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The Choice
Huling Na-update:
2025-03-21 22:04:25
Kaugnay na kabanata
The Duchess's Desire The price of Freedom
Victoria’s breath hitched as Lord Thomas stepped further into the room, his presence suffocating. The moment she saw him, every ounce of freedom she’d felt when she chose Sebastian slipped through her fingers like water. The room seemed to close in on her, the walls pressing tighter with every second that passed.“You made a mistake, Victoria,” Lord Thomas said, his voice calm, controlled, but underneath it lay a threat she could taste. He took slow, deliberate steps toward her, his eyes never leaving hers. “You think you can run from me, from what you owe me? You think you can escape all of this by choosing Sebastian?”Victoria’s heart raced, her chest tight with fear. She forced herself to stand tall, despite the overwhelming dread pooling in her gut. “I’m not running from anything,” she said, her voice steady despite the chaos swirling inside her. “I’m making a choice. And I won’t apologize for it.”Lord Thomas’s lips curled into a smirk, a smile full of malice. “You really believe
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21The Duchess's Desire A dangerous alliance
The house felt eerily quiet after Lord Thomas’s men left, their absence a strange kind of relief. But Victoria could feel the weight of the silence pressing down on her, suffocating her. The tension was thick in the air, and the sudden appearance of Olivia had only added to the confusion. She didn’t know who this woman was, but there was something about her—something dangerous—that unsettled Victoria.Sebastian stood beside her, his body tense, his eyes flicking nervously from the door to Olivia. He had been the one to fight off the men earlier, but now it was as if the adrenaline had worn off, and he was left standing on the edge of something he couldn’t control. His usual confidence had been replaced with uncertainty.Victoria didn’t know what to think. She had chosen Sebastian over Lord Thomas, but now she was caught in the middle of a new, complicated mess. Was Olivia an ally? Or was she just another player in a dangerous game that Victoria had been thrust into?Olivia walked towa
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21The Duchess's Desire The quiet before the storm
The sound of the door closing echoed in the silence that had descended upon the room. The tension was thick, almost palpable, and Victoria could feel the weight of it pressing down on her chest. It felt as if the walls of the room were closing in, pushing her into a corner where there was nowhere to run.Olivia stood near the door, her posture still rigid and commanding, her eyes scanning the room. Victoria couldn’t shake the feeling that the woman’s presence was both a blessing and a curse. She didn’t trust her entirely, but she couldn’t deny that Olivia was someone who knew how to play the game, someone who understood the danger they were in. And right now, Victoria needed that kind of understanding more than ever.Sebastian, who had remained quiet up until now, took a slow step forward, his expression unreadable. “What was that all about?” he asked, his voice tense, but there was an underlying hint of curiosity in his tone. “Charles coming here... it wasn’t just a simple visit, was
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21The Duchess's Desire The Unraveling
The knock at the door was soft at first, barely a tap. But it was enough to stir the quiet that had settled in the room. Victoria’s heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively glanced at Sebastian, who was already on edge, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.“Who could that be?” Victoria murmured, barely above a whisper.Sebastian shook his head, his jaw clenched. “No idea. But it’s too soon for any of Lord Thomas’s men to be here, isn’t it?”Victoria’s thoughts raced as she crossed the room to the door. Her mind was still spinning from everything Olivia had said, from the truth about Lord Thomas’s increasing danger, to the fact that she had a connection—some kind of power—she hadn’t even fully understood herself. She had no idea what Olivia meant by all that, but she knew one thing for sure: things were unraveling, and fast.She reached for the doorknob but hesitated. Whoever was on the other side, they weren’t just knocking out of politeness. The knock had been calculated, deliberate. I
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-23The Duchess's Desire The deeper game
The moment Lord Thomas stepped into the room, the atmosphere shifted, heavy with the weight of unspoken tension. His presence filled the space, his eyes sharp, calculating, and dangerous. Victoria’s heart thundered in her chest, and every instinct screamed for her to run, to hide, to do anything but stand there frozen.But there was nowhere to run. Not now. Not with him in the room.Lord Thomas’s gaze swept over the room, briefly flicking to Sebastian, who stood rigid by the window, and then to Olivia, whose poker face was unreadable. Finally, his eyes landed on Victoria."Quite the scene, isn’t it?" His voice was smooth, like silk, but beneath it was a venomous edge. "I can’t say I didn’t expect it."Victoria swallowed hard, her mind racing. Every warning sign, every red flag she had ignored, suddenly came rushing back. Lord Thomas wasn’t just playing a game; he was orchestrating something far more sinister, something far beyond her understanding."Why are you here?" Victoria’s voice
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-23The Duchess's Desire Tangled Webs
