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CHAPTER FOURTY THREE
Last Updated:
2025-03-17 23:02:41
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SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY FOUR
Jessica’s POVThe night feels suffocating. The chandeliers cast their golden glow over the grand hall, laughter and chatter filling the air, but I hear none of it. I see none of it. The people around me are dressed in opulence, their masked faces barely hiding the judgment in their eyes.I force a smile as I sip my champagne, but I can still feel their whispers slicing through me like knives. She’s not Flora. She doesn’t belong here. Stanley made a mistake.No matter how much I tell myself it doesn’t matter, that they’ll all come around eventually, it still stings. They don’t know me. They don’t know what I’m capable of.I glance around the room, searching for Stanley. I need him by my side. If they see us together, maybe they’ll take me seriously. But he’s nowhere in sight.A flicker of movement by the balcony catches my attention. My heart skips a beat. Stanley is standing outside, leaning against the railing, his back turned to the party, his entire posture tense. Something
Last Updated : 2025-03-20SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY FIVE
Flora’s POV The morning air is crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth from last night’s rain. I’m feeding Aurora in the kitchen, watching her chubby fingers clutch at her bottle, when my mother’s voice calls out from outside. “Flora!” There’s an edge to her tone, something unsettled. I glance toward the door, then back at Aurora, who’s peacefully drinking. “What is it, Mom?” She steps inside, wiping her hands on her apron. “The guards… they’re gone.” I blink, confusion settling in. “Gone?” She nods, glancing around as if expecting someone to appear. “Not a single one in sight. They were there last night, but now… nothing.” I let out a slow breath, forcing a reassuring smile. “Maybe they were reassigned. I’ll handle it, Mom. Don’t worry.” Her face is tight with concern, but she doesn’t push further. I hand her Aurora and head upstairs to get dressed, determin
Last Updated : 2025-03-21SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY SIX
Flora’s POVMy phone vibrates in my hand, and for a moment, I hesitate. I’m afraid of what I might see. With shaky fingers, I unlock the screen and open the message.A cold wave of fear crashes over me.It’s a picture.My mother and Aurora. Tied up. Their eyes wide with terror. A dark room surrounds them, shadows creeping along the walls.I gasp, a strangled sound escaping my throat. My heart pounds so loudly I can barely hear myself think. My breathing becomes shallow as I stare at the image, my mind scrambling for a way out of this nightmare.Then another message appears."Your move. No police. No games. You should’ve come to the party. Actions have consequences."My fingers tighten around the phone. I have to do something. I can’t lose them. I can’t let them suffer because of me.There’s only one person I know who has the power to help me.Senator Jones.I rush out of the offic
Last Updated : 2025-03-22SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY SEVEN
Flora's POV I push open the door to our house, the familiar scent doing nothing to calm my racing heart. My mother steps inside first, still holding Aurora close to her chest as if afraid someone might snatch her away again.The second she sets foot inside, she whirls around to face me.“Flora,” she says, her voice sharp with worry. “Why were we taken? Who did this?”I open my mouth but close it again. How do I even begin to explain?She places Aurora gently on the couch before taking a step toward me. “Flora, answer me.”I shake my head, forcing myself to look away. “It’s over now, Mom. Just… let it go.”Her frown deepens. “Let it go?” she repeats, disbelief lacing her voice. “Flora, I know something is wrong. I saw the fear in your eyes when you found us. I heard the desperation in your voice when you held Aurora. Don’t lie to me.”I swallow the lump forming in my throat. My mother has always been able to read me too well.“I can’t talk about this,” I whisper, my hands clench
Last Updated : 2025-03-22SHADOWED 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-23SHADOWED 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-26SHADOWED 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 : 2025-02-09
Latest chapter
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
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY SEVEN
Flora's POV I push open the door to our house, the familiar scent doing nothing to calm my racing heart. My mother steps inside first, still holding Aurora close to her chest as if afraid someone might snatch her away again.The second she sets foot inside, she whirls around to face me.“Flora,” she says, her voice sharp with worry. “Why were we taken? Who did this?”I open my mouth but close it again. How do I even begin to explain?She places Aurora gently on the couch before taking a step toward me. “Flora, answer me.”I shake my head, forcing myself to look away. “It’s over now, Mom. Just… let it go.”Her frown deepens. “Let it go?” she repeats, disbelief lacing her voice. “Flora, I know something is wrong. I saw the fear in your eyes when you found us. I heard the desperation in your voice when you held Aurora. Don’t lie to me.”I swallow the lump forming in my throat. My mother has always been able to read me too well.“I can’t talk about this,” I whisper, my hands clench
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY SIX
