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2024-12-23 13:09:18Bab terkait
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 95
OLIVIA'S POV"I… I don't understand," she finally stuttered, her voice shaking, her eyes darting from me to Kellan in utter confusion. "This… this is some kind of mistake, right? Olivia can't be here. She's… she's dead."I took another step closer, my voice so cool and level, whereas inside, all hell was breaking loose. "No, Sharon. I'm very much alive.”Her eyes grew wide as she began to freeze with the weight my words burdened her with. Her mouth popped open to say her peace, and I afforded her none."You really did think you got away with it, didn't you?" My voice was high. "Thought you could just push me off that cliff and erase me from Kellan's life forever?”Sharon stepped backward, her hands shaking. "No," she said, the words tumbling hastily from her lips as she shook her head. "That's not what happened. You've got it all wrong. It was an accident—""Don't you dare," I snapped, my voice sharp as a whip. "Don't you dare to stand there and lie. I remember everything now. I remem
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-23THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 1
"You are called in the matron's office,” Jane, one of the new intakes at the orphanage said to me."Do you know the reason why you were called?I shrugged in response“Are you not curious??" she asked again.Smiling at the short but lovely girl in front of me I asked her, “Why should I be curious?”Rolling her eyes, she said, “You are the least curious person I have ever known,” Glancing and smiling at the girl as she dangles on the chair. My phone buzzed again with a text, it was a request to come to the matron's office as well.Packing my books together, I waved to Mr Bars, our library attendant.The stroll across the orphanage library to the matron's office only took me a few minutes. When I arrived, the secretary had told me to wait a moment.I looked at some of the art paintings the children had made on the orphanage walls while waiting and smiled; they were talented. ‘pft..unlike you, right?’ my subconscious said to me.The door to the matron's office opened, and the cool and al
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-08THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 2
KELLAN P.O.V I lifted my head from my laptop at the sound of the knock on my door. “Come in," I called to the person on the other side.“Sir, madam said to remind you that your guests will arrive in the next fifteen minutes."“Ok," I answered dismissing her.The happiness oozing from my mother since she started making the arrangements for the dinner with the Brookes is just as bright as a sunny day could be. Shaking my head at the reminder of why this dinner is not only an inconvenience but a match-making dinner.Dad had dropped the bomb as if the marriage agreement was just normal but my parents had married for love.It still came as shocking despite being aware of it for the past years, but then the Brookes had only Brian and I am no man's guy. I am not gay.The frustration I felt at the news of a sudden adoption was unexplainable.I still did not vividly understand why they would want to go to such an extent. Their company was doing well, and even if it was not, the marriage was
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-08THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 3
OLIVIA'S POVI watched through the window as heavy raindrops fell from the dark-covered sky, bringing the freshness that comes with rain. The buzzer sound of the oven brought my concentration back to the kitchen. Satisfied with the outcome of my baked homemade banana bread.Mrs Richard has been wonderful in showing me her cooking recipes. Immediately, I showed interest in one of her recipes and mom had said I could as well pass for a professional chef in my big blue apron and white head cap Dad got me.Carefully mixing the hot Mexican chocolate drink, Dad's favorite of all the chocolate drinks I have been making, and also the perfect drink for rainy weather. Twisting around in excitement, eagerness filled me as I imagined Dad's look of satisfaction after tasting my baked banana bread.I carried the banana bread with the chocolate drink and made my way upstairs to Dad's office.He has been distant for the past few days; he is either locked in the office or outside working out things i
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-08THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 4
KELLAN'S POVDriving through the busy streets of New York, I made my way to my company, BAES GROUP. It is a multi-purpose company that deals majorly in food and partnership with many other restaurants.Dad had taken over the company after his parent's death, a ‘family business' he called it. Something he had no interest in which had caused a lot of struggle in the company.Graduating with an MBA at the young age of twenty-five years, I took over from where he left it. The company's gross skyrocketed the first year I took charge of the business and Bae's group has become the highest-grossing company of all time, that has been the goal every year and I could say the risk of an international establishment many others were not financially able to make help after all it is a billion dollar company.Thinking of business expansion I remembered Sharon had talked about expansion to Africa at the hotel during the opening of Quings Jewelry, one of our partnerships.As I reached the company buil
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-08THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 5
