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Chapter 58
Huling Na-update:
2024-12-27 00:31:50
Kaugnay na kabanata
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 59
I noticed my distracted silence. She'd asked me twice already today if I was okay, and I had lied both times. How could I explain what was going on in my head when I couldn't even make sense of it myself? If it were anyone else, I would have snapped, called them out right there, and ended it. But it was Riley, and I couldn't fight her. She had a right to be angry. As much as I wanted to argue, I knew I had a bigger right to be angry too. And yet, all I felt was this tangled mess of confusion and guilt.“Camilla,” Christine's voice cut through my haze, harsh and urgent. It snapped me back to the present, and I realized I was somewhere I shouldn't be lost in my own head.I was in the council room, sitting with my mother and the elders, discussing the details of the upcoming ceremony. I had zoned out, unaware of their eyes on me, waiting for me to speak. Panic surged in my chest, and I quickly turned to Christine, silently pleading for guidance. She rolled her eyes, her lips barely movin
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-27The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 60
Ryker stood a few feet away, a look of utter bewilderment on his face. Neither of us had realized he was listening, but he had been standing there the whole time.“Camilla, I’m sorry,” Christine murmured, her voice full of regret.I gave her a tight smile. “It’s fine. You should go. I think I need to talk to Ryker.”She hesitated, giving me a guilty look, but she nodded and walked away. Ryker’s brows remained furrowed as he approached me. I didn’t meet his gaze as I turned on my heel and walked toward the private garden. I could hear his footsteps behind me, steady but silent, waiting for me to speak. It wasn’t until we reached the garden, the one place in the palace where we could be alone, that he stopped.Without a word, he grabbed my arm and spun me to face him.“What the hell is she talking about?” Ryker demanded, his voice raw with confusion. “Who did you see with someone else? Who’s the other person?”“Don’t play dumb,” I said, my irritation bubbling up. “I know exactly what I
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-01The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 61
Ryker’s words echoed in my mind, relentless and heavy. I couldn’t shake them off, not even as I stormed towards my mother’s office. Without knocking, I pushed the door open, the sharp click of it echoing in the quiet hall. My mother raised a brow, but said nothing. She closed the document in front of her, a silent acknowledgment of my unannounced intrusion.I stepped inside, shutting the door behind me, and took a seat across from her. Her gaze remained steady, piercing, studying me through those thick lashes of hers. Her eyes were too familiar, too sharp—they reminded me too much of my own. Sometimes it felt like I was staring at an older version of myself, a future I wasn’t sure I wanted to see."Is there a reason you're barging into my office, Camilla?" she asked, her voice laced with humor. "Or did you miss me so much you thought you'd perform an impromptu Audrey scene? Though, I must say, it won’t quite have the same effect, considering no one’s around and everyone already knows
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-02The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 62
Her words hit me like a cold gust of wind, and for a moment, I was stunned, rooted to the spot. "He's right," she said, her tone clipped, and my heart dropped. "Every single time your father was with another woman, I felt it. The pain was so intense, it nearly broke me. I even went so far as to ask a witch to sever our bond. I couldn't leave him, not with him being the king, but at least I didn't have to feel that agony anymore."The room seemed to tilt as her confession sank in. Everything around me blurred, and I struggled to comprehend the weight of what she’d just shared. Pain? I hadn’t felt anything—nothing. When I saw Ryker with Lauren, I felt nothing, not even a flicker of discomfort. If I hadn’t felt anything, what did that mean? Why hadn't I experienced the torment she had, if what I saw was real?"What are you thinking about?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she watched me. "I can see those wheels turning."“I didn’t feel anything when I saw them together. Does that mean he
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-03The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 63
Shock rippled across his face, freezing him in place. His lips parted, but no words came, only a breathless pause as he tried to comprehend what I’d just said. Slowly, the shock faded, replaced by an expression that seemed heavier than understanding—it was something closer to resignation. He exhaled deeply, sinking into the chair across from me.Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed his gaze flicker toward me, lingering with unspoken thoughts. My heart clenched, but I forced myself to stare at the floor, unwilling to meet his eyes. I needed clarity—space to hear him out without the pull of his emotions clouding my own judgment.“I don’t even know where to begin,” he started, his voice low and strained. “I don’t know how this... this mess even started. I don’t know what you think you saw or heard. But, Camilla, one thing I’m certain of is that I would never—could never—do anything to hurt you. You mean everything to me. Camilla, I lo—”“Don’t,” I interrupted sharply, my voice tremblin
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-04The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 64
The first thing I became aware of as I woke was the heavy weight of his arm draped over my waist. My eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, I thought I was dreaming. Warmth radiated from his body, his chest rising and falling steadily against my back. The memories of the night before drifted through my mind, and I let out a soft breath, wishing I could hold onto this quiet moment forever.It was so different from just two mornings ago. Back then, I’d been quick to shove him out of my room, eager to create distance and maintain boundaries. Now, I found myself reluctant to move, as though any shift might break the spell. His presence, once overwhelming, had become a strange kind of comfort.His hand was firm against my stomach, pinning me in place as if he knew I might try to slip away. Our legs were tangled, his heat seeping into my skin. I couldn’t help but smile faintly at the intimacy of it, even as the practical part of me knew this couldn’t last. Life was waiting for both of us, f
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-05The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 65
The scream tore from my throat, raw and piercing, but I didn’t even recognize it as my own until Ryker’s strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me into his chest. His steady presence should have grounded me, but the chaos inside my mind was deafening. I couldn’t focus, couldn’t think. A single thought ricocheted through my head, relentless and suffocating: I need to find Audrey.The room spun as guards burst in, their hurried movements adding to the frenzy. They looked to me for instructions, but my mouth refused to form words. It was Ryker who took charge, his voice a steady anchor amidst the storm. He barked orders to search the castle, pointing to the open window as their first lead. Yet, I barely registered his words. My mind kept looping one question: How could this happen? How could someone take my daughter while we were right here?My hands trembled as I dragged them through my hair, pacing in jagged, restless steps. Normally, my first suspicion would have been Tyson after the
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-06The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 66
Mother’s decree was final—she demanded I stay and refused to let me leave the palace. Even if she hadn’t intervened, I would have taken the risk anyway, but she’d made it impossible by ordering guards to shadow me relentlessly. Everywhere I turned, they were there, silent but ever-watchful. She also doubled the palace’s security, positioning sentinels at every conceivable entrance and exit. Whoever this enemy was, they wouldn’t have the chance to take anyone else.Despite her efforts, an unshakable unease lingered in the pit of my stomach. Something about this entire situation didn’t feel right, as if no amount of precautions could stop what was coming. I couldn’t voice my fears to anyone. Speaking them aloud would only serve to spread the dread that already clawed at my chest, and I refused to be the one who drained the last dregs of hope from the palace.The city had descended into chaos. Word of Audrey’s disappearance had spread like wildfire—likely leaked by a loose-lipped guard.
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-07
Pinakabagong kabanata
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 147
Camilla could barely contain her anticipation. The moment they stepped into the house, she and Ryker rushed up the stairs, their only source of light a dimly flickering lamp. The wooden box sat on the bed between them, its lock gleaming under the glow. Her fingers trembled as she slid the key into place. A click echoed in the silent room, and the lid creaked open.Her breath caught in her throat.She had feared that time and the elements would have reduced the contents to dust, but to her astonishment, the bound stack of letters was pristine—almost as if someone had placed them there just days ago. Slowly, she untied the ribbon binding the pages together. Her heart lurched when she read the first words.*To my daughter.*Not her name, but the words still sent a shiver through her.She turned to Ryker, brows furrowed. “It’s addressed to me.”He leaned closer, peering at the paper before glancing up with a shrug. “Only one way to find out what he had to say.”As she lifted the lamp, its
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 146
**CAMILLA'S P.O.V**A sharp tremor wracked my body as I sucked in a shallow, uneven breath. My knees threatened to give out beneath me, but all I could think about was my daughter, cradled in my arms. I clung to her desperately, unwilling to let go even as the world around me blurred. I barely registered Ryker appearing beside me, his arms slipping around Aurora before I collapsed. The moment Briggs' grip loosened, the unbearable pressure in my chest eased, and I gasped, greedily sucking in air as if I'd been drowning.“Are you alright?” Briggs’ voice reached me, laced with concern. He moved toward me, his hands outstretched, but I flinched back, my reaction sharper than I intended. He hesitated, brows furrowing in confusion. “Did I do something wrong? Do you need me to get something for you?”I knew this wasn’t his fault. He looked as baffled as I felt. But I couldn’t afford to risk another wave of that unbearable sensation. If it happened again, I was certain I’d lose consciousness.
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 145
CAMILLA’S P.O.VA violent shudder wracked my body as I struggled to steady my breath. My grip on my daughter tightened, fear coursing through me like a relentless tide. I couldn’t drop her. No matter what was happening to me, I had to keep holding on.I barely registered Ryker appearing at my side, his presence swift and sure. He took Aurora from my arms, his touch gentle, and the moment she left my grasp, my knees buckled. I collapsed, gasping as the crushing weight that had been suffocating me lifted. My limbs felt hollow, drained of all strength as if I had been fighting against something invisible yet suffocating.Briggs’ hands had been on me just moments ago. How long? Seconds? Minutes? It had felt like an eternity.“Camilla?” His voice was uncertain, edged with concern. “Are you alright?” He reached for me again, but I flinched away, my reaction more forceful than I intended.Briggs hesitated, his brows furrowing. “Did I do something? Do you need—?”“No,” I rasped, cutting him o
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 144
CAMILLA’S P.O.VRyker had convinced me it would be better to wait until the kids were asleep before digging, so I spent the entire evening restless. My skin itched with anticipation, my mind spinning with possibilities. What could my father have hidden? He was frustrating in many ways, but his treasure hunts had always been clever, almost addicting. If this had happened at a different time—when an enemy wasn’t lurking in the shadows—I might have actually enjoyed the challenge.I just prayed that whatever lay beneath that tree wasn’t another one of his messes waiting to explode in my face.Once both kids were tucked in their beds, their peaceful breathing filling the quiet house, I kissed their foreheads and hurried outside. Ryker was already waiting, holding a lamp in one hand and a shovel in the other, his expression unreadable. While excitement coursed through me, he was only here for my sake."You don't have to do this," I whispered, hesitant. "It's late, and for all we know, this
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 143
Camilla’s POVThe estate was grander than I’d imagined. The moment I stepped inside, reality set in—my father never did anything halfway. This might have been his retreat, but he spared no expense making it as luxurious as possible. The crystal chandeliers sparkled above, casting a golden glow over the polished marble floors. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, and velvet drapes framed the tall windows, letting in the soft glow of the evening sun. It was a stark reminder of the wealth he wielded, the power he once held.We washed away the exhaustion of the palace, exchanging travel-worn clothes for fresh, soft fabrics that smelled of lavender and something faintly familiar—like home, but not quite. I exhaled, and for the first time in what felt like years, my lungs expanded fully. There was a lightness in the air here, something almost intoxicating. Was it freedom? Or just an illusion of it?Dinner was a quiet affair, the kind that settles into your bones and warms you from the inside.
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 142
CAMILLA’S P.O.VI sat in stunned silence, barely processing what had just happened. Ryker had planned everything. Every single detail had already been arranged. The only thing left was for us to leave.A vacation. We desperately needed one, but I hadn't expected him to take matters into his own hands. It wasn’t like we ever had the luxury of peace, not with everything we had endured.The carriage rocked gently as it rolled away from the palace, and despite myself, I felt a tinge of excitement. My feet bounced slightly against the wooden floorboards, a telltale sign of my anticipation. Across from us, Audrey sat with her small hands gripping the edge of her seat, her eyes darting toward the window. In Ryker’s arms, Aurora lay nestled against his chest, her tiny breaths even and peaceful.“Where are we going, Mommy?” Audrey’s soft voice pulled me from my thoughts. Her brows furrowed as she peered outside, recognition flickering in her eyes. “This road looks familiar… like the one we too
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 141
RYKER'S POVThere was always a voice in the back of my head—relentless, nagging, a constant reminder that I should be doing something more productive. It never left me, not even for a second. Maybe because, unlike most children, I never had the luxury of lazy days or the freedom to do nothing. My life had been an endless cycle of lessons, training, and expectations. There was always something I didn’t do well enough, something I needed to perfect, something my father drilled into me with an iron will.And even though he had been gone for years—longer than I cared to count—the weight of his influence still clung to me, refusing to loosen its grip.I exhaled, pushing the thoughts aside as I sat up in bed, my gaze settling on Camilla. She moved around the room effortlessly, wrapped in nothing but our tangled sheets. Her dark hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, messy from sleep but still perfect in a way that made my chest tighten. She wasn’t trying to tease me, I knew that. But go
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 140
CAMILLA’S POVAs per tradition, we couldn’t leave until the place was completely cleared. It was a long-standing rule—one we had followed for years. Only when the last person had returned to their home and the executioner had carried the body away did we dare to step forward.I kept my gaze fixed on the ground, refusing to look. I knew if I did, nausea would overwhelm me. My stomach was already twisted into painful knots, my throat dry as if it had been scorched. I wanted to convince myself that I didn’t care, that this was just another consequence of a cruel world. But deep down, I knew the truth—I still had a softness in me, one that Ryker didn’t share.Unlike him, I believed that if fate had been kinder, if circumstances had been different, she might have been, too.Ryker’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.“Everything’s been cleared out.”I swallowed hard and forced myself to glance up. The guillotine stood tall against the darkening sky, its blade gleaming with fresh blood. The g
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 139
CAMILLA’S POVThe sun was beginning to dip beyond the palace walls, casting golden streaks across the sky as Ryker and I strolled through the grounds. The afternoon had been peaceful, just the two of us walking aimlessly, enjoying the rare quiet moments in our otherwise chaotic lives. But eventually, duty called, and we decided to pick Audrey up from school ourselves.The second she spotted us, her shriek nearly shattered my eardrums.“Mama! Papa!” She came running at full speed, her tiny feet barely touching the ground as she launched herself into my arms. I caught her with a laugh, staggering slightly under her enthusiasm.“I missed you!” she declared, squeezing my neck as though she never wanted to let go.“We were only gone for a few hours,” I reminded her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.“That’s forever!” she argued, her voice muffled against my shoulder.Ryker chuckled, ruffling her hair. “Did you have a good day at school?”That was all the encouragement she needed. Fro
