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The Loveless Contractive Marriage 19
Third Person's POVMira's ApartmentLater that evening, Mira found Zia lounging in her cozy living room, the soft glow of the TV illuminating their faces. They hadn’t had much time to catch up lately, but the weight of love and relationships often had a way of tightening their bond. “You can’t believe Eleven would survive in Season three of *Stranger Things*?” Mira asked, pointing at the screen where the characters were in a tense standoff.Zia didn’t reply immediately; her mind was elsewhere, lost in thoughts that had little to do with the show. Mira noticed her distant expression and reached out, giving her a gentle nudge.“You freaked me out, Mira,” Zia finally said, shaking herself back to reality.“No, you actually weren’t here. You were far away from this zone,” Mira replied, adjusting her chair to face Zia more directly. “You didn’t give a damn about Lorenzo as we agreed, right?”“Yes, but we both knew it was agreed to disagree. Lorenzo is the father of my baby,” Zia replied w
Last Updated : 2024-11-25The Loveless Contractive Marriage 20
Third Person's POV Audrey Co-opThe sprawling mansion of the Audrey family sat atop the hill like a fortress, a testament to generations of wealth and power. The walls, adorned with ancestral portraits and elaborate furnishings, whispered tales of legacy and ambition. But today, those walls would echo with confrontation.Henry Audrey, the eldest son, stormed into the family’s grand hall. His return after several days away was unannounced, and his presence was as fiery as the temper written across his face."Father!" Henry’s voice boomed, startling a housekeeper who quickly retreated into a side hallway.In the study, Charles Audrey, the patriarch of the family, looked up from his desk with a furrowed brow. He had been reviewing company reports when the commotion interrupted his focus. Henry entered without knocking, his movements purposeful and brimming with anger."Henry, you’re back," Charles said, his tone calm but wary of the storm brewing in his son’s eyes."Don’t act surprised,
Last Updated : 2024-11-25The Loveless Contractive Marriage 21
Third Person's POV HospitalThe sterile white walls of the hospital seemed to close in around the small waiting area, where Lorenzo’s grandfather, Edward Audrey, sat with his hands clasped tightly in his lap. Despite his advanced age, his eyes were sharp, scanning every nurse and doctor who passed by, hoping for an update on his grandson’s condition. His concern was palpable, a stark contrast to the indifference shown by other members of the Audrey family.Edward had tried calling Lorenzo’s father, Charles, to inform him of the accident, but Charles’s curt response had left him more frustrated than comforted. Charles had simply said, “I’ll check in later,” and hung up. No one else from the family seemed to care enough to show up.It wasn’t until late in the evening that Zia arrived, carrying a bouquet of fresh lilies. She hesitated outside Lorenzo’s room, glancing through the small window in the door. The sight of him lying there, unconscious and hooked up to machines, tugged at her
Last Updated : 2024-11-25The Loveless Contractive Marriage 22
Third Person's POV The sun barely peeked through the hospital blinds when the shrill tone of Zia’s phone jolted her awake. Startled, she fumbled for the device on the small chair beside her, squinting at the screen. The name flashing across the screen made her heart skip a beat.It was Raymond.Her stomach churned with unease as she answered. "Hello?""Zia," Raymond’s familiar voice filled her ears, calm yet tinged with curiosity. "Where are you? I’ve been trying to reach you since last night."She hesitated, glancing at Lorenzo, who was still fast asleep in the hospital bed. Edward was slumped in the chair by the window, his breathing soft and even, signaling he was still resting."I... I’m sorry, Raymond," Zia stammered, standing and grabbing her bag. "I had something urgent to take care of.""Urgent? Is everything okay?" Raymond asked."Yes, everything’s fine," she lied, forcing a steadiness into her voice. "I’ll explain later. I need to go."Before Raymond could respond, she ende
Last Updated : 2024-11-25The Loveless Contractive Marriage 23
Third Person's POVThe next morning, Zia's phone buzzed on the bedside table, pulling her out of a restless sleep. She blinked against the light filtering through the curtains and reached for the device, noting the unfamiliar number displayed on the screen."Hello?" she answered, her voice groggy."Good morning. Am I speaking with Zia Audrey?" a calm, professional voice on the other end inquired."This is Zia," she replied, sitting up and rubbing her temples. "May I ask who’s calling?""This is Dr. Kingsley from Maryland Hospital," the man said. His tone was measured but carried an undertone of urgency. "I understand this call might be unexpected, but I’d like to meet with you. It’s regarding Sophia."Zia’s brow furrowed, her mind racing. "Sophia?" she echoed, her heart quickening."Yes," Dr. Kingsley confirmed. "It’s important, and I believe it’s something you should hear in person. Could you come to the hospital today?"Zia hesitated, gripping her phone tighter. She didn’t know Dr.
