Share

Chapter 4

Author: Vheezeey
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-22 07:08:19

"Do you have any idea what you're doing?" 

I trembled as I asked myself while gazing at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. The face I saw reflected back at me appeared unfamiliar. My complexion was pallid, my eyes showing signs of fatigue. The world was falling apart, and I couldn't find a stable foothold. I felt overwhelmed by Adrian, Stefan, and the burden of the secrets and pain I was carrying. 

I threw cold water on my face to try to clear my mind, but couldn't shake the images of Adrian's smirk and Stefan's intense stare. I needed clarity—desperately.

The baby.

I looked down at my belly, the smallest hint of a bump now visible under my shirt. The baby wasn’t just a vague concept anymore. It was real. Life was growing inside of me—Stefan’s child.

“How did everything become so complex so quickly?”

A mere two months ago, I was still holding onto the remnants of my marriage, hoping that Adrian and I could somehow fix our relationship. I was so naive. Currently, as divorce documents are being passed around by attorneys and I carry a baby that didn't belong to Adrian, my life seems to have veered abruptly into unfamiliar territory. 

The noise of my phone vibrating on the table interrupted my train of thought. I picked it up and saw a message from my lawyer.

"Shania, we’ve made progress on the divorce case. Adrian’s side is stalling, but we should be able to proceed with the next step. Call me when you have time."

Stalling…Adrian was certainly making an effort to delay the process, holding onto the little control he still had over me. He wasn't going to release me without a fight, and I was aware of that.  The man had always hated losing.

My phone buzzed again, and this time, it wasn’t my lawyer. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the name on the screen.

Stefan.

For a moment, I paused, my thumb suspended over the screen. What does he want at this moment? I hadn't completely understood the offer he had made the day before, feeling the heaviness of it on me like a huge rock. 

However, there was something about Stefan that tugged at me, perhaps his way of speaking or the intensity in his gaze. I couldn't get rid of his powerful, mysterious aura. With a deep breath, I answered.

“Shania,” his voice was smooth, steady, and instantly commanding. “We need to meet. There are things we need to discuss. In person.”

I swallowed hard, glancing around the small bathroom, feeling suddenly trapped. “Now’s not a good time, Stefan.”

"Find time," he declared, his tone allowing no room for debate. “I will arrange for a car to come get you in one hour.”

I didn't have a chance to object before the call ended. 

I remained in place, gazing at my phone with shock. He didn't even inquire. Stefan wasn't required to. He was a man accustomed to getting his way, and currently, for aspects I couldn't completely grasp, that involved me.

An hour passed, and I discovered myself seated in the rear of a stylish, dark SUV as it navigated the urban roads. During the car ride, a heavy sense of anticipation settled upon me, filling the silence. I attempted to quiet my chaotic thoughts, but there was nothing soothing about this situation. What was Stefan planning? And more importantly—what did he want from me?

The SUV pulled up to the towering glass building I recognized from our last meeting. Stefan’s world felt so different from mine—polished, powerful, and distant. I was still only Shania Hayes, attempting to rebuild a life destroyed by betrayal. 

I exited the vehicle as the driver kindly opened the door for me, feeling nervous as I walked into the building. I was brought up to Stefan's office, feeling an endless elevator ride as unease churned in my stomach. When the doors finally opened, Stefan was already waiting for me.

Beside the huge window, he gazed down at the city, appearing calm yet emanating authority. I could feel the familiar tightness in my chest as his presence filled the room. 

When I entered, he turned and looked at me with such intense green eyes that I felt completely exposed. “Shania,” he greeted, his voice a mixture of warmth and authority. "Thanks for showing up." 

I folded my arms across my chest, attempting to protect myself from the intensity of his stare. "I had very few options, didn't I?" 

A slight grin appeared on his mouth, even though his gaze stayed stern. “I needed to meet with you. There are things we need to clarify.”

I stayed silent, waiting for him to continue. Stefan walked toward me, his gaze never leaving mine as he spoke.

“Adrian isn’t going to let go easily, as I’m sure you’re aware. His pride is wounded, and men like him… they don’t take well to losing.”

I tensed at the mention of Adrian, the memory of his cold, controlling words still fresh in my mind. “I know. He’s stalling the divorce, trying to make this as difficult as possible.”

Stefan nodded, as if expecting this. “I’ve seen it before. Men who can’t accept that they’ve lost control over something they thought they owned.”

My stomach twisted at the word owned. That's how Adrian had consistently made me feel, as if I was something to be owned, a reward to be conquered and dominated. I had believed I had evaded it, but now I found myself still ensnared in the web he had created for me. 

“What are you getting at, Stefan?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended. "Why is this important to you?" 

