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61. Where the Answers Lie
Last Updated:
2024-12-22 03:38:58
Priyal DessaiThanks for reading! If you're enjoying the story, consider voting with gems, or dropping a comment :)
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The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 62. The Truth Beneath Lies
“Hayley Murphy's Funeral: Mike Cooper Jones Clashes with Grieving Father.”The headline is accompanied by a photo of Mike standing stoic in the doorway while Hayley’s father is mid-shout, his face twisted with grief and rage. The article paints Mike as the calm figure in a storm of accusations, and Hayley’s father as a grieving man consumed by his emotions. Then, a brief mention of me: “Natalie Jones made a fleeting appearance, notably quiet and distant amid the chaos.”I sigh, setting the phone aside. The picture of me, staring blankly at the funeral’s entrance, is burned into my memory. They don’t know what I was really there for. Hell, I barely know myself. I’m sitting at the kitchen table in my penthouse, waiting for Ric. He said he’d be here soon, and the thought of his presence calms the chaotic mess in my chest, even if just for a moment. I push myself to move, heading to the kitchen to cook a quick meal. The motions are automatic — open the fridge, slice the vegetables, h
Last Updated : 2024-12-24The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 63. The Recording
The folder sits on my desktop, labeled Audio Recordings. There’s nothing ominous about the name, yet a cold sense of foreboding washes over me. When I double-click it, only a single file appears: “12th April 2024”.Just one audio.My fingers hover over the trackpad as my stomach churns. I click on it, my heartbeat thundering in my ears, making me rethink my decision to wait for Ric — only for a moment. I plug in my headphones, my hands trembling. I take a shaky breath, bracing myself for whatever this is.And then I hit play.At first, there’s only static. The low hum fills my ears, dragging the tension in my body tighter. My jaw clenches as I wait, the silence unnerving me for every second it stretches. Then, the faint echo of footsteps. Lazily slow. I hear them growing louder, as if someone is walking closer to me.No, not to me—to her.A voice breaks through the static.“What was that?”It’s Hayley. Her voice is sharp, trembling with barely-contained anger. I don’t even realize I’
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Ric comes home when I’m already done replaying the recording at least a dozen times. He knows at once that something is wrong — maybe it’s clearly written on my face. He simply offers a smile, his eyes softening before he wraps his strong firm arms around me. The hug allows me to breathe steadily once again, dissolving the creases that have formed on my forehead. At one point he thinks I’ve had enough and tries to let go, but I throw my arms tighter around his frame. Ric buries his face into my neck, and I feel his smile against the nape. He hooks his arms around my hips and picks me up effortlessly, taking me to the bedroom. Placing me softly against the edge of the bed, he gets on his knees. Now, I try to let go, withdrawing my arms, but a groan of protest erupts at the back of his throat as he snuggles into my chest, pulling me close against him. A sigh escapes my lips as I place my chin on his head, running my fingers through his hair, that’s somehow still soft despite some of
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I don’t want Ric as an accomplice. It takes some time to convince him that I want to do this alone. He tells me it’s dangerous, even though he looked quite excited about the idea when I first told him of it.“You don’t have to prove anything to me,” he says, resting his hands on my hips, his eyes soft. “We’re in this together.”“Not this time,” I reply firmly. “I need to do this alone, Ric. For me.”He doesn’t look convinced, and I understand. Ric wants to protect me. He wants to make sure I'm okay. And he's right about this being dangerous. But I can't care less about it. I only want to feel the relief when I'm through this.I tell him I’ll be careful. I promise him I’ll come back. And for good measure, I shut up any more words of protest that could leave his mouth with a soft but prolonged kiss.“Fuck,” he whispers when we break off, blinking slowly as if he’d been transported to a different universe momentarily.The cold night air bites at my skin, but I barely feel it. My heart thu
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“Well, what the hell are you doing here, Dad? Finally come to check in on your only living child?” I counter with a venom-filled voice.He flinches, shaking his head subtly as he walks towards me. His cruel eyes study my face. “So it’s true then… all those vile rumours.”Then without a warning, he slaps me across my face. "You whore!" he barks as his hand connects with my cheek. The impact throws me off my feet, sending me tumbling into the carpet on the floor. I taste the faux fur against my lips, mingled with the taste of blood.A growl erupts, and Ric jumps at my father, pinning him to the floor. “How dare you hit her?” he snaps, one his hand curled into a first, hanging mid-air, ready to throw a skull-cracking punch. The other hand tightens around my father's neck, threatening to suffocate him.I gulp hard, blinking the tears that fill my eyes as I get back to my feet. Blood trickles down my slip lip as I watch the two.My father chokes through Ric's grip. “It’s true. You bastard!
