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Chapter 41
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-01-21 23:36:54
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The Forbidden Ties Chapter 42
THIRD PERSON POV He quickened his pace, stopping in front of a heavy steel door. A keypad blinked beside it, demanding another code.His phone buzzed again. Another message from the unknown number: “Final test. Solve this, or she dies.”Attached was a riddle:“I’m taken from a mine, and shut inside a wooden case, from which I am never released. What am I?”Mason’s mind raced. The captors were toying with him, but he didn’t have time to waste. He focused on the riddle, breaking it down.Taken from a mine… shut inside a wooden case… never released…“Pencil,” he muttered. Graphite was mined, encased in wood, and never removed.He typed 736245—the corresponding numbers for the letters P-E-N-C-I-L.The keypad beeped, and the lock clicked. Mason shoved the door open, his gun raised as he stepped inside.The room was dark, save for a single spotlight illuminating Happiness. She was tied to a chair, her head snapping up as the door opened. Relief flashed across her face when she saw him.“Ma
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-22The Forbidden Ties Chapter 43
Mason scanned the monitors one last time, searching for any clue that might point them toward their tormentor. The screens cycled through various parts of the building, but nothing stood out. Whoever was behind this was meticulous, leaving no trace for them to follow."We need to get out of here," Mason said, turning to Happiness. "If they think we're playing along, they'll keep revealing themselves."Happiness hesitated, her gaze lingering on the monitors. "What if they’re still watching us? What if this was just a test to see how far we’d go?""It probably was," Mason admitted. "But that’s exactly why we can’t stay. The longer we’re here, the more power they have over us."He took her hand, leading her toward the exit. The corridor stretched out before them, silent except for the faint hum of the building’s aging infrastructure. Mason kept his gun raised, his senses on high alert.As they stepped outside, the cold night air hit them like a slap. The area around the warehouse was eer
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25The Forbidden Ties Chapter 44
THIRD PERSON POVFrank took a seat at the edge of the table, his gaze scanning the room with a practiced caution that made Mason even warier. Happiness lingered by the couch, her eyes darting between the two men as tension hung thick in the air.Mason inserted the USB drive into his laptop and waited for the files to load. A directory of documents, images, and video clips popped up, each labeled with cryptic titles like Project Hawk and Directive Alpha. Mason’s eyes narrowed as he clicked on the first file.“What’s all this?” Mason asked, scrolling through a series of scanned documents.Frank leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “It’s a web. Your father got tangled in it years ago when he uncovered a secret operation tied to some powerful people. When he refused to play ball, they made sure he paid the price.”Mason’s throat tightened. “You’re saying my father’s disappearance wasn’t an accident?”Frank’s jaw clenched. “It wasn’t. They staged it, but it was a hit. Clean, prec
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-26The Forbidden Ties Chapter 45
MASON'S POV As Victor's men closed in, my heart raced. I spotted the dim green glow of the security panel on the far wall. If only I could trigger an alarm, it might create enough of a distraction. I glanced at Frank who gave me a subtle nod, silently acknowledging the unspoken plan. Just as one of Victor's men reached for me, I moved. I striked hard, disarming the closest guard with a brutal twist. A shot fired, barely missing me, and Frank tackled another man, creating chaos. “Get to the console!” Frank shouted. I raced towards the security panel while Frank provided cover, taking down two more guards. I slammed my fist on the emergency alarm button, triggering a deafening siren that floods the warehouse with flashing red lights. The doors hissed open as automatic security protocols activated. Suddenly, floodlights from outside cast long shadows into the warehouse signifying one thing. Backup has arrived. Through the open doors, a team of SWAT officers stormed in, weapons ra
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-05The Forbidden Ties Chapter 46
Happiness's POV Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft golden streaks across the room. I blinked awake, my body nestled against Mason’s. His arm was draped over my waist, his steady breathing a quiet reassurance that he was here and that he was safe.For a long moment, I simply stayed still, memorizing the feeling. It had been a night of restless sleep for both of us. Mason had tossed and turned, haunted by ghosts I couldn’t see, but every time he stirred, I had been there to hold him, to whisper that he wasn’t alone.And now, in the quiet hush of morning, he looked peaceful.I traced small circles on the back of his hand with her fingertips, debating whether to wake him. Before I could decide, my phone suddenly rang, startling me. I see the caller on the screen. Nadia.I'm aware of the position Mason and I are in, but it'll make me even more guilty if I reject her call. These past few weeks have been a lot, and I need something to show I'm still here. I have
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-11The Forbidden Ties Chapter 47
