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14: The Lunch Trap
Last Updated:
2024-11-27 20:50:01
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[Lincoln] I place my hand behind her head to stop it from colliding with the wall, my fingers brushing against her soft hair. Her body instantly softens against me, her tension melting away, and my lips quirk up at the reaction I can’t help but notice. "What are you doing?" she whisper-yells, her voice barely audible, her eyes wide as they roam over my features, searching for answers. Her breath catches as our gazes lock. My eyes trail to her lips, and I swallow, trying to push down the sudden urge to close the space between us. "Lincoln, what are you doing here?!" a shrill voice shrieks from behind, snapping the moment in two. I smirk, knowing my plan has worked perfectly. Bingo. Standing up, my arms still securely wrapped around Arella’s waist, I turn to face the source of the interruption. "I told you I was on a lunch date, Ms. Clara," I say smoothly, my tone laced with deliberate amusement. She humphs, stomping her feet, her face flushing with disbelief. "But–bu
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[Arella] "See you tomorrow, Sasha," I say, waving as I step into the cool evening air. The breeze brushes against my skin, carrying the faint scent of freshly cut grass from the nearby park. "Okay, girl. Bye!" she replies, her voice fading into the noise of distant car horns. I turn back to grab my bag from the counter inside the venue. The faint hum of fluorescent lights buzzes overhead, and the scent of cleaning chemicals lingers faintly in the air. It's been another long day at the gala venue. The event is only a week away, yet so much still feels incomplete. No matter how much effort I put in, progress always feels just out of reach. My thoughts are cut short as my ankle catches on something, and I tumble to the cold, hard ground. A sharp sting shoots through my palms as they scrape the tiled floor. My stomach churns with embarrassment, and I suddenly feel like I might throw up my afternoon sandwich. Cursing my absentmindedness, I push myself up. "You see
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[Arella] He smirks, his gaze lingering on me far too long, making my skin crawl. Does he ever get tired of being creepy? “Come on now, I’m just being friendly. C’mon, hop in. I’ll drop you ladies off.” I feel the heat rising in my chest, the irritation boiling over. Friendly? More like persistent and unwanted. "You need to leave, Frank. Don’t think I don’t know you’ve been following me around—stalking me. Let me warn you now, lay off, or you won’t like the consequences." He freezes, then lets out a dark chuckle, his eyes flashing with a mix of amusement and arrogance. “Stalk you? Deric was right, you’re just a delusional fool,” he says, rolling up his window with a finality that makes my blood boil. Right. Blame me for noticing your obvious lurking. Classic. Without another word, he drives off, leaving us standing there. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, the tension in my shoulders slowly easing. Turning to Ava, I notice her eyes, dark and intense, staring at
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[Arella]Touching up the last bits of makeup, I smooth a hand over my dress, the sapphire color catching the warm glow of the overhead lights. The fabric hugs my frame, and its rich color compliments my skin perfectly. My hand pauses at my tummy. A life is growing inside me. Pregnant.I'm really pregnant, and this isn't some kind of dream.The thought settles over me like a heavy blanket—both comforting and suffocating. Feeling my eyes sting, I blink rapidly, forcing down that strange mixture of joy and sadness. I can’t afford to mess this up, not with Deric and Vivian waiting for any excuse to trample on me.The quietness of the back room is broken by the creak of the door. Through the mirror, I catch Sasha’s reflection as she steps in, the gentle sway of her identical sapphire dress mirroring mine. We’re the planners, after all."When were you going to tell me that you're dating Lincoln Sawyer?"I freeze, my heart thudding loudly, as if the truth were pounding to escape. Turning t
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[Lincoln] "Right this way, Mr. Sawyer. I'm glad you could make it," Deric says, gesturing toward the grand entrance of the venue. The air inside is warm, heavy with the mingling scents of cologne, champagne, and freshly polished wood. I nod and step in, frustration simmering beneath the surface. I wouldn’t have been here if it wasn’t for Mr. Thompson agreeing to meet on ‘fair grounds.’ Not exactly sure what that means, but here I am. "Hi, I’m Vivian, Deric’s girlfriend," a woman in a short black dress says, extending her hand with a practiced innocent looking smile. So, she’s the one Deric abandoned Arella for. Her eyes are too wide, her smile too bright and calculating. Her mask doesn’t fool me—I can see it all, every crack beneath her polished “pure” exterior, makes me wonder how full of a man Deric actually is to fall for this act. "Yes, she’s my loving girlfriend," Deric adds quickly when I don’t take her hand, his voice faltering just slightly. "You left Arella f
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[Arella]Every thought evaporates from my mind as I take his hand. Lincoln leads me to the dance floor, the smooth, soft music wrapping around us like a velvet ribbon. The scent of fresh flowers and expensive cologne lingers in the air.Chandeliers above cast a golden glow over everything, but it all fades into the background as he looks at me."You’ve been avoiding me, Arella," he says, his voice low and probing. The words send a shiver down my spine. I feel myself freeze, the warmth of his hand on mine holding me in place."N-no, it’s not like that," I stammer, my voice barely audible over the hum of the music. "I’ve just been… busy.""If that’s the case, then why aren’t you looking at me?"His words pierce through me. My eyes snap to his, and the way he looks at me—it’s just so… intense, so searching, like he’s seeing every secret I’ve tried to hide. My breath catches. The soft light gleams off his sharp jawline, and his presence feels like a cocoon, shutting out everything else