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The next morning, I sit in the same white office where I learnt of my miscarriage a few days ago, the hum of fluorescent lights grating on my nerves. My foot taps against the floor as I wait for Dr. Patel to speak.“You’ve never been on birth control?” she asks, her voice professional but probing.“No.” I keep my voice clear, though my insides twist into knots.Meera places her hand on my arm to soothe me, but it doesn’t really help. The tapping becomes more intense as a lump begins to form in my throat.Dr. Patel frowns, flipping through her notes. “Your uterine lining is unusually thin for someone your age. Are you sure you haven’t taken any medication recently? Anything prescribed or over-the-counter?”I shake my head, swallowing hard as Mike’s voice from the recording echoes in my mind. “Nothing. I haven’t been on any medication.”Her gaze meets mine, softening. “Natalie, this isn’t something that happens naturally. It’s not diet, not stress, not lifestyle. This kind of thinning is
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Anya doesn’t blink. “You’re going to fake date Chris Matthews.”The words hang in the air, freezing the space between us. “Excuse me?”I turn to Meera with a gaping mouth to make sure I heard right, and I find her with her head lowered in guilt. “You knew about this? Why didn’t you warn me before?”Meera swallows. “At least hear her out—”“No!” I cut her off, snapping my head back at Anya. “What is this, some sick joke? Fake date Chris? In what world did you think I’d agree to this?”Anya’s face is unchanged, a mask of stone as she simply mutters, “Take a moment and think about it. You’re smart enough to figure that out. Or at least, I hope you are. Ric hasn’t turned your brain all to mush yet, has he?”I glare at her, but push down the anger that threatens to bubble up. Anya is calculative, she has always been the smartest in the room with the most cunning ideas. It’s why she is so good at her job. She knows how to get her hands on things and twist them so they work in favor of whoeve
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“Anya, there’s something I need to tell you,” I almost blurt out as we get out of the car.But before the words escape, I stop.Meera doesn’t know. Mike has been drugging me so I wouldn’t conceive.My throat tightens. Anya’s face shifts slightly, her brow rising as if she sensed that I was going to say something. “What?” she prompts gently, her voice careful, like she’s afraid she might spook me.Shaking my head, I plaster on a wide mocking smile. “Let’s do this then.”Anya hesitates, her lips twitching as though she wants to probe further, but instead, she gives a curt nod. Her posture sharp and composed, she looks every bit the woman who thinks she’s already won this round. Meera trails behind her, quiet and watchful, while I take a steadying breath and follow.Each step feels heavier than it should, like walking deeper into quicksand.Chris’s house is as I remember—modern yet warm, its sleek glass windows glowing softly against the fading evening light. There’s a kind of effortles
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The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies Epilogue
[Two years later]My body is slick with sweat, every nerve ending alive and tingling as Ric’s hands explore my skin. His touch still feels new, still ignites a thirst in me that has no desire to quench anytime soon. His lips trail down my neck, making me heave, making me almost lose my mind. I arch into him, my fingers digging into the muscles of his back, urging him closer. His hands roam over my body, tracing the curves of my hips, the softness of my thighs, and the sensitive spots that make me gasp with pleasure. He knows exactly how to touch me—he has mastered the art of how to make me feel alive and desired every breathing moment. His fingers find their way between my legs, teasing and stroking until I'm writhing beneath him, desperate for more.“Fuck, Ric. I love you,” I breathe, squealing. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”“You're so beautiful,” he murmurs against my wet folds before his lips capture mine in kiss so deep, I can’t tell where he ends and where I begin. He s