Last Updated : 2024-11-27The Loveless Contractive Marriage 24
Third Person's POVZia gripped the steering wheel tightly as she drove through the quiet evening streets toward Raymond’s apartment. Her thoughts were racing, the revelation about Sophia’s pregnancy gnawing at her. She had decided to tell Raymond—he deserved to know what Sophia was trying to do to Lorenzo.But just three buildings away from Raymond’s place, her car sputtered and jerked to a stop. She sighed in frustration, stepping out to assess the situation, but the engine refused to start. Not wanting to disturb Raymond or Mira, she waved down a passing taxi and continued her journey.The taxi dropped her off a few minutes later, and she walked the short distance to Raymond’s building. As she approached, she noticed that the apartment’s front door was slightly ajar, and voices floated out into the hallway. Zia paused, intending to announce herself, but the words she heard made her freeze in place.Inside, Raymond was speaking in a low, firm tone. "It has to be now, Henry. Lorenzo i
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Loveless Contractive Marriage 25
Third Person's POVMira George's ApartmentThe cab pulled up to Mira George’s apartment as twilight began to settle over the city. Zia stepped out, clutching her bag tightly, her face pale and her thoughts heavy. Her car had been towed to the nearest mechanic workshop after breaking down earlier, but that wasn’t what weighed on her mind.Inside, the apartment was quiet, save for the soft hum of the air conditioner. Zia sank into the sofa, staring blankly ahead. She had barely caught her breath when Mira walked in, a curious yet concerned expression on her face."You're back," Mira said, setting her bag on the counter. "What happened? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."Zia finally looked up, her voice low and trembling. “Mira… I overheard something today. Something terrible.”Mira frowned, moving to sit beside her. “What is it? Tell me.”Taking a deep breath, Zia recounted everything she had overheard—Henry and Raymond’s plan to kill Lorenzo while he was still unconscious, their deter
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Loveless Contractive Marriage 26
Third Person's POVEarly the next morning, Raymond walked into the hospital’s administrative office, the subtle hum of the western zone adding to the crisp, professional air of the hospital’s operations. This was the central hub where doctors received their daily assignments, and Raymond approached the counter confidently, his polished demeanor masking the darker intent behind his visit.The administrator, an older man with glasses perched on the tip of his nose, glanced at Raymond’s file before announcing, “Dr. Raymond, you’ve been assigned to Room 200 on the second floor.”A subtle smirk tugged at Raymond’s lips. He thanked the administrator, feeling the weight of success settling on his shoulders. Everything was aligning perfectly with the plan he and Henry had orchestrated. Today could mark a significant turning point in their scheme.Raymond made sure his coat was spotless and his appearance impeccable as he exited the office. On his way to the main hospital building, he greeted
Last Updated : 2024-11-28
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The Loveless Contractive Marriage 57
Raymond stormed into his office, slamming the door shut so hard the glass panel rattled. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, jaw locked so tight it could crack a damn tooth. He’d spent the last thirty minutes arguing with his father, and the bastard had the audacity to tell him to back off? To leave Lorenzo alone like some kind of untouchable golden boy? Yeah, right. Like hell that was happening.Yanking his phone from his pocket, he hit Henry’s number and pressed it to his ear, pacing the length of his office like a caged animal.Henry picked up after one ring. “What now, Ray?”Raymond exhaled sharply. “Dad just left my place.”There was a pause. Then, “And?”“He thinks we should leave our half-brother alone. That it’s some kind of cosmic mistake to mess with Lorenzo because Grandpa Edward Audrey has declared him the golden boy of the damn century.” Raymond let out a humorless laugh, running a hand through his already-messy hair. “Can you believe that?”Henry sighed. “You’re
