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A Kiss of Deceit
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2024-11-24 09:39:26Related chapters
The Crimson Trail of Death A Stranger in the Night
My face paled as he retreated, with more applause echoing loudly. I released his grasp on me after leaving the party as I made my way to the hall.What was that? What did he just do back there?My mind was left with many questions, which only seemed to be answered by the silence that echoed after.A disoriented feeling washed over me as I entered my room, my mind still reeling from the incident."Why did you leave the party--" Adrian rushed in as I watched him enter the room.My gaze shifted as they remained fixed on his. "What was that at the party, Adrian?""What do you mean?" he questioned."I mean the—the kiss..." I muttered, and then I watched his presence only grow closer by the mention."Yea, what about that?""What do you mean, what about that? We both know this isn't a real marriage...""Yeah, but we have to make them believe it is for this to work right," he said."That doesn't mean you can have your way with me."His hand came to rest gently on the wall, and I found myself
Last Updated : 2024-11-24The Crimson Trail of Death Blood Stained
"Who do you think you are, and what do you think you're doing here?" I questioned, jolting up from the bed, my gaze still fixed on the stranger as he smirked.I had no idea who he was or how he ended up here, but one thing I could tell was that he was surely drunk."Please leave my room now!" I uttered, pointing my hands at the doorstep. I watched his eyes flicker at my room door before returning to me with a chuckle as he stood up from the bed, his legs almost stumbling."I should leave?" he questioned in a whisper."Please leave," I reiterated, hoping he would understand my words and leave. Yet I couldn't help but notice his legs approaching me further instead."Hey, stay back!" I yelled, leaving a warning. But that did little as I watched a smirk light up on his lips.He was surely not going to leave the room, that I could see. The only option I saw was to leave the room myself, at least away from this stranger, even if it meant returning to the party."What are you thinking, baby?
Last Updated : 2024-11-25The Crimson Trail of Death Tension and Games
[Adrian's POV]I felt her gaze on me as I treated the bruises on her skin, returning the first aid kit after."Try to get some rest now. I will handle everything; don't worry," I said, leaving the room after. I made my way outside the mansion, walking to the courtyard. I grabbed a shotgun in a swift mode, aiming it as I shot without blinking.But yet, that did little to calm me down."I thought you didn't like hunting," a voice caught my attention, and my eyes landed on Uncle Gavin approaching me."I still don't; I just need something to calm my anger down a bit," I said, releasing another shot."I know you must be angry about what Lucas did to Sierra. I mean, I stood quite shocked to know he could even think of such a thing and try it here in Marc's mansion. It was a death-welcoming for him," Uncle Gavin said."I am not angry because of what he did to Sierra, Uncle Gavin," I said, watching an exclaimed look on Uncle Gavin's face. "Wait, why are you angry then?" he questioned."I foun
Last Updated : 2024-11-25The Crimson Trail of Death Behind the Mask
Elena and I had been friends right when my dad had brought me and my brother here to stay with my uncle. Those days were when I would sneak out of the mansion, tired of the cruel acts, only to bump into Elena one day at the doorstep."Dad just killed Mom," she kept on mumbling at our mansion doorstep.Elena's dad was a drug lord, feared in his territory, but yet, all knew he was no match for Uncle Marc's and still showed respect whenever around him.Her dad killing her mom was a sight I knew she could possibly find hard to forget. I had to help her out of it while also trying to help my weak brother, who now thinks he's the great one.Each day, she would wake up screaming like hell. I guess she wasn't used to the real world back then. All I could remember last was her traveling out of the country to go stay with her mom's family. Well, that was what Uncle Marc's said.But yet, it stood shocking to gaze upon her today after the many years, and yet it feels like it hadn't been that long
Last Updated : 2024-11-26The Crimson Trail of Death Betrayal and Retribution