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 89. The End of a Nightmare
“Elliot Jones’ Empire Crumbles: A Closer Look at the Allegations.”“The Hidden Crimes of a Business Titan: Elliot Jones Exposed.”“Mogul Under Fire? The Double Life of Elliot Jones Revealed.”“The High Price of Power: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Elliot Jones and His Web of Deceit.”“The Case That Shook the Nation: Elliot Jones’ Alleged Crimes.”Seeing my father stand there, looking helpless, his face tight and red with anger satisfies me in a way nothing else could. Today is the day he falls, and now, he can see it with his own eyes—his empire crumbling. The delusion is gone. Mike’s voice echoes through the courtroom. “I was threatened,” he says, eyes darting nervously toward Elliot. “I kept silent because I feared for my life.”I sit beside Ric in the rows reserved for the trial attendees, my heart pounding. Ric leans in, his voice low and teasing, “I can’t believe this is happening. How did you manage to pull that off?”I give him a sly smile, keeping my eyes on Mike.
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 88. A Deal With the Devil
Getting into Mike's office is surprisingly easy. I thought it would be the most difficult task of all, but now, standing here, I realize just how wrong I was. Maybe it’s because I made it happen—my own actions leading to the lack of staff and security. With investors pulling out, his new business flopping instantly, and even his car gone, I wonder just how deep in debt Mike really is.I look around the office, taking in the bare walls and the lack of personal touches. It’s a cold place. It gives me a sense of satisfaction, knowing how little work must happen here. The only thing I find remotely appealing is the fireplace—if you can even call it that. It’s more of a decorative piece than anything else.The door creaks open, and Mike steps in, freezing as his hand remains on the doorknob. His eyes widen when he sees me, and I can almost hear the gears turning in his head.“Relax,” I say softly. “No need to be on alert. I have a proposition for you.”He doesn't move, his eyes darting aro
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 87. My Protector, My Hero
“High-Stakes Drama: Friend and Business Partner Richard Steward Fires on Business Mogul Elliot Jones in Shocking Miami Lakehouse Incident.”“Ric Steward Shoots Elliot Jones to Protect Alleged Lover, and Jones’ Daughter in Lakehouse Scandal.”“Business Partnership Ends in Gunfire: Ric Steward Wounds Elliot Jones.”“It Gets Very Real and Gruesome: Hear what’s new in the Natalie Jones’ Drama.”“Where does Michael Cooper stand amidst all this? New updated in the chaotic life of Natalie Jones. Here’s everything you missed that shook Hollywood this Spring!”The weeks that follow are difficult. And lonely. I’m thrust into a routine where I spend most of my time surrounded by lawyers, and legal jargons. It’s a lot at once, and I think I underestimated how quickly it would consume me. And with only Meera by my side who is still recovering from the traumatic event that occurred at the lakehouse, I find myself sitting in therapy sessions after experiencing several panic attacks. My days are sp
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 86. Done Pretending
The rain-soaked air clings to my skin as the police car disappears down the road, taking Ric with it. My heart feels like it's been wrenched from my chest, leaving an empty, aching void. I can barely breathe as the reality of what just happened crashes down on me.We can’t stay here. The lakehouse is now a crime scene, and the officers made it clear we need to leave. The words still echo in my head: “This area is now under investigation. You’ll need to find somewhere else to stay.”Meera stands beside me, her face pale, clutching her phone like it’s a lifeline. Matt paces back and forth, still carrying the guilt on his face. I don’t think any of us had the slightest hint of something like this going down on a trip that was supposed to heal us. If anything, it has traumatised all of us beyond repair. But, the truth is out. Dad killed Neil. And he was so close to killing me and Ric…“We need to find a place,” I croak. Even if we could stay here, I wouldn’t, not with the memories of wh
