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The Price Of Us
The Price Of Us
Penulis: Hayley

Chapter 01

Penulis: Hayley
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-01-09 09:25:39

Anna'S P.O.V.

I held on to the white roses as I struggled to hold my bag and open the car door. My face lit up as I saw a light from the room, he was home. I had specifically gotten these white roses knowing Anton loved them and what better way to celebrate our three years anniversary?

I pushed the door open with my foot and a familiar laughter reached my ear that made me confused, that wasn't Anton. I placed the flowers on the table and walked upstairs while my heart raced, something didn't feel right, the voice grew louder, and I felt a weight against my shoulder.

I pushed the bedroom door open and my eyes stung with tears as I watched Anton laid upon my twin sister with the sheet wrapped around them and his head immediately snapped towards me

“Anna, baby, it’s not what it looks like!” Anton scrambled to sit up, his words tumbling over each other.

“It's not what it seems? You're in bed with my sister!”

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic, Anna. It’s just sex.” Rose mumbled still trailing her fingers on Anton's bicep and my eyes blurred with tears and dwelling anger

"Both of you, out. Now.”

“You really need to calm the hell down”

“Get the hell out of my house Rose, now!!” She completely ignored me and reached for her food while Anton stumbled from the bed and walked towards me.

“Listen to me, Anna, we can make this work an…" I slapped him across the face.

“Don't you ever call my name again! We are done! Leave my house!” I reached for Rose and pulled her hair so tight and threw her against him.

"How dare you touch me with those filthy hands of yours? I'm calling mother” Rose raged.

“Of course you will, mother's little girl, and while you go back to that God forsaking house remember to never step here and take that bastard with you!”

"Anna, you’ve always been ungrateful. Rose has every right to stay in that house. If you can’t share it, then maybe it’s time you left.” A chill went down my veins as I heard our mother's voice on loudspeaker

“What? This is my house, I am not leaving it for…”

“I’ll buy the house from you,” mother added coldly, “and Rose will take over. Consider it compensation for all I’ve done for you.” she hung up before I got the chance to speak again.

“This should cover whatever attachment you had to this place,” Rose said, tossing the check onto the floor and I clenched my fist knowing there was nothing I could do about it, the last time I had hit their precious daughter I spent days in jail

Tears rolled down my cheek as I picked my bag while hearing Anton and Rose make out. I couldn't do this anymore. I got in the car and drove down the street before stopping at the car, was it bad that I just wanted a peaceful night?

It was always Rose over me, she was perfect for the family image, never makes mistakes, and I was the mistake of the family even if we literally look like each other, I downed the cup of whiskey and let set before swinging the bottle

“Rough night?” a deep voice mumbled while taking a sit next to me and I snort

“You have no idea.” I watched him order a glass of wine, and he suddenly raised his class to me.

"To forgetting,”

“To forgetting,” I echoed, clinking my bottle against his.

Laughter and music filled the air, and the only thing I remember was being knocked down on the table by a certain stranger. I woke up disoriented and confused and panic sets within me as I realized this wasn't my room.

No, no, no, no. I wasn't in my clothes, I was in my underwear, oh my God!

“You’re awake.” I jumped as a man walked out of the bathroom and I forced myself not to stare.

“You slept with me,” I blurt out feeling myself being sore and tears escaped me

“You came on to me, but we didn’t sleep together. You passed out before anything happened.”

“Do you think I'm stupid? You were the man at the bar and I don't even remember what happened, God!”

“You're being dramatic, nothing happened!”

“I'm in your house, butt naked on your bed, and you tell me to myself that nothing happen? I'm calling the police” I snatched my phone from the bedside cupboard before pulling my oversized shirt over my head.

"Do what you need to, but you’re wasting your time and while you're doing that get out of my house, your car is upfront” His voice darkened and he stormed out

The nerve of this guy

“I have been assaulted by a man at this address, and you're telling me you can't do anything about it?” I reached the front door while putting my shoes on as he was nowhere in sight.