OLIVIA P O VI had chosen a soft cashmere blended chive green dress that stopped just above the knees with intricate patterns that seemed to dance in a dimming light. The dress hugged the body delicately like a second skin paired with deep green heels.The makeup Artist mom hired had done what I could call a perfect job on the face. My hair was swept up elegantly, with a few tendrils escaping to frame my face, creating an image of a young, soft and beautiful woman.I stepped out of the cab at the restaurant in the address Kellan's secretary had sent me earlier. Not wanting to embarrass myself I knew I needed all the confidence I could to get through this dinner. I have been informed that dinner will be at six in the evening.I walked into the restaurant, my eyes immediately searching the busy yet quiet restaurant, taking in the appearances of the people, and I could not be more grateful to Mom for convincing me of my temptation to wear simple Jeans and a sweater.“Good evening, May I
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-08THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 6
KELLAN'S POV Not in the mood for my mother's snoopy attitude. I drove towards my penthouse after I dropped off Olivia.I parked my car only to notice the lights were on. In total confusion, I moved towards the entrance door, knowing there was no way it would be a bugler. Only two people had access to this penthouse, which was Sharon and me. I had also installed a top-notch security system, so if it was a person without access, I would have been notified.I opened the door to notice flowers scattered on the floor, following their trail to the dinner.“Surprise!” I turned around to see Sharon popping a Cheval Blanc white wine. “Aren't you supposed to be in Europe?” I asked, still in shock.“I believe this is where you hug and kiss me,” She said with her arms open.Laughing softly at her I pulled her to me and kissed her. I looked at the food varieties displayed on the dining table, mostly Vegetables.“Did you change your diet routine?"“Of course, yes, I did that for you," she said e
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-18THE ARRANGED BRIDE Chapter 7
Olivia P O VA wedding is supposed to be a joyous occasion, a day to be celebrated, where two souls come together. Joined in holy matrimony. Bonded by vows to love and to cherish.I have always imagined something romantic despite the tug of survival I have passed through. A grand wedding, the prettiest, most expensive gowns, gorgeous heels that many brides would envy, a lovely veil to put any other veils to shame, and my handsome Prince Charming, my little fairy tale.But it was just that. A fantasy. A lovely one to dream of, but a fantasy nonetheless. Because my wedding was nothing short of a cruel reality.Everything is perfect just like how I imagined my wedding day“That’s it, Livia; remember, I am always on your side. You just do not see it yet because of this, and we understand you,” My mom said.My chest tightened as she walked to the bed and opened the box, revealing the white tulle veil custom-made by a popular designer. The train ran fifteen feet long with a lace design and
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-18
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THE ARRANGED BRIDE 95
OLIVIA'S POV"I… I don't understand," she finally stuttered, her voice shaking, her eyes darting from me to Kellan in utter confusion. "This… this is some kind of mistake, right? Olivia can't be here. She's… she's dead."I took another step closer, my voice so cool and level, whereas inside, all hell was breaking loose. "No, Sharon. I'm very much alive.”Her eyes grew wide as she began to freeze with the weight my words burdened her with. Her mouth popped open to say her peace, and I afforded her none."You really did think you got away with it, didn't you?" My voice was high. "Thought you could just push me off that cliff and erase me from Kellan's life forever?”Sharon stepped backward, her hands shaking. "No," she said, the words tumbling hastily from her lips as she shook her head. "That's not what happened. You've got it all wrong. It was an accident—""Don't you dare," I snapped, my voice sharp as a whip. "Don't you dare to stand there and lie. I remember everything now. I remem
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 94
KELLAN’S POVSharon pulled in, a sleek black car shining bright beneath the driveway lights. I watched her get out, dressed to kill, a crimson dress clinging to her form, lips painted that brilliant red, her heels against the pavement, each movement deliberated and confident. She'd come for me; she knew damned well I would crawl back, and it was that which brought my fists into clench.“Showtime," I told myself, fidgeting with my tie and putting a grin on my face.The front door opened before she could knock. I was leaning indolently against the frame, trying to conceal the revulsion bubbling under my skin. "Sharon," I said, my voice deep and low, inviting. "I'm glad you came.”Triumph lit her features, and her red cheeks gleamed with pride. "Of course I came, Kellan. I knew you'd come to your senses eventually. But why did you tell me to come to your parents house?"“Because it's high time i introduce you to them,” I answered and her smile widened.She stepped inside and her perfectl
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 93
OLIVIA'S POVMy chest was constricting as disjointed pieces of memory clawed their way to the surface. They had been locked in so long, barricaded behind the fog of confusion and terror, but the dams were breaking. My hands clamped down on the edge of the couch, eyes darting from my parents to Kellan and back again. Their eyes were all pinned in on me with concern, but it was Brian's question haunting me.How did you disappear? What happened that day two years ago."I remember Sharon," I began, my voice shaking. "Her men kidnapped after that charity event and locked me up. Then she came and talked to me… about Kellan."Kellan stiffened beside me, his fingers clamping down on mine. I dared a glance at him, saw the fire in his eyes, but he said nothing."She told me…., " I stammered, my voice lodging in my throat. "She told me I was ruining his life. That Kellan didn't love me and never would." Finally, the tear in my voice gave out and I felt the stinging of that first swipe of tears t
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 92
