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FORTY-ONE: Things Fall Apart (2)
Last Updated:
2025-02-12 19:40:10
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Tangled Destinies FORTY-TWO: Surprise Surprise (1)
Annabelle slowly stirred, her body warm despite the cool morning air. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt this deeply satisfied, with contentment wrapping around her like a second skin. As she shifted, a slow ache bloomed through her body; a delicious reminder of the night before.She was sore everywhere – her arms, her thighs, her shoulders. For Pete’s sake, she was sore in places she didn’t even know one could get sore in. And it made her want to do it all over again. Her lashes fluttered open, and for a moment, she simply lay there, absorbing the quiet intimacy of the moment. The room was dimly lit with the heavy hotel curtains keeping the morning light at bay even though the sun was already risen. The sheets were tangled around her legs, cool against her skin, but it was the solid weight of the arm slung over her waist that held her still. Andre.The realization sent a ripple of surprise through her. She had expected to wake up al
Last Updated : 2025-02-15Tangled Destinies FORTY-TWO: Surprise Surprise (2)
"I'm in the city," Lila repeated, her voice slightly breathless. "I just got off the train. I—" She paused, then let out a small, self-conscious laugh. "I know it's sudden. But I wanted to let you know before I get to a hotel."Annabelle sat back on the closed toilet lid, pressing her free hand against her forehead. Lila had been in Sea’s Edge just last night. The last time they spoke, she said nothing of wanting to leave and now she was here?"You’re looking for a hotel?" she asked, catching on to that last part."Yeah. I… I didn’t really think this far ahead. I just knew I needed to come back," Lila said. "I’m trying to find a taxi now.""Don’t," Annabelle said immediately. "Don’t get into any taxis. I’ll come pick you up.""You don’t have to—""I will," Annabelle interrupted firmly. "Just wait for me at the station. I’ll start coming now."Lila sighed teasingly but didn&rsq
Last Updated : 2025-02-16Tangled Destinies FORTY-TWO: Surprise Surprise (3)
Annabelle drove through the noisy streets of the city, her hands gripping the wheel a little too tightly. The shock of Lila’s sudden return hadn’t left her system yet. She stole a glance at said woman, who sat in the passenger seat, gazing out of the window with an unreadable expression."You sure about this place?" Annabelle asked, slowing as they neared the discreet hotel Lila had given her directions to.Lila nodded, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. "Yeah. I don’t need anything fancy. Just a place to stay for the night."Annabelle didn’t love the idea of Lila staying in a hotel alone, but she also understood why Lila wouldn’t want to stay at her place. Annabelle herself didn’t want her anywhere near the Robinson mansion, not with James so suddenly interested in wanting to know where Lila was after all this time just because Rachel was no longer an option.Still, Annabelle wasn’t about to let her hand
Last Updated : 2025-02-17Tangled Destinies FORTY-THREE: A Nuisance (1)
Annabelle stepped out of Lila’s hotel room, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. The hallway was dimly lit, the patterned carpet muffling the sound of her footsteps as she made her way toward the elevator. She let out a deep breath, pressing the button and watching the numbers descend. It was only after ten o’clock but it already felt like she had had a long morning, partially because her mind was beginning to think out all the ways Lila’s sudden reappearance could change the ways things were not. Not only with Andre, but also with the family.At least Lila seemed certain about her decision. Annabelle could respect that, even if she wasn’t entirely sure how things would play out. Just before stepping into the elevator, she heard Lila’s voice call after her. “Annabelle!”She turned back, raising an eyebrow as Lila peeked out from the door frame, looking slightly sheepish.“Can you bring me something from Quick Bites when you come back?” Lila asked, naming a fast-food chain t
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Tangled Destinies ONE: The Mistress’s Scheme
Lila Robinson stifled a yawn, the clinking champagne glasses and forced cheer doing little to mask the hollowness she felt inside. She sat at a round table adorned with crisp white linens. Her father-in-law’s victory speech droned on, his words blurring with the hum of the crowd. She glanced at her husband, James, across the table, engaged in animated discussion with his business associates. The celebration was in full swing but Lila felt detached, her mind wandering to the bitter reality of her marriage.Across the table, Rachel, her husband’s mistress sat perched like a peacock. The woman had single-handedly turned Lila’s life into a living nightmare. She and James had been stealing glances at each other throughout the ceremony. Their poorly disguised performance was a public display meant to wound Lila. She absentmindedly stirred her drink, wishing she could leave but social decorum demanded her presence. She was trapped, forced to put on a smiling face for the sake of appearances.