His gaze was impossible to decipher as he observed me briefly. “Because I can help you.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Help me? How?”

He stepped closer, his voice lowering, filled with a dark promise. “I have resources, Shania. Influence. Adrian can’t touch you if I don’t allow it.”

I frowned, suspicion creeping into my thoughts. “And what do you get out of this? You’re offering to protect me and the baby, but why?”

Stefan’s eyes darkened, his jaw tightening as he spoke. “I told you, I need you. This isn’t just about you, Shania. It’s about something bigger. I have my reasons.”

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. Stefan wasn’t just some random man offering to step in and save me. He had his own agenda, and whatever it was, it involved me—and our child.

“What reasons?” I demanded, my voice shaking slightly. "What is it that you're not sharing with me?" 

His stare grew cold, and briefly, I caught a glimpse of an emotion— perhaps pain, remorse, or fury? I was unable to determine. However, it disappeared just as fast as it came. 

"You will find out eventually. However, at the current time, believe me when I promise that I will ensure your safety. Adrian will not have the chance to harm you, as long you are in my presence.”

I gazed at him, caught between fright and a feeling that pulled at the corners of my thoughts. Stefan was dangerous, powerful, and unpredictable. But he was also offering me something I desperately needed. Security. A way out.

But was I willing to trade one controlling man for another?

“I need time,” I whispered, my voice cracking.

Stefan’s eyes softened, just slightly. “You have until the end of the week. After that, the offer changes.”

He then walked away, leaving me standing by myself in the office, feeling the pressure of his ultimatum bearing down on me like a suffocating mist. 

Related chapters

  • The Orchestrated Lie   Chapter 5

    “I’m not signing those papers, Shania.”Adrian's voice came through the phone with a crackling sound, each word filled with defiance. I held onto the gadget firmly, sensing a combination of irritation and rage coursing through me. I thought he would oppose, but hearing him say the words infuriated me. I snapped while pacing around the kitchen, “You no longer have control over this. It’s over, Adrian. You’ve already done enough damage.”A bitter laugh echoed from his side of the line. “You think I’m going to let you walk away that easily? After everything?”I tightened my jaw, trying to remain composed, but the shaking in my hands betrayed my true emotions. “I don't need approval. The divorce is going to happen, regardless of your opinion.”A significant silence could be heard from the opposite side. When he ultimately talked, his attitude had changed to be severe and unfriendly. “You don’t get to decide that. You were mine first, Shania, and I’m not letting you run off with some rand

    Last Updated : 2024-10-22
  • The Orchestrated Lie   Chapter 6

    Chapter Six“I don’t like waiting, Shania,” Stefan’s voice broke through the quiet, sharp as a blade.I looked up, my heart giving a slight jolt. He was already seated across from me, his face unreadable but his gaze holding an edge that sent a chill through me. He hadn’t even waited for an invitation to sit, or a polite hello. Typical.“Then why are you here?” I asked, keeping my tone as steady as I could. I’d started to learn with Stefan that any sign of weakness was a game he liked to play with.“You’re dragging your feet,” he said simply, eyes boring into mine. “On the contract.”I swallowed, instinctively glancing around.This was not a suitable conversation to have in public. "Now is not the right moment or setting to talk about that," I whispered, speaking quietly. He grinned, clearly taking pleasure in my uneasiness. “You think I care where we discuss it? I came here to remind you that I don’t offer patience twice. The terms were clear, Shania. You’re running out of time to si

    Last Updated : 2024-11-28
  • The Orchestrated Lie   Chapter 7

    Chapter SevenMy fingers brushed over the thick, expensive paper of the envelope Stefan had left behind. I hadn’t opened it yet. A part of me felt the urge to destroy it, to show Stefan that I was not a mere pawn in his game. However, a persistent thought in my mind suggested that perhaps I should understand the situation first. With a deep breath, I opened the sealed document and retrieved a neatly written paper. As I glanced at the initial sentences, every word felt heavy, burdening me as I read. It was a contract, with all the stipulations Stefan had hinted at, but seeing it in black and white was like feeling cold iron cuffs snap shut around my wrists.“‘Hereby agrees to be the legal wife of Stefan Hunt in name and duty…,’” I read aloud in a low voice, my stomach twisting. I felt the urge to discard the paper, but I pushed myself to continue reading. Each sentence seemed more burdensome than the previous one, each request a signal that Stefan's kindness was merely a strategic mo

    Last Updated : 2024-11-28
  • The Orchestrated Lie   Chapter 8

    Chapter EightStefan's townhouse appeared imposing to me, resembling a dark castle, as I stood outside holding the contract I had just signed. It seemed like a deal with the devil, and a part of me still longed to rip it apart and return to my previous life. However, I realized there was no turning back. After inhaling deeply to compose myself, I confidently rang the doorbell. The door promptly opened, revealing Stefan's assistant, Marissa, who welcomed me with a friendly smile. "Miss Shania," she addressed me, motioning for me to enter. I acknowledged the message and proceeded to accompany her to Mr. Hunt's study. As I walked through the modern and simple interior, the sound of my heels reverberated against the shiny floors. The atmosphere of the space resembled that of a museum rather than a personal residence, which seemed fitting for someone like Stefan - composed, distant, and unwavering.Marissa left me outside Stefan’s study, and I took a deep breath before pushing open the h

    Last Updated : 2024-11-28
  • The Orchestrated Lie   Chapter 9

    Chapter NineI paced the length of the guest room Stefan had assigned me. I could still feel the heat of his hand wrapped around mine, the finality in his words: “You’re mine, Shania. And I don’t let go easily.” It stirred something in me, something that had been buried beneath layers of anger, betrayal, and confusion.But the moment was still too raw, too complicated. I couldn’t deny the magnetic pull Stefan had, but a part of me still felt tethered to Adrian’s betrayal and all the years I had wasted on him. I’d spent so long being Adrian’s wife that even now, untangling myself from him felt like breaking free from chains I’d been wearing for years.A soft knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts. I hesitated, knowing it had to be Stefan. His presence was almost tangible even from the other side of the door. I opened it, meeting his piercing gaze.“Are you settled in?” he asked, his voice low, giving away nothing.I nodded, crossing my arms. “It’s… fine. Thank you.”He tilted

    Last Updated : 2024-11-28
  • The Orchestrated Lie   Chapter 10

    Chapter Ten"You’ll sign the divorce papers tonight, Adrian. I won’t repeat myself."Stefan’s voice cut through the air like a blade, cold and commanding, as I stood at the top of the staircase in his townhouse. My heart stopped at the sight below. Adrian was there, seated on the edge of the leather couch in Stefan’s office, his jaw tight and his eyes blazing with barely concealed fury.I hadn’t heard Adrian enter; I’d been too wrapped up in my thoughts about the ultrasound and the weight of everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours. Now, I felt like I’d walked straight into the heart of a storm."And why," Adrian bit out, leaning forward with his hands clasped together, "would I let a man like you dictate what I do with my wife?"I froze. The possessiveness in Adrian’s voice sent a chill through me—not because it reminded me of love but because it reeked of control. For so long, I had been nothing more than an extension of Adrian’s ego, a trophy wife to bolster his f

    Last Updated : 2024-11-28
  • The Orchestrated Lie   Chapter 11

    Chapter Eleven"That child will never belong to him."The words from Adrian’s mouth hit me like a sledgehammer as I froze, the pen in my hand hovering over the pile of divorce papers. His voice came from the door to Stefan’s townhouse, where he stood with an arrogance I hadn’t seen in weeks.Stefan, seated beside me, exhaled sharply. "You just don’t know when to quit, do you?"Adrian ignored him, his eyes locked on me. "Shania, we need to talk. Alone."I set the pen down deliberately, the faint sound of it clicking against the glass table cutting through the tense air. "We don’t need to talk, Adrian," I said, my voice calm but firm. "Not now, not ever."Adrian stepped farther into the room, his expression darkening. "I don’t care what you’ve convinced yourself of," he said, his tone low and dangerous. "But you’re still my wife, and that baby—""That baby," Stefan interrupted, rising to his feet with an unsettling calmness, "is none of your business. Neither is she. Sign the papers and

    Last Updated : 2024-11-28
  • The Orchestrated Lie   Chapter 12

    Chapter Twelve"I hope you’re ready to fight, Shania."The voice startled me, pulling me out of the restless sleep I’d fallen into. My heart pounded as I sat up, disoriented in the dim light of my bedroom. It wasn’t Stefan’s voice—it was Adrian’s.And then I saw him, leaning against the wall near the window, his face partially obscured by shadows."What the hell are you doing here?" I hissed, clutching the blanket around me as if it could shield me from the sheer audacity of his presence.Adrian pushed off the wall, taking a step closer. His movements were calm, too calm, but his eyes told a different story. They were wild, unhinged."I came to remind you of something," he said, his voice low but full of menace. "You’re still legally my wife, Shania. That means you belong to me."I forced myself to stand, my legs shaky but holding firm. "I don’t belong to you, Adrian. I never did. Now get out of here before I call the police."He laughed, the sound bitter and devoid of humor. "Oh, Sha

    Last Updated : 2024-11-28

Latest chapter

  • 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

DMCA.com Protection Status