spiralling like a maelstrom. Guilt, loyalty and longing intertwined, making
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER SIXTY
George set his bourbon glass down and leaned back on the couch, his eyes turning to slits as he clenched his jaw. "What is it?" his voice remained calm, a deliberate opposition to the tension in Regina's voice."Luna confronted me tonight at a gala I attended," she said, her words dripping with contempt but George could sense the uneasiness hiding beneath them. "She accused me of lacing her drink that night."His gaze shifted to the crystal glass on his table, the dark amber liquid glowing in the soft lighting of the room. He poured himself another shot, the ice clinking against the glass. "Tell me everything," he said, his voice sounding low and measured.He listened intently as Regina recounted the confrontation, her words spilling at a normal pace. "....and then she had the audacity to walk away from me," she said, spitting out venom as she concluded.George's gaze was fixed on the glass in his hand as he swirled the bourbon in it, watching the liquid sway from side to side. Luna
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER FIFTY NINE
Marcus raised an eyebrow, curiosity written across his face. “Regina? Why do you want to see her all of a sudden?”Luna’s gaze flicked up, and she smiled, a thin, calculated line. “I just want to talk business with her.”“Suddenly, you want to talk business with her?” he asked, eyeing her inquisitively.“It’s just business, Marcus,” she replied calmly, her tone sounding almost stoic. “Nothing more.”But her mind told a different story, memories flooding back like a dark wave. The last time she’d seen Regina, her senses were clouded because of the substance Regina used to lace her drink. It was all George’s plan though; to have her men take advantage of Luna and capture it all on camera for the whole world to see. Luna’s stomach churned, disgust and fury burning within.Yet, Luke had saved her that night. His intervention had saved her the humiliation, the shame.Luna’s eyes shifted back to the papers on the desk, her brow furrowed as a faint crease formed between her eyebrows. Her lip
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT
Luna’s thumb hovered over the play button, hesitating for a moment before pressing down on the screen. The video sprang to life on her phone with the two brothers filling the frame. She’d watched it countless times, yet the pain still felt like a freshly opened wound.Luna’s eyes narrowed as she analysed the two of them and their every word. Luke’s smile, once warm and beautiful, now seemed manipulative. “…we’re on the same page here. I’ll take care of things here on my end and you don’t have to worry about anything.”The words were laced with such sincerity and his eyes were bright with conviction. He lied to her. He had always lied to her. But she saw the truth now.The way he acted like he didn’t know her history with George, the way he meticulously coaxed her into signing over her shares, and the way he sweetly talked her into revealing her trade secrets. Every single thing became clear to Luna now.Her gaze lingered on George’s face and the smug smile plastered on it as he pa
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN
Luna's eyes stayed glued to the screen, the video replaying for what seemed like the hundredth time since yesterday. His words, laced with conviction, echoed in her mind as he spoke: "We're on the same page here. I'll take care of things on my end and you don't have to worry about anything."Each replay twisted the knife deeper into her heart, destroying the fragile strings of trust she had left. How could she have entrusted her heart, her secrets, and the future of her company to someone who so heartlessly plotted against her?How could she have been so stupid to trust him? Memories of their laughter, their conversations, and passion now mocked her, a bittersweet reminder of her foolishness and vulnerability. The ache within her swelled and she felt a wave of nausea wash over her as she remembered the kisses and intimate moments they'd shared.A knock on her house door broke through the suffocating silence and it made her skin jump. Luna's gaze shifted toward the door of her room,
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER FIFTY SIX
Luke leaned back in his chair, fingers intertwined, as the past flooded his mind. His eyes drifted, lost in a maze of memories.That day still lingered in his mind, a festering wound that he'd tried so hard to cover up. It was Sophia's birthday and he'd planned out the perfect surprise. He had been away from Georgia for a month–buried in work–and he just couldn't wait to envelop her in his arms again after so long. The distance between them had been weighing heavily on him, but the thought of reuniting was what kept him going.As he pulled up to Sophia's house, anticipation coursed through his veins. He imagined her bright smile, the cute sparkle in her eyes. But the scene that greeted him shattered his world.The image burned itself into Luke's brain – Sophia, pinned against the wall, with another man's hand roaming her body. Luke's heart stopped beating for a moment as rage and excruciating pain wrestled for the top spot. He felt like he'd been punched in the gut and he was unable t
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
The scene before her was in disarray and her eyes widened in shock and horror. Papers were scattered everywhere, furniture was overturned, and Sophia stumbled around like a wild animal with a huge bottle of alcohol in her mouth. Luna's nose scrunched up as the smell of whiskey wafted her nose and she caught sight of a broken bottle lying at the corner of the room–this was clearly not her first bottle."Jesus Christ, Sophia, stop! You're going to hurt yourself, what's wrong with you?" Luna pleaded, rushing towards her but Sophia's response was a deadly glare, her eyes blazing with fury and hurt."S-Stay away from me, Luna," she spat. "You backstabbing... cheating...thief!" Her voice cracked, slurred by the inevitable effect of the alcohol. Sophia's face was reddened, and hot tears streamed down her face, mixing with the mascara and ruining her makeup.Luna raised her hands, palms up in a calming gesture. "Sophia, please - we can talk about this,” she said softly.A whimper escaped Soph
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR
Her fingers trembled as she accepted the sealed documents from Em, her name scribbled in bold letters across the front. Em's hesitant expression sparked curiosity, but Luna's focus remained on the papers. "What's this?" she asked, eyeing the package in her hands. The secretary's eyes darted around the living room for a brief moment before settling on Luna. "I had to deliver it by Mr. George's instructions. It seemed urgent and very important," she shuddered, remembering the way he gazed at her unnervingly. Luna's brows furrowed, confusion etched on her face. What could George want with her now? Hadn't he already done enough? With hesitant fingers, she parted the sealed edges. The contents spilt out, revealing a small stack of documents. As she scanned the pages, Luna's eyes slowly widened. Her mind reeled as she struggled to understand the words dancing before her. Shares, assets, and transfer of ownership... Her name was everywhere. And George's signature was boldly inscribed at
SECRETS OF THE HEART CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
George leaned back in the chair, his fingers instinctively tracing circles on Luna's - no - his desk. Memories flooded his mind as his distant gaze stayed fixed on the window, a mix of emotions wrapping around him as he got lost in the past. The warmth of his father's study, the nostalgic scent of old books and cigar smoke–all blended together in a haze. He'd just clocked 20 and the eagerness to prove himself had already begun to fester. "George, you're the future of this family," his father's voice echoed in his mind. "I see the potential and prowess you have. Unlike your brother, Luke," the tone of disappointment in his voice as he called his brother's name wasn't easy to miss. "I'm confident you'll carry our legacy forward, son," he continued, his eyes filled with pride. "You'll make me proud."George's chest swelled with determination as he remembered his father's firm pat on the back. "I won't let you down, Father." And he had meant it. Every word.He still recalled the countl