Last Updated : 2024-05-19Tangled Destinies TWO: Walls Closing In
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. Lila’s mouth dropped open in shock. “That’s not true!” she cried, her voice rising. “She fell on purpose!” James’ face contorted with fury. “How could you, Lila?!” he shouted. “She’s pregnant! With MY baby!” Her vision blurred with tears. “James, I swear, I didn’t push her. She did this to herself. She’s lying!” Before James could respond, his father, David Robinson, stepped forward. His commanding presence silenced the room. “Enough!” he barked. “Someone call for an ambulance now.” The room became a blur of movement and noise. Lila felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see James’ mother, Margaret, looking at her with a mixture of pity and accusation. “Lila, dear, why don’t you come with me?” The words were said gently but firmly. As Margaret led her away, Lila looked back to see James cradling Rachel, his face speaking of his anguish. The betrayal cut deep, sharper than any knife. In that moment, Lila realized that her marriag
Last Updated : 2024-05-19Tangled Destinies THREE: Betrayal Unveiled
Lila sank to the cold, unforgiving floor, her body shaking with sobs. She felt utterly alone, trapped in a nightmare she could not escape from. The silence surrounding her increased her fear. She could not understand why this was happening. Had James ordered this? Did he really believe she had tried to kill Rachel?A single flickering bulb above her cast an unsettling glow, highlighting the dust particles dancing in the stale air.Lila’s mind raced with possibilities, each more terrifying that the last. What if Rachel lost the baby and blamed her? What if James divorced her and left her with nothing? The future stretched out before her, bleak and uncertain.She thought of Annabelle, the only person who believed in her innocence. Annabelle would fight for her, she had to. But would her quiet, gentle sister-in-law be able to stand up to the powerful forces standing against Lila? The doubt ate at her, threatening to overwhelm the small hope Annabelle’s support had given her.Lila hugged
Last Updated : 2024-05-21Tangled Destinies FOUR: Cutting Ties
Lila stood in her room, packing her belongings into a worn suitcase. This room had once been a place of comfort, but now it was no longer hers. The divorce papers were signed, and her time in this house was coming to an end.Annabelle was beside her, helping to fold clothes and pack items. She moved with quiet efficiency, but her face was covered in sorrow and guilt. “Lila, I’m so sorry,” Annabelle said, her voice trembling slightly. “I should have done more to stop James from falling for Rachel’s scheme. I should have made him see the truth.”Lila paused and placed a hand on Annabelle’s arm. “Annabelle, you did everything you could. You believed me when no one else did. That’s more than enough.” She sighed. “James made his choice, and Rachel played her cards well. There was nothing more you could have done.”Annabelle shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. “It’s so unfair. You’ve always been good to James. I can’t believe he’s letting Rachel manipulate him like this.”Lila sigh
Last Updated : 2024-05-21
Latest chapter
Tangled Destinies FORTY-THREE: A Nuisance (1)
Annabelle stepped out of Lila’s hotel room, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. The hallway was dimly lit, the patterned carpet muffling the sound of her footsteps as she made her way toward the elevator. She let out a deep breath, pressing the button and watching the numbers descend. It was only after ten o’clock but it already felt like she had had a long morning, partially because her mind was beginning to think out all the ways Lila’s sudden reappearance could change the ways things were not. Not only with Andre, but also with the family.At least Lila seemed certain about her decision. Annabelle could respect that, even if she wasn’t entirely sure how things would play out. Just before stepping into the elevator, she heard Lila’s voice call after her. “Annabelle!”She turned back, raising an eyebrow as Lila peeked out from the door frame, looking slightly sheepish.“Can you bring me something from Quick Bites when you come back?” Lila asked, naming a fast-food chain t
Tangled Destinies FORTY-TWO: Surprise Surprise (3)
Annabelle drove through the noisy streets of the city, her hands gripping the wheel a little too tightly. The shock of Lila’s sudden return hadn’t left her system yet. She stole a glance at said woman, who sat in the passenger seat, gazing out of the window with an unreadable expression."You sure about this place?" Annabelle asked, slowing as they neared the discreet hotel Lila had given her directions to.Lila nodded, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. "Yeah. I don’t need anything fancy. Just a place to stay for the night."Annabelle didn’t love the idea of Lila staying in a hotel alone, but she also understood why Lila wouldn’t want to stay at her place. Annabelle herself didn’t want her anywhere near the Robinson mansion, not with James so suddenly interested in wanting to know where Lila was after all this time just because Rachel was no longer an option.Still, Annabelle wasn’t about to let her hand
Tangled Destinies FORTY-TWO: Surprise Surprise (2)
"I'm in the city," Lila repeated, her voice slightly breathless. "I just got off the train. I—" She paused, then let out a small, self-conscious laugh. "I know it's sudden. But I wanted to let you know before I get to a hotel."Annabelle sat back on the closed toilet lid, pressing her free hand against her forehead. Lila had been in Sea’s Edge just last night. The last time they spoke, she said nothing of wanting to leave and now she was here?"You’re looking for a hotel?" she asked, catching on to that last part."Yeah. I… I didn’t really think this far ahead. I just knew I needed to come back," Lila said. "I’m trying to find a taxi now.""Don’t," Annabelle said immediately. "Don’t get into any taxis. I’ll come pick you up.""You don’t have to—""I will," Annabelle interrupted firmly. "Just wait for me at the station. I’ll start coming now."Lila sighed teasingly but didn&rsq
