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CHAPTER FORTY~ONE
Last Updated:
2024-12-05 23:07:51
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SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER FORTY~TWO
Rachael's POV“WTF. WTF. WTF!” I yell, pacing across my bedroom like a caged animal. My hands are on my head as if holding my skull together will somehow help me process the bomb Jake had just dropped on me.I sit. I stand. I lie down. Then I stand again, unable to stay still for even a second. My hands move to my mouth, and I start biting my nails, a nervous habit I thought I’d kicked years ago. This was too much. Way too much.Jake is Jack’s stepbrother?“Oh my God,” I groan, sinking to the edge of the bed. My head feeling like it might explode. If I’d known this before, I would never have agreed to this ridiculous plan. No way. Not in a million years.Jake… Jake wasn’t just seeking revenge—he was out for blood.I could see it in his eyes when he told me that story. He looked sad, yes, but beneath that sadness was something darker. Something lethal. Jake didn’t just want justice; he wanted to see the Crawfords burn, reduced to nothing but ashes.As for me? All I wanted was for them
Last Updated : 2024-12-06SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER FORTY~THREE
Jake’s POVI lean back on the couch, the weight of the memories pressing down on me like a heavy fog.“I was never interested in reaching out to my real father,” I begin, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. “Not until my grandmother passed away. After that, I was all alone. It wasn’t something I wanted, but eventually, I felt like I had to know but I didn’t know where to begin looking.”Rachael, who is seated across from me, her body tense, locks her eyes on mine as if she’s bracing herself for the next bomb to drop.“So, there was this day back in college,” I resume, “I was reading a business magazine, and I came across an article about the oil industry. That’s when I saw the word ‘Crawford’ for the first time.”I glance at Rachael. Her lips part slightly, her expression a mix of dread and curiosity.“I remembered one of my mom’s letters,” I continue, my voice tightening. “She mentioned how William was forced into the family’s oil business, and It hit me—this could b
Last Updated : 2024-12-06SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER FORTY~FOUR
RACHAEL'S POVI had so much on my plate today—shopping, a trip to the hairstylist, and, if time allowed, a visit to Amy’s. I needed to talk to her. After all, I had essentially disappeared yesterday into a whirlwind of chaos, and I hadn’t spoken to her since.With no other options, I slip into yesterday’s dress, grab my bag, and head for the door. Jake was back in his room, presumably asleep, so I didn’t see the need to wake him. I did, however, take one of his car keys, just as he’d instructed me to if I ever needed to go out.As I step outside, the sleek car in the driveway almost intimidates me. It was pristine, expensive, and way out of my comfort zone. The thought of scratching it or, God forbid, getting into an accident made my stomach twist. If anything happened to it, I’d probably have to sell everything I owned—including myself—to pay Jake back. With that in mind, I resolve to drive at a snail’s pace, safety over style.As I exited the estate, I find myself once again in awe o
Last Updated : 2024-12-07SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER FORTY~FIVE
JAKE’S POVThe day I had been waiting for was finally here—the luncheon. The day my carefully constructed plan would finally begin to unfold. Today was the day I would look Karen and William Crawford in the eye after years of fantasizing about it and envisioning how it would go.I pace the living room, checking my watch every few minutes. We needed to leave soon, and Rachael hadn’t come down yet. After her wine-fueled "relaxation day" yesterday, I’d been worried about how she’d hold up. When I’d gone to check on her last night, she was passed out on the balcony, an empty bottle of wine lying nearby and a glass still loosely held in her hand.I had to carry her to bed and leave a bucket on the floor, just in case the wine didn’t sit well overnight. I admit, I was annoyed. Who drinks like that in the middle of the day, knowing we have such an important event coming up? But then again, I couldn’t blame her. The emotional rollercoaster I’d put her on over the last twenty-four hours would