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AfternoonHospitalRaymond sat in the hospital room, his posture sharp, calculated, like a man who never let his guard down. The patient in front of him—Mr. Tade, mid-fifties, a little too thin for his age—watched him with tired, expectant eyes. The steady beep of the heart monitor filled the silence between them.Raymond adjusted his wristwatch before clearing his throat. “Mr. Tade, we’ve gone through all the necessary tests, and based on the results, I believe we have a clear path forward.”The older man exhaled slowly. “And? What’s the damage, doc?”Raymond glanced at the clipboard in his hand, though he had already memorized everything. “Your liver function is severely compromised. If we don’t act fast, it could get worse. I’m putting you on a high-dosage medication plan. It will stabilize things, but it’s not a cure. We need to consider a transplant in the long run.”Mr. Tade chuckled bitterly. “Transplant? You think I got time and money for that?”Raymond’s jaw tightened. “Right
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The morning sun filtered through the tall windows, casting golden streaks across the dining table where Zia sat. A plate of toast, eggs, and a half-empty glass of orange juice sat untouched in front of her. She idly swirled the juice, staring at the table like it held answers to questions she hadn’t yet asked.Then, the door creaked open.Lorenzo walked in, his movements careful, as if stepping into a space where he no longer belonged. He was dressed in black joggers and a plain white t-shirt that clung to his frame, his hair still damp from a morning shower.His eyes flicked to her, hesitant. "Hi."Zia glanced up briefly before looking away. "Hi."The air between them thickened. It wasn’t cold, but it wasn’t warm either—it was that uncomfortable limbo of two people who used to share everything but now felt like strangers.Lorenzo cleared his throat and walked to the fridge. He grabbed a bottle of water and cracked it open. As he took a sip, he turned back to her. "You need a drink, Z
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Chapter 54: Past Reunion.Zac’s Apartment – MorningThe kitchen smelled like fresh citrus and regret. Nia stood at the counter, slicing lemons with the precision of someone who had seen too much, been through too much, and now wielded a knife like a final punctuation to past conversations. Zac walked in, rubbing the back of his head, his eyes scanning the room like he had just stepped into unfamiliar territory—though he had been here countless times before.He leaned against the fridge, arms crossed. “What’s with all the lemons? Planning to blind someone with citrus acid?”Nia didn’t even look up. “Maybe.”Zac smirked. “Still got that thuggery vibe, huh?”She finally turned to face him, a faint smirk on her lips. “What do you want, Zac?”Zac exhaled, running a hand down his face. “I dunno. Maybe closure?”Nia chuckled, a low, dry sound. “Closure? That’s rich. What, you suddenly woke up and thought, ‘Oh shit, let me go find Nia and explain why I abandoned her like some unfinished mixta
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Sophia’s House – NightRaymond walked back inside, his footsteps heavy, his face darkened by the conversation he just had. His mind was still reeling, but he masked it with the usual arrogance in his stride.Henry and Sophia were still on the couch, lost in whatever scene played on the television. But Sophia wasn’t stupid—she caught the look on Raymond’s face the moment he stepped in.“Hey,” she said, sitting up straight. “Is there something wrong?”Raymond scoffed. “Why the fuck should there be something wrong, bitch?”The words sliced through the air like a gunshot.Henry’s head snapped up, his entire body going rigid. In a flash, he was on his feet. His sharp gaze pinned Raymond down, disbelief and fury crackling between them.“What did you just call her, Raymond?” Henry’s voice was low, dangerous. “What the fuck did you just call my girlfriend?”Raymond cocked his head, eyes glinting with mock innocence. “Nothing. Perhaps, you should tell me. Do you hear something? Did I call her