[Dominic's POV]Walking through the hall, my ears caught a buzz, and I pulled out my phone. My gaze landed on the caller ID; it was Nate. Why could he be calling me? Was something up with the club? Well, I hoped it wasn't anything too serious. I didn't leave him in charge for nothing.I picked up the call. "What happened, Nate? Why are you calling?" I questioned, hoping to get straight to the point."Well, I'm sorry that I didn't inform you about this before, boss, but there has been an issue lately," he said."Issue? What issue, Nate?" My brow raised, anticipating his response."Well, there have been four breaches in the contracts and two escapes lately," he explained."What?!" I yelled, trying to maintain my calm demeanor afterward. "I'm sorry, boss. One of the workers killed a client, two drugged a client, and two more escaped after figuring out some of our dealings," Nate continued."What do you mean, Nate? Can't you handle things with me being away for a few days?" I demanded."I
Last Updated : 2024-11-27The Crimson Trail of Death The Devil's Legacy
[Sierra's POV]I stepped out of the bathroom after washing my face from the bloodstains. I found it hard to rest my head; my mind was still reeling from the incident that just occurred. I could tell from the silence that echoed around that the party had ended and everyone had left the mansion. Well, that was expected, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that he would kill his own nephew just like that, in a single shot. His eyes showed no remorse for it. They were truly all devils known by their name, and such wouldn't hesitate to kill a common stranger.I should really be careful from now on. It seems keeping a low profile would have to stay much longer if I wanted to leave to carry out my revenge. I can't let him find out that I am after Dominic and that the marriage between Adrian and I is just a contract marriage. I can't imagine what he would do after finding out.My ears caught a knock on my door, which jolted me up from the bed. "Who's there?" I questioned, receiving no answer
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Crimson Trail of Death Fractured Bonds
My ears grasp on a whisper, which was louder, as a bump on the mansion entrance door caught my attention, and my eyes landed on Adrian, brought in by one of the helpers."Please, be careful, sir," she uttered, trying to maintain his staggering manner. From his darting legs and mumbling words, I could tell that he was drunk."Oh, my Adrian!" A yell escaped as I watched a hand on Adrian push the helper away. "I can take him in myself." My gaze landed on the same girl who had bumped into me at the party, the same one who called herself his friend—Elena, or what was her name again?But then her heel slipped, landing on the couch afterward with her shutting up immediately.But why was she still in the mansion? The party had ended, and everyone had left. I could tell they both had too much to drink. He had stopped me from drinking at the party, claiming the ideal wife stuff, but he was allowed to do what he liked, limiting my own choices."Hey, what are you thinking?" A snap drew my attenti
Last Updated : 2024-11-29The Crimson Trail of Death Faded Memories and Unspoken Truths
[Adrian's POV]Chuckles echoed loudly; my vision blurred from it all—two men arguing, or were there three? No, four..."I shall expose you and your brother; your whole family shall burn to ashes, Victor.""You don't have to do this, Mr. Patrick Elias. Stay out of all this and look after your precious family," I heard my father say.A painful slice slammed through my brain, causing my eyes to jolt open. I found myself in my room, confused about what had happened yesterday. The last thing I could remember was going to get some drinks. No, wait... I remembered entering the mansion."But why does my head hurt so much? I mean, I was quite used to drinking, except... could she--" I whispered, murmuring to myself, trying to put things together. My only thought was of Elena and the guess that she mixed my drinks with some pills.I stood up from the bed after, hoping to question her as I opened my room door, only to feel a pulse on me as my eyes caught sight of Elena already at my room doorstep
Last Updated : 2024-11-29
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The Crimson Trail of Death Bound by Duty
