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Chapter 16
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2025-01-01 10:35:38
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THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 17
**A Past That Won’t Let Go**The Cain Foundation was thriving, its impact spreading far and wide. Emilia and Alexander had poured their hearts into building something meaningful, and the rewards were evident. But just as life seemed to settle into a peaceful rhythm, an unexpected twist threatened to upend everything they had worked for—and their love.It began on a crisp autumn morning when Emilia arrived at the foundation’s headquarters for a scheduled meeting with a potential partner. She walked into the conference room, her mind focused on the day’s agenda, only to stop in her tracks.Sitting at the head of the table was a man she hadn’t seen in years—someone she never thought she’d see again.“Emilia,” he said, standing to greet her. “It’s been a long time.”Her breath hitched. “Liam?”Liam Hart—her first love, the man who had walked away from her life without explanation years ago—stood before her, as confident and composed as ever.“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Emilia said,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-02THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 18
** A Love Rekindled**The following weeks were a whirlwind of activity as Alexander and Emilia prepared to move into their new home. The estate, though beautiful and filled with memories, represented a chapter of their lives defined by challenges and battles they were ready to leave behind. Their new home symbolized the fresh start they had fought for—a sanctuary built on love, trust, and the promise of a brighter future.But as they packed and planned, life threw them one final, unexpected twist.One morning, Emilia sat at the kitchen counter, sipping her tea and reviewing the final blueprints for the new house. She had been feeling unusually tired lately, but she chalked it up to the stress of moving and the foundation’s rapid growth.“Are you feeling okay?” Alexander asked, joining her with his usual cup of black coffee.She smiled at him, though her energy felt low. “Just tired. There’s so much to do.”Alexander placed a hand on her back, his touch gentle. “You’ve been pushing you
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-02THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 19
**Shadows and Light**The Cain estate buzzed with quiet intensity as Alexander and Emilia prepared for the next move. The lead Alexander had received pointed them to a powerful figure within the Syndicate’s remnants—someone determined to exact revenge on Alexander for dismantling their operations. But this time, the stakes were even higher.Alexander was no longer just fighting to protect his empire. He was fighting for Emilia and their unborn child.One evening, as Emilia worked in the study, Alexander entered, holding a folder. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes carried a sharp focus that made her set aside her papers.“What is it?” she asked.“We have a name,” Alexander replied, handing her the folder.Emilia opened it to reveal a dossier on a man named Victor Mendez—a former high-ranking Syndicate operative with a reputation for ruthlessness.“He’s behind the threats?” she asked, scanning the pages.“Not directly,” Alexander said. “But he’s funding the group targeting us.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-02THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 20
**A New Legacy**The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Alexander and Emilia’s new home, bathing the living room in warm, golden light. The quiet serenity of their life now felt like a gift they had fought hard to earn. They were no longer weighed down by the shadows of Alexander’s past or the Syndicate’s threats. Instead, they stood on the precipice of a new beginning.Cain Corporation’s boardroom was abuzz with excitement as Alexander and Emilia prepared to present their latest initiative. It wasn’t just a business move; it was a bold redefinition of their legacy.Emilia stood at the head of the table, her confidence radiating as she addressed the room.“Cain Corporation has always been about ambition,” she began. “But ambition without purpose is hollow. Today, we’re announcing a shift that places people and communities at the heart of our mission. Through partnerships with global leaders and grassroots organizations, we’ll ensure that every success we achieve also upl
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-03THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 21
** The Legacy Lives On**Years passed, and the Cain family’s influence grew not only in business but also in the hearts of people worldwide. The Cain Foundation’s initiatives touched lives across continents, from providing scholarships for underprivileged youth to funding cutting-edge research in sustainable technologies. But amidst their success, Alexander and Emilia remained rooted in the simple joys of life, always prioritizing their family.As their son Theo grew older, his curiosity about the world and the legacy his parents had built deepened. He was a reflection of both Alexander’s determination and Emilia’s compassion, embodying the values they had worked so hard to instill.It was a crisp autumn afternoon when the Cain Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary with a gala held in its newly constructed headquarters. The event was a blend of elegance and purpose, attended by global leaders, philanthropists, and many whose lives had been transformed by the foundation’s work.Th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-03THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 22
**Full Circle**Emilia sat in the café, her fingers nervously tapping the edge of her teacup. It had been weeks since she agreed to meet her mother, and now the moment had finally arrived. The small, cozy café felt almost surreal as she prepared to face the woman who had left her so many years ago.The sound of the door opening drew Emilia’s attention. A woman with silver-streaked hair and soft hazel eyes stepped inside, her gaze scanning the room until it landed on Emilia. There was a hesitation in her step, a mix of apprehension and hope.“Emilia,” the woman said, her voice trembling as she approached.“Mom,” Emilia replied, her voice steady but cautious.They sat across from each other, the air heavy with unspoken words. For a moment, neither spoke, both unsure of where to begin. Finally, her mother broke the silence.“Thank you for agreeing to meet me,” she said softly. “I wasn’t sure you would.”“I wasn’t sure either,” Emilia admitted, her tone guarded. “It’s been a long time.”H
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-04THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 23