“Ma'am we will advise you to leave the premises immediately” I shut the door and the phone went off

******

Three days passed by in a breeze and I still couldn't figure out who the hell this man was, and I was going to be late! Shit!

I got into Valerian interior and immediately head to the meeting room where my client was waiting, according to my assistant thus will be the best contract of the year and I couldn't rob my company of that honor

The door swung open and the air in my lungs was knocked out as my eyes met familiar blue ones, this cannot be happening. It was the man from three days ago. He smirked as he played with the pen while I tried to keep my temper in check.

"Miss Valerian. Fancy seeing you again.”

“You aren't meant to be here” I mumbled trying to stay professional

“Well unfortunately for you, I am” He stood up and adjusted his blazer before walking towards me

“Oh, and by the way…" he stopped as he walked past me. "I’m buying Valerian Interiors. Welcome to your new boss”.

“That's impossible, I am not selling my company to you” I turned to face him, and he smiles before attempting to push my hair from my face and I slapped his hands away

“Your company? You mean the one daddy gave you?” My heart sank remembering the deal my father and I made two years ago.

This cannot be happening

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  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 02

    ANNA'S P.O.V. I slammed the door of my car as anger raged within me. With my heels clicking against the marble floor I pushed the huge door open, there was no way he could do this, I had nurtured that company back to life and my father had absolutely no rights to sell it, none. Especially after our agreement. “Father!” My voice echoed in the house and I noticed the workers looked at me confused but I honestly didn't care “Where the hell is he?” Troy point upstairs and I stormed. I pushed the door of his office and slammed my hand against the table making him look at me through his glasses. “What is the meaning of this?” I demanded, my voice shaking with anger. “You sold the company?” “Good afternoon, Anna. What brings you here in such a state?” He spoke calmly while leaning into his chair. “You know exactly why I’m here! You sold my company… The company I’ve worked tirelessly to save! We had a deal!” I ignored the sting of tears in my eyes and I blinked it away. “Your company

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09
  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 03

    ANNA'S P.O.V. I tugged at the bodice of my wedding dress as the soft material clung to my body. Everything about this dress felt suffocating, but there was absolutely nothing I could do about it, moreover I was forced into a marriage that made absolutely no sense. Why was I the one marrying Jace? Rose had always been their favorite child and I don't give a damn about this family's affections let alone a prestigious marriage. The door flew open, and I looked into the mirror to see Rose leaning casually against the door looking at me with a smile on her face. Talk about the devil. “You look… radiant,” She mumbled, and my face remained emotionless as I ignored her “…Funny, isn’t it?” Ross continued, tracing a finger along the edge of the vanity. “This should’ve been my wedding. But Jace…” She paused, her smile widening. “He’s no fool. He realized his little empire is crumbling, and he needs someone with substance. You, the workhorse of Valerian Interiors, are the perfect candidate.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09
  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 04

    ANNA'S P.O.V. “What did you just call him?” I asked as I looked at her, and she smirked with a gleam in her eyes. “Oh, did he not tell you? Jace Lysander was my husband first.” I turned to chase with my chest rising and falling as anger and confusion filled me. "Tell me she’s lying,” I demanded. “Tell me she’s lying!” I watched as his lip pressed in a thin line, and he glared at Rose. "Get out.” He growled at her, completely ignoring me. “Not until she knows the truth,” Rose retorted, crossing her arms. “She deserves to know what kind of mess she’s gotten herself into.” "Leave, Rose. Now.” “Why? Afraid she’ll hate you for what happened five years ago? Oh, let me do the honors.” She turned to me, her expression smug. “While you were busy playing the perfect college student, I was living the dream. Jace and I got married in Vegas, yes, married, but it didn’t last. He was so obsessed with his precious business that he forgot I even existed. So, I walked out. I abandoned him.”