Tangled Destinies FORTY-TWO: Surprise Surprise (1)
Annabelle slowly stirred, her body warm despite the cool morning air. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt this deeply satisfied, with contentment wrapping around her like a second skin. As she shifted, a slow ache bloomed through her body; a delicious reminder of the night before.She was sore everywhere – her arms, her thighs, her shoulders. For Pete’s sake, she was sore in places she didn’t even know one could get sore in. And it made her want to do it all over again. Her lashes fluttered open, and for a moment, she simply lay there, absorbing the quiet intimacy of the moment. The room was dimly lit with the heavy hotel curtains keeping the morning light at bay even though the sun was already risen. The sheets were tangled around her legs, cool against her skin, but it was the solid weight of the arm slung over her waist that held her still. Andre.The realization sent a ripple of surprise through her. She had expected to wake up al
Tangled Destinies FORTY-ONE: Things Fall Apart (2)
Lila’s fingers trembled as she scribbled a quick note to Marcus, her vision blurred by unshed tears.“I’m sorry, but I need to step out for a break.”She hesitated for a brief second before placing the note where she knew he would see it. As she gathered her things and slipped out of the bookstore, a cool gust of wind brushed against her damp cheeks. The streets of Sea’s Edge were quiet this afternoon, with most of its population at work. She should feel relieved that today was a slow day. Marcus wouldn’t struggle to handle the few customers that trickled in. But relief never came. Only a hollow ache in her chest as her feet carried her down the familiar path back to the cottage.Every step, her mind replayed her conversation with Dominic in excruciating detail.The moment he had asked her if they weren’t enough of a reason for her to fight. The way his expression had hardened. The hurt in his eyes when he realized she was choosing to leave rather than stay and fight for them.She pus
Tangled Destinies FORTY-ONE (1): Things Fall Apart
The scent of fresh paper filled the bookstore as Lila carefully unboxed the latest shipment of books. She placed each book into its designated pile, her movements methodical.A few feet away, Marcus was busy unboxing their new supply of office essentials—staples, pins, and other mundane necessities. Unlike her, he wasn’t as precise in his sorting, carelessly tearing through the tape and letting packing peanuts scatter onto the floor.Lila barely paid him any mind as she reached for another box. It was slightly heavier than the others, and as she peeled away the layers of tape and folded back the cardboard, her eyes landed on something that made her lips curve into a smile.A Canine Musketeers book. Its cover gleamed with an emerald sheen, the illustration playful and inviting. A cartoonish German shepherd stood poised with a sword in its mouth, facing off against a husky, their blades exaggeratedly long and dramatic.Lila swallowed hard. Aaron loved this series. It was the very first
Tangled Destinies FORTY: Accusation! (2)
Annabelle’s brows lifted, unimpressed. She folded her arms and leaned back against her chair. “Wow,” she drawled. “That’s a very serious accusation, James. Do you have any proof, or are we just throwing wild theories around now?”His jaw twitched. “Don’t play games with me. You’re the only one who cared enough about her to help her disappear. You must know something.”Annabelle exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. “You sound paranoid.”James took a step closer. “Don’t do that. Don’t act like I’m crazy.”“You are, though.” She tilted her head, a sharp glint in her eyes. “Because yesterday, you weren’t even asking about Lila. You didn’t care where she was. You weren’t checking in on the so-called search effort. But now, all of a sudden, you’re this devoted ex-husband who’s desperate to find her?”
Tangled Destinies FORTY: Accusations! (1)
After a cold shower in the gym’s locker room, Annabelle towel-dried her hair, taking her time as the icy water’s effect dulled the fire simmering in her belly. She knew it wouldn’t last. Even as she dressed in a fresh set of clothes, her mind wandered. She could have sworn her body was humming. She wasn’t naive to let herself think this was about emotions or romance. No, this was about doing something for Annabelle for once, and not for the company and certainly not for the family.With her hair satisfactorily dry, she left the building, her gym bag hung on her shoulder. Sliding into her car, she pulled out her phone and quickly booked a suite at an upscale hotel. With a few taps and a confirmation email, a suite at the prestigious Meridian was booked.She deliberately chose a neutral setting, somewhere neither nor Andre could claim dominance. If she was going to have this night with him, she wanted it to be free from the weight of their family names, their business interests, their t
Tangled Destinies THIRTY-NINE: Reckless Decisions (2)
Annabelle was the first to pull away, though it took every ounce of willpower she possessed to do so. Her breath came in short, uneven pants, and she could still taste Andre on her lips, still feel the firm press of his body against hers. His hands still rested on her waist, his grip firm, as if he wasn’t quite ready to let go. Maybe that was a hint he thought that she might take back what she'd just done. But Annabelle had no intention of second-guessing herself. Not this time.She placed a hand against his chest, creating a sliver of space between them, but it did nothing to cool the heat simmering in her veins.She swallowed, taking a moment to calm herself before she spoke. “We need to set some ground rules.”Andre’s fingers flexed against her waist, his thumb grazing over the damp fabric of her workout top. “Rules?” he asked. His voice was rougher than usual, less composed. It would be a lie to say she wasn’t secretly delighted in the fact that she had shaken that assured composu