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[Arella]The stain is horrendous—huge, red, and blotchy. Knowing how Vivian is, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’d mixed red paint together with the wine. It’s a ridiculous thought, I know, but it’s Vivian after all.I can’t go out in this anymore.Searching around for the sundress I wore before changing into this, I don’t find it. Frustration prickles at my skin as I grab my phone and dial Sasha, hoping she’ll come help.Before the call connects, the door swings open suddenly, and I’m startled.My blood freezes.It’s Frank."What are you doing here?" I demand, my voice trembling despite my attempt to sound firm.Frank smirks, his eyes hazy, and the stench of alcohol hits me like a wave. He’s drunk."I told you to watch your back," he slurs, stepping closer.My heart begins thumping loudly, a heavy drumbeat that drowns out everything else. I back away instinctively. "What are you trying to do? Don’t come closer, or I’ll scream!"He giggles—a high-pitched, unnerving sound, like a child
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10 Minutes Earlier[Lincoln]I watch Arella walk away, her figure disappearing into the crowd. My jaw tightens as I turn my cold gaze back to Deric and Vivian, glaring particularly at her. She’d be stupid if she thinks we believed her excuse about the spill not being on purpose.Deric clears his throat, his expression carefully neutral, and gives me a smile. "Mr. Sawyer, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about the big oil merge coming up. You see, the last time we spoke abou—""Sir," Janet’s voice interrupts from beside me, cutting Deric off. Her tone is crisp, urgent. "Mr. Thompson is already here. I didn’t want to interrupt your dance, but he is getting crankier by the second."I stiffen, my frustration barely contained. The reminder of why I even attended this pointless gala claws at my mind. Business obligations always come first."Where is he now?""In one of the lounges, sir."I follow her lead, my steps brisk, past the clinking glasses and murmured conversations. We enter a q
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[Arella]Twenty minutes earlier.Pushing open the car door, the acrid smell of smoke fills my nostrils. My legs tremble beneath me, shaky and unsteady, as I step out into the chaos. A dull ache pulses in my head like a relentless drumbeat. The driver exits too, a small gash on his forehead oozing blood. Relief floods me as I see he’s otherwise unharmed.“Madam, are you okay?” His voice is frantic, his eyes wide with panic.“Yes, yes, I’m fine. The car?” I mutter, brushing off his worry as I briskly approach our vehicle.Our car seems almost untouched, only minor scrapes visible. But the other car... it’s a crumpled wreck, metal twisted and mangled as if it were paper. The stark contrast makes my stomach churn.A cough breaks through the heavy silence, dragging my attention to the smashed vehicle. Then it hits me—there are people in there.“There are people inside!” I yell, panic lacing my voice as I race toward the wreckage. My driver hurries behind me, and together we struggle to pry
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 80 Accident
The whole feel of Sawyer estate changes as soon as my car pulls up to the curb. The air feels thicker here, a stale, heavy weight pressing down like it's been waiting for me. My long, heavy steps echo through the quiet, each one carrying me closer to what feels like an inevitable confrontation. I barely nod at the staff's greetings, too focused, too restless, as I make my way upstairs. My mind races, an angry storm brewing inside me.I turn quickly at the top of the stairs, pushing open the door with little care. The heavy wood groans in protest."S-sir," the Albert stutters, his voice high-pitched with anxiety. He’s startled, practically jumping out of his skin, when I push open the inner tea room. The sound of the tray he’s holding crashing to the floor."Where's she?" I growl at him and he looks back up at me, stunned."Don't act fucking dumb today, Albert. Open that door."My voice comes out cold, too calm for the anger that roils under the surface. I want to choke the life out o
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 79: Crashed
[Arella]"What's wrong?" Lincoln pulls me closer, his strong arms encircling me like a fortress. My head finds solace against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat grounding me."She's getting better, Linc. She's actually getting better." My voice cracks with emotion, and my fingers clutch at his shirt as if holding onto this moment will make it last forever.I feel his smile, warm and reassuring, as his jaw rests gently on my forehead."Is that why you're crying?" he asks softly, his deep voice laced with curiosity and a hint of amusement.A small laugh escapes my lips, shaky and tear-streaked, as I lift my head. "It's the damn pregnancy hormones. I'm actually very happy. Too happy." I sniffle, swiping at my cheeks, embarrassed but too overcome to care."You're adorable," he says, his eyes glimmering with an emotion so intense it steals my breath.Heat floods my cheeks, and I look away, suddenly self-conscious under his gaze. Why does he always manage to look at me like I’m t
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 78: A Cosy Morning
[Arella] "Ouch!" My yelp is instant as the burning sensation spreads through my finger, sharp and biting. The sting blooms, leaving a fiery trail across my skin. My thumb immediately finds my lips, and I nibble on it, desperate to soothe the hot pain. Tears prickle at the corners of my eyes, but I blink them back, annoyed at my clumsiness. "Ella, what's wrong?" Lincoln’s voice calls out. He’s by my side in an instant, his large hands gripping my shoulders and cradling my face. His sharp, honey brown eyes dart over me, searching worriedly. "Are you okay? Are you fine?" His concern is so raw, so palpable, that it cracks my heart a little. The kitchen, with its warm lighting and faint aroma of bacon, feels suddenly stifling under his intense worry. I turn off the stove with and face him, cupping his cheeks. A chuckle escapes me, soft but genuine. "I'm fine, Linc. Just a little scalding here and there." "Are you sure?" he presses, his brows knitting tightly. He takes my ha
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 77: Anger? Pain? Jealousy?