Happiness's POV I glanced at Mason, who has the same shock written on his face. He seemed to be at a loss for words. “What am I going to do?” I muttered shakily as I dialed my Dad's number. “Pick up Dad. Please.” I waited for him to pick the call, but the line went dead. I tried again but it's switched off. I dialed mom's number, but it turns out her phone is dead too. Happy, they're probably on the plane already. “Happiness,” Mason's voice snapped me out of my panic mode. He shot me a firm look, telling me to calm down despite this chaos. I have to be calm to think , else we wouldn't leave this mess. I nodded at him, and he strode towards me hugging me tightly. “We've got this.” He whispered determinedly. We drove back to my apartment, with my belongings. Thankfully, I didn't pack all of my stuff when I came to Mason's place. I had always wanted to come back, but the plan always flopped. I'm grateful for it now though, because it'll make this believable. Mom and Dad would b
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-11The Forbidden Ties Chapter 48
Happiness's POV I immediately pulled away from him. My eyes widened as I stared at the door of the room, my mind an array of jumbled mess. Oh my God. Are they here already?I snapped my head around, having a panic attack. They can't see him here. We're going to be dead. How am I going to hide him?I glanced at Mason, who seemed frozen, his eyes blinked rapidly as he tried to process what we heard. I ran to the door, and checked through the peephole, my hands trembling as panic consumed me.Is that Emma? I clicked the door open before I realized I'm not with clothes, and went back to dress. Thankfully, Mason has gotten over the shock, and got up to meet me. “Are they here?” He asked, taking a deep breath as if preparing himself for what to come. “It's Emma.” I replied. “Emma? I thought they'd left.” “My thoughts exactly. Let me see why she's here.” I moved back to the door and opened the door for her. “Emma? Did you forget something?” I queried baffled. “No, I didn't. I met so
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-14The Forbidden Ties Chapter 49
Chapter 49Happiness's POV I looked at Drake as he jogged happily towards us, unaware of the dark thoughts running through my Dad's mind. Do I pity him? Yes. We haven't had a conversation in a while now, considering I've not been in school. I just hope he doesn't spill that fact. His steps faltered when he got closer, and noticed I wasn't alone. He continued towards us. “He's handsome.” Mom muttered, and recivedd a hot glare from Dad. She shrugged, then smiled innocently before going back to her food. “Hello Happiness.” Drake said. “Good day sir, Good day ma'am.” He greeted my parents. Dad was still glaring at him so he didn't get a reply. “Hello dear,” Mom said sweetly, like her husband wasn't glaring at the poor boy. “And who might you be?” “My name is Drake ma'am. I am happiness's course mate and friend.” Drake replied cheekily, unaware that Dad is plotting how deep his grave would be. I snickered at that thought, and that brought their attention to me. “Honey, won't you
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27
Bab terbaru
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 72
Ash rummaged through the freezer, letting out an exaggerated gasp when she found a tub of chocolate ice cream. “Oh, we are best friends for life. You keep premium ice cream stocked? I knew you were the one for me.”I chuckled, shaking my head as she grabbed spoons from the drawer and plopped onto the couch beside me. She handed me one and popped the lid open. “No bowls. We’re eating straight from the tub like the emotionally balanced young adults we are.”I scooped a spoonful, letting the cold sweetness melt on my tongue. “Emotionally balanced, huh?”She waved a hand. “Details.” Then, as if remembering something, she turned to me with a grin. “So, tell me, does this place come with any mysterious, forbidden rooms? Like a secret passage or a wine cellar full of rare vintage bottles?”I raised an eyebrow. “It’s not a haunted house, Ash.”“Disappointing,” she sighed dramatically before shoving a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth.I set my spoon down and leaned back, letting my head re
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 71
HAPPINESS’S POVThe car ride back felt longer than it should have. Mason’s grip on the steering wheel was firm, his jaw set, but he didn’t say anything.I didn’t either.I was still trying to sort through everything Gift had said, still trying to make sense of the polite yet pointed conversation we’d had.She hadn’t been cruel. She hadn’t raised her voice.But every of her word had carried weight. And whether she meant to or not, I felt it pressing down on me.The moment Mason pulled into the driveway and parked, I exhaled slowly. My fingers lingered on the seatbelt before I finally unbuckled it.He turned to me. “Happiness…”“I’m fine.” The words slipped out automatically, but even I wasn’t convinced.Mason studied me for a long moment before nodding once. He didn’t argue. He didn’t press. He just reached over, took my hand, and squeezed.I squeezed back before pulling away and stepping out of the car.Inside, I headed straight for the kitchen. I wasn’t hungry, but I needed something
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 70
HAPPINESS’S POVThe silence in the car was heavier than it should have been. Mason’s hands gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles tight, his jaw clenched as he focused on the road ahead. He hadn’t said much since his mother’s call, but I could feel the tension radiating off him.“She won’t do anything to hurt you,” he finally said, breaking the silence.I swallowed, watching the trees blur past the window. “I know.”But that wasn’t the real concern, was it? It wasn’t about outright harm. It was about the unspoken words, the careful, measured tone that could cut just as deeply.Mason sighed, running a hand through his hair. “If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.”I turned to him, searching his expression. “And what would that say about me?”His lips pressed into a thin line. “That you don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”Maybe he believed that. Maybe he wanted to. But we both knew this was something I couldn’t avoid forever. If I was going to be in his life, I had to face t
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 69