** The Beginning of Forever**The Cain Foundation had become a symbol of hope and progress, with Theo taking the reins of its latest initiative. The global youth network he envisioned quickly gained traction, connecting young leaders across the world with tools to enact meaningful change. Emilia and Alexander, now content to watch their son shine, continued to offer guidance and support, though their focus began to shift toward a quieter, more intentional life together.As the seasons changed, so too did the rhythm of their lives. With the demands of the past behind them, Alexander and Emilia embraced the simplicity they had once only dreamed of.One crisp autumn morning, Alexander surprised Emilia with an impromptu trip to the vineyard where their love story had truly begun.“This place,” Emilia said as they arrived, her voice filled with nostalgia, “it feels like coming home.”Alexander smiled, his hand resting on her back. “It’s where I first realized what you meant to me.”They st
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-04THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 24
** The Shattered Calm**Life at the vineyard had become idyllic, filled with family, laughter, and the quiet joy of seeing their dreams realized. Alexander and Emilia reveled in their peace, their love stronger than ever. But fate, as it often does, had one last surprise in store—one that would test everything they had built.---An Ominous LetterIt arrived on a crisp autumn morning, delivered by courier directly to Alexander’s hands. The envelope was plain, the handwriting unfamiliar. His instincts sharpened as he opened it, revealing a single piece of paper.Mr. Cain,You thought it was over. But some debts are never truly repaid.Alexander’s heart sank. The letter was unsigned, but the meaning was clear—someone from his past wasn’t finished with him.“Alexander?” Emilia’s voice broke his thoughts as she entered the room. “What’s that?”He hesitated, folding the letter and slipping it into his pocket. “Just some old business correspondence,” he said, forcing a smile.But Emilia’s e
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-05
Bab terbaru
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 162
** A New Dawn**The sun rose slowly over the horizon, casting golden rays through the sheer curtains of the villa’s bedroom. The morning light touched everything with a softness that made the world feel gentler than it had the night before. Sienna stirred beneath the covers, her body curled on her side as she slowly blinked awake.She wasn’t alone.Ethan lay beside her, still asleep, his breathing deep and steady. One arm was slung loosely across her waist, grounding her in a way that felt both foreign and familiar. Sienna’s eyes lingered on his face, taking in the relaxed lines, the gentle curve of his mouth. There was no tension there now—only peace.For a moment, she didn’t move. She just watched him, allowing herself to memorize every detail.This wasn’t a dream.Last night hadn’t been a dream.They hadn’t made promises they couldn’t keep, hadn’t rushed back into the chaos of what once was. Instead, they had taken a breath—together. A moment of vulnerability. Of truth. Of stillnes
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 161
**A New Dawn**The villa was quieter now, the echoes of the past few hours settling into the walls like whispers. Sienna stood by the balcony, the ocean breeze caressing her skin as she watched the waves roll endlessly into the shore. The night was thick with emotions—memories rekindled, wounds reopened, and a hesitant hope blooming in the space between her and Ethan.She turned slightly at the sound of footsteps behind her. Ethan, now barefoot, moved with a kind of ease that both comforted and unnerved her. He had always been like that—steady and unshaken, even in the face of uncertainty. But tonight, there was something different in his eyes. Not just longing, not just patience, but an unwavering determination.“I was thinking about our first trip to Italy,” he said, stepping up beside her.She smiled, though it was tinged with nostalgia. “The one where you got us lost in Venice?”Ethan chuckled. “I prefer to think of it as an adventure.”“You refused to ask for directions,” she rem
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 160
**Beneath the Moonlit Sky**The soft sand crunched beneath their feet as Sienna and Ethan walked along the shore, the waves licking at their toes. The night was calm, the sky a vast canvas of stars, and the only sound was the distant hum of the ocean. A gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and something faintly floral, a reminder of the tropical paradise surrounding them.Sienna stole a glance at Ethan. He looked relaxed, his face illuminated by the moon’s glow, a quiet serenity settling over his features. It was a stark contrast to the man she had once known—the one always running, always searching for something beyond his reach.“Do you ever regret it?” she asked suddenly, breaking the silence. “Walking away?”Ethan’s steps slowed, his hand tightening around hers for just a moment before he stopped altogether. He turned to face her, his blue eyes full of something she couldn’t quite place.“I regret hurting you,” he admitted. “I regret the way I handled things. But walking away?