"Yes, you did all that!" Vivian yells, her voice cracking, then clenches my shirt tightly, her knuckles turning white. There’s a slightly crazed look in her eyes, a mix of desperation and something darker that makes my stomach twist. "Remember what you t-told me. Remember what you promised, Deric! You can only be with me, okay? Please… please don't go back to her. I can't live without you. I won't!" Her chest heaves, rising and falling so fast it looks like she might collapse any second."It's okay, Vivi. Come here."I pull her against me, her trembling body fitting awkwardly against mine. My mind flashes back to the crazed look in her eyes, and a shiver skates down my spine. That look… it clings to me, like an unwanted ghost in the back of my head."Nothing of that sort will happen," I say, forcing my voice to stay even. "I'm all yours, okay? Just yours."She sniffles, her tears soaking into my chest like raindrops on parched earth. For the first time, irritation sparks somewhere
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 76: Remember anything?
[Deric]“What do you mean by he’s having flashbacks?”“Yes, ma’am, that can be the only reason behind his violent behavior.”“What can I do to...you know, stop them?”Their words blur together, echoing like a distant hum in my ears. The pounding in my head grows unbearable, each throb feeling like a hammer against my skull. My chest feels heavy, like someone is sitting on it, as I fight to pull myself back to consciousness.A sliver of light seeps through my eyelids. I force them open, but the brightness sends sharp pain shooting through my temples.“Ow, fuck.” My voice comes out hoarse, barely above a whisper.“Deric!”Vivian’s voice rings out, sharp and frantic, cutting through the haze. I hear the rustle of hurried footsteps before her hands grip my arms, warm and trembling. She pulls me up gently, her scent, vanilla and cherries, wafting into my nose.“What happened to me?” I manage to rasp, blinking at her blurry figure. Her face freezes, the usual softness in her features replac
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 75: Awake
[Lincoln]“C'mon, Ella, open your eyes,” I plead, shaking her slightly. My voice cracks, betraying the panic clawing at my chest. Her face is so pale, so unnervingly still, I almost feel like I’m holding a lifeless doll.“Drive faster!” My voice thunders, raw with urgency, urging the driver on. The air in the car feels suffocating, thick with tension and the metallic scent of blood. My hands tremble as I cradle her closer.She’s bleeding. She’s fucking bleeding! What had they done to her?My mind is a whirlwind, flashing back to the vision of her in Deric’s arms. My blood boils in my veins, rage simmering just below the surface. What had they planned? What the hell kind of sick game were they playing?Gritting my teeth, I whisper more to myself than to her, “C'mon, Ella, stay with me.”Her head lolls against my chest, her warmth slipping away by the second. A small part of me is screaming that I’m losing her, and that terrifies me more than I’ll ever admit.“You’ll be fine, Ella. You’
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 74: Public Humiliation
[Arella]My blurry gaze shifts to the man storming toward us, his sharp footsteps echoing in the tense atmosphere. His expression is thunderous, a storm of rage written on his face. Not just any man, but… Deric Smith? You've got to be kidding me.For a second, I’m too stunned to move. The scent of spilled soup mingles with the faint aroma of soy sauce from nearby tables. My wet hair clings to my face, soup trickling down my neck, adding to my humiliation.His eyes don’t meet mine; they’re laser-focused on Lincoln’s grandmother, burning with fury."Why the fuck would you do that to her?" he yells, his voice slicing through the air like a blade. Heads turn at the commotion. I feel the weight of their stares, making the heat on my cheeks even worse.Lincoln’s grandmother freezes, her lips parting in surprise before she recovers with a smirk. She turns her sharp gaze back to me, her smile venomous."Is this one of your lackeys?" she sneers.I want to retort, but my throat tightens. Before
