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Forty

Author: Plot twister
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-28 09:27:14

I got a lot of whispers and stares. But I didn’t care. I kept glancing at my pond. I looked forward to seeing Jesse the most. A few women were giggling behind their hands, and some men exchanged amused glances.

What now?

Then I saw Catherine approaching with her usual entourage, a gleam of malicious delight in her eyes. It seemed they were heading towards me. What act is she getting at now?

She stopped right in front of me, her lips curled into a mockingly sweet smile.

“Bella, darling,” she cooed. “Sorry about our previous squabble. I’m just so used to being very defensive when it comes to my friends. I know it’s a bit too late now but I must say, you’re looking quite… expensive.”

I raised a brow. That was an odd choice of words.

“Thank you, Catherine,” I replied lazily, not in the mood for her games. “What do you want?”

A few people had stopped their conversations to watch. She wanted an audience.

Catherine gave a dramatic sigh, glancing around as if debating whether she should speak
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  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   Forty One

    I could feel their eyes on me. The whispers hadn’t stopped completely.I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice so only Jesse could hear.“You really like making an entrance, don’t you?”His lips curved into something that wasn’t quite a smile.“You looked like you were having fun before I got here,” he murmured back, his tone edged with something dark.I rolled my eyes. “Oh yes, it was lovely being publicly humiliated by Athena and Catherine.”Jesse’s gaze darkened. “I should’ve gotten here sooner. I’ll make sure they regret their actions.”He smiled then leaned in closer and whispered into my ears. "Did you miss me, Bella? Even if you didn't, I did." "I...I....I did not miss you one bit." I said coldly. I knew that deep down, I actually missed him a lot. But I was angry at him. Why did he suddenly disappear like that, without texting back on time and here he is claiming to miss me. He held my waist even more tightly. "I dare you to say that again." I began. "I did not--" He carrie

    Last Updated : 2025-03-31
  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   Forty Two

    My blood ran cold. "What?""I just got the message." He turned the screen toward me. My stomach twisted when I saw the photo attached—Daniel, bound to a chair, his face bloodied.I covered my mouth with my hand, my heart beating quickly. Daniel… kidnapped? But why? Who would—Jesse’s voice was calm. "They want me to come alone. No backup. No weapons."I clenched my fists. "That’s a trap, Jesse. You know that."His lips curled into a humorless smirk. "Of course, it is. But I will make sure they regret ever touching my person.” "I’m coming with you."Jesse’s expression hardened. "No.""You’re not going in alone. I won’t allow it."He smiled slightly, amused. "Who said I’d be going alone?"Jesse’s phone rang as we were still talking. His eyes flickered to the screen, brows furrowing. Daniel.For a moment, neither of us moved. The picture of Daniel, bloodied and bound to a chair, was still fresh in my mind. But if he was kidnapped, how was he calling? Unless the kidnapper was using his p

    Last Updated : 2025-03-31
  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   Forty Three

    “You’re perfect,” he murmured. I gasped when his mouth trailed lower, his breath hot against my skin.“Jesse,” I moaned, my fingers clutching at the sheets, at him, desperate for more.He smirked against my skin, his violet eyes locked onto mine as he whispered, “Do you like that?”He slowly helped me take off my zipper and my gown was completely off leaving me only with panties on. His warm hands roamed over my breasts slowly and deliberately, sending shivers through me. He leaned in, his breath hot against my neck, till lips went down to my nipples. "You’re so sweet, Bella." he murmured, his lips biting and sucking my nipples gently. I moaned out loudly in pleasure, my body arching beneath his touch."Oh, Jesse..." I breathed, my voice trembling with need.His smirk deepened at my reaction, his fingers continuing their slow, torturous exploration down my waist."That’s it. Let me hear you."He pulled his mouth away from my breasts, his lips leaving a trail of heat as he moved low

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  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   Forty Four