[Sierra's POV]I watched as the maids decorated each side of the wall. I had just asked some of the maids about what the whole decoration was for, but their answers left me stunned. This was all for the ceremony that takes place after a new Sohoe is named. That's me... Wait, so the De Santos families would be on their way as expected.It seems my days are already counting themselves. But one thing was staring at me: how long was I going to stay hidden from Adrian's sight? I wasn't the one who chose all this, and how can I be the Sohoe? We are not truly married, and in a year, all this would be over. What am I really going to do?Managing a few steps, I made my way to my room, hoping to enter, but the voice that echoed inside caused me to halt. I heard Adrian's voice:"Coming here to Los Angeles was a big mistake in the first place. All I wanted was the property, but why does Uncle Marc have to make things so hard for me? First was the marriage party, and now this... If Sierra is made
The Crimson Trail of Death The Gathering Storm
"What are you doing here, Caleb?" I asked, my gaze fixed on his as they narrowed."What do you mean? What am I doing here, dear cousin? I heard the news and decided to drop by since I was close. It seems I came at the right time.""Leave now, Caleb. Nobody wants you here, and you don't want to get on my..." I began, but he cut in."I don't want what, cousin?" He stepped closer, his eyes unwavering.This wasn't the right place to pick a fight against him, but if he tried anything or planned anything to harm Adrian, I would surely put some bullets in his damn skull. For now, I had to keep my cool. I looked around the mansion, watching the maids decorate each corner. What was happening?"Know your place, Caleb, and don't try anything funny..." I warned, leaving his side and stepping out of the mansion, only to catch sight of Uncle Gavin standing outside, staring at some of the maids who were also decorating the outside walls of the mansion.I approached his side, breaking the silence tha
The Crimson Trail of Death Burning Questions
[Dominic POV]"Fuck this!" I snapped, smashing some glass. All this shouldn't really be happening. Why would Uncle Marc just create such a mess out of this? As usual, Adrian reacted impulsively, but thankfully, he withdrew before he did anything stupid that might have ended with him dead."But what was Adrian wife doing, staring like that? She must be enjoying this, right? I'm sure she must be. What if that's what she wanted? I mean, she's an enemy. What if she was sent here as poison to break the great De Santos family? I honestly have to figure out everything about her—who she was and every single detail. I just..." My voice trailed off as something hit me—Adrian's last words. So her name was Sierra?"Wait, I've heard that before. But where? Where did I... Wait, Nate? He mentioned her. It can't be right. If it was her, Nate would have surely informed me about that already. I mean, he wouldn't dare hide such a thing from me. Even so, I doubt that was her. It can't be. I have to figur
The Crimson Trail of Death A House Divided
My eyes caught sight of two men walking in after. They stood beside Adrian, one armed with a shotgun.“Who dares to call my name in such a tone?” Marc made his way toward Adrian. “Oh, it's you.”“Why, Uncle Marc? Why would you do such a thing? Tell me it’s a lie. How could you make my wife... How could you make Sierra the next Sohoe of the De Santos family without even caring to consult me first?” Adrian sneered as the old man let out a slight chuckle. “Consulting you? I decide what goes on in this mansion. All is based on my rules, or do you plan to go against them?”I watched their eyes locked on each other, reminding me of the same scene, the same aura that left Dominic's side after walking into the room back then, confronting Marc.“And I am her husband, Uncle. She is my wife, and therefore, I own all the rights to know.” Adrian uttered, causing me to scoff at his words.“Husband?” But yeah, I guess things had to be taken this way.“Stop this now, Adrian,” I heard Dominic cut in,
The Crimson Trail of Death The Sohoe's Secret
[Sierra's POV]In a blink, I felt a grasp on my wrist as he whisked me into his room, scanning the passage before shutting the door after us.“What are you doing here, Sierra? Don’t you know how dangerous it is if you are seen here? You could have both of us killed!” he sneered.But I had my reasons. I knew it was risky meeting up with him, especially here in the mansion. I had no other choice; I needed answers, and he seemed like the only one I saw that I could get some from.“What is a Sohoe, Nate?” I questioned.“What? What do you mean by a Sohoe? I know nothing of such! Now leave, Sierra; you must not be seen here with me.” he uttered.“Just answer me, Nate. I deserve answers, Nate. I deserve them all.”“Fine. A Sohoe, from what I have heard so far, is a title given to the women in the De Santos family. Only one is chosen for such a title, and the tradition has gone on in their family for many years,” He explained, but I needed more information than the little he had just told me.