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 85. Aiming for your Heart
Another gunshot goes off, a millisecond later. My eyes fly open, but there’s no sensation of pain anywhere in my body. Instead, Dad crumples to the ground with a cry of pain. Panic envelopes me, muddling my mind. I can barely understand what’s going on around me. “Natalie, are you okay?” someone seems to ask, but my gaze is fixed on Dad, watching him struggle as he clutches his leg that is now bleeding with the gunshot. Then that someone shakes me by the shoulders, drawing me back to reality. It’s Meera. “Nat, please say something!” she urges, tears streaming down her cheeks. “W-What happened?” I blurt out, sounding hysterical, my chest heaving dangerously. Meera points out at the door. Matt stands there with a gun in his hand. When his eyes meet mine, his hand drops, and he falls to his knees, breathing hard. Shaking my head, I yell, “What the fuck just happened?” Meera seems to still be in her senses. She kicks the gun out of Dad’s reach. He continues to squirm, his blood st
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 84. The Final Chance
I don’t know if I ever thought of the words I’d say to him when I saw him again after what Mike told me. But watching him stand there right now, looking smug, I know that no words will ever justify the pure rage I feel. There’s an overwhelming need to hurt him. Badly. A throbbing pain in my hand pulls me from my rage. As I unclench my fist, I see the bloody marks my nails have left in my palm.“What are you doing here, Natalie? Why come to the lake house?” Dad asks in a calm voice that has a dangerous edge to it. I feign innocence. “Why, Dad? Can’t I come take a vacation here? Considering I had a man try to nearly kill me, after I've been subject to public humiliation by my cheater husband who you’ve always welcomed with open arms?” Pausing, I draw in a breath, afraid that the anger I feel will crush my lungs. “I should be the one asking that question. Why are you here? You never cared to visit when Mom brought Neil and me here. Why come now? And why do you have my phone?”He shakes
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 83. Buried Secrets
The search of Neil’s room leaves us both drained and disheartened. I scrutinize every nook and cranny, explore every possible hiding spot. The floorboards groan under our weight as I lift the mattress, revealing nothing but dust and a few forgotten coins. Beneath the bed, there’s only a stray sock and a cobweb. The closet holds nothing but old clothes and a pair of worn-out shoes. Even the old dresser, heavy and reluctant, is moved away from the wall, revealing nothing more than a few dust bunnies and a forgotten book.We find nothing out of the ordinary—no hidden notes or mysterious objects. The futility and exhaustion overwhelm me. I glance at Ric and see disappointment etched on his face, a mirror of my own feelings. The room is a mess. Neil’s old clothes are strewn about, furniture askew, and the air thick with dust.I slump onto the edge of the bed, raking my fingers through my hair in frustration. The coolness of the room does little to soothe the heat of my irritation. “There ha
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 82. A Promise to Keep
“What are you saying, Chris?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly.He sighs, shaking his head. When he speaks again, his voice is low, almost embarrassed. “I should’ve known.”I press him further. “When did they say that?”“When Anya came to me with the fake dating idea,” he explains, running a hand through his hair. “She said it was… but that was a lie too. You never wanted this.”“What exactly did she tell you?” I ask, my heart pounding.He exhales sharply. “That you liked me but were too shy to act on it. And Meera, it was her who asked me to show up at your penthouse that night—before you left for the lakehouse.”I feel the ground shift beneath me. “Chris, I didn’t know they said that,” I mumble, the weight of his words sinking in.He shakes his head, disappointment evident in his eyes. “I can’t believe this. I thought I knew what was going on, but now…”The sting of his disappointment cuts deep. “I’m sorry, Chris. I never wanted to hurt you.”There’s a long pause before he finally