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 159
**A Night of Unspoken Promises** The air between them carried an unspoken weight, a fragile balance between past wounds and the lingering hope of something new. Sienna stood on the balcony, her hands gripping the cool iron railing as she stared out at the endless stretch of ocean. The waves crashed below, whispering secrets only the night could understand. Ethan had finished cleaning up inside. He stepped onto the balcony and leaned against the railing beside her, his presence grounding yet uncertain. They had spent the evening dancing around the past, acknowledging the pain but not quite sure how to move forward. Now, the silence between them was no longer uncomfortable; it was filled with something deeper. “You’re lost in thought again,” Ethan observed, his voice gentle. Sienna let out a quiet laugh. “It’s a habit.” “Maybe it’s time to break it.” She turned to him, studying his profile in the moonlight. His jawline was strong, his eyes searching, filled with something she coul
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 158
**A Night of Unspoken Promises**The night stretched on, filled with unspoken emotions and lingering touches. Sienna lay beside Ethan, her gaze tracing the moonlit patterns on the ceiling. The sound of the waves outside was steady, rhythmic—an unchanging force in a world where everything else felt uncertain.Ethan lay on his side, watching her, his fingers gently tracing circles on the back of her hand. "You’re still thinking too much."She let out a soft chuckle. "I thought you liked that about me."He smiled. "I do. But not when it keeps you from enjoying the moment."Sienna turned her head to meet his gaze. "This... us. It’s not easy, Ethan."His expression softened. "I know." He squeezed her hand. "But I also know we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t worth it."She swallowed, emotions threatening to overwhelm her. How had they ended up here? After all the years of distance, the pain, the heartbreak—how had they found their way back?Ethan brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Tell
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 157
**A Step Closer**Sienna and Ethan stood on the balcony, the night air cool against their skin. The waves crashed below, a rhythmic symphony that matched the unsteady beat of Sienna’s heart. She had spent so long running from this—running from him—but here they were, standing together under the stars.The moment stretched between them, delicate and uncertain. Ethan’s fingers brushed against hers, the smallest of touches, but it sent a shiver up her spine. He had always been able to unravel her with the simplest of gestures.“I meant what I said,” he murmured, his voice barely louder than the wind. “I’ll wait for as long as you need, Sienna.”She swallowed hard, her gaze dropping to where their hands rested on the railing. “And what if I never figure it out?” she whispered. “What if I can’t let go of the past?”Ethan exhaled softly, stepping just a fraction closer. “Then I’ll still be here.”The sincerity in his voice made her chest tighten. It would be so easy to believe him, to let h
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 156
** Waiting for Tomorrow** Sienna leaned against the balcony railing, the cool night air brushing against her skin as she watched the waves crash against the shore. The rhythmic sound was soothing, a steady beat against the uncertainty still lingering in her heart. Inside, she could hear Ethan moving around, cleaning up the remnants of their dinner. She should have insisted on helping, but a part of her knew this was his way of showing he was here—that he wasn’t running from the difficult conversations anymore. She closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. This night had gone differently than she had expected. She had braced herself for tension, for awkward silences, for another moment where they tiptoed around the truth. But Ethan had surprised her. He hadn’t pushed. He hadn’t demanded anything. He had simply been there, patient and unwavering. The sound of footsteps behind her made her open her eyes. She turned slightly as Ethan stepped onto the balcony, hands tucked into his pockets.
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 155
**A Dance with the Past**The night stretched endlessly, the quiet hum of the ocean a soothing melody beneath the stars. Sienna remained on the balcony, her fingers tracing idle patterns along the cool stone railing as she watched the moonlight shimmer over the waves.Inside, she could hear Ethan moving about, the soft clink of dishes and running water as he cleaned up their forgotten dinner. A small smile played on her lips at the thought—Ethan, ever persistent, ever patient.She exhaled slowly, her thoughts tangled between the past and the present. Tonight had been a step forward, a moment carved out of time where she allowed herself to just be—to feel, without the weight of everything that had come before. But could she trust it? Could she trust him?Ethan’s words echoed in her mind. I won’t walk away this time.She wanted to believe that more than anything.The balcony doors opened with a soft creak, and she turned just as Ethan stepped out, a fresh glass of wine in his hand. He h
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 154
**A New Beginning**The night deepened, the soft hum of the ocean filling the quiet villa. Outside, the moon cast silver streaks across the water, shimmering like scattered diamonds. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, lingering between Sienna and Ethan like the last traces of a fading storm.They had spoken of the past, of regrets, of the time they had lost. But now, as the dinner plates sat forgotten on the table and their wine glasses remained half-full, the real question hung between them—what came next?Ethan leaned back in his chair, watching her. “You’re thinking too hard.”Sienna let out a small huff of laughter, running a finger along the rim of her glass. “Can you blame me?”“No,” he admitted. “But you don’t have to overanalyze everything tonight. Let yourself breathe, Sienna.”She looked up at him, her heart squeezing at the tenderness in his voice. “That’s easier said than done.”Ethan reached for her hand again, his grip warm and firm. “Then let’s make it easier. No