Last Updated : 2024-12-09SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER FORTY~SIX
RACHAEL’S POVThat morning, I woke up to the worst wine hangover headache of my life. My skull felt like a marching band was stomping through it. After downing a glass of water and popping some aspirin, I started to feel human again. But as I stood in front of the mirror, brushing my teeth, the reality of the day ahead hit me like a freight train.The luncheon.My heart started racing, and I had to sit down on the edge of the bed to catch my breath. I glanced at the bedside table and saw the unopened bottle of wine I’d left there the day before. A thought crossed my mind: Wouldn’t it be easier to face those people with a bit of liquid courage?I hesitated for a moment, then uncorked the bottle, poured myself a glass, and downed it in one go. The warmth spread through me almost instantly, numbing the anxiety clawing at my chest."Probably a bad idea," I whispered, already feeling yesterday’s tipsiness creeping back. Jake’s going to be pissed. I chuckled at the thought, but he didn’t ne
Last Updated : 2024-12-09SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER FORTY~SEVEN
RACHAEL'S POVThe words land like a bomb, silencing the room.Amy gasps audibly, her hand flying to her mouth. Ethan looks like he’d just been hit by a truck, and Jack... Jack’s face is a blend of shock, rage, and disbelief.“What the fuck?” he finally chokes out, his voice shaking with anger.I swallow hard, resisting the urge to run, as Jake slid his hand possessively around my waist. His grip was firm, grounding me in the middle of the chaos.“Rachael’s your wife?” Amy whispers, her voice trembling with a mix of confusion and hurt.I open my mouth to respond, but no words came out. All I could do was look at Jake, who stood tall and unbothered, his protective stance making it clear he wasn’t joking.Karen’s voice cut through the tension like a knife“What is going on here?”She appears seemingly out of nowhere, her calculating eyes scanning the scene before landing on me. Her face twists into something venomous.“What is she doing here?” Karen hisses, her words dripping with disgus
Last Updated : 2024-12-10SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER FORTY~EIGHT
JAKE’S POV“How dare you touch my wife?” I growl, my voice low but seething with fury as I step closer to Jack. Every fiber of my being wants to teach him a lesson he’d never forget. My fists clench tightly, itching to connect with his smug, arrogant face again.Before I could strike, the door slams open, and Karen enters, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. Her voice pierces the air, dripping with annoyance and disdain.“What is going on in here?” she demands, scanning the room. Her sharp eyes land on Racheal, her expression twisting with disdain. “You? What are you still doing here? Did you attack my son?”Rachael steps forward, her anger evident in her trembling stance, ready to respond. I quickly move in front of her, shielding her from Karen’s venomous accusations.“Your son attacked my wife,” I snap, my words hitting Karen like a slap.Karen freezes, her sharp tongue momentarily silenced. “Your wife?” she echoes, her hand flying to her mouth in shock.“Yes,” I confirm,
Last Updated : 2024-12-10SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER FORTY~NINE
RACHAEL'S POVI still couldn’t wrap my head around everything that had happened at that party. In less than two hours, it felt like an entire lifetime of chaos had unfolded. Jack’s attack on me, Jake's retaliation, Karen’s disgust—everything replayed in my mind like a chaotic film reel. And then, there was Jake’s kiss.Why did he kiss me like that?Sure, I understood the reasoning behind it—to get under Jack’s skin and solidify the illusion of our marriage to everyone in the room. But it was more than that. It wasn’t just a kiss for show; it lingered, it burned, and I could still taste him. Amid all the madness, that kiss stuck with me like an imprint, and I hated how it made my heart race just thinking about it.My phone buzzes again, pulling me out of my thoughts. I sigh as I pick it up and see dozens of missed calls and texts. Amy’s name dominating the screen, but there was another number, one I was pretty sure belonged to Jack.I scroll through the messages, all of them frantic. O