KELLAN’S POV:The sun had long since set below the horizon, an amber twilight wrapping itself around Alex's estate. I stood beside the front door with Olivia-the softness of her hand in mine. Tenseness in her fingers spoke louder than words not formed upon her lips-she didn't want to leave. I couldn't blame her. It had been a haven, a place of refuge from all that Carl put her through.Alex filled the doorway, his sharp suit as perfect as always, but with a hint of a smile softening what was a hard steep countenance into something less unbending. "Finally leaving?"“Yes.” I nodded. "Thanks, Alex; I really don't know how to thank you for this."He waved it away. "You don't. You just take care of her. That's all I ask.”She leaned in a bit closer to me and flashed a small, genuine smile across the room at Alex. "Thanks, Alex; I really don't know what we would have done if it wasn't for you out there."Alex gave a slight incline of his head. "You have been through hell, Olivia. Just focu
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 91
KELLAN’S POVThe tension in Olivia's shoulders hadn't dissipated since the moment we stepped into Alex's house. Olivia hovered near the window of the living room, arms tightly wrapped around her middle while looking every other second outside the window at each movement the shadow made out there. I sit by the fireplace, flipping through my phone, and view her from time to time. Every groan of the house sends her jolting with yet another splinter to fragment a small bit of my heart."Olivia," I whisper, setting my phone aside. Her head jerks as I call her name; wide-eyed and afraid, open wide. I moved across the room in a set of languid steps, giving her ample time to document my approach. She didn't stir, but how her fingers curled into the flesh of her arms seemed to scream how wired she was."You're safe," I said, firm, halting in front of her. "Alex has the best security team money can buy. Carl's not coming for you. He can't.”She shook her head, her voice no more than a whisper
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 90
KELLAN’S POVMy heart rattled so strongly inside my chest that for one instant, I almost believed Carl would hear it. He had Amanda pressed against him with a knife glinting in the poor light that was far too close to her throat for comfort. Her eyes darted to mine, wide, terrified, pleading.“Carl," I said, stepping forward slowly, my palms up and my voice steady despite the storm inside me. "Let her go. You don't need to do this.""Stay back!" Carl barked, jerking Amanda closer. She winced as the blade nicked her skin.I froze. Every instinct in me was screaming to charge him, to rip him away from her. But I couldn't risk it-not when he was this unstable.“I'm telling you, Kellan, another step closer and she is history!"“Okay, okay," I said, moving a cautious step backwards. "You're the one in control here, Carl. You've made your point."“You think you are better than me," Carl scoffed. His voice was wavering with anger and desperation; his words were volatile, his articulation wea
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 89
CARL'S POVI walked around the lounge with Amanda slumped on the couch in front of me, lifeless as a doll. My pursuit of reason was after a wriggle away while the noise of the sirens was growing outside-no less shrill to herald an empire crumbling away.It would have had to have been Kellan-that self-righteous jerk-just couldn't leave well enough alone, could he? I built it with my own hands, he had no right to take it away from me.A loud crash, and my thoughts are rent asunder by the flying open front door. First to storm in is a tidesurge of river-backed, armed officer, hard on the heels of Hardhead, the head of Security-firm as unshakeable granite."Carl Martins," he yelled, as if his voice should have carried around the estate. "It's time to know what's left of you. Back away from Amanda now and surrender yourself to authority."I raised my hands, and a smirk curled my lips. "Surrender? To what, precisely? Baseless accusations? You have nothing on me."Out came the head of Securi
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 88
CARL'S POVMy ringing phone dragged me out of my sleep. Already, my chest was getting tighter while I read on-screen the name Marcus, one of my most trusted men. Swiping to answer, already my voice was a low growl. "What is it?‘We have a problem," Marcus said, the tight urgency laced into his voice. "The head of Security has mobilized a team. They're coming for you, Carl. They're going to raid the estate within the hour."I almost lost my grasp on the phone as that icy panic clutched my chest. "How the hell could this have happened?”"It's Kellan Easton," Marcus spat. "That bastard's been gathering evidence, and he gave it to them. They've got enough to tear you apart."I clenched my jaw so tight I thought my teeth were going to crack. Should have killed Kellan Easton when I had him. That smug, self-righteous fool actually thought to take everything from me, power, my empire, Amanda."Listen now," I said, my voice razor-sharp. "Delay them. I don't care how you do it--cause a diversi
THE ARRANGED BRIDE 87
KELLAN’S POV The next morning, I sat on the edge of Alex's couch, my phone clutched in the firm grasp of my hand as if the strength of the hold could balance my thoughts spiraling out of order. The room, apart from the soft light coming from the table lamp, was shrouded in darkness. The creeping shadows at each corner were a reflection of unease crawling in my chest.What was left now was the riskiest of them all, and frankly speaking, I couldn't afford to waste more time. So I dialed the number that Brian had sent me - London head of Security - a man who, per Brian, had ties in with the Brooke family and who would deal in high stake situations.It rang a couple of times until I heard this firm, deep voice respond, "This is Gerald Mitchell.”‘Mr. Mitchell, my name is Kellan Easton," I started off hopefully-my voice wasn't breaking, "I'm calling because I have evidence regarding Carl Martins’ involvement in some illegal activities including but not limited to fraud, bribery, and unlaw
