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Chapter 43

Penulis: Danielle
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-04-11 23:46:56

The papers were scattered on the coffee table where Silvia had laid them two hours ago. She had read every one of the pages three times, underlining the most damning paragraphs, taking in everything that Rebecca had revealed. The grandfather clock in the hallway tolled six in succession, its deep tones echoing in the empty house. Ralph would soon be back.

Silvia rose from the couch, her fingers trembling as she smoothed her dress. She headed over to the liquor cabinet and served herself a sizeable amount of Ralph's fine scotch. The amber liquid seared her throat, though it seemed to calm her nerves. Silvia did not drink frequently, yet tonight seemed to demand liquid courage.

The distant crunch of gravel beneath tires made her clench her belly. She sipped again, then set the glass on the table. Footsteps across the front steps. Clank of keys. Loud thud of the dense front door shutting.

"Silvia?" Ralph's voice called from the room in warm, eager tones that made her own heart hurt again
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  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 44

    Silvia followed Ralph around the twisting staircase, dizzy. What evidence was there of the genuineness of his love? What was there that would overcome the damning coincidence of his conversion?He did not lead her to the master bedroom she and he had occupied the last three nights, though, but towards his study—a room she had only entered to clean during her months as his maid. Ralph's inner sanctum, which was always locked when he was not present. Even now, his hand went to the small key in his pocket to unlock the solid oak door.The air was perfumed with sandalwood and leather, masculinity and unmistakably Ralph. Her eyes drifted across the comfortable furnishings, the enormous mahogany desk, leather-bound bookcase, and plush chairs in front of the fire. All seemed normal and nothing especially enlightening.He headed over to the desk and unlocked the bottom drawer with a second key in his pocket. He took out a chunky leather diary and held it in his hand for a moment, a soft spot

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-11
  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 45

    Chapter 45That night Silvia did not go to sleep.Except for the infrequent creak of ancient wood and the gentle ticking of the grandfather clock downstairs, the house was quiet. With Ralph's diary cradled in her lap once more, its worn leather warm under her fingers, she sat erect on the bed.She had read it twice now. Still, her head battled her heart.Could she trust it? Trust him?Her gaze snapped toward the window at which dawn was just starting to menace the horizon with a gentle indigo tint. Barefoot, she stood and moved to the door with the journal still pressed against her chest.A high, sharp ring ruptured the calm just as her hand touched the doorknob.The landline. The hallway. That phone was rarely used.As she dashed toward it, her heart lurching, she seized the receiver before the second ring could be heard."Hello?"; pause.Static.Then—"Silva?"—she paused. The voice was undeniably familiar.Rebecca."Since I figured you would want to know—you have just seen one possi

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-12
  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 46

    His finger brushed softly against her cheek kindling heat through her, the physical spark igniting the emotional connection growing between them. Something in her longed for escape, to keep the distance between them, which protected her. Something else growing with increasing urgency, wished she could believe in him.Silvia’s lips parted, her voice barely a breath:"Then show me this isn’t just another lie. Show me that this is happening."His eyes narrowed. In one fluid movement, Ralph stepped toward her—heart pounding, hands shaking, unsure if she’d let him in…or shut him out forever. He walked around the table, drawing her to stand before him. Fingers framed the curve of her face in tenderness. Yet doubt lingered in the back of her mind—could she truly trust him after everything?"I am a fool," he breathed, his thumb tracing the curve of her face. "A foolish, obstinate fool who nearly lost the most precious thing that had ever crossed his life path."Her own heart raced in her c

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-13
  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 47

    The hospital corridor seemed to stretch out endlessly before Silvia. The scent of antiseptic hung thick in the air, a sharp contrast to the faint floral notes of the bouquet in her mother's room as she paced back and forth in front of it. The hospital's corridor fluorescent lights above buzzed subtly on white walls that felt like they were closing in on her. The monitors' continuous beeping broke her thoughts; every beep brought her mother's weak condition back to mind. Her gut felt like shredded emotions of fear and anger.She struggled with a whirlwind of feelings—resentment towards Rebecca for invading their lives and uncertainty over her own love of Ralph. Could she honestly depend on him when secrets lingered in their past? Doctors passed by in the last hour with professional composure. Ralph stood at the window, his body taut against the light, one hand hovering over his phone as he talked in low, insistent murmurs."I want tapes from all those cameras on that level. Yes, for

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-15
  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   CHAPTER 1

    Silvia pushed the door open as she tried to exit her boss's office. It was her duty to make sure she cleaned the office every morning before his arrival. Today was no different—except for the disaster that was just about to unfold.As she stepped out, she bumped into a solid object, leaving her momentarily dazed. Slowly looking up and ready to lash out at whatever that was, her heart skipped a beat as she saw what, or rather whom she had collided with — her boss, Ralph.“I am sorry sir,” she muttered apologetically. As she tried to regain her balance, she knocked over a cup of water which spilled over his crisp and expensive shirt. This was a really tense moment because she could see her boss fuming in great anger.“What in blazes is the matter with you?” Ralph asked angrily. He had just arrived at the office in a really bad mood, and this was not the best way to start his day.“I am really sorry sir,” Silvia kept pleading to receive mercy from her boss. But Ralph is a man who hardly

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04
  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 2

    CHAPTER 2Silvia could not read the report she was seeing on the piece of paper. The letters and numbers jumbled together, an illegible mess. Her heart pounded against her ribs.The cold white hospital walls appeared to be suffocating her, crushing her under the burden of the news. The quiet beeping of heart monitors in the distance echoed in her ears, a steady reminder of mortality."What is this, sir?" She questioned in a puzzled manner with a very confused look on her face.The doctor slowly exhaled, as if getting ready.“Your mother...," he adjusted his glasses, "I am sorry ma'am. Your mother has an ischemic cardiomyopathy, a severe heart condition,” he broke the news to her, the words hanging heavily in the air.Silvia’s head snapped up. “A what?” Her voice cracked. She blinked, trying to shake her head as if that might somehow cause the medical jargon to make sense."Doctor, you just told me she was fine! How can she be fine if she has. that? A minute ago, you were the one telli

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04
  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 3

    The office was filled with cold silence as the two parties just kept staring at each other.Ralph was trying to read her expression, while Silvia was just nervous.“I didn't hear you well. Do you mind repeating what you just said?” Ralph asked firmly. The way his tone sounded drove fear into Silvia's nerves.Silvia took a long, deep breath when Ralph asked her to explain the situation.“Please sir, I…I need… I need your help, sir,” she stuttered. It was evident that her fear had the most of her.The air-conditioning in the office was on but, she found herself sweating profusely. Sweat was running down her back, and she could sense the heat creeping up her neck under Ralph's intense scrutiny. She sat fidgeting in her chair with her legs trembling just slightly.“What do you need me to do? What is it all about?” He asked curiously.Even if he decides to help her, he needs to know where his money is going. That's how a businessman thinks.Yesterday's memory came rushing back like waves—t

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04
  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 4

    Silvia found it hard to process what her boss was saying. They had never had a close discussion other than this one time, and now he was asking her to marry him.She knew nothing about her boss's lifestyle, preferences, likes, and dislikes.“Did I say anything wrong?” Ralph noticed Silvia was lost in her thoughts as she tried to unravel the mystery and reasons behind his request.After a long night of reflection, Ralph realized that proposing a contract marriage to Silvia could be a practical and mutually beneficial solution for both of them.Truth is, he had no love interest in Silvia...not at all. The marriage was a ruse. She was actually going to take on the role of a maid in his home. This would not only lighten his daily burdens but also allow him to save a substantial amount of money that he would otherwise spend on hiring additional workers.It would also reduce the unnecessary pressure on him to get married. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.The contract was going t

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04

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  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 47

    The hospital corridor seemed to stretch out endlessly before Silvia. The scent of antiseptic hung thick in the air, a sharp contrast to the faint floral notes of the bouquet in her mother's room as she paced back and forth in front of it. The hospital's corridor fluorescent lights above buzzed subtly on white walls that felt like they were closing in on her. The monitors' continuous beeping broke her thoughts; every beep brought her mother's weak condition back to mind. Her gut felt like shredded emotions of fear and anger.She struggled with a whirlwind of feelings—resentment towards Rebecca for invading their lives and uncertainty over her own love of Ralph. Could she honestly depend on him when secrets lingered in their past? Doctors passed by in the last hour with professional composure. Ralph stood at the window, his body taut against the light, one hand hovering over his phone as he talked in low, insistent murmurs."I want tapes from all those cameras on that level. Yes, for

  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 46

    His finger brushed softly against her cheek kindling heat through her, the physical spark igniting the emotional connection growing between them. Something in her longed for escape, to keep the distance between them, which protected her. Something else growing with increasing urgency, wished she could believe in him.Silvia’s lips parted, her voice barely a breath:"Then show me this isn’t just another lie. Show me that this is happening."His eyes narrowed. In one fluid movement, Ralph stepped toward her—heart pounding, hands shaking, unsure if she’d let him in…or shut him out forever. He walked around the table, drawing her to stand before him. Fingers framed the curve of her face in tenderness. Yet doubt lingered in the back of her mind—could she truly trust him after everything?"I am a fool," he breathed, his thumb tracing the curve of her face. "A foolish, obstinate fool who nearly lost the most precious thing that had ever crossed his life path."Her own heart raced in her c

  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 45

    Chapter 45That night Silvia did not go to sleep.Except for the infrequent creak of ancient wood and the gentle ticking of the grandfather clock downstairs, the house was quiet. With Ralph's diary cradled in her lap once more, its worn leather warm under her fingers, she sat erect on the bed.She had read it twice now. Still, her head battled her heart.Could she trust it? Trust him?Her gaze snapped toward the window at which dawn was just starting to menace the horizon with a gentle indigo tint. Barefoot, she stood and moved to the door with the journal still pressed against her chest.A high, sharp ring ruptured the calm just as her hand touched the doorknob.The landline. The hallway. That phone was rarely used.As she dashed toward it, her heart lurching, she seized the receiver before the second ring could be heard."Hello?"; pause.Static.Then—"Silva?"—she paused. The voice was undeniably familiar.Rebecca."Since I figured you would want to know—you have just seen one possi

  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 44

    Silvia followed Ralph around the twisting staircase, dizzy. What evidence was there of the genuineness of his love? What was there that would overcome the damning coincidence of his conversion?He did not lead her to the master bedroom she and he had occupied the last three nights, though, but towards his study—a room she had only entered to clean during her months as his maid. Ralph's inner sanctum, which was always locked when he was not present. Even now, his hand went to the small key in his pocket to unlock the solid oak door.The air was perfumed with sandalwood and leather, masculinity and unmistakably Ralph. Her eyes drifted across the comfortable furnishings, the enormous mahogany desk, leather-bound bookcase, and plush chairs in front of the fire. All seemed normal and nothing especially enlightening.He headed over to the desk and unlocked the bottom drawer with a second key in his pocket. He took out a chunky leather diary and held it in his hand for a moment, a soft spot

  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 43

    The papers were scattered on the coffee table where Silvia had laid them two hours ago. She had read every one of the pages three times, underlining the most damning paragraphs, taking in everything that Rebecca had revealed. The grandfather clock in the hallway tolled six in succession, its deep tones echoing in the empty house. Ralph would soon be back.Silvia rose from the couch, her fingers trembling as she smoothed her dress. She headed over to the liquor cabinet and served herself a sizeable amount of Ralph's fine scotch. The amber liquid seared her throat, though it seemed to calm her nerves. Silvia did not drink frequently, yet tonight seemed to demand liquid courage.The distant crunch of gravel beneath tires made her clench her belly. She sipped again, then set the glass on the table. Footsteps across the front steps. Clank of keys. Loud thud of the dense front door shutting."Silvia?" Ralph's voice called from the room in warm, eager tones that made her own heart hurt again

  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 42

    The papers were scattered on the coffee table where Silvia had laid them two hours ago. She had read every one of the pages three times, underlining the most damning paragraphs, taking in everything that Rebecca had revealed. The grandfather clock in the hallway tolled six in succession, its deep tones echoing in the empty house. Ralph would soon be back. Silvia rose from the couch, her fingers trembling as she smoothed her dress. She headed to the liquor cabinet and served herself a sizeable amount of Ralph's fine scotch. The amber liquid seared her throat, though it seemed to calm her nerves. Silvia did not drink frequently, yet tonight seemed to demand liquid courage. The distant crunch of gravel beneath tires made her clench her belly. She sipped again, then set the glass on the table. Footsteps across the front steps. Clank of keys. Loud thud of the dense front door shutting. "Silvia?" Ralph's voice called from the room in warm, eager tones that made her own heart hurt again in

  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 41

    The fine china bell clinked against the table in the dining room as Silvia set down her teacup. Three days had passed since the staff had learned of Ralph's revelation...and therefore, three days of adjusting to her new reality. The household moved in a state of cautious readjustment.The new cleaning staff had been hired; Donna, the head staff, maintained a professional demeanor in assigning them their duties. Silvia was left floating in a household that previously provided her days of meaning but now had only empty hours. Ralph had to go back to work in spite of his obvious reluctance to be away from her.Each day, he had kissed her good-morning with a possessiveness that left her breathless, promising to be back early, making plans for their evening.She traced her fingers along the rim of her teacup, contemplating on what she would do with so much time in her hands.Silvia turned her gaze towards the late morning sunlight streaming through the large windows. The sunlight was warm

  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 40

    The dawn filtered softly through the curtains, printing shiny patterns across the bedchamber floor. It filled the room with a warm, dreamlike light, gliding over the ornate furniture, the golden moldings, and the pair entwined in the vast bed.Silvia stirred, blinking against the unfamiliar richness around her. This wasn’t her cramped little room tucked away in the servants' wing at the back of the mansion. A place she'd occupied from the beginning. The sheets beneath her were unrealistically comfortable, bedding opulent in a way her bed never was. Silk sheets clung like a whisper, pillows like clouds. Comfort this profound felt almost illicit.Then she realized someone was behind her. The weight of his arm around her waist and the rhythm of his breath against her nape worked to remind her of everything they did last night. Last night hadn’t been a dream.Her breath caught as heat rushed to her cheeks. She dared not move, as if any motion might shatter the fragile reality. Behind her

  • Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love   Chapter 39

    Silvia appreciated the silence as she mechanically cleaned the home. This time, she truly wanted to make it a warm home instead of just doing it out of obligation. Her soft cleaning fabric sliding across the French window's glass produced a rhythmical sound that permeated the room, along with the light aroma of lavender from the cleansers. Lost in her thoughts, she was shaken back to reality by a voice behind her as she meticulously buffed the surface. Startled, she turned, her heart pounding, realizing Ralph had been quietly watching her with an intensity that made her spine tingle.His arms were folded, but his stance was far from relaxed. Something was boiling beneath his usual composed exterior—like a man struggling with something he didn’t want to name."What are you thinking about?" he questioned. So many things swirled in her head—thoughts of her mum, the monotony of her daily life, the exertion of her job, and yes, Ralph—his presence was both comforting and confusing. A na

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