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Chapter 9
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The Marriage Equation Chapter 1
When I graduated from Saint Martin University, my classmates and I celebrated by partying at a bar for three whole days. At that moment, Noah Brooke was tangled up with his first love, his dream lover. I'd seen her picture once in his wallet—fair skin, stunning looks, and long, slender legs. She was just another pretty face, blending in with a sea of similar types. I caught another glimpse of that photo later on Noah's social media. Alice Larson, sitting beside me, chuckled. "She has a face that inspires zero desire—fresh but so bland." Maybe first loves are like that—a delicate little flower swaying in the wind, evoking sympathy. Noah, like most men, had poor taste. My flight back home landed at 3:00 AM, and the cold wind in Sylverwood stung my face like tiny needles. I wrapped my scarf tightly around my neck, dragging my suitcase behind me. I instinctively returned to the apartment on Moonfall Avenue, our little love nest. After knocking for what felt like ages
The Marriage Equation Chapter 2
I refused. This trip back home was primarily for my health, a chance to recuperate and receive proper treatment. I barely stepped outside, isolating myself from the world. My parents were abroad, and they hadn't returned in a long time. Even Cassidy Rivers, the housekeeper, had been sent off to the villa in the southern part of town. It was quiet, just the way I liked it. The only visitor I had was Howard. He brought an assortment of food along with flowers and fruit. I couldn't help but tease him, "This isn't a hospital. You're making me feel like I'm gravely ill." As I worked at my computer, he sat across from me with a cup of coffee in hand. He occasionally played games and sometimes complained about a new female hire at his company who relentlessly pursued him, making him hesitant to go to work lately. I wondered if he was trying to annoy me, as he seemed to grow more animated with each story he told. I shot back coolly, "Is she pretty?" He nodded. "Then wh
The Marriage Equation Chapter 3
His deep, mysterious eyes flickered with an emotion I couldn't quite place. He stood there, speechless for what felt like forever. I stared at his face, so close to mine, and found myself lost in thought. He was undeniably handsome—he had strong features but not harsh, with an aura of quiet intensity. Yet, even facing such a breathtaking man, I felt nothing."Noah, our marriage was always about business. There's no need to overthink it."I've known about you and Lillian for a while now. You know what you should and shouldn't do. Grandpa cares a lot about the Brookes' reputation."I grew more serious as I spoke. His grandfather, Doug Brooke's, health was worsening, and if anything happened, I doubted he could handle the stress. The company would feel the blow too.After a long pause, Noah finally responded, "Teagan, you're right. The last thing our marriage needs is feelings."I pulled my hand back, my voice cold. "The doors of the Brooke residence are for me and me alone. Don't
The Marriage Equation Chapter 4
I was instantly furious, quickly wiping my face with a napkin. Thankfully, the coffee had cooled down a bit; otherwise, my skin would have burned. I stepped forward and yanked on Lillian's collar, tossing her toward the floor. There was no other choice; she was too tall. I needed to bring her down so that I could have some advantage. The next moment, the sharp sound of slaps echoed through the air. "Who do I think I am? I'm Mrs. Brooke and the daughter of the Reeds! Look closely; I'm Noah's legitimate wife."I'll tell you this: I don't care what you and Noah have going on. If you dare to come at me again, you won't get off so easily!" Just then, Doug called. I put him on speaker. "Teagan, we made your favorite crabs for dinner. Come home early." I released Lillian and replied with a smile, "Okay, Grandpa. I'll be home soon." After hanging up, I ignored Lillian and drove back to the Brooke residence. As soon as I arrived home, Doug noticed my flushed face and asked with c
The Marriage Equation Chapter 5
I didn't have time to deal with her, so I called the security guard to escort her out. Later, I heard that she had been sitting outside, refusing to leave. By evening, after dinner with my colleagues, Noah showed up. I couldn't stand the sight of them pulling and tugging at the entrance, so I intervened. "Noah! There are cameras here; just look up if you don't believe me. If you don't leave, I'll send this to the media. I hope you still care about the Brookes' reputation!"With that, Noah dragged Lillian to the car and shut the door, but he didn't get in himself. "Teagan, please don't be angry." He leaned against my desk. I didn't lift my eyes, my fingers flying over the keyboard as I responded to the mountain of emails piling up. "Teagan, I haven't seen Mom in so long. I heard she was having trouble with her legs recently, so I bought some supplements. How about we go visit her?" I frowned at him. "Noah, since when did you start caring about my family?" Doug had to
The Marriage Equation Chapter 6
He even instructed the police to detain me for fifteen days. He was my father. How could he do such a thing to me? As I grew older, I started suffering from insomnia, lying awake each night, often hearing imagined sounds of fights from the neighboring apartment. When I was in Argusia, I saw a therapist, and for a while, things improved, but then I relapsed. It was a cycle that never seemed to end, a constant ebb and flow. Depression shadowed me for many years. Once I saw my mother had taken her medication and drifted off to sleep, I finally felt it was safe to leave. I didn't want Noah to drive me home. "You can go; I'll take a cab back to my apartment." He ignored my protest, insisting on driving me himself. "Teagan, I'm worried about you. Please let me stay with you." When we finally got back home, insomnia struck again, as I had expected. I had Noah take the blanket and sleep on the couch while I settled in front of my desk to tackle the mounting pile of work.
The Marriage Equation Chapter 7
My mother decided to move into the Brooke residence to keep me company. I recovered quickly, and a month after giving birth, I was eager to dive back into work. My studio was thriving under my management, generating a profit of over a million in a short time. So, I decided to expand and opened my own company. It was completely my own creation; every detail was personally overseen and chosen by me. Nothing came from my family or from Noah's side. Of course, I still had to claim what was rightfully mine. As my company grew, I secretly started buying shares in Reed Enterprise. Over the years, if it hadn't been for the support of the Brookes, my father would have completely bankrupted Reed Enterprise. When my shareholding reached a significant percentage, I removed my father from the company. On that day, he slammed his cup down in front of me, anger flaring in his eyes. "Teagan, what are you doing?" I smiled back at him. "I'm saving the company; otherwi
The Marriage Equation Chapter 8
With one less problem to deal with, I felt my heart begin to lighten bit by bit. I sent my mother to the beach, where I bought her a house and hired staff to ensure she lived comfortably. Lillian sought me out while I was at the office. Of course, my current situation meant I didn't have to handle any work matters. But I had no desire to be a bitter housewife confined to a mansion; the workplace air was much fresher. This time, Lillian didn't come in with her usual bravado. Seeing me in my current state took the wind out of her sails. "What do you want now, Ms. Carroll?" She looked at me with feigned innocence. "Ms. Reed, I'm begging you." "Begging me for what? If you need money, go ask Noah." "Please, just give me and my child a chance to survive." I was taken aback. "Child? What child?" It wasn't until she showed me a picture of Noah holding a baby that I finally understood. So that was why Noah seemed so comfortable with babies; he had practica
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