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Chapter 18
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2024-11-28 22:21:39Related chapters
The 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 : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 21
Chapter Twenty-OneStefan stood at the base of a sweeping staircase, his expression calm but determined as he gestured for me to follow. The air was thick with the scent of fresh paint and polished wood, a testament to how new the mansion was."Welcome home," he said, his voice low and confident.Home? I stared at the sprawling estate before me, my eyes widening as they took in the towering ceilings, intricate chandeliers, and marble floors. The mansion was more a palace than a house, its sheer size overwhelming."You bought this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.He turned to me, his blue eyes sparkling with something between pride and amusement. "Of course. The penthouse was too small for what’s to come. This place has everything we need—and more."My gaze shifted to the grand room before me, with its walls lined with art and the open view of a sprawling garden beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. It was breathtaking, but it felt excessive."I don’t even know how to process
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-TwoStefan stood at the head of the long dining table, a sleek folder in his hand and his phone pressed against his ear. His voice was a low rumble, sharp with authority as he dictated terms to someone on the other end of the line. It had become routine to see him like this—commanding, decisive, every bit the ruthless billionaire I had always imagined him to be.I sat quietly at the other end of the table, pushing around a few bites of fruit, while my mind wandered. The mansion was gorgeous, yes, but it also felt vast and isolating. Stefan had ensured I had everything I needed: clothes, food, security, medical attention.Yet something in me felt restless.“You’re staring,” Stefan’s voice cut through my thoughts as he hung up the phone and turned to me.I blinked, caught off guard. “I’m just thinking.”He arched an eyebrow, his lips twitching with a knowing smirk. “About what? You look like you’re planning an escape.”I shot him a glare. “Not everything is about you, Ste
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-ThreeThe elevator ride up to Stefan’s penthouse office was nothing short of excruciating. The silent tension between us had thickened over the past few days. It wasn’t the kind of silence that was comfortable, but the kind that made the air feel heavy, oppressive. Stefan hadn’t spoken much to me, except for a few sharp commands or questions that he expected to be answered with precision.The ride from his mansion had been equally strained. Stefan had insisted on driving me to work, despite my protests that I could take a cab, or better yet, drive myself. But he’d been adamant, making it clear that he had no intention of letting me out of his sight. Not that I minded. I wasn’t sure I wanted to be away from him for too long, even if his presence grated on me. It was like I was caught between the intense pull of his dominance and the resentment I still harbored toward him for orchestrating my life in the way he had.As the elevator doors slid open, I followed him down the
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-FourThe day started with the usual tension. Stefan had insisted on picking me up again, despite my protests. There was a glimmer of something almost possessive in his eyes when he told me he wasn’t letting me out of his sight, and that was that. So, I found myself slipping into the front seat of his sleek black Bentley, staring out of the window as the world passed by in a blur. It was a strange feeling, having him hovering over me at every turn—like I was part of a world I wasn’t sure I belonged to.Today was different, though. The heavy, suffocating air of the last few days had eased slightly, though I still couldn’t figure out why. Maybe it was the fact that Stefan had started to show a bit more care for me—or at least, that’s how it felt. Despite everything, despite the way he’d orchestrated my life without me having a say, there was something about him that felt almost... protective.It wasn’t just the bodyguards tailing me everywhere I went. It wasn’t the absurd
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 25
Chapter Twenty-FiveThe pressure was mounting, and I could feel it creeping up on me with every passing minute. The reality of working for Stefan—helping him build his empire—was no longer just a theory; it was happening, and it was happening fast. What once seemed like an illusion of a glamorous life now felt more like a high-stakes game where one misstep could ruin everything.Stefan was a master of control, and I was learning quickly that nothing slipped past him. The way he moved through the day, each decision made with ruthless precision, was something I could never quite get used to. His world was a chessboard, and I was just one of the pieces, though he hadn’t yet told me which one I was supposed to be.I sat across from him in his office, watching him as he worked through a pile of documents with surgical efficiency. The phone rang, and he answered it immediately, his voice low and commanding as he dealt with whatever business had come his way. I had learned by now that Stefan
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Orchestrated Lie Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-SixI couldn’t sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, all I saw was Stefan—his cold eyes, the intensity in his voice, and the way he had commanded every room he entered. It wasn’t just about business anymore. It wasn’t just the deal I was entangled in. No, it was something deeper. He was something deeper.I had spent so much of my life thinking I was in control, thinking that I could handle anything thrown my way. But now, everything was out of my hands. I was tied to him—his world, his power, his unspoken expectations. And yet, there was an undeniable pull between us, something that made it impossible to escape.It was early, barely light outside, when I finally pushed off the bed and walked to the window. The city sprawled beneath me—endless, silent, indifferent. The skyscrapers towered over the streets like titans, each one representing a piece of Stefan's empire. My empire, too, whether I liked it or not. I couldn't escape it. Not now, not ever.The soft chime of my ph
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
