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13 “A Crisp January” 

Author: June Rimari
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Thirteen

Year 2023

It was a crisp January evening in New York City. The air was nippy, but the city lights created a warm, inviting glow. Some tourists had started their evening with a hearty dinner at a classic Italian restