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NINE

Author: Cosmix
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-07 23:28:36

Reigna

If there is one thing I could do right now—it is to not be left with Carlisle alone at all cost.

I stepped into the office that morning, clutching a warm coffee cup in my hands like it was armor. The sterile white walls of XCC Corp. had never felt so unwelcoming. Usually, the hum of printers and soft clicks of keyboards grounded me in routine, but today, the air was heavy, as though everyone was waiting for something to snap.

Or maybe that weight was just me, dragging in the unresolved tension from Family Day. “It’s okay. You can do it, Rei.” Encouraging myself, I went on with work, hoping nothing will go wrong.

Entering his office after three knocks, I kept my professionalism as I conversed with him. “Your schedule for today,” I said quietly, sliding the folder toward him.

For a moment, I thought he wouldn’t respond at all. Then his voice came, low and restrained. “Reigna.”

I stilled, my breath catching. There was an edge of something personal in his tone, something tentative.
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    Reigna“What else do you think will happen?” smug, Carlisle spoke in a shameless manner. “You left. My son needed a mother.”With those words said, the subtle visibility of hurt in her face somewhat pained me too—no one wants to be replaced, after all.“You think that’s easy?” she asked, scoffing with her arms crossed, looking back and forth between Carlisle and I. “He’ll grow and realize it all.”Just thinking of that future scares me, but… “That future is still far.” I spoke, determined to prove my place.No matter how unstable we are, I am still, for now, Erwin’s mother.Laughing humorlessly, she looked at me from head to toe. “You look nothing like my son. He’ll raise that question soon enough.” Smirking, she stepped closer, her blue eyes piercing on me like daggers aim to shatter me whole.“Secretaries really like being side chicks.” She sneered. “No wonder the tension’s high at work.”“You’re talking all high and mighty as if you didn’t chose to walk out of their lives on your o

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    ReignaThe heat of the midday sun bore down on my skin, but I felt nothing but the ice curling around my veins, spreading like poison. The murmurs grew, swelling like a tidal wave, each whispered accusation crashing against me, pressing me down until I could barely breathe.“She actually pushed her…”“I always knew something was off about her.”“This is exactly why people like her don’t belong here.”No. No, no, no.I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails bit into my palms, my breaths coming in short, uneven gasps. My entire body trembled—not with fear, not with guilt, but with the suffocating, helpless frustration of knowing that nothing I said would matter.Because they had already made up their minds.Jonathan Devereaux, standing like some self-appointed judge, let out a disappointed sigh, shaking his head."Harrington has been nothing but gracious to you, and this is how you choose to repay her?" His voice was coated with condescension, as if he were disappointed in me, as if

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    Reigna“I shouldn’t have drunk all that last night.” I sighed, not remembering a thing from last night,Carlisle had left early for a meeting, leaving me to navigate the battlefield alone. I was accustomed to the treatment by now—the sidelong glances, the backhanded comments disguised as politeness. But today, it was worse.Because today, I was expected to be silent.The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and saltwater as I made my way toward the poolside lounge. Guests were scattered across the area—some reclined on plush sunbeds, others gathered in small groups beneath the canopy, engaged in conversations I had no part in.And at the center of it all, Violet.She was draped effortlessly on a chaise lounge, a delicate flute of champagne resting between her fingers. Dressed in an elegant ivory wrap dress, she looked like she belonged here, like she was the centerpiece of the entire world.And, in many ways, she was.Her soft laughter carried across the terrace as she c

  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SIXTY-SEVEN

    CarlisleShe stumbled out of the elevator, her bare feet padding against the plush carpet, the soft giggle that left her lips laced with both defiance and exhaustion.I should have let her go. Should have let her retreat into whatever messy, alcohol-induced thoughts were swirling in her head. But I didn’t.Instead, I followed.The suite was dimly lit, the glow from the city lights outside casting faint shadows across the room. She walked—no, wobbled—toward the sitting area, her movements slow, almost hesitant, as if the weight of tonight was pressing down on her all at once.“You’re going to regret drinking this much in the morning,” I said, closing the door behind me.She scoffed, collapsing onto the couch with an exaggerated sigh. “Good. Maybe a hangover will distract me from the bigger problem.”I exhaled sharply, slipping off my suit jacket and tossing it over the armchair. “And what problem is that?”Reigna lifted her gaze, her expression a mix of frustration and sadness. “You.”

  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SIXTY-SIX

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  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SIXTY-FIVE

    ReignaThis trip on a private island is t*rture.Carlisle wanted us to attend so we could furtherly shut down the rumors and rebuild my reputation. But hell, things kept on going south—and before I knew it, we are already here…celebrating Violet Harrington’s birthday.“Anxious?” I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Carlisle’s voice, making me turn and face him. Dressed in his suit fit for his status, he looked too dazzling just to be alone with someone like me. His green orbs looked intimidating, yet his presence screams for everyone to approach him and pay respect.Currently, we are at the elevator, slowly approaching the venue where I’m about to be grilled alive once more. “I think I can’t stop myself from feeling it.”He stared at me for a short while, ad instead of responding through words, he tilted my chin and kissed me, causing my eyes to widen before I savored the feeling. Closing my eyes, I basked in the warmth of his kiss, having his tongue dance with mine eased my worr

  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SIXTY-FOUR

    Carlisle“Carlisle,” Reigna spoke, her voice soft as I fix my polo while watching her reflection through the mirror. “Uhm, maybe tomorrow, I should just stay inside?” she asked, her voice getting smaller as she finished her question.Ah. She’s bothered by it.“I’m not attending.” I finished fixing myself and kept my eyes on hers through the mirror that keeps us connected. “It’s just a birthday, princess. We’re not needed on it.”“But Carlisle-”“Let’s go out.” I turned to pick up my sports bag, ready to tackle another afternoon activity with the acquaintances involved in this hypocritic gathering. “The others are waiting. I was told we’re playing golf today.”“Carlisle…” her tone sounded defeated, but I heard no other complaints or suggestions, rather, I can hear the faint ruffling of her preparing her own things to bring as we face those ridiculous people once more.***The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the pristine green of the private golf course. A cool breeze

  • Seven Minutes in Heaven   SIXTY-THREE

    ReignaThe morning sun poured over the island in golden streaks, casting a warm glow over the sprawling estate that housed the guests of the charity gala. Everything looked postcard-perfect—the blue waves lapping at the white shore, the distant hum of morning chatter from the estate’s balconies, the glint of silverware catching the early light as staff prepared the grand breakfast buffet.It was beautiful.But it was suffocating.I sat at the edge of my bed, staring at the elegant resort robe draped over my shoulders. I hadn’t slept much. The weight of the previous night still sat heavy in my chest, pressing against my ribs like an ache that refused to fade.Carlisle had played his part to perfection.And I had stood beside him, smiling, nodding, pretending like his words didn’t carve into me.I exhaled sharply, pushing the thought aside. There was no point in dwelling on it. We had agreed to this. I knew what I signed up for. It wasn’t supposed to hurt.A sharp knock on my door snapp

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