The Crimson Trail of Death A Drunken Confession
[Adrian’s POV]“Come on, Adrian, let’s dance,” Elena said, leading me to the dance floor.I found myself swaying with her as we danced at one of her friends' events. Yet, I couldn’t shake off the words of the stranger who called me back then. I still needed to know who he was.“What happened, Adrian? Anything wrong?” Elena asked, snapping me out of my thoughts as her gaze met mine. I forced a smile. “Nothing, Elena. Let’s dance,” I replied.This was something I would have to handle myself and see if it was truly Dominic who plotted this or if it was just a sham from one of our enemies. One way or another, I would make sure to beat them at their own game and show them that I am not as weak as they perceive me to be.“So tell me, Elena, any further plans?” I asked, trying to let go of my thoughts for the moment. For now, I needed to help Elena forget her past life and create new memories.“My plan?” she questioned.“Yeah, you mentioned planning to settle here for the meantime. I just wa
The Crimson Trail of Death A Threat of Legacy
[Dominic's POV]"Why did you make her the new Sohoe, Uncle Marc? Why?" I questioned, but all I received from him were those darkening glares. I couldn't deny the fear that coursed through me. Yet, should I say I was disappointed in the same person I considered a powerful man who still left terror in his wake? Someone I wanted to surpass in power and reach greater heights than he ever did. How could he make Adrian's wife the new head of the De Santos family? How could he take such a drastic step without informing me, Adrian, or any of the other families? This was a matter that held every one of our concerns."I owe you no explanation, Dominic. She is the new Sohoe, and that's final. Understand?" he declared, yet my gaze remained unwavering. This was a death wish, I knew. He could have me killed at any moment. Even though I had the power and connections, I was in his territory, and that was something I couldn't deny. This was something I couldn't just take lightly. I held some suspicion
The Crimson Trail of Death Seeking Answers
"It's okay, Dominic. Let's go out and have a talk," Uncle Gavin interjected, standing up. As Marc turned and left the room, followed by Uncle Gavin. I noticed Dominic's gaze still fixed on me, with raised brows before finally leaving.As I found myself alone in the room, I released a sigh. Even with all that Uncle Gavin had said, I had no idea what this was all about and why I was chosen as the new Sohoe. I wasn't even a daughter-in-law of their blood-stained family. This was just a contract, and I would never be such in the first place. This place had always been hell for me, with every single day passing by, and it seemed this hell was increasing even more.I was quite sure Adrian would have heard of it and was possibly on his way back. A reminder of the questions he had thrown at me when I came back this morning.But honestly, what should I do now? Even though I had no idea about this Sohoe thing, I could tell it was a big issue and one that would draw many eyes to me. Nate turned
The Crimson Trail of Death Awakening to Darkness
[Sierra's POV]"Is she going to be alright?" whispers reached my ears as my eyes sprung open, only to find myself lying on the bed. I tried to stand up and give the room a proper scan. Pain shot through me, coursing through my veins, leaving me numb. My gaze landed on my already bandaged right hand. It hit me then - the scene with that crazy old man, his actions. Why did he do that? And what was he blubbering on about?A 'Sohoe'... I cared less about what he meant by that, but I found myself curious nonetheless.I had thought maybe he had found out my true identity and the fact that I wanted to bring down Dominic. The feeling that washed over me at the mere thought, but now I found myself in a new story, one that I had no idea about.A creak from the door caught my attention, and my eyes scanned the room, witnessing Uncle Gavin as he walked in. A flicker of a smile painted his lips, though I couldn't deny the paled look in his eyes."You're awake, dear." I heard him mutter, and before