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Grandpa Edward Audrey’s OfficeThe dimly lit office carried the scent of old cigars and aged whiskey. Behind a grand mahogany desk, Edward Audrey sat, fingers steepled, his piercing gaze fixed on the man who had just entered.Gifford stepped inside, his expression unreadable. He stood tall, his posture controlled, but his clenched fists betrayed the tension coiled within him. Meetings with Edward Audrey were never simple. Never casual.Edward gestured toward the leather chair opposite him. “Sit.”A beat of hesitation. Then, Gifford lowered himself into the seat, the weight of the moment pressing on his shoulders. The silence between them thickened, old wounds hanging in the air like unspoken accusations.Edward finally spoke. “Do you know why I brought you into this family, Gifford?”Gifford’s jaw tensed. “Because I earned my place.”A low chuckle rumbled from the old man’s throat. He shook his head, eyes gleaming with something unreadable. “No, boy. You didn’t earn anything. You wer
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Outside Zac's apartment, Lorenzo sat outside on the terrace, the cool night air doing little to soothe the storm in his mind. He took another sip of his drink, the burn of the expensive liquor not enough to drown out the chaos that had become his life. Three weeks. Three fucking weeks, and everything had turned upside down.Zac stepped out, carrying a bottle of vintage whiskey and two glasses. He poured them both a generous amount, the golden liquid glistening under the dim outdoor lights.“You got something frying your mind?” Zac asked, settling into the chair across from Lorenzo.Lorenzo grabbed his glass and downed it in one swift motion. He exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. “Might be frying a dough in my mind, though it’s a burnt one.”Zac smirked, swirling his drink. “Spit it out, cock. No use sitting here sulking like a bitch.”Lorenzo slammed his glass on the table. “Just a few weeks ago, I made the worst mistake of my life. I divorced Zia. I betrayed her. I didn't know she
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The papers were signed. Zia’s hands shook slightly as she scribbled her name at the bottom of the discharge forms, giving them permission to leave the hospital. It felt surreal—after everything, after all the bullets, chases, and betrayals, they were just… walking out.Zac led the way, his white suit practically glowing under the fluorescent lights. Lorenzo followed, his steps heavier, his mind elsewhere. Nia and Mira trailed behind, their fingers loosely linked, a silent promise exchanged between them.They slid into the car, the low hum of the engine a steady presence in the background. Just as Zac put the vehicle into gear, Lorenzo spoke.“Wait.”Zac shot him a sharp look in the rearview mirror, foot hovering over the pedal. “We don’t have much time. You risking your life, Zia’s—”Lorenzo cut him off, locking eyes with Nia and Mira. “Didn’t you say they have a hacker or some shit tracking our phones?”Nia, her voice edged with sarcasm, replied, “Like hell they’d let us be when chas
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Nia and Mira burst into the hospital, their steps quick and urgent. The antiseptic scent in the air was almost suffocating, a stark reminder that they were finally safe—at least for now. Nia’s hand still trembled from the adrenaline, her hoodie sticking to her skin from sweat and exhaustion.They reached the reception desk, where a middle-aged nurse with a stern face eyed them suspiciously.“We’re here for Zia,” Nia said, voice tight.The nurse hesitated, her gaze scanning their disheveled appearance.Nia’s phone vibrated. A quick glance at the screen—Zia. She answered immediately.“Tell the nurse to let you in,” Zia’s weary voice came through.Nia handed the phone over. The nurse listened for a second, then sighed and nodded. “Third floor. Room 307.”Without another word, they rushed down the corridor, their footsteps echoing against the linoleum floor.The moment Nia stepped into the room, Zia was already waiting. She barely had time to react before her sister pulled her into a tigh