    I blinked awake, stretching slightly, only to wince at the lingering soreness from last night. A deep blush spread across my cheeks as the memories flooded back—his touch, his dominance, the way he completely owned me.I turned my head and saw Jesse still asleep beside me. His usually gentle features were relaxed. In sleep, he looked so innocent—beautiful in a way that made my heart squeeze.I bit my lip, resisting the urge to trace my fingers down his face. Instead, I carefully slipped out of bed, grabbing one of his shirts and slipping it on. The fabric hung loosely on my frame, smelling like him, and I felt a strange warmth settle inside me.I decided to make breakfast myself.I wasn’t the type to cook, not anymore, but I used to—back when I used to live with my family.Cooking had once been my way of caring for my family. Now, for some reason, I wanted to do the same for Jesse.After tying my hair up, I made my way to the kitchen. The staff were already up, but I waved them off. "

    Last Updated : 2025-03-31
  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   Forty Five

    "Relax," he murmured against my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.His fingers trailed lower, smoothing over my waist before gripping my hips, pulling me back against his solid frame. I gasped at the sensation, my heart pounding as he pressed a kiss to the curve of my neck, his lips hot against my wet skin."Jesse…" I whispered, tilting my head to the side to give him more access.He turned me around, his dark eyes filled with heat as they locked onto mine. Water dripped from his hair, trailing down his jaw, and I couldn’t resist reaching up to trace the droplets with my fingertips. He caught my hand and brought it to his lips, kissing my palm before guiding it to rest against his chest."You drive me crazy, Bella," he admitted, his voice low and rough.He leaned in, his lips capturing mine in a deep, searing kiss. It was slow at first, teasing, until it wasn’t. His tongue slid against mine, his hands gripping me tighter as he pressed me against the cool tiles. My fingers

    Last Updated : 2025-03-31
  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   Forty Six

    Daniel leaned back against the couch, stretching his arms dramatically. “Man, I should visit more often. This place is way better than my office. Comfy seats, good food, great company.” He shot me a playful wink.I chuckled. “Don’t get too comfortable. I’m pretty sure Jesse’s already regretting letting you in.”Jesse smirked. “That implies I let him in.”Daniel gasped, placing a hand over his heart. “Jesse, that hurts. Truly. Is this any way to treat your best doctor?”Jesse raised an eyebrow. “You mean my only doctor who refuses to stay in his own damn hospital?”Daniel grinned. “I came because I was worried about you. Don’t be such a kill joy.”I shook my head, amused by their usual banter. Daniel was always full of energy, and it was impossible not to laugh around him.After a few more minutes of chatting, Daniel checked his watch and groaned. “Alright, as much as I’d love to stick around and brighten your dull lives, I actually have real work to do.”I laughed. “You’re finally rem

    Last Updated : 2025-03-31
  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   Forty Seven

    Just as Jesse’s lips trailed down my neck, my phone started ringing. The sharp sound cut through the quiet, making me stiffen slightly in his arms.He didn’t stop. His lips ghosted over my ear, his breath warm against my skin as he murmured, “Ignore it.”I swallowed hard. “It might be important—”But the moment I reached for my phone, Jesse caught my wrist, pinning it back against his chest. “Not now. I want you.” His voice was husky, deep, possessive. His fingers brushed over my other hand, forcing me to drop the phone onto the couch.The call ended.I let out a shaky breath, only for the phone to start ringing again. The sound was persistent, insistent.Jesse’s jaw tightened. His irritation was evident. “Who keeps calling you?”I hesitated. “It’s just Ellen—”His eyes narrowed slightly. “Ellen?”I felt weak under his prolonged gaze. “She’s an old schoolmate. We recently started talking again.”His lips twitched. “Is that so?”His fingers slid down my waist, teasingly slow, as if tes

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  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   Forty Eight

    I hesitated for only a second before pushing the door open.The room was dark, the only light coming from the faint light beneath the heavy curtains. I was so confused about what was happening. I reached for the switch, flicking it on.What I saw made me freeze in place.Julius.He was sitting on the edge of the bed, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands clasped together as if deep in thought.I took a sharp step back. "Julius? What the hell are you doing here?"My instinct screamed at me to turn around and leave, and I did—I turned around, reaching for the door handle. But before I could pull it open, his voice stopped me."Bella, please. Don’t go."I clenched my jaw, my hand tightening on the knob. I should have walked out. I should have ignored him. But something in his voice made my feet stay rooted to the ground.Against my better judgment, I turned back around, my eyes finally taking him in fully.He looked… terrible.There were dark circles beneath his eyes, his usual shar