HAPPINESS’S POVThe morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I stirred, blinking against the warmth of the sunlight as I became aware of the steady rise and fall of Mason’s breathing beside me.He was still asleep, his arm loosely draped over my waist, his body warm and solid against mine. I stayed still for a moment, listening to the quiet, trying to gather my thoughts.Last night, Mason hadn’t pushed me. He had simply been there, his presence steady, his touch reassuring. And somehow, that had made it harder to keep everything bottled up.I turned slightly, careful not to wake him, but as soon as I moved, his hold tightened.“Where are you going?” His voice was thick with sleep, his eyes barely open.“I thought you were asleep.”He hummed, shifting onto his back but keeping his hand on my hip. “I was. You okay?”I hesitated.I wanted to say yes. To brush it off like I did yesterday. But I couldn’t. Not this time.I swallowed, my fingers playi
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 68
MASON’S POVThe house was quiet when I got back. Too quiet.Happiness’s shoes were by the door, so I knew she was home, but I didn’t hear anything. There was no movement, no humming from the kitchen, nothing.I set my keys down, shrugging off my jacket as I walked further inside. The living room lights were dim, casting soft shadows across the walls. Then I saw her.She was curled up on the couch, knees pulled to her chest, staring at her phone screen with a look I couldn’t quite place. She didn’t notice me at first.I took a slow breath.James was right. Pushing her wouldn’t work. If I wanted her to talk, to trust me with whatever was weighing on her, I had to show her that she didn’t have to do this alone.So, I moved carefully.“Hey,” I murmured, settling down beside her.She blinked, startled, before quickly locking her phone and forcing a small smile. “Hey.”That smile didn’t reach her eyes.I didn’t say anything at first, just reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 67
MASON'S POVThe bedroom was quiet, the only sound was the steady rhythm of Happiness’s breathing. The city lights filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows on the walls. She was curled up beside me, her back to my chest, her body warm but stiff—like she was here, but not really.I stared at the ceiling, replaying the night over and over.Something changed. I felt it the moment we left the party, the way she looked out the window instead of at me, the way her words were carefully measured, distant.She probably thought I didn’t notice. She was wrong.I reached out, letting my fingers trail lightly over her arm. She didn’t move, didn’t lean into my touch like she normally would.That tiny reaction, or the lack of it, gnawed at me.I exhaled slowly, my jaw tightening.Did someone say something to her?Had I done something wrong?I had tried to ask, but she shut me down with dismissive answers. Lies wrapped in soft words.I wanted to push, to demand the truth from her lips. But
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 66
HAPPINESS’S POVThe air in the ballroom was thick with expensive perfume, and laughter when I got back inside. The clinking of glasses as servers weaved through the crowd with trays of champagne.Mason’s hand rested against my back, firm and reassuring. Yet, despite his presence, the unease in my chest refused to fade.He leaned down slightly, his voice a low murmur against my ear. "You okay?"I nodded quickly, forcing a small smile. "Of course."His gaze lingered on me for a second longer, as if he didn’t fully believe me, but before he could push further, a deep voice called his name."Ah, Mason! Finally!"A tall man in a sleek black suit approached, exuding effortless confidence.“James,” Mason greeted, shaking his hand firmly. “Didn’t think I’d see you here.”“Couldn’t miss it. Besides, your Dad wouldn’t let me.” James chuckled before his eyes flicked to me. "And you must be Happiness."I nodded politely. "It’s nice to meet you."“Likewise,” he said, though I could tell his intere
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 65
HAPPINESS’S POVMason’s car glided smoothly down the road, the hum of the engine filling the comfortable silence between us. City lights flickered outside the window, casting a soft glow over the sleek leather interior.I adjusted my dress slightly, smoothing the fabric over my thighs. Mason had been stealing glances at me since we left, and I wasn’t imagining the way his fingers kept flexing on the wheel.“You keep looking at me like that, and we might not make it to this party,” I teased, glancing at him.Mason smirked, shifting in his seat. “It's not my fault you look like that.”I rolled my eyes, but the warmth in my chest spread. “Eyes on the road, detective.”He sighed dramatically. “You’re asking too much of me.”I laughed, reaching for his hand on the gear shift. The moment our fingers touched, he turned his palm up, lacing them together. His thumb brushed over my skin in slow, lazy circles.Mason stole another glance at me before shaking his head. “Seriously, how am I suppose
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 64
HAPPINESS'S POVThe scent of buttery popcorn filled the air as I curled up on the couch, my legs tucked beneath me. Ash sat cross-legged on the floor, scrolling through her phone, while Maria had claimed the other end of the couch, flipping through TV channels with little interest."Are we actually watching something, or is this just background noise?" Ash asked, tossing a kernel of popcorn into her mouth.Maria sighed, still flipping. "Honestly, nothing looks interesting. Why do they even make this many channels if they all suck?""Capitalism," Ash replied dryly.I chuckled. "You're just upset because you finished your series and now you don't know what to do with yourself."Ash pointed a dramatic finger at me. "Exactly. That show had me in a chokehold, and now I feel abandoned."Maria snorted. "Try reading a book."Ash gasped. "I'm offended. Do I look like someone who has the patience to sit through pages of tiny words?"I shook my head, amused. "You're ridiculous.""But you love me