The tension in the room was suffocating. Victoria stood frozen, caught between the two men, the Duke and Lord Thomas, both staring at her with intentions far from clear. Her heart pounded against her ribs, each beat a sharp reminder of the danger she was in. Her mind raced, desperate to piece together everything that had led her here, but there was no time for answers. Not yet.The Duke stepped further into the room, his gaze cold and calculating as it flickered between Lord Thomas and Victoria. His presence, always commanding, now felt almost suffocating."Well, well, Thomas," the Duke said, his voice smooth but edged with a subtle menace. "I see you're still playing games. But I wonder, how long will it be before your little kingdom collapses?"Lord Thomas’s jaw tightened at the Duke’s words, but his posture remained unchanged. "You’re one to talk, Marlborough. You’re no better. You’ve always had your own agenda." He glanced at Victoria, his eyes narrowing. "But she’s not part of it
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-24The Duchess's Desire Isabella Returns
The room was dimly lit, the air thick with tension. Victoria stood near the window, her back straight, her breath shallow as the weight of Lord Thomas’ words continued to settle within her. She had known, deep down, that her life had never been her own, but now the cold, harsh reality of it all hit her like a tidal wave. She had been part of something so much larger than herself, a game in which she was no more than a pawn. And there was no way out.She turned slowly to face Lord Thomas and the Duke, both men watching her with an unsettling mixture of cold calculation and something more—something far more dangerous.“You’ve been keeping secrets from me,” Victoria said, her voice quiet but unwavering as she studied them both, trying to make sense of what was happening. “Secrets about my family... about this legacy. What exactly are you involved in, and why am I at the center of it?”Lord Thomas, who had been standing in silence for several moments, finally spoke. His voice was low, tin
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25The Duchess's Desire The Price of Power
The tension in the room had grown unbearable. Victoria stood frozen, her mind racing, unable to fully process everything that had just been revealed. Isabella's words still echoed in her head, repeating over and over like a haunting refrain. “Power always comes with a price.”Her heart pounded in her chest, and her body felt cold despite the heat of the room. The fear was creeping in now—cold, suffocating fear that made her feel like she was drowning. What had she gotten herself into? What was this dark legacy that seemed to claim her at every turn?Lord Thomas had already left the room, his steps slow and deliberate, and Victoria watched as his shadow disappeared down the hallway. Isabella remained, her presence like a storm that was only waiting to break.Victoria wanted to scream, wanted to demand answers, but the words stuck in her throat. It wasn’t just about survival anymore—it was about power, manipulation, and bloodlines. She had always known that there was something darker un
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-26
Pinakabagong kabanata
The Duchess's Desire Shadows behind the flame
"You’re unusually quiet tonight," the Duke said, his voice brushing against the silence like velvet against skin.Victoria stood by the tall window, arms folded, eyes lost in the smoky distance beyond the estate walls. The candlelight behind her flickered and danced on her ivory skin."Am I?" she replied flatly. "I suppose silence is safer now."The Duke took a step closer, his boots echoing on the marble floor. "Safer from me?"She turned around slowly, lips curled faintly. "Safer from everyone."Their gazes locked. There was heat there, thick enough to smother."Don’t pretend this hasn’t changed you," he said. "I’ve seen the way your hands tremble when no one’s watching. I’ve seen you drift away. You’re losing yourself to this war."Victoria exhaled, her voice bitter. "I already lost myself the moment James was thrown onto that porch like refuse. And you—” she paused, looking away, “You’re just another blade in the back I never saw coming."He flinched. "You still think I was involv
The Duchess's Desire Tangled Desires
The rain pattered gently on the manor roof, casting a somber rhythm across the candlelit drawing room where Victoria sat curled on a velvet chaise, her fingers trembling around a porcelain cup. The fire crackled, offering no comfort."He's late," she whispered."He's careful," came a new voice.Startled, Victoria turned. A stranger stood in the doorway, soaked from the storm, a scar etched across his jaw, and eyes like cold slate. He pulled off his gloves slowly, not breaking eye contact."Who are you?" Victoria asked, standing abruptly."Name's Lucien St. James. The Duke’s new business partner. Or at least, I was invited under that pretense.""The Duke mentioned no such thing.""He wouldn’t. But here I am."Before she could press further, the door behind Lucien opened again. The Duke entered, pausing at the sight of them."I see you've met," he said, closing the door behind him.Victoria narrowed her eyes. "What's going on?"Lucien smiled dryly. "Ask your Duke."The Duke strode in, r
The Duchess's Desire A New Threat
The soft murmurs of conversation drifted through the heavy curtains as the morning sun peeked through the narrow cracks in the window. Victoria had barely slept, her mind racing with the aftermath of the choice she had made. The echoes of Elena’s words still reverberated in her mind, but it was something else that tugged at her—a feeling, a presence, lurking just beyond her reach.She sat by the window, the cool morning breeze brushing against her skin, but her mind was elsewhere. The Duke’s stern expression haunted her. He had been right to question her decision, but now it was too late. She had made her choice.The door to the room creaked open, and Victoria’s thoughts were broken by the sound. She turned slowly, her eyes meeting those of a new face—an unfamiliar man dressed in dark clothing, his posture rigid, his expression calculating."Lady Victoria," he said, bowing slightly. His voice was deep, but there was an unsettling sharpness to it, like he was assessing every inch of he
The Duchess's Desire The Deal
