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CHAPTER 48
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2025-01-25 18:24:59
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Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 49
Audrey's POV I sat in the waiting area in the hospital as I focused my gaze on the ground as I trying to recall what happened in the last few hours. I was still in shock by what the doctor said. Aiden's health has worsen and they they don't even know what to do. Just when I began to sense I might crumble under the burden of my feelings, my phone vibrated. It was Claire. "Hey, bestie, how are you?" she asked with her tone upbeat. I inhaled slowly, attempting to regain my composure. "Claire, I'm in the hospital right now." "Aiden's state has deteriorated." Claire kept mute for some minutes before she finally said something. "What are you trying to say?" Claire asked, her tone tinged with worry. I sensed tears welling up at the edges of my eyes. "The disease has progressed, and the cancer has affected his brain." Claire inhaled sharply. "Oh dear, Audrey." "I apologize sincerely." I sensed a sob building in my throat. "I’m don't know what to do, Claire." "I thought
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 50
Lucas POVI entered the office, searching for Audrey. I had to talk to her about the Johnson account, but I couldn't locate her at all. I walked up to the receptionist, a pleasant lady named Karen. "Hi, Karen, do you know where Audrey is?" Karen glanced away from her computer, a look of worry on her face. "I don't know Mr Lucas, Audrey hurried out of here roughly an hour ago." "She appeared quite concerned." My eyebrows raised in astonishment. "What? Did tell you where she was heading to?" Karen moved her head side to side. "No, she simply picked up her purse and went." "She didn't mention to me where she was heading to." I experienced a twinge of worry. This is not the characteristic of Audrey. She consistently maintained professionalism and adhered to the guidelines. "Has she ever done this before?" I inquired of Karen. Karen tilted her head in agreement. "Indeed, yes." "This is the second time she has hurried out of here unexpectedly." I expressed my gratitude to Karen and
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 51
Lucas POV I entered the office, searching for Audrey. I had to talk about the Johnson's file with her, but I couldn't locate her at all. I chose to call her to check if she could meet. While I dialed her extension, I couldn't shake off a feeling of worry enveloping me. Audrey had been behaving unusually recently, and I was beginning to feel concerned. "Hey Audrey, it’s Lucas," I said as she answered the call. "I need to talk about the Johnson's file with you." "Could you visit my office?" Audrey paused, and for an instant, I feared I had lost the link. "Lucas, I apologize." I'm not feeling too good. "Could we talk about it later?" A wave of worry washed over me. Audrey never took a sick day, and she never appeared so unsure. "Audrey, is everything alright?" "You seem quite troubled." There was a lull, and for an instant, I believed I had crossed a line. "I'm okay, Lucas." "Just a little anxious, that’s it." I had my doubts, yet I chose to let it go. For the time being. "Alright
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 52
Audrey's POV I was sitted in my office working on my task for the day when my phone buzzed with a notification. It was from Lucas and I quickly glanced at it. "Come to my office now.," the message said. I felt a wave of anxiety washed all over me as I thought about what Lucas would possibly want to discuss with me. I had delayed sending him the Johnson's file, and I wished he wouldn't reprimand me for it. I rose from my desk and headed to Lucas's office. While walking, I found myself reflecting on everything I had overlooked recently. I have neglected my work for days now because of Aiden's sickness. I knocked on Lucas door, and he said I should come in. I inhaled deeply and walked in. "Good day, I apologize for not sending you the Johnson's file yesterday," I said, attempting to sound remorseful. Lucas gazed at me, his eyes sharp. "Well, it's fine but that is not the reason why I called you here. I called you here because I wanted to ask you the reason why you did not tell m
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 53
Isabella's POV I remained in my office, boiling with rage and irritation. My scheme to tarnish Audrey's reputation and her connection with Lucas has utterly failed. I mean, instead of breaking them it appeared to have united them the more. I was in disbelief. I was certain that my strategy would succeed. However, it appeared that I had returned to the beginning. I took my phone and called Kendall's number. She responded on the initial ring. "Hey, girl," Kendall remarked, appearing upbeat. "What’s happening?" "Not a lot Kendall," I answered, attempting to appear casual. "I'm just reaching out to find out how things are progressing." Kendall paused briefly before replying. "To be honest, Isabella, things aren't going well." Lucas appears to have understood the situation, and he's not convinced by it." I experienced a wave of frustration and dissatisfaction. "What are you trying to say?" I insisted. I experienced a wave of frustration and disillusionment. "What are you tr
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 54
Audrey's POV The strain between Lucas and me was clear. It hung in the air like a challenge, compelling us to confront it. We had devoted days working together quietly, with the only sounds being our keyboards and the occasional shuffling of papers. I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept returning to Lucas. What made him act so aloof? Did he truly care about Aiden's medical expenses, or was it simply a strategy to get closer to me? As I pondered these questions, Lucas suddenly turned away from his screen and made eye contact with me. For a fleeting moment, we merely looked at each other, the stress lingering in the atmosphere like an electric charge. Following that, Lucas looked to the side, his expression revealing nothing. I experienced a surge of disappointment, questioning whether I had fabricated the connection we shared. The remainder of the day passed in a haze of meetings and conference calls. Lucas and I hardly engaged, with our conversations confined to short,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-27Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 55
Isabella's POVI walked back and forth in my office, my thoughts racing about Audrey and Lucas. I engaged a private investigator to find Audrey and collect details about her, but until now, he had not found anything.I ceased my pacing and grabbed my phone, calling the investigator's number. He picked up on the first ring."Hello, Isabella," he remarked. "I understand you're looking forward to an update, but unfortunately, I don't have a lot to share."I experienced a wave of disappointment and irritation. "What are you trying to say?" I insisted. "You are expected to be the best in the industry."The detective let out a sigh. "I understand, Isabella." However, Audrey is a spirit. She appears to be absent from all places. "No social media accounts, no public documents... it's as if she's deliberately concealing herself."A surge of anger engulfed me. This was not acceptable. I was giving this man a considerable sum to collect information, yet he was producing nothing?"Pay attention,"
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-28Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 56
Isabella's POVI exited Lucas's office, the chilly air of the hallway wrapping around me like a cloak. The meeting with Lucas remained in my thoughts, the feelings intense and unresolved. While I walked, my mind started to clear, directing my attention toward the task before me. I had to talk with Kendall to plan our upcoming step. The entrance to her office stood before me, and I swung it open with a feeling of resolve. I flung the door to Kendall's office open and slammed it shut behind me. Kendall looked up immediately and I could see surprise in her eyes. "What is the problem Isabella?" she asked with so much concern in her voice. I took a deep breath to calm myself down before responding to her. "It's Lucas," I asserted, my voice trembling with rage. "He keeps backing Audrey, no matter what we do." Kendall's face showed uncertainty. "What are you trying to say with that?" she inquired. I walked anxiously in front of her desk, my mind swirling with ideas. "We’ve made every
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-28
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Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 161
Meanwhile, doors swing outward into a corridor of burning neon lights that seethe with maddened intensity.Lucas's bodyguard had captured a group of men attempting to break into the boardroom. They had masks over their faces, but there was one man with a red tie in his hand—a detail which I'd seen in Michael's reports the last two years.I felt sick. "Lucas, is that you?" I stuttered into the receiver, speaking the words out loud.I received only mumbling answers over the phone. My tears began recalling Lucas's vow to stay with me, and I vowed to myself only that I would fulfill the vow to the very core of my soul. Soft knocking on the door of the safe room persisted. My throat had been grabbed and I pushed my ear into the door, pushed the door. "Who is that?" I shrieked, trembling.Low murmuring, soft breathing, "Audrey, I'm here. Open it."I was shocked and didn't want to open it for her. The voice was soothing, yet it wasn't anyone special—I didn't know who it was. My phone beeped
Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 160
Audrey's POVI sat on the railing of our penthouse balcony as the city awakened askew under the wan, uncertain dawn. The sharp morning air did little to placate the storm raging within. Lucas had been so firm last night, so firm that he would shield us. Even now, I could not shake the disquieting fear that Michael's promises were far from over with us. I gripped my phone hard, reliving that anonymous text:"The truth is still hidden. Prepare for what comes next."It resonated within my mind like a curse. I could not help but wonder if it signaled another turn, another betrayal lurking just around the bend.Inside, Lucas walked into the room. His footsteps were measured, every sound sharp in the quiet stillness."They inform us that someone was seen outside the hotel last night—someone with a black hoodie. And now we receive new warnings from the estate."I shivered down my spine. "Do you think Michael's men have come back?"Lucas shifted his head slowly. "I don't know, but we must pre
Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 159
Audrey's POVI sat quietly in our penthouse as the aftershocks of the boardroom battle slowly faded from my mind. The adrenaline high was gone, but my heart thudded angrily against the walls of my chest. The phrases Lucas uttered during the meeting still lingered in my mind, every sentence a mix of pain and protest. I could not shake the threat of Michael as well as the uncertain future that lay in wait for me.I gazed out the window at city lights burning below like false promises. The silence was heavy with my own hope and fear. I didn't know if our love, hard-won, could even shield us from the forces of darkness on the horizon.Lucas entered the room quietly. He sat with me on the old creaky sofa, his hand extended for mine. I felt his heat, comfortable and strong, and all was right in the world for that moment. But that moment was like glass.Audrey, he started, his voice barely above a whisper, "I couldn't help but wonder what Michael had said. I think he's got other ideas for us
Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 158
Audrey's POVThe sun was up in the sky, but its light was miles away from me. My heartpounding as I remained there in the quiet of our bedroom, still warm from last night on my body. Lucas slept beside me, his even breathing a reminder of how much I longed for peace. But as I looked at him, doubt consumed me. I stood up quietly, not to disturb him, and moved towards the window. The ocean sparkled below me, endless and merciless. I looked around warily—someone was there. Within seconds, my world was turned right-side up. Lucas stood before me to take another step, his eyes taut with urgency. "Audrey, we must leave—now!" he commanded, his voice firm and gentle simultaneously.Guards let out low commands of warning as security cameras tracked our every step. I could sense a tempest building—a tempest that would tear all we'd built apart.In the car outside, Lucas's grip on my hand was tight, knuckles white. "Something has happened," he breathed rapidly. "The board… they're having an eme
Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 157
Audrey's POVThe soft roll of the ocean was ringing in my head as I sat with Lucas on scorched sand. Blazing kisses and blazing vows had set the night ablaze, but now there was some unhappiness within me that churned a storm within, thudding my heart with an arrhythmic beat.Lucas had his arm across my shoulders and looked up at the moon that hovered above a sea that withdrew from it."Sometimes I think we can really leave it all behind," I told myself more than anything else. A tug in the heart—a mixture of hope and fear—warned me the peace was only temporary.I barely got the next word out before my cell phone rang in my hand. I answered it in hope. On the screen, a new message from an unknown number:"You can hide in love, but secrets always come to the surface."My gut roiled over, and I looked up as Lucas's eyes began filling with fear. "What did it say?" he snarled, his voice harsh but uncertain.I wrapped my hand around the paper into a fist, breathing nearly silently. "It says
Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 156
Audrey’s POVSea salt surrounded me as I walked along the beach of the private island, my feet sunk in the warm golden sand. Blue waves caressed softly, like the kiss of a lover. Everything was so calm, so like a dream—a false guarantee of the next storm. Lucas? Not even close to being calm. He was a couple of feet off, looking at me with that infuriatingly smug grin, his top half-shirt open, the golden sheen of the setting sun on his chiseled chest. He had something concealed behind his back."What are you hiding?”"So impatient. Aren't surprises supposed to be fun?I folded my arms. "Not if you're the one who does the surprising." Lucas flashed a smile and moved in on me, gradual and deliberate, the type of pace that got my heart skipping a beat faster. "You hurt me, Audrey. Suppose I told you it was a gift? Something that I specifically picked out just for you?"My gaze flew down to his hands, but he quickly moved to fold them behind his back again. "Lucas," I cautioned."Oh, you c
Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 155
Audrey's POVLucas didn't move. Because he knew. I stepped forward carefully. "Yes, I do." I took another step forward. "What do you want, Isabella?" She laughed. I breathed in. She was furious, out-of-rhythm. One misstep, and this would end in blood.Lucas stepped forward with me. "Isabella, listen— She shoved the gun into Lucas. Her face twisted in rage. "Say it." He looked at her. "I never loved you." A scream was torn from her body. "You liar." And she turned on me. I had no chance to defend myself before she fired. Bang. Lucas caught me before I hit the ground. "Audrey!" His voice frantic, his hands on my wound.Isabella smiled. "See? Now we're even." And then, before anyone could stand up and take her— She put the gun to her head. Lucas strained. "No—" Bang. Her body crumpled to the ground. Silence. The world ended. I felt the thudding of my own heartbeat, racing. Lucas was trembling, with me in his arms. Then there were voices. Guards rushing in. Somebody called for an ambula
Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 154
Audrey's POVIt was to be a calm night.But calm was something we still needed to learn.Lucas had me wrapped around him, hugging me, as we lay on the bed, his arm wrapped around my waist to stop me from squirming. His body heat was not intended to soothe me, but the grip in my chest would not ease up. Something was amiss.I was in bed, staring up at the ceiling with my mind elsewhere. I couldn't sleep with her face in front of me, her own face contorted in anger. We might have been physically out of the room or not, but we weren't finished with her section yet.And desperate people, if there was one thing that I had learned so far, weren't to be underestimated. Lucas rolled onto his side next to me, his gentle kiss following the line of my shoulder."I cannot sleep. My mind will not rest."His eyes grew softer. "Tell me." I hesitated. "What if she comes back? What if she has something much worse planned?"Lucas drew in a breath, pushing back my hair with his fingers. "She won't hurt
Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets CHAPTER 153
Audrey's POV I trembled in fear as Lucas's words hit me. "Isabella." I knew she would never let us be. That woman was never bad, but now? Now, she had crossed a line that I wasn't sure she could ever turn back from. I grasped the sheets, struggling for breath. "She was scheming with him? The hoodie guy?" Lucas brushed his hand through his hair, his teeth clenched. "Security cameras filmed her entering the hotel with me. They were careful, but not careful enough." Anger and fear fought for dominance within me. Isabella had already done as much as she was capable of ruining me—to accuse me, shame me, try to destroy me. Now she's involved with my son. That was unacceptable. Lucas's eyes grew darker as if he could see directly into my mind. Not you, not Aiden.” His fists tensed in my arms. "You won't have to.". Lucas Kent was done playing games. I shut the TV down quietly. Aiden had padded into the doorway, in pajamas, and scrubbed at his eyes. "Mommy?" I scooped him up and hel
