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Chapter Twenty
Last Updated:
2025-03-16 02:21:10
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Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival Chapter Twenty One
"Do you still love him, Bella?"Julius. I parted my lips, wanting to deny it, wanting to tell him that I had moved on, that I had left that part of my life behind. But the words wouldn’t come.I didn’t still love Julius. At least, I didn’t think I did. But what was this hesitation? Why couldn’t I just say it?Jesse pulled away slightly, just enough to look into my eyes. His expression was unreadable, but the slight furrow in his brows told me enough. He was hurt."You won’t answer me?" His voice was quieter now, but there was an edge to it.I turned my gaze back to the water, avoiding his eyes. "It’s not that simple, Jesse."He let out a bitter laugh, stepping back entirely. The loss of his warmth sent a cold chill down my spine."It is that simple, Bella." "Either you love him or you don’t. Either you’re mine or you’re not."His words sent my heart into a frenzy. Mine. He really wanted me to be his."Jesse—""Forget it." He cut me off, shaking his head. "I shouldn’t have asked."I r
Last Updated : 2025-03-16Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival Chapter Twenty Two
The maître d’ greeted him with a deep bow. “Mr. Jesse, your private table is ready.”Private table? Didn’t he just decide to bring me here? I wondered when he was able to make the reservation.As we walked toward the secluded corner near the floor-to-ceiling windows, I couldn’t help but admire the breathtaking view. Jesse pulled out my chair, his fingers brushing my back as I sat. A shiver ran down my spine, but I quickly masked it.A waiter approached carrying a tray, then he poured us wine as Jesse instructed before disappearing.I picked up my glass, swirling the liquid inside. “You do realize I’m capable of pouring it myself, right?”Jesse leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table, watching me with sharp amusement. “I do. But I prefer spoiling you.”Spoiling me.I almost laughed. If only he knew how foreign that concept was to me.Instead, I rolled my eyes and set my glass down. “Is this your way of distracting me?”His smirk deepened. “Well, is it working?”Noticing my unc
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival Chapter Twenty Three
Meanwhile, at Elena’s HouseThe television blared, headlines flashing across the screen. Online forums and news stations were exploding with discussions, all centered around one shocking revelation—Jacob and Edward had been exposed for financial fraud, deception, and years of manipulation.Elena clutched the remote with trembling hands, her eyes darting between her sons. “What am I seeing on the news? Edward, Jacob… it’s not true, right?” Her voice wavered, a mix of disbelief and desperation.Jacob shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her piercing gaze.Edward, however, was quick to react, his expression twisted with rage. “It must be Bella! She must have falsified that information in retaliation!” He slammed his fist against the table in the living room, the impact echoing through the room.John, Elena’s husband, simply stood there, silent yet firm. His jaw tightened as he exhaled deeply. He had seen this coming.“I warned you,” he finally spoke, his voice calm but laced with disappointme
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival Chapter Twenty Four
My phone vibrated on the table, Jacob’s name flashing across the screen. I took my time picking it up, letting him stew in desperation.“Hello?” I finally answered, my voice calm, almost lazy.Jacob exhaled heavily on the other end. “I have what you need,” he said quickly. “It’s a voice recording that proves you were treated unfairly.”I smirked. “Is that so?”“Yes.” His voice was tight, like he was forcing himself to swallow his pride. “You wanted undeniable proof, right? Well, I have it. Mum practically admitted everything.”I leaned back in my chair, twirling a pen between my fingers. “Okay, You did well, Jacob. Send it to me once this call ends.”There was a pause. Then, hesitantly, he said, “Help us restore the company to its former heights.”I laughed. A slow, cruel sound.“Restore?” I repeated, amused. “When did I ever say I’d help you restore anything?”“You—you said if I helped you—” Jacob’s voice shook, barely holding back his frustration.I smirked, resting my chin on my pa
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival Chapter Twenty Five
Jacob scheduled a live interview at the same time his mother, Elena, was already on air, painting herself as the victim.She spoke tearfully about how Bella was tormenting them, and netizens sympathized, flooding the comments with messages of support and even making donations to her out of pity.Meanwhile, on another news channel, Jacob went live. With a steady voice, he exposed the damning recording—his mother’s own words proving she had never cared for Bella.The revelation hit like a thunderclap. The country erupted.Those who had left cruel comments about Bella scrambled to delete them."Tak, tak—who would’ve thought such an innocent-looking woman could falsely smear her own daughter like this?""I always knew something was off. If her sons were scammers, what good could come from that family?""She pretended to be kind, but she wouldn’t even spare money for her sick child. Is Bella even her real daughter?"Back at Elena’s live interview, the news company suddenly received breakin
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival Chapter Twenty Six
I couldn't stand the thought of Bella carrying Jesse’s child. The news of her mother’s lies had been everywhere, but I didn’t care. I knew better than anyone that Elena’s words were false. Still, I had no intention of helping. Maybe the stress would take its toll on her. Maybe it would kill the baby.I hoped.But Bella turned the tide faster than I expected. She exposed her brothers first and public opinions started to waver immediately.I couldn’t get close to Bella anymore. Jesse blocked every means of reaching out to her. When I called her, she just hung up on me. I have tried every method. I even asked my grandfather to come back to dexy city but he couldn’t leave what he was doing at the moment. Well since I couldn’t reach her, her mother still could. I just needed to provide the means.Having my men track Elena’s whereabouts, I found her at a news station. I waited outside until she stepped out, then approached her. Even I hadn't foreseen Jacob’s confession. Oh, Bella, my sma
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival Chapter Twenty Seven
I arrived at the restaurant earlier than planned, my fingers tapping against the table as I waited.Mum wants to apologize? The thought was almost laughable. After everything, she suddenly grew a conscience? Still, a small part of me—a foolish, desperate part—wanted to believe it.But I wasn’t naive. Not anymore.To put an end to this once and for all—and to make sure no one could ever call me unfilial again—I discreetly set up a live broadcast. If she was sincere, then this would clear her name. But if she tried anything… well, she could kiss her reputation goodbye.One way or another, this would be the last time I let her play her games.I sighed, swirling my drink, when the sound of heels clicking against the floor caught my attention.Elena.She approached with a hesitant smile, her eyes glistening as if she had been crying. A performance, no doubt.“Bella, my love,” she said, reaching for my hand. I didn’t move. “You’re even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.”I arched
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival Chapter Twenty Eight
Jesse was still holding me tightly, I felt his warm arms around me as I remained in shock.“Bella, Bella,” he called gently, trying to get me to focus. “They’ve taken her to the police station now.”The live broadcast was still going wild, the entire world witnessing a mother attempt to kill her own child. The comments were relentless, people cursing Elena, calling her a monster, questioning how a mother could be so heartless.Someone made her do it.The words slipped from my lips before I fully processed them.Jesse carried me to the car, his arms firm around me as he placed me inside. He got in next to me, his face unreadable, but I knew he was waiting for me to continue.“She said she had to do it to save her sons,” I murmured, gripping my hands together tightly. “To save the business. But why would killing my non-existent child save them?”Jesse didn’t answer, his eyes dark with thought.And then it clicked.“It must have been Julius.” I turned to Jesse, my chest rising and fallin
Last Updated : 2025-03-18
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Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival 130
Chemical-induced psychosis.Someone had been feeding Reza a micro-dose of hallucinogenic toxins over the last year—strong enough to twist her mind without killing her.Only one family had the kind of expertise needed to pull it off perfectly, without detection.The Elmore family.Anna.I slammed the file shut, my fury cold and precise.“She’s not working with a ghost,” I said.“She’s just another broken toy.”Kael nodded grimly. “Anna used her. Planted the fear. Fed her the stories. Made her believe she was part of something bigger.”"And when she was done with her?"Kael’s expression hardened. "She left her to rot in her own madness."Later that night, I returned to the dungeon alone.Reza was curled on the floor now, muttering to herself.She didn’t even look up when I entered.I stood there for a long time, watching her.She had betrayed me.She had tried to weaken the Empire.But somehow, staring at her now, I didn’t feel hatred. Just indifference. Bella’s POVI stood at the high
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Gasps echoed through the room. One of the councilmen stood in panic.But before she could move, Kael was already there—steel against her wrist, slamming her to the ground with a precision honed in blood.The blade clattered to the floor.Reza let out a sharp breath, rage etched into every line of her face.“Dominion is already lost,” she hissed, spitting the words like poison. “You think you’ve won, girl. But you don’t even know the real plan.”I stepped forward, eyes locked on hers.“Then speak,” I said coldly. “Before I decide your death should come quicker than your trial.”She laughed then—low and bitter.Not the laugh of someone defeated.The laugh of someone who knew what was still coming.My pulse slowed. Tightened.“Who?”Reza’s eyes gleamed.“The one even your uncle feared.” She leaned closer, whispering like it tasted good to say it.“Cyrus.”I stared at her.“ Cyrus is the real move. And he’s already begun.”I didn’t blink. “What has he started?”She refused to speak any lo
Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival 128
He walked beside me as we moved toward the armored vehicle waiting beyond the runway.“We’ve reestablished order in the outer provinces. The council is restless but compliant. Your presence alone has stabilized the unrest.” He paused. “Your uncle’s name hasn’t been spoken in weeks. He’s in hiding.”The gates of the Dominion estate swung open.As I stepped out of the car, the familiar scent of power, blood, and memory greeted me like an old friend.Guards lined the entrance.Servants bowed.Kael stood at my side as the heavy doors opened.We hadn’t been inside the main hall for five minutes before I turned to Kael.“Set up a meeting with the council. Now.”Kael didn’t hesitate. He nodded once and slipped out the corridor without a word.An hour later, the great chamber doors opened.Every member of the Dominion council stood or sat stiffly in their appointed seats—lined in gold, trimmed in pride. Some of them tried not to look surprised. Others stared at me like I’d returned from the g
Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival 127
He didn’t rise.Didn’t speak again.He just stayed there, silent on the floor, as I turned and walked away.I hadn’t spoken to Daniel since everything happened. And I knew I had no right to expect anything now.Still, I pressed call.He picked up after two rings.“Bella?”His tone was flat. Cold.“Daniel, I need to talk to you. Can you come to my penthouse?”Silence.Then: “You’ve got to be kidding me.”I blinked. “What?”“You ignore my calls for months. You vanish. You ghost me. You ghost him. And now you’re calling out of nowhere like nothing happened?”I closed my eyes. “I know—”“No, you don’t,” he snapped. “Do you know how many times I tried reaching out to you after Jesse disappeared? I thought maybe you were hurting too. I thought maybe we could piece something together—anything. But you disappeared.”“Daniel—”“Do you know what it felt like watching the engagement headlines?” he said, voice rising. “First yours. Then his. You left. And now you want what? My help? My loyalty?”
Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival 126
An hour passed.I didn’t expect a reply.But then… my phone buzzed.Anna.Tell me more.I glanced around, made sure I was alone, and began typing.I told her everything.The call with Kael. The research into her father’s empire. The theory about memory drugs. Bella’s plan to act.I sent it all.There was a pause.Then:Thank you.That was it.Just two words.But they felt like a knife twisting between guilt and satisfaction.Bella’s POVTwo days after I told Kael to dig into Anna’s background, I got a message.It wasn’t anonymous. It wasn’t a threat.It was a polite request.From Anna.Let’s meet. There’s a café nearby. Let’s talk.I stared at the screen for a while, debating. But I knew I had to go.The café she chose was quiet. I spotted her immediately—sitting at the far end, in a corner seat, tea already waiting.She smiled as I approached, perfectly composed.“Bella,” she said, standing slightly as if we were two old friends meeting for brunch.I didn’t return the greeting. I ju
Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival 125
Her voice was soft, curious. Almost amused.I didn’t move.She stepped further in, letting the door close behind her.“You really are something,” she said, circling a little. “Daughter of Alaric. I suppose that makes sense.”I narrowed my eyes. “Cut the nonsense. Why did you bring me here?”She smiled again, lips sharp.“You should learn to mind your own business, Bella,” she said. “Why do you think you can just waltz into my wedding and cause a scene?”I didn’t respond.My voice came out cold. Flat. “What did you do to Jesse?”Her smile didn't falter, but her eyes darkened.“He doesn’t even remember me,” I said. “What did you do?”She shrugged lightly. “Maybe he wanted to forget you. Or maybe he’s pretending… because he wants you to go away.”I stepped forward, eyes locked on hers.“No,” I said. “That’s the thing about Jesse. Jesse doesn’t lie. And he definitely wouldn’t just marry someone out of nowhere.”Anna's laugh was light, airy—and full of mockery.Then she tilted her head and
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No goodbye. No message. No explanation. Just headlines and pictures of a life he was about to build without me.Didn’t he love me?Or was everything between us just timing? A moment that was never going to last?Was it because of the photos with Julius?Had he seen them? Had he assumed the worst and moved on?Or was this marriage something else entirely—a lie to protect something bigger?I couldn’t stop asking the questions.I couldn’t stop seeing his face.I couldn’t stop missing him.The morning of the wedding arrived.I sat in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection like I was waiting for it to speak for me.It didn’t.I stood, my hands clenched into fists.No.I wasn’t going to sit here while Jesse married someone else. Not without hearing the truth from him. Not without standing in front of him one last time and saying what I should’ve said long ago.No, I won’t allow that to happen.I pulled on a dark blue dress—elegant, simple, not flashy.I didn’t want to be seen.I want
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“…Understood. Do you want to see the child? Just once?”I said nothing.He cleared his throat gently. “He has beautiful brown hair. And his eyes… I’ve never seen anything like them. Gold. Like—sunlight and fire. Rare.”I closed my eyes.For a moment, I felt something strange flicker in my chest.Not guilt.Just… a ripple of something I couldn’t name.Then I exhaled.“No. Just put him there.”Vin’s voice was quieter now. “Yes, sir.”I kept the burner phone back inside my secret compartment then laid back on the bed relived. Bella’s POVI had stayed with Julius for a few days.But my heart remained empty.Every time he smiled at me, I felt like I was watching a stranger try to wear the face of someone I used to know. And worse than the emptiness… was the ache I couldn’t silence.Jesse.I walked out to the balcony as the evening light spilled across the skyline and pulled out my phone again. The screen lit up. No new messages.Just silence.I exhaled sharply and dialed the one number t
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My breath steadied. My eyes cleared.There was no more time to waste.I reached for the emergency phone hidden in the drawer by the bed and dialed a direct line.“Vin.”My personal guard answered within a single ring. “Sir.”“There’s a woman coming. Possibly today. Pregnant. Her name is Athena.” My voice dropped into a low command. “If she shows up at the estate or near it—I don’t want Bella to see her. Or hear her. Or know.”Vin was silent for a moment. “Understood.”“Lock her in the lower security post. Restrain her. Tie her mouth if you have to. No one, and I mean no one, is to interact with her except you.”“Yes, sir.”I stood from the bed, pacing now, blood still hot with panic disguised as resolve.**“Once she’s locked in, call me immediately. If I cough after answering—**even once—it means I’m not alone and you can’t speak. If I answer and say nothing, it means you’re clear to talk. Got it?”“Crystal clear.”I tightened my grip around the phone. “Good.”He hung up.If Athena sh