Flora’s POVMy phone vibrates in my hand, and for a moment, I hesitate. I’m afraid of what I might see. With shaky fingers, I unlock the screen and open the message.A cold wave of fear crashes over me.It’s a picture.My mother and Aurora. Tied up. Their eyes wide with terror. A dark room surrounds them, shadows creeping along the walls.I gasp, a strangled sound escaping my throat. My heart pounds so loudly I can barely hear myself think. My breathing becomes shallow as I stare at the image, my mind scrambling for a way out of this nightmare.Then another message appears."Your move. No police. No games. You should’ve come to the party. Actions have consequences."My fingers tighten around the phone. I have to do something. I can’t lose them. I can’t let them suffer because of me.There’s only one person I know who has the power to help me.Senator Jones.I rush out of the offic
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY FIVE
Flora’s POV The morning air is crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth from last night’s rain. I’m feeding Aurora in the kitchen, watching her chubby fingers clutch at her bottle, when my mother’s voice calls out from outside. “Flora!” There’s an edge to her tone, something unsettled. I glance toward the door, then back at Aurora, who’s peacefully drinking. “What is it, Mom?” She steps inside, wiping her hands on her apron. “The guards… they’re gone.” I blink, confusion settling in. “Gone?” She nods, glancing around as if expecting someone to appear. “Not a single one in sight. They were there last night, but now… nothing.” I let out a slow breath, forcing a reassuring smile. “Maybe they were reassigned. I’ll handle it, Mom. Don’t worry.” Her face is tight with concern, but she doesn’t push further. I hand her Aurora and head upstairs to get dressed, determin
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY FOUR
Jessica’s POVThe night feels suffocating. The chandeliers cast their golden glow over the grand hall, laughter and chatter filling the air, but I hear none of it. I see none of it. The people around me are dressed in opulence, their masked faces barely hiding the judgment in their eyes.I force a smile as I sip my champagne, but I can still feel their whispers slicing through me like knives. She’s not Flora. She doesn’t belong here. Stanley made a mistake.No matter how much I tell myself it doesn’t matter, that they’ll all come around eventually, it still stings. They don’t know me. They don’t know what I’m capable of.I glance around the room, searching for Stanley. I need him by my side. If they see us together, maybe they’ll take me seriously. But he’s nowhere in sight.A flicker of movement by the balcony catches my attention. My heart skips a beat. Stanley is standing outside, leaning against the railing, his back turned to the party, his entire posture tense. Something
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY THREE
Jessica’s POVThe night I have been waiting for is finally here, and I couldn't be more excited. I stand in front of the mirror, admiring my reflection as I slip into a deep red gown that hugs my curves perfectly. The silky fabric cascades down to the floor, pooling slightly at my feet. Power. Elegance. Class. That’s exactly what I want to exude tonight.I apply my makeup carefully, making sure every stroke is flawless. My lips are painted a bold crimson, and my hair is styled in sleek waves that fall over my shoulders. Once I’m satisfied, I pick up a delicate diamond necklace, turning to where Stanley is sitting, his eyes distant as usual.“Put this on me,” I say, holding the necklace out to him.He glances up at me, hesitation flickering in his eyes. I don’t give him a choice—I step closer, draping the necklace over my neck. “Come on, Stanley,” I murmur sweetly. “It’ll make me feel special.”With a resigned sigh, he takes the clasp and fastens it around my neck. His fingers graze
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY TWO
Stanley’s POV The sound of Jessica’s voice is a constant buzz in the background. She’s talking—again—about her upcoming fashion show, how the biggest names in the industry are lining up to work with her, how she’s becoming the face of luxury fashion. I sit across from her in the private dining area, my fork lazily pushing around the food on my plate. I nod occasionally, pretending to be engaged, but the truth is, I’m not listening. I stopped listening to Jessica a long time ago. She’s always talking about herself, about her success, about how lucky I am to have her by my side. I don’t remember ever asking for any of it. I take a sip of my drink, shifting my attention to the invitation card in my hand. The gold-trimmed edges catch the dim lighting, and I read the details again. A mask party. Senator Jones' birthday. A night of networking and political positioning. Jessica’s voice suddenly cuts off, and I feel her eyes on me. "What’s that?" she asks, tilting her head in curio
SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FORTY ONE
Flora’s POVMy phone buzzes with a new mail. I glance at the agent sitting across from me, completely immersed in her laptop, her fingers flying across the keyboard. I hesitate for a moment, then unlock my phone and open the message.It’s a picture.I narrow my eyes, staring at the familiar face,Mr. Alvaro. One of the men I met at the meeting yesterday.A second message pops up."After tonight’s party, get ready. You’ll be swapping some documents in his office."My heart pounds in my chest. Swapping documents? What the hell does that mean?I swallow hard, forcing my expression to remain neutral. I don’t want to raise suspicion. The agent glances at me, her brows furrowing. “You okay?”I nod quickly. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired.”She doesn’t look convinced, but she nods and turns her attention back to her screen.I need answers. Now.Pushing my chair back, I grab my phone and head straight for Mr. Rivera’s office. My mind races with questions, my nerves wound tight.When I reach his