Last Updated : 2024-12-11
Latest chapter
SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~SEVEN
JAKE’S POVThe day of our trip is finally here. I stop by Rachael’s mom’s house to pick them up. Dean is practically bouncing with excitement, unable to contain his joy about flying on a plane again.Rachael’s mom walks us out to the car, her eyes glistening with tears as she hugs Rachael and Dean tightly.“I’m going to miss you two so much,” she says, her voice trembling.“Mom, we’re not going away forever,” Rachael reassures her, squeezing her in return.Her mom crouches down to Dean’s level and wraps him in another warm hug.“Grandma’s going to miss you the most,” she whispers to him before planting a gentle kiss on his forehead.She then turns to me, her expression soft but serious, and pulls me aside. “Take care of them, will you?” she orders, hugging me.“I promise,” I reply, bending down to return the hug.She leans in closer and whispers something into my ear. Whatever she says makes Rachael look at us with suspicion from where she is standing. I just smile and ignore her cur
SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~SIX
RACHAEL’S POV“That was a nice surprise,” Jake mutters, his voice breathless as he leans back against the couch.I chuckle, nodding. “You are welcome.”We both glance around the living room and burst into laughter. The place is an absolute mess—pillows on the floor, a lamp knocked over, and even a picture frame tilted on the wall. This isn’t me at all. Jake was bringing out a side of me I didn’t even know existed. It was wild, exciting, and so out of character, but I loved it.“There’s food in the kitchen if you’re hungry,” he says, brushing my shoulder lightly.“I’m good. I had dinner at my mom’s before I came,” I reply, tilting my head to look at him. “But I’ll take some water.”Jake stands and heads to the fridge. My eyes follow him, lingering on his waistline and the defined muscles of his back. A small smile plays on my lips as I lean back into the couch.He comes back with a glass of water and hands it to me.“Not that I’m complaining, Rachael, but how did you know where to find
SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~FIVE
JAKE’S POVI couldn’t wipe the grin off my face as I drove to the penthouse. The last 24 hours had been the best of my life. Having Rachael in my arms all night felt like a dream. Watching her sleep was a moment I would replay in my mind forever.It had cost us so much to get here, but we finally made it. I wasn’t about to waste any more time.Before I even pull into the basement, I grab my phone, call my attorney and financial manager, and instruct them to meet me at the penthouse as soon as possible. There is much to plan—starting with selling the house in Oakwood. I didn’t want to keep any ties to that place. It is a crime scene, but It is Oakwood—someone will still buy it without a second thought.Next, I need to file for the divorce and get the process moving for our clean slate. And then, the most important job is finding a home for us. Somewhere, we could truly start over in peace.But I already had a plan for that. It was going to be a surprise for her.By the time I get to the
SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~FOUR
RACHAEL’S POVFor the first time in weeks, I slept through the night without tossing and turning. Jake and I spent the entire night cuddling, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this... peaceful.I’d called my mom to let her know I wasn’t going, and she agreed to put Dean to bed, though I suspected she knew there was more to the story.I turn to watch Jake as he sleeps. He looks so handsome and peaceful.“Stop staring, Rachael,” he murmurs, a lazy smile spreading across his lips.I laugh softly, surprised he’s awake. “I thought you were asleep.”His eyes flutter open, locking with mine. For a moment, we just gaze at each other, no words needed. Then I sit up and reach for his shirt, slipping it on as I climb out of bed.“Where are you going?” he asks, his voice husky from sleep.I laugh, shaking my head at his question. “You’re aware we have a child, right?” I tease.Jake sits up, his messy hair only making him look more irresistible. “And?” he counters with a playful smirk.
SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ~THREE
JAKE’S POVAfter giving me the best blowjob of my life, Rachael suddenly pulls away and stands up slowly. Without hesitation, I grab her waist and lift her effortlessly. Her legs wrap around me as if they belong there. I carry her to the wall and pin her gently but firmly. My mouth crashes into hers and I kiss her with a passion I didn’t know I had in me. Her hands dig into my back, pulling me closer, and I feel her nails bite into my skin—a sweet pain that only fuels my desire.I adjust her slightly, aligning us perfectly, and in one fluid motion, I enter her. A soft groan escapes me as her warmth surrounds me. She arches her back to me, her pleasure matching mine. One of my hands supports her while the other moves to her back, keeping her steady as I begin to move my hips in slow, deliberate circles.Her head falls back, and I lean down, my lips finding her chest. My teeth graze her nipple, biting it gently just enough to draw a gasp from her. The sound of her pleasure pushes me fur
SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ~TWO
RACHAEL’S POV“I love you, Rachael,” Jake repeats it, his voice gentle and softer this time, as if to ensure the words truly reach me. My breathing slows and the words sink into me like a wave washing over the shore.I never thought I’d ever hear those words from him. Jake, who carried himself with such control and restraint. But now, those walls he had worked so hard to put up were gone, leaving only vulnerability in his eyes.“I’ve loved you since the day I met you in that club,” he whispers leaning in closer leaving no space between us. My body starts to tremble, every nerve alive with the intensity of the moment. My lips part slightly, the words forming before I can stop them.“I love you too, J—”Before I finish the sentence, his mouth finds mine, cutting off my words with a kiss that steals my breath. The kiss is filled with passion, longing, and something deeper which makes my head spin.I stretch my hands and wrap them around his neck, pulling him closer. My fingers tangle in
SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~ONE
JAKE’S POV.Rachael rubs her eyes for what feels like the hundredth time."J..ake?" she slurs drunkenly.I start moving closer, and her legs give out again, and she collapses. I catch her before she hits the ground, and her body limps in my arms.“Rachael,” I call, though I know she can’t hear me.I carry her to the car I’d driven to the beach, her weight almost nothing in my arms. Her face is flushed and I can smell the whiskey on her breath.I drive her to the small apartment I’ve been laying low these past few days. I carry her out of the car, careful not to jostle her too much, and gently place her on the bed.I sit beside her and stare at her chest rise and fall steadily. She looks like she has been crying for days and I know I have something to do with that.Suddenly, she stirs, and her eyelids flutter open. She sits up abruptly, her eyes darting around the unfamiliar room.“Where am I?” she asks, her voice hoarse and disoriented.I reach out and gently tap her shoulder. Her wid
SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER ONE~HUNDRED
RACHAEL’S POVOn my way out of the hospital, I feel a light tap on my back. I turn around, and my breath catches. A face I hadn’t seen in years stares back at me.“Amy?” I call out, leaning in for a hug before she can say anything. She hugs me back, though stiffly. I feel the awkwardness and pull away. She looks at me like she’s seen a ghost.Her eyes roam from my head to my toes, and I stand there, waiting for her to say something.“What are you doing here?” she asks finally, her brows furrowed in confusion.“I... I had come to—” I falter, unable to bring myself to say the words out loud.Instead, I change the subject quickly. “You? How have you been? It’s been ages since we talked.”Her face tightens, and I can tell she doesn’t want small talk.“Rachael, you disappeared on me without a word. Let’s skip the pretense.” She replies, her tone cold and distant.Before I say anything else, I see Ethan approaching from behind her, and with him is a little girl, probably around Dean’s age.
SHATTERED VOWS CHAPTER NINETY~NINE
RACHAEL'S POV“Rachael, there’s a call for you.” My mom’s voice breaks through the silence as she knocks on the door of my old room. “He says he’s a police officer.”I jump out of bed, my heart racing, and swing the door open. “Give it to me.” I snatch the phone from her hand and retreat to the bathroom, locking the door behind me.“Hello, this is Rachael,” I answer, pressing the phone tightly to my ear.“We just got the autopsy results,” the officer begins, his voice steady but grave. “I’m afraid the body we found was not Jake Matthews,” he mutters.I clutch my mouth, gasping. “Are you sure, officer?”“Yes, ma’am, I’m certain. There are still people searching for him at the industrial plant. I’ll call again when I have more information.”“Okay,” I manage to mumble. “Thank you for calling.”I hang up, slide down the bathroom wall, and sit on the cold tile floor. My stomach twists and turns with anxiety, wondering how hard it is to locate a body.“Rachael, are you okay?” my mom’s voic