The door creaked open, and the tension in the room thickened. Victoria’s eyes darted to Elena, who wore a slight smile, as if the arrival of whoever was outside was no surprise.Victoria’s pulse quickened. The footsteps were heavy, deliberate—someone important, someone dangerous. And the way Elena stood there, completely at ease, told Victoria that whatever was coming wasn’t something she could stop.The door swung fully open, revealing a man Victoria had never seen before. His broad shoulders and cold, calculating eyes told her everything she needed to know: he wasn’t here to make friends."Ah, there you are," Elena said smoothly, her voice calm, almost playful. "You’ve made it just in time."The man stepped into the room, his gaze immediately locking with Victoria’s. She could feel the weight of his stare, cold, assessing, like he was mentally stripping her bare."This is Viktor," Elena said, her tone casual. "He’s my... associate. He’s here to help us take care of things."Victoria
The Duchess's Desire The Unseen Hand
The door slammed shut with a resounding thud, startling Victoria and the Duke. They both turned, their bodies tense, as a woman entered the room, her presence undeniable. There, standing in the threshold, was Isabella’s sister, Elena Deveaurux.Victoria’s breath hitched as she took in the sight of her. Elena was everything Isabella wasn’t: composed, calm, with a quiet power that emanated from her like a shroud. Her dark eyes flickered over the room, assessing the situation with a sharpness that made Victoria uneasy. She was dressed in a simple black dress, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders in soft waves. But the coldness in her gaze was unmistakable."Elena," Isabella said, her voice laced with surprise but also something more—something that could almost be described as reluctance. "What are you doing here?"Elena didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she let her gaze linger on Victoria, studying her with a careful look. Then, she spoke, her voice low and measured. "I came to
The Duchess's Desire Shifting Alliances
Victoria stood by the window, her hands gripping the cold ledge as she gazed out at the sprawling estate. The wind outside had begun to pick up, rustling the trees in the distance, as though echoing the storm inside her mind. Every passing day seemed to pull her further into a web of deceit, betrayal, and calculated moves. Every move, every decision felt like it could lead her closer to her end or to the redemption she longed for.She turned as she heard footsteps behind her. The Duke entered the room, his face grim, the tension in his posture palpable. She could tell something was wrong. The faint echo of the door closing behind him seemed to seal them in, alone with whatever new chaos was about to unfold."Victoria," he said softly, his voice carrying a weight she hadn’t expected. "We have a problem."Her stomach twisted with anticipation. A problem. She was used to that word by now, but she didn’t expect him to say it with such concern. "What is it?" she asked, trying to keep her v
The Duchess's Desire A Game of Shadows
Victoria stood before the window, staring out at the darkness that had settled over the estate. The soft glow of candlelight flickered in the corners of the room, casting shadows that seemed to stretch like fingers across the walls. Her mind was heavy, weighed down by the constant tension that had been building over the past few days. Lord Thomas’s threats still echoed in her ears, the words haunting her even when she tried to shut them out. "You’ll regret this, Victoria," he had said, his voice laced with venom. "You’ll regret ever crossing me."She had tried to push the fear aside, but it clung to her like a second skin, impossible to shake. What did he mean by his final card? What did he have left to play?The Duke’s presence in the room brought a welcome distraction. His footsteps were soft, measured, but his energy was a stark contrast to the quiet dread that enveloped her. She turned, meeting his gaze as he entered. His eyes, usually so calm and steady, were shadowed with someth
The Duchess's Desire The Devil's Bargain
Victoria's heart raced in her chest, every instinct screaming at her to flee, to run from the man who had once been her husband. Lord Thomas stood before them, his eyes dark and full of malice, his posture stiff with anger. For a brief, fleeting moment, she wondered if she had truly underestimated him."Lord Thomas," she said again, her voice trembling only slightly, though she wasn’t sure whether it was from fear or the cold fury that boiled in her veins. She stepped forward, trying to make sense of the situation. "What is it you want now?"Lord Thomas gave a humorless chuckle, the sound devoid of any warmth. He turned to face her completely, his eyes piercing through her as if searching for something she couldn’t even name. His smile, twisted and sinister, sent a shiver down her spine. "I want what’s mine, Victoria," he spat, his voice venomous.The Duke, who had stepped beside her, his jaw clenched tightly, moved slightly in front of her, as if shielding her from Lord Thomas’s gaze
The Duchess's Desire The tides of betrayal
Victoria's breath caught in her throat as Lord Thomas’s words hung in the air, heavy with the threat they carried. She could see the anger simmering in his eyes, the barely contained fury that made the tension in the room unbearable. Her gaze flicked to the Duke, searching for any hint of what he might be thinking, but his expression remained inscrutable, like a stone wall."I don’t know what you think you’ve discovered, Thomas," the Duke said, his voice calm, but there was an edge to it that Victoria had never heard before. "But if this is about my dealings with Victoria, you’re mistaken. Whatever it is you think is happening, you're wrong."Lord Thomas let out a soft, humorless laugh, his eyes narrowing as he took a step closer to the Duke. "I don’t think, Duke. I know." He paused, his gaze sweeping over Victoria before locking with the Duke’s. "You’ve been playing a dangerous game. And it’s time to end it."Victoria’s heart pounded in her chest as she tried to process the situation
