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CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR
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2025-04-13 17:39:49
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SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE
Jessica's POV I sit in the hospital hallway, crossing my legs as I scroll mindlessly through my phone. My nails tap against the screen, the only sound in the otherwise quiet corridor. Stanley has been inside his mother’s room for a while now, and I can only imagine the dramatic little scene unfolding in there.Poor Stanley.He still doesn’t understand the game we’re playing.A doctor walks past me, and I rise gracefully from my seat, flashing my most charming smile. “Doctor?”He stops, giving me a polite nod. “Yes, Miss?”I step closer, lowering my voice. “I heard that my dear mother-in-law to be might be discharged soon. Is that true?”The doctor glances at his clipboard. “Yes. She’s stable, and we’re expecting to clear her for discharge either tomorrow or by the weekend.”I hum, tilting my head. “I see.” I pretend to hesitate before leaning in slightly. “Would it be possible to delay that?”He frowns. “Delay it?”I let out a soft, almost embarrassed laugh. “It’s just that she’s had
Last Updated : 2025-04-14SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FIFTY SIX
Stanley’s POVThe door clicks shut behind us as we step into the house. Silence stretches across the room, thick and tense. I don’t say a word. I don’t have the strength to start something I won’t be able to finish tonight.Jessica walks ahead of me, heels tapping lightly against the polished floor. When I attempt to head for the stairs, she moves fast,almost too fast,planting herself in front of me, arms folded and head tilted in that practiced way of hers.“Are you still mad at me?” she asks, voice calm but with that underlying edge I’ve come to recognize. The one she uses when she’s trying to gauge whether I’m malleable enough to manipulate.I exhale slowly. “Jessica, I’m tired. I’ve been at the hospital for hours.”“You didn’t answer my question.”I look at her. Really look at her. The woman I married for obligation, not love. Her face is painted perfectly, not a flaw out of place, but behind that pretty mask is the chaos she caused just hours ago. My mother, injured. Hit wit
Last Updated : 2025-04-15SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER ONE
Flora's POVIn my 25 years of living, I never thought that I would be getting married to the love of my life. While I was in high school, I had a childhood heartthrob, Michael Brooks, who I thought I would be spending the rest of my life with, but he messed up big time. I loved him with everything I had, but he betrayed me. Surprisingly Micheal cheated on me with my high school classmate, who I'm very sure isn't as beautiful as I am. I've always despised cheaters because they cause nothing but trouble in the life of their partner. Michael was not only a cheat, but also a drug addict, who tends to beat me up whenever he gets intoxicated. He forgets everything and acts unreasonably whenever he takes the hard drugs. We were a loving couple back in the days in high school even with his deportment, until we graduated from high school and the level of his delinquency increased due to his idleness. Our once loving and admired relationship turned into a very toxic one, which almost took my
Last Updated : 2025-02-09SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER TWO
Flora's POVSKYLINE BARIt's been more than five years since I visited this bar. The last time was when Michael and I were celebrating our anniversary, a day that I'd forever remember because of the bad and painful incident that happened, which made me consider the bar a bad place for me to be.But the presence of Stanley in this bar that day really changed my perspective of the bar. That I could also get good experiences from here, and not just bad ones.I shook my head to cast aside any negative thoughts or doubts from my head and took a deep breath before going inside.Once I got in, I scanned the entire bar until my eyes fell on Jessica, who was already waiting for me. She raised her hands and waved at me to come to where she was sitting, with a smile on her face.Sighting her from a distance I rushed towards where she was sitting and jumped on her. My heart swelled with excitement as our six-month separation melted away in an instant. “How are you baby gal, you are looking dazzl
Last Updated : 2025-02-09SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER THREE
FLORA's POVMy eyes widened in shock!, my body trembling and paralyzed with fear!!!. “How did this happen, Micheal?!” I questioned loudly holding the duvet to my chest tightly “Don't look so surprised baby, it's me. Your one and only Michael. I know you must have missed me a lot, right", he said, giving me a wicked grinI couldn't look him in the eyes because I felt so ashamed of myself. "You were so fierce last night baby. You kept asking for me again and again, and I couldn't resist not granting your request", he said, chucking like a devil that he is“Why did you do this to me, Micheal?” I questioned with a teary voice. I had to hold myself before I gave in to the tears wailing in my eyes. I shouldn't be here. I stood up from the bed, using the duvet to cover myself. In a rush, I bent down to pick up my clothes and left the room to the bathroom"Hey, listen to me. Where are you going?", I heard Michael's voice from behind me, shouting like a fool that he isAfter five minutes, I
Last Updated : 2025-02-09SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOUR
Stanley’s POV Today's work actually is a little bit tedious and tiring. “Come to my office now” I called my secretary in. I glanced through the documents in my front and made sure to sign at the appropriate place I was meant to “Yes boss” she replied with her hands crossed at her back and her head bowed a little bit It’s amazing being a wealthy man and the CEO of the company you are managing, you are bound to be respected a lot but it is also challenging as you are left to make decisions that can either favor the company or do otherwise. “Natalia, the contract we’ve been working on, what about it?” I asked as I focused my attention on her “We’ve been shortlisted amongst the companies to be given the contract and with all our efforts I’m sure we will be highly considered for it” she defended “That’s good, I trust you and the rest to seal it up and please make sure to always keep me updated as regards it” “Definitely” “Thank you, you can go” I instructed and focused my attentio
Last Updated : 2025-02-09SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FIVE
Flora’s POV ON THE WEDDING DAY; AT THE RECEPTIONIt's finally the long-awaited day, and I'm so excited. The wedding at the church went well, and we're presently at the reception venue. "You're very lucky to have Stanley as your husband Lora", Jessica, my maid of honor said to me"Yeah, you're right baby. He's really a god sent to my life", I replied to her, having a shy smile on my faceIt's now time to exchange giftsThe guests were bringing in their gifts, while Stanley and I accepted them with smiles on our faces. We were doing so until one particular handsome-looking man in a black suit came in with his gift"Congratulations on your marriage. I pray it lasts long and bear fruits", the man said, handing us his gift"Thank you very much", I appreciated him, smiling at himI turned to look at Stanley because he hadn't said anything since the man gave us his gift. Normally, he was supposed to accept and appreciate him, but he didn't do any of that. Instead, it seemed like he had fro
Last Updated : 2025-02-09SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER SIX
Flora’s POV "Are you very sure about that?", I asked the doctor, my voice shaking with fear as I moved closer to him and collected the document he was holding even though I had no idea what was written Desperation was written all over my face, what’s the meaning of all this? Why is this happening? I thought as Stanley came to join me where I was standing close to the doctor "Yes, I'm 100% sure that neither Stanley nor Michael is the father of the child", the doctor confirmedWhat's this supposed to mean? How can neither of the two men I've been involved with, be the father of my child? I looked at where Michael was seated and I saw the way he was smiling wickedly If neither Stanley nor Michael is the father of my baby, then who is the Father of the child????I looked at where baby Aurora was sleeping and I could only pity myself because now I could only imagine the explanation I was going to give Stanley and our family members present. I stood still, shocked and paralyzed. I cou
Last Updated : 2025-02-09
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SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FIFTY SIX
Stanley’s POVThe door clicks shut behind us as we step into the house. Silence stretches across the room, thick and tense. I don’t say a word. I don’t have the strength to start something I won’t be able to finish tonight.Jessica walks ahead of me, heels tapping lightly against the polished floor. When I attempt to head for the stairs, she moves fast,almost too fast,planting herself in front of me, arms folded and head tilted in that practiced way of hers.“Are you still mad at me?” she asks, voice calm but with that underlying edge I’ve come to recognize. The one she uses when she’s trying to gauge whether I’m malleable enough to manipulate.I exhale slowly. “Jessica, I’m tired. I’ve been at the hospital for hours.”“You didn’t answer my question.”I look at her. Really look at her. The woman I married for obligation, not love. Her face is painted perfectly, not a flaw out of place, but behind that pretty mask is the chaos she caused just hours ago. My mother, injured. Hit wit
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE
Jessica's POV I sit in the hospital hallway, crossing my legs as I scroll mindlessly through my phone. My nails tap against the screen, the only sound in the otherwise quiet corridor. Stanley has been inside his mother’s room for a while now, and I can only imagine the dramatic little scene unfolding in there.Poor Stanley.He still doesn’t understand the game we’re playing.A doctor walks past me, and I rise gracefully from my seat, flashing my most charming smile. “Doctor?”He stops, giving me a polite nod. “Yes, Miss?”I step closer, lowering my voice. “I heard that my dear mother-in-law to be might be discharged soon. Is that true?”The doctor glances at his clipboard. “Yes. She’s stable, and we’re expecting to clear her for discharge either tomorrow or by the weekend.”I hum, tilting my head. “I see.” I pretend to hesitate before leaning in slightly. “Would it be possible to delay that?”He frowns. “Delay it?”I let out a soft, almost embarrassed laugh. “It’s just that she’s had
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR
Flora’s POVI walk into the towering glass building, the sound of my heels clicking against the pristine marble floor. The receptionist greets me with a polite smile, and I nod in acknowledgment before heading toward the conference room where my meeting with Mr. Rivera is scheduled.As I push open the heavy wooden door, my eyes immediately land on Senator Boris. He’s seated at the far end of the table, deep in conversation with Mr. Rivera and two other men in dark suits. The moment he sees me, his sharp gaze flickers to my wrist.“That bracelet…” His voice is low, almost thoughtful. “It looks familiar.”I glance down at the delicate silver chain wrapped around my wrist, a tiny charm dangling from it. It’s new—I had picked it up earlier that morning while out with my mom. I raise an eyebrow at the senator.“I got it this morning,” I tell him casually. “On my way out with my mom.”Senator Boris studies it for a beat longer, his expression unreadable. “It looks oddly strange,” he mu
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FIFTY THREE
Jessica’s POVThe moment Stanley walks out the door, I pull out my phone and dial Michael. He picks up on the second ring.“We need to meet,” I say without preamble.Michael chuckles. “That urgent, huh?”“Yes. I need to scare someone.”That gets his attention. “Who?”“I’ll tell you when we meet.”I type out an address and send it to him before hanging up.As I turn around, I freeze. Stanley’s mother stands in the hallway, her sharp, disapproving eyes locked on me.I don’t hesitate. My fingers curl around the delicate porcelain vase on the nearby table. In one swift motion, I lift it and smash it over her head.She stumbles back, her hand flying to her forehead as blood trickles down her temple. Her mouth opens in shock, but before she can scream, I let out a loud, ear-piercing shriek.The maid rushes into the hallway, eyes wide in panic.“Madam! What happened?”I clutch my chest, feigning distress. “She slipped! She just,she just fell!”The maid gasps, rushing to Stanley’s mother,
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FIFTY TWO
Flora’s POVThe morning sun filters through the curtains, throwing a soft glow over the room. Aurora is curled up beside me, her tiny hand resting against my arm. I watch her peaceful face, her slow breaths, and I feel a sense of calm that I rarely get to experience these days.My mother is in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepares breakfast. The scent of fresh coffee and eggs fills the air.I stretch and sit up. "Mom, I think I’ll take the morning off," I say as I walk into the kitchen. "Let’s eat out today. Just the three of us."She turns, surprised. "You’re not going to work early?"I shake my head. "No. I think we could use a little break."She smiles, clearly pleased by the idea. "That sounds wonderful. Aurora will love it."And she does. By the time we arrive at a cozy little restaurant, Aurora is buzzing with excitement, her eyes darting around as she takes in the colorful paintings on the walls and the scent of freshly baked bread. We find a quiet table near the wind
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FIFTY ONE
Jessica’s POVVictory is intoxicating. It tastes like the finest champagne, like a sweet melody only I can hear. I have Stanley and his entire pathetic family right where I want them. Their resistance is nothing more than an irritation,a buzzing fly I will swat away when the time comes.I lean back in my chair, swirling the glass of wine in my hand, savoring the moment. Chloe sits across from me, pretending to ignore my presence, but I can see the tension in her shoulders, the way her nails dig into her palm. Good. She should be nervous.“We’ll be visiting the event planner’s office soon,” I announce casually, lifting my gaze to meet hers.Chloe barely reacts, only flicking her eyes toward me before looking away. Stubborn little brat. She thinks ignoring me will make me disappear.I pick up my phone and dial one of the guards. “Bring the documents I had delivered earlier.”Stanley’s mother stiffens at my words, her lips thinning into a hard line. “What documents?” she demands.I
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FIFTY
Flora’s POV I’m almost done packing up for the day when I hear footsteps approaching my office. The air shifts slightly, alerting me to an unwelcome presence before I even look up.The agent stands at the door, arms folded, eyes sharp and observant. She tilts her head, studying me with a smirk that makes my skin crawl.“Are you okay?” she asks, her voice deceptively casual, but I can hear the undertone of something else. Something unreadable.I force a smile, straightening my posture. “I’m perfectly fine.” My voice is even, controlled. But my hands clench slightly around the papers on my desk, betraying the nerves I refuse to show.The agent steps further inside, her smirk widening. “Good,” she says, pausing for effect. “Because you never know what might happen next if you fail in this job.”I stiffen, my patience thinning. I’ve had enough of cryptic warnings and veiled threats.I meet her gaze directly, my tone unwavering. “Don’t threaten me. I’ll do what I want, and no one will
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY NINE
Jessica’s POV Chloe glares at me, her hands clenching into fists, but she doesn’t move. She knows better. I watch as she slowly lowers herself back onto the chair, her shoulders stiff with barely restrained fury. Across from her, Stanley’s mother sits frozen, her lips pressed together in a thin, disapproving line. And then there’s Stanley—silent, unmoving. Exactly how I want him.I let my gaze drift over them before I lean back, crossing my legs as I smirk. "That’s better," I say, my voice smooth, controlled. "Since we’re all here, let’s talk about some changes. If you want to continue enjoying the benefits of this family, you’ll have to start pulling your weight."Chloe scoffs, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please. You know nothing about family, so don’t start acting like you’re in charge here."Her mother nods in agreement. "Exactly. You have no right to speak on family matters, Jessica."I tilt my head, feigning amusement. "Oh, but I do. I know what family means. I know what loyalty
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY EIGHT
Stanley’s POV The cold space beside me is the first thing I notice when I wake up. Jessica is gone. A deep breath leaves my chest, and for a brief moment, I savor the peace that her absence brings. But that relief is short-lived. If Jessica isn’t in bed, then she’s somewhere else in this house, plotting something.I run a hand down my face, pushing off the last remnants of sleep before heading to the bathroom. A splash of cold water does nothing to shake the unease settling in my stomach. I brush my teeth quickly and throw on a shirt before making my way downstairs, bracing myself for whatever chaos awaits.As I step into the dining room, I find Chloe and my mother already seated. They’re not eating. Instead, they’re both looking at me with smug, almost expectant expressions. It’s unsettling.“What?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.“Everything,” my mother replies without missing a beat. “Everything is wrong.”I exhale slowly, already tired of this conversation before it even begins. “A