    Last Updated : 2025-03-31

Latest chapter

  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   120

    A few hours later, after changing into a sleek burgundy dress and soft curls falling over my shoulder, I met Julius at the door. He wore a tailored navy shirt and black slacks. Clean. Refined. A shadow of the man he used to be—but steadier somehow.We stepped into the private car and drove quietly through the city until we reached the restaurant:Menita.One of the most luxurious dining spaces in Dexy City.Floor-to-ceiling windows.Crystal fixtures.Soft violin playing in the background.We mostly talked about business—plans for his reentry into the corporate world, the companies I was offering him, market trends, and leadership transitions. It helped keep things neutral. Professional. We both needed that buffer, even if the tension kept rising under the surface like heat beneath glass.But then, as dessert was cleared and the waiter stepped away, Julius leaned forward and gently took my hand across the table.“Bella…” he said softly, “can you not try?”I froze.He didn’t blink. His

  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   119

    Bella’s POV“I should, um… go back to my room,” I said, clearing my throat as I turned away, hoping to put some space between us.I had already given him too much—this penthouse, the second chance, a place in my world again.But as I moved, his hand reached out and gently caught my waist.“Bella.”His voice was soft, but it stopped me cold.I froze.“Tell me the truth,” he said, his grip light but grounding. “Why are you being so kind to me?”I turned halfway, not daring to face him fully.His voice dropped lower, just above a whisper. “Really, Bella… why?”I shivered.From the warmth of his breath near my skin…From the question I hadn’t let myself answer out loud.“It’s because…” I faltered.“…because of your grandfather. He… he was kind to me. He believed me when no one else did.”Julius didn’t move.But I could feel the way he was looking at me—like he already knew I was only telling half the truth.“Is it really because of him, Bella?”My breath caught in my throat.Before I coul

  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   118

    The doctor arrived moments later, bowing swiftly. “My lady, let me examine him.”I nodded and stepped aside.He moved efficiently, checking Julius’s pupils, pulse, oxygen levels, and scanning his vitals with a sleek diagnostic wand.Minutes later, he turned to me, serious but calm.“Thankfully, you brought him here on time,” the doctor said. “Any more exposure to those drugs and he would’ve lost his sanity permanently.”I gasped softly. My hand flew to my mouth. “Can he be saved now?”The doctor gave a slow nod. “Yes. But it’ll take time. He’s been heavily sedated for months. The chemicals used in mental suppression aren’t just physically harmful—they alter the brain. He’ll need therapy. Detox. And support.”I swallowed hard. “Support?”The doctor’s tone didn’t waver. “After taking that level of mental dampeners, it creates a dependency. It functions like an addiction. Withdrawal will be hard. He may experience confusion, aggression, even moments of paranoia. But it is reversible.”I

  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   117

    “I’ll be traveling to Dexy City soon,” I told him. “You’ll remain here. Second in command. Make sure everything continues running as we’ve arranged.”Kael nodded once. “As you wish.”“But before I go,” I added, looking him in the eye, “I want you to do something for me.”He straightened slightly.“I want you to get Julius out of the mental prison.”A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but he didn’t question it.“Understood. Discreet or forceful?”“Discreet,” I replied. “Do not alert Jesse. Do not spill blood unless absolutely necessary. I don’t want a war—I want a transfer.”“He’s held in Denver facility,” Kael said, already thinking it through. “Fully funded by Jesse. High-level surveillance. I’ll need one of our shadow units.”“You can take two,” I said. “And if anyone asks? It’s a relocation for evaluation. Then bring him to me.”Kael nodded. “And if Julius resists?”I paused.“Tell him it’s from me,” I said. “And he owes it to his grandfather to take the second chance.”Kael bo

  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   116

    Jesse’s POVI came back within the hour.It wasn’t supposed to be anything major—just a quick meeting to finalize the security detail before our transfer to Dexy City. I had made sure everything was locked down before leaving. Bella was supposed to be safe. Untouchable.But the second I stepped into that hospital room, something felt wrong.The air was off. Still.Too still.My eyes narrowed as I stepped closer to the bed. She was lying too flat. Too stiff. The shape of her body didn’t match—too short, too small.My pulse spiked.I crossed the room in three strides and yanked the blanket back.Not Bella.A nurse. Young. Terrified.Her eyes shot open. She scrambled to sit up. “Sir—please—”I didn’t wait.“Who the hell are you?” I snapped.“P-please, I don’t know where she is,” she cried, trembling. “She made me do it. She said if I didn’t pretend to be her, she’d hurt me. She took my scrubs, my ID—she was gone before anyone noticed—please, you have to believe me!”My heart slammed agai

  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   115

    Kael nodded sharply. “You’ll have it within the hour.”Declan looked at me as if seeing a different woman than the one who arrived earlier—no longer lost, or grieving, but commanding.Kael led me through the inner gates of the stronghold. It was another world within the estate—a command center hidden beneath beauty. Stone stairwells, reinforced steel doors, old retinal scanners from decades ago now flickering back to life with my presence.He opened a heavy metal door to a large room—part war room, part memory.Walls covered in maps.A central table glowing with a 3D hologram of the region.Weapons racks. Surveillance monitors. Files.This was my father’s mind—preserved.I walked inside slowly, touching the edge of the table. My reflection shimmered across the digital surface. My hand trembled as I laid the seal in the center.It fit perfectly in the seal reader embedded in the console.The system lit up.A soft voice echoed through the room: “Alaric’s heir… access granted.”I closed

  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   114

    They looked at me harshly. Suspicious. Cold.The moment the electric gate slid open, a cold hush fell over the entire compound.Beyond the metal doors stood nearly two dozen men, dressed in black military-grade uniforms—eyes sharp, movements precise. Their presence was commanding. Dangerous. These were not ordinary guards. These were my father’s shadows—men of silence and steel.And they were now staring at me like I was an illusion.Declan stepped forward with firm authority and pride in his voice.“She is Bella,” he declared. “She has returned.”The words hung in the air like thunder.The men didn’t move.They didn’t blink.Instead, a few exchanged glances. One narrowed his eyes. Another clenched his jaw.Then a tall, battle-worn man from the front line stepped out—gray in his beard, eyes like stone. “Declan… is this some kind of test?” he asked, his voice low and skeptical. “The heir died. We buried the legacy long ago. This woman can’t be who you say she is.”Declan stood his grou

  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   113

    Declan followed close behind, brows drawn low. He still didn’t fully believe it—but his eyes told me he wanted to.“Give me a shovel,” I said. “And get me a few more men to assist.”He looked startled. “Miss, you shouldn’t be doing hard labor in your condition.”“I’m not asking,” I said softly. “Just point them to me.”Declan hesitated.Then nodded.Within minutes, two more men joined us. They looked younger—possibly new recruits—but the moment Declan barked an order, they obeyed without question.I pointed at the exact spot beneath the tree. “There. Dig there.”The first shovel hit the dirt with a thud.Then the next.I watched silently as they worked. Every slice of earth peeled back more of the past.And then—after twenty long minutes—the metal edge of the shovel hit something solid.A small, rectangular box.Old. Rusted at the corners. But still intact.One of the men looked to Declan.Declan stepped forward, knelt beside the hole, and lifted the box carefully.He wiped the dirt f

  • Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival   112

    She didn’t argue.She lay where I’d been moments ago.“Cover up with the white blanket. Don’t move. Don’t breathe loud.”I pulled the hood of her scrub top over my head, snatched her ID from the lanyard clipped at her waist, and shoved it into the pocket. My hands trembled only for a second before I steadied them.In less than two minutes, I was out the door.The nurse’s shoes were half a size too tight, but I pushed through the discomfort. I walked with purpose, head down just enough to avoid eye contact but upright enough to appear natural.Security nodded as I passed the first checkpoint.A brief flick of the fake ID, a half-smile, and a polite “Going down to diagnostics.”They didn’t question it.Because people don’t look twice at nurses.Especially not the quiet, invisible ones.I made it to the lower-level exit just as the shift was changing—chaos, movement, chatter.I slipped through the side door, stepped into the loading bay. I had done it. Bella’s POVGetting to the estate

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