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09
  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 05

    JACE'S P.O.V. The room became dead quiet as I walked quietly to the shattered window and a relief washed over me when I realized they were gone. I turned around to see Anna holding her knee to her chest while staring into thin air. “They’re gone,” I said softly as I sat next to her “Are you hurt?” She shook her head. “Who were they? Why did they leave so suddenly? And Rose?” I sighed while running my fingers through my hair. “There’s a lot you need to know, and none of it will be easy to hear.” “Then start talking,” She snapped and the fire in her eyes appeared, but there was something else, she was scared. “What aren’t you telling me, Jace?” "I found out the truth about you the night before our wedding,” I began while watching her from the side of my eyes.a “I was at the venue, making final arrangements, when Rose showed up out of nowhere.” “Rose?” “She told me everything, your parents weren’t planning on marrying you off to me. They were planning to sell you to the richest

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09
  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 06

    ANNA POVI had barely settled into the reality of being Jace’s wife before another storm came crashing into our lives. The moment we arrived in Italy, I knew things wouldn’t be easy, but standing face-to-face with Vanya, the woman Jace was supposedly meant to marry, sent a chill down my spine. Her words lingered in the air like a challenge. “I’m here to take back what’s mine.”Jace stiffened beside me, his grip on my hand tightening like he was anchoring me to him. But I didn’t need him to defend me. Not this time. I met her gaze, unwavering. “Jace is not an object to be claimed.” My voice was calm, but beneath it, a storm was brewing. She smirked, flipping her dark hair over her shoulder as she tilted her head—calculating, like a predator playing with its prey. “That’s cute. But you don’t understand how deep our history runs, do you?”Jace exhaled sharply. “Enough, Vanya.”I turned to him, searching his face for any sign of hesitation, but all I saw was disdain. It reassured

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01
  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 07

    JACE POVThe next morning, my phone buzzed before the sun had fully settled in the sky. I groaned, rubbing a hand over my face before reaching for it. Father.I stared at the screen, debating whether to ignore it. Then it buzzed again. With a sigh, I answered. “What?”“I want to see you.” His voice was deep, unwavering. A voice that had dictated my life for years. I exhaled sharply. “We have nothing to talk about.” “You’re my son. That alone is reason enough.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “If this is about—” “I won’t repeat myself, Jace Lysander.” Silence. I clenched my jaw. I had spent years putting distance between myself and my parents. Years keeping my life separate from theirs. But something in my father’s voice told me this wasn’t just another attempt to bend me to his will. It was something more. And if there was anything I had learned growing up under my father’s rule—it was to never ignore him.Anna stirred beside me, her soft murmur pulling me

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01
  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 08

    ANNA POVThe moment Jace stepped inside, I knew something was wrong. It wasn’t in the way he moved—his steps were measured, precise as always. It wasn’t in his expression, either—his face was calm, composed, unreadable. But I had spent enough time with Jace Lysander to know when something was weighing on him. And right now? He was drowning in it.“Welcome back,” I said carefully, watching as he walked toward the kitchen counter. Instead of responding, he placed a bouquet of white roses on the marble surface, followed by a small shopping bag. “For you,” he murmured. His voice was smooth but… lacking warmth.I frowned slightly, glancing at the flowers. They were beautiful—pristine white petals, fresh with morning dew, carrying the faintest scent of something sweet. But flowers didn’t fix the tension in his shoulders. Flowers didn’t erase the way his jaw was clenched, how his eyes held an exhaustion deeper than just lack of sleep. Something had happened. And he wasn’t telli

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01
  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 09

    ANNA POVJace’s fingers tightened around mine, his eyes locked onto mine with a rare intensity that made my heart stutter. “I love you,” he murmured, his voice low but firm, as if he needed me to understand the depth of those words. Before I could say anything, he pulled me into his arms, holding me close. His warmth, his scent, the solid press of his chest against mine—all of it surrounded me.I melted into him, my arms wrapping around his torso, my fingers gripping the back of his shirt like I could hold onto this moment forever. Jace tilted my chin up, his blue eyes dark with emotion, and then his lips claimed mine.It wasn’t hurried. It wasn’t desperate. It was slow—a vow, a promise, an anchor.When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine, exhaling deeply. “I’ll fix this,” he whispered again. I nodded, because what else could I do? Jace loved me and I loved him. That was enough. At least, I hoped it was. ***Jace left after lunch, saying he had to meet hi

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-02

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  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 37

    JACE POVBy the time the wheels of the jet touched down in Italy, the afternoon sun was casting a golden hue over the private tarmac. I glanced at Anna beside me, watching as she took a deep breath, her fingers unconsciously pressing against her belly. She was nervous. I reached over, intertwining our fingers. “We’re home,” I murmured. She didn’t say anything, just nodded slightly, her gaze fixed on the window. I knew what she was thinking—what awaited us. My family. The people who had driven her away. The people I would protect her from, no matter what. The drive from the private airstrip to the estate was quiet. Anna sat beside me, her hands resting on her belly, her eyes scanning the familiar roads with a mix of emotions. I knew what she was thinking—what awaited her behind those gates. The memories, the pain, the people who had driven her away.I squeezed her hand. “You okay?”She exhaled softly, nodding. “As okay as I can be.”I brought her hand to my lips, pressing a

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 36

    ANNA POV.Italy. The word alone sent a cold shiver down my spine. I sat still, fingers gripping the sheets as if they were the only thing grounding me. My mind was already racing ahead, painting vivid images of the last time I was in that country. The humiliation. The heartbreak. The way Jace’s mother and Vanya had torn me apart, piece by piece, until I had no fight left in me. And now, he wanted me to go back. I shook my head, my heart pounding. “No. Absolutely not.”Jace, who had been sitting beside me, turned fully to face me. “Anna—”“Jace, no!” My voice came out sharper than I intended, but I didn’t care. “I am not going back there. Not after everything.”“It won’t be like before.”I let out a bitter laugh. “You don’t know that.”“I do.” His jaw tightened. “Because I won’t let them treat you like that again.” “You think your mother will just suddenly change? That she’ll be welcoming, excited to see me? She already won, Jace. She got what she wanted. You were about to m

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 35

    JACE POVThe next morning, I woke up to the soft warmth of Anna curled against me, her steady breathing a quiet reassurance that she was here, real, and mine again.Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden hue over her skin, making her look even more breathtaking than I remembered. For a long moment, I just lay there, watching her, committing every detail to memory—the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the way a few strands of her hair had fallen across her face, the peaceful expression she wore. She stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent before her eyes fluttered open. Sleepy and soft, she blinked up at me, confusion giving way to recognition. A slow, drowsy smile spread across her lips. “You’re still here.”I cupped her cheek, running my thumb along her jaw. “I told you, Anna. I’m not going anywhere.”Her smile widened just a little before she buried her face into my chest. “What time is it?”“Time to find out if we’re having a son or a daughter.”That

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 34

    ANNA POVI had been pacing in the living room, my heart hammering in my chest. The moment Jace opened that door, I knew it was Anton. And I hated that my first reaction wasn’t anger but exhaustion. I was tired of him, tired of the constant calls, the uninvited appearances, the fake concern. But more than that, I was tired of this part of my past that wouldn’t stay buried. The voices outside were growing louder, and when I heard Jace’s low, dangerous tone, I knew this wasn’t going to end well. I took a deep breath and moved toward the door, gripping the handle before pulling it open. The cold evening air hit my skin, but it wasn’t nearly as chilling as the scene in front of me.Jace stood in the doorway, rigid with barely restrained fury, while Anton had that same damn smirk on his face—the one that used to fool me. Not anymore. “Anna,”!Anton turned to me, his expression shifting in an instant. “Finally. Maybe now we can have a rational conversation.”I crossed my arms. “A

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 33

    JACE POVFinally, she let out a slow breath. “I didn’t want to believe them,” she admitted. “But everything was falling apart. You barely spoke to me. It was easier to believe you never cared than to believe I had been that easy to discard.”My chest tightened. “Anna, I have never—” “You let me leave, Jace!” she cut me off, her voice rising. “You let me walk away like I was nothing to you!”I didn’t even realize I had moved until my hands were on her shoulders. “Because I was stupid and angry and hurt!” I rasped. “I thought you didn’t love me! And by the time I figured it out, you were gone.”Her breath hitched, her eyes darting to my face. “It doesn’t change anything.”“It changes everything.” I lowered my voice. “I love you, Anna. I loved you then, and I love you now.”Tears welled in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away, stepping back from my touch. “Even if I wanted to, Jace… I can’t go back with you.”My stomach dropped. “Why not?”“Because your family will never accept u

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 32

    JACE POVAnna’s car disappeared into the distance, leaving me standing in the middle of the street, stunned. I had known she would be furious, but the pure rage in her voice still rattled me. And Anton. What the fuck was he doing in New Zealand? The thought of that bastard lurking around Anna made my blood boil. Had he followed her here? Was he trying to worm his way back into her life? I clenched my fists. If he so much as breathed in the wrong direction around her, I would make sure he regretted it. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I exhaled sharply, running a hand down my face before answering. “Yeah?”“We have her location,” the PI said. “She’s staying in a neighborhood near the city center. I’ll send you the address now.”I let out a slow breath. “Thanks, but I already found her.”There was a pause. “That was fast.”“I got lucky,” I muttered, my mind already spinning. “Send the details to my phone.” I cut the call.Anna was pregnant. That meant she had found out ba

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 31

    ANNA POVI should have left the moment I saw him. The second my eyes locked onto Jace’s through that cafe window, my body screamed at me to run. To slip out the back, to vanish before he got close enough to see what I had been hiding. But I had hesitated and now it was too late. His voice cut through the thick, suffocating air between us. “You’re pregnant.”A statement. Not a question. His eyes—those piercing blue eyes that once made me feel safe—were locked onto my stomach, his expression shifting from shock to something I couldn’t quite name. Pain. Anger. Desperation. I hated that part of me wanted to explain. That part of me still ached at the look on his face. But I had spent months piecing myself back together. Months convincing myself that I didn’t need his validation, his understanding. And yet, here he was. Standing in front of me. Blowing apart the careful distance I had built. I forced myself to stay still, even as my pulse thundered. “Would it have made a

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 30

    JACE POVThe hum of the jet had long faded, replaced by the distant murmur of the airport as I stepped onto New Zealand soil. A rush of cool night air hit me, but it did nothing to ease the anxiety tightening in my chest. She was here. Somewhere in this country, in this city—Anna was here. And I was too damn late. I knew she would have seen the email by now. Hours had passed since the lawyers sent it. What if she had already signed it? What if, at this very moment, she was finalizing the last step that would sever us forever? The thought made me sick. I forced my legs to move, heading toward the nearest transport hub. There were car rental options, but I wasn’t thinking straight. My mind was a whirlwind of regret, frustration, and the desperate hope that I wasn’t too late. Instead, I boarded a bus bound for Auckland, blending into the quiet crowd of passengers. The ride was long, giving me too much time to think. I stared out the window, watching the blurred city lig

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 29

    ANNA POVThe cramping started early that morning, a dull ache that made me pause as I reached for my phone. I pressed a hand to my stomach, exhaling slowly. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was enough to make me uneasy. I had read that cramps could be normal during pregnancy, but the anxiety still crept in, filling every corner of my mind. I should probably get checked. Just to be safe. With that decision made, I reached for my phone to book an appointment, but before I could dial the clinic, a notification popped up. Anton Clyde: We need to talk, Anna.My stomach twisted—not from the cramps this time, but from the sheer frustration of seeing his name. 5 weeks had passed. A whole month and a week, and he was still doing this. Calling, texting, emailing. No matter how many times I ignored him, he just wouldn’t stop. I still didn’t know how he had gotten my new number, but I had my suspicions. He must have stalked my social media, piecing together clues like a desperate man grasp

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