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Chapter 12
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The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 13
Chapter ThirteenAdrian's words stuck in my head like a bad song on repeat."He’s been controlling your life, Shania."Every time I thought I’d begun to untangle the web of lies surrounding me, another thread seemed to appear, and now, it was Stefan holding the spool. Was Adrian telling the truth? Or was this just another one of his manipulative games to keep me under his thumb?I tried to shake the thoughts away as I stood by the kitchen sink, washing a glass I’d barely used. The rhythmic sound of water running helped steady my nerves. Outside, the sun had set, casting the room in a golden haze.A sharp knock on the front door pulled me from my spiral.I froze, my mind immediately jumping to Adrian. Was he back to cause more chaos? My heart thudded painfully as I dried my hands and walked toward the door.When I opened it, I wasn’t sure whether to feel relief or dread.Stefan stood there, his face as composed as ever, though his piercing eyes burned with an intensity that unsettled m
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen"You’re leaving with me tonight, Shania," Adrian declared, his voice echoing through the room like a storm. He stood in the middle of my living room, a smug smirk plastered on his face as if he had already won.Stefan, who had been standing by the fireplace moments ago, stepped forward, his presence commanding the room like a shadow stretching over everything. His jaw tightened, and his piercing gaze locked on Adrian."You’re not taking her anywhere," Stefan said coldly.I stood frozen between them, my heart pounding in my chest. The tension was suffocating, like a rope tightening around my throat.Adrian snorted, his hands shoved into his pockets. "Funny, coming from the man who’s been playing god in her life. Tell me, Stefan, does she know the full extent of your little… operation?""Shut up," Stefan snapped, his voice low but lethal.Adrian laughed, a sound dripping with mockery. "Oh, I hit a nerve, didn’t I? Don’t worry, Shania. I’ll fill in the blanks for you.""
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen“Pack your things.”Stefan’s voice was calm, but it held the weight of an unyielding command. He stood in the doorway of my bedroom, his dark eyes locked on mine. Gone was the patience I’d seen before. This was Stefan in his true form—unrelenting, decisive, and unapologetically dominant.I blinked, clutching the edge of the bed. "Excuse me?""You’re moving in with me tonight," he said, stepping further into the room. His tone left no room for argument."Stefan," I said, forcing calm into my voice. "I don’t think—""I didn’t ask what you thought," he interrupted, his gaze narrowing. "This back-and-forth with Adrian ends now. You’ve entertained his theatrics long enough. I won’t stand by while he poisons your life further."I crossed my arms, standing my ground despite the magnetic force of his presence. "You don’t get to decide what I do."His lips curved into a faint, humorless smile. "Oh, but I do. You’re carrying my child, Shania. Your safety isn’t negotiable. And whi
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen“Buy it all.”Stefan’s voice was a low growl, but the command cut through the noise of the luxury boutique like a knife. Every head in the store turned toward him, including mine."What are you doing?" I hissed, clutching the arm of the chair I had been forced into moments ago.He didn’t even glance at me. Instead, his piercing eyes stayed locked on the store manager, who was already scrambling to obey."Sir, all of it?" the man stammered, beads of sweat forming on his brow.Stefan adjusted the cuff of his tailored suit, his movements deliberate. "Did I stutter?""No, of course not," the manager replied, his voice shaking. "We’ll get everything packaged immediately.""Good." Stefan finally turned his attention to me, his expression unreadable. "Sit tight, Shania. This won’t take long."My jaw dropped. "You can’t just buy out an entire store because of one dress!"He raised an eyebrow. "It’s not just about the dress."I folded my arms, glaring at him. "Then what is it a
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen“Ms. Hartfield, your new account is now active. The balance has been transferred as per Mr. Ashford’s instructions.”The banker’s words hung in the air as I stared at the document in front of me, the number on the screen so absurdly large it didn’t feel real."That’s not my money," I said flatly, pushing the paper away."Actually, it is," Stefan’s voice drawled from the doorway of the private office. He stepped inside, adjusting his cufflinks as if he hadn’t just casually changed the trajectory of my life.I turned to him, my eyes narrowing. "What the hell is this?""It’s what you deserve," he replied, taking a seat across from me. His tone was calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "Consider it an advance on your new life.""I never agreed to this," I snapped."You agreed when you signed the divorce papers," he countered. "Or did you think walking away from Adrian would leave you unscathed financially? This ensures you don’t have to look over your shoulder for
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen"I’ll meet her," I said, my voice trembling with a mix of dread and fury.Stefan raised an eyebrow from across the room, clearly unamused. "You don’t owe her anything, Shania.""I need answers," I replied firmly, crossing my arms. "And she owes me that much, at least."Stefan studied me for a moment before nodding curtly. "Fine. But I’ll be nearby."I rolled my eyes. "I don’t need a babysitter, Stefan.""You need protection," he countered, his tone leaving no room for argument.Stephanie sat on the patio of the café Stefan had arranged for us. She looked immaculate, as always—flawless makeup, sleek hair, and a smugness that made my blood boil. She spotted me from a distance, her red lips curving into a smile as if we were about to catch up over tea.The audacity.I stopped in front of her, refusing to sit. "Why did you call me here?"She gestured to the empty chair. "Sit, Shania. You’ll cause a scene otherwise."I stayed rooted in place, glaring at her. "I didn’t come
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 19
Chapter NineteenStefan’s penthouse suite radiated power and opulence. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a skyline that shimmered like jewels against the night, while every surface gleamed as though untouched by mortal hands. Yet the man himself, sitting on a sleek leather couch with a glass of whiskey in his hand, seemed far removed from the luxury surrounding him. His piercing eyes followed my every move as I paced the room."You’re wearing a hole in the floor, Shania," Stefan drawled, taking a sip of his drink.I stopped abruptly, glaring at him. "This isn’t a joke, Stefan. My sister, my own twin, is out there spreading venom about you—and me."He smirked, setting his glass down on the table with a sharp clink. "Let her talk. Stephanie thrives on chaos, and I don’t care about the opinions of small minds.""Maybe you don’t," I snapped. "But I do. And it’s not just her words—it’s the way she said them. She knows something about you, Stefan. Something she thought I should be afraid of."
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 20
Chapter TwentyThe ballroom gleamed under the glow of a thousand crystal chandeliers, a testament to opulence and excess. The city's elite mingled, champagne glasses in hand, their laughter and chatter blending into a low hum. I adjusted the sleek black gown Stefan had insisted I wear, its plunging neckline and open back leaving little to the imagination. It clung to my body like a second skin, and while I felt undeniably glamorous, I also felt exposed under the watchful eyes of strangers.“You’re nervous,” Stefan murmured as he placed a possessive hand on the small of my back, his warmth seeping through the fabric of my dress.“I’m not used to… this,” I admitted, gesturing vaguely at the glittering scene before us.He smirked, leaning closer so only I could hear him. “You’ll be fine. Just stay by my side.”And that was exactly what he intended for me to do. From the moment we entered the room, Stefan hadn’t let me drift more than a few feet from him. His presence was magnetic and com
Last Updated : 2024-11-28
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The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 164
Shania stood on the balcony of their villa, the ocean breeze playing with her hair. Below her, the waves crashed against the rocks, a rhythmic melody of nature’s power. She closed her eyes, letting the serenity of the moment wash over her. The last few months had been a whirlwind of change, but here, in the stillness, she found a rare moment to breathe.From behind, Stefan’s voice broke the silence. “I thought I’d find you here.”She turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed, his gaze warm and steady. Even now, after everything they’d been through, there were moments when she still couldn’t believe he was hers.“Couldn’t sleep?” he asked, stepping closer.She shook her head. “Too much on my mind.”He tilted his head, studying her. “Want to talk about it?”She hesitated, then gestured for him to join her. As he settled beside her, she leaned against the railing, her eyes fixed on the horizon. “Do you ever think about what life would have been like if things had
The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 163
163Shania stood on the edge of the playground at the newly inaugurated community center, watching the children race down slides and swing high into the air. The sound of their laughter filled the crisp morning, a melody of hope and joy. She wrapped her arms around herself, letting the moment sink in. This was what all the long nights and hard decisions had been for—a tangible change in the lives of those who needed it most.Stefan approached from behind, his footsteps light but familiar. Without looking, she could feel his presence, a grounding force she had come to cherish. He placed a hand gently on her shoulder, the warmth of his touch seeping through her coat.“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” he said, his voice low and calm.She turned her head slightly to glance at him. His eyes were fixed on the children, but there was a softness in them she had grown to recognize. “It’s everything I hoped for,” she admitted. “And more.”“You did this, Shania. Don’t ever forget that,” he said, his v
The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 162
162The first sign of spring brought with it a sense of renewal that mirrored Shania's state of mind. She stood in the middle of the new community center site, the crisp air filled with the scent of fresh earth and budding flowers. The construction crew was hard at work, laying the foundation for what would soon be a safe haven for dozens of underserved children and families.Shania closed her eyes, letting the sound of hammers and drills wash over her like a symphony of progress. This center was the first step toward the expansion she and Stefan had dreamed about—her vision coming to life in ways she hadn’t dared to hope for a year ago.Stefan appeared beside her, his hands tucked into the pockets of his tailored coat. "You’re quiet," he observed, his tone teasing but warm."I’m taking it all in," she said, turning to him with a smile. "It’s surreal, seeing it come together like this."He looked at her with a mix of admiration and pride. "It’s because of you. None of this would exist
The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 161
Chapter 161Shania stood in the middle of the small bookstore she had frequented as a child, the familiar smell of aged paper and wood polish wrapping around her like a comforting hug. The memoir’s galley proofs were clutched tightly in her hands, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. She hadn’t been in this store in years, but it had always been a place where her dreams felt tangible.The owner, a spry older man named Mr. Colton, shuffled over with a warm smile. “Back again, are we? Thought I might see your face soon, especially with all the buzz.”“Buzz?” she echoed, puzzled.Mr. Colton grinned knowingly. “Your memoir. Word travels fast in this town. Some of the kids from your center were in here a few days ago, saying how you’ve been working on something big.”Shania’s cheeks flushed. The thought of her story already being talked about, even before it had been officially published, was both exhilarating and terrifying.“I just wanted to bring a copy by,” she said, handing him the
The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 160
160The morning light seeped through the curtains of their bedroom, bathing everything in a golden glow. Shania stretched, her body warm and content beneath the covers. Stefan lay beside her, his breathing deep and even, his arm draped protectively over her waist.For the first time in a long time, Shania felt an unfamiliar but welcome sense of calm. There was no immediate crisis, no shadow of doubt looming over her, and no lingering remnants of the past clawing at her peace.Still, her mind buzzed with ideas.She slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Stefan, and padded to the kitchen. The house was silent except for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the chirping of birds outside. She brewed a cup of coffee and took it to the patio, where the garden was alive with color and life.Her notebook, always nearby, sat on the small table. Shania opened it, flipping past pages of sketches, notes, and plans for the center. On a fresh page, she began to list her new goals:Expand the cent
The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 159
159The evening breeze carried the scent of fresh earth and wildflowers as Shania stood on the balcony of their estate. The city twinkled in the distance, a blend of movement and stillness that mirrored her life. Behind her, Stefan emerged from the shadows, a glass of wine in each hand.“You’ve been quiet since the ceremony,” he said, handing her a glass.“I’ve just been thinking,” she replied, her gaze still fixed on the skyline.“Good thoughts, I hope?”She turned to face him, a small smile playing on her lips. “Mostly. It’s just… I feel like I’m finally living my truth, but there’s this voice in the back of my head asking, ‘What now?’”He leaned against the railing beside her, his expression thoughtful. “That’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? There’s no script. You’ve built the foundation; now you get to decide where it leads.”She sipped her wine, the cool liquid grounding her. “Do you ever feel that way? Like you’ve reached the peak of one mountain, only to realize there’s another, t
The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 158
158The flight back from the island felt different. Not just the airy lightness of post-vacation bliss, but a weightlessness in Shania’s chest—a freedom she hadn’t felt in years. As she leaned against Stefan’s shoulder, the hum of the plane’s engine steady in the background, she closed her eyes and reflected on the transformation she’d undergone.Stefan brushed a strand of hair from her face. “Tired?”“No,” she replied, her eyes fluttering open. “Just thinking.”“About?”“About how... I feel more like myself than I ever have,” she said softly. “But also... I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of who I am.”He smirked. “I’d say that’s a good thing. The best journeys don’t have a final destination, right?”She laughed lightly, but her mind was already turning. Stefan had a way of grounding her while also inspiring her to dream bigger. And now, sitting in first class, thousands of feet above the ground, she felt the stirrings of a new vision—a purpose beyond anything she had eve
The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 157
Chapter 157Shania walked barefoot through the garden, the soft grass tickling her feet. The morning sun filtered through the canopy of trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. This was her favorite place in the estate—a sanctuary where life felt simple and her thoughts could wander freely. Today, though, her mind was anything but still.In the weeks since the foundation’s mural unveiling, she had been grappling with a question she couldn’t shake: What’s next? Not for the foundation or her relationship with Stefan, but for herself. She had built so much, survived even more, yet there was a quiet restlessness in her heart.“Thinking too hard again?” Stefan’s voice broke her reverie.She turned to find him standing a few steps away, coffee cup in hand, his dark hair slightly tousled from the breeze. His presence was grounding, as always.“I can’t help it,” she admitted with a wry smile. “You know me—I need to have something to obsess over.”He smirked and closed the distance betwee
The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 156
Chapter 156Shania stood on the balcony of their home, her eyes scanning the sprawling city skyline bathed in the warm hues of twilight. The evening breeze carried with it a sense of calm she rarely felt in her chaotic days. Behind her, she could hear the faint sound of Stefan’s voice on a phone call, his tone measured and confident.Her hand absently traced the cool metal of the railing as she let her thoughts drift. Life had changed in ways she couldn’t have imagined. What once felt like an uphill battle—fighting for survival, for her dreams, for her heart—now felt like a journey she had conquered with scars to prove it. Yet, even in her victories, she often asked herself: Who am I when there’s no more fight left to win?The sound of the sliding door opening pulled her from her thoughts. Stefan stepped onto the balcony, his phone tucked into his pocket. His eyes immediately found hers, and the tension in his shoulders softened.“You looked deep in thought,” he said, leaning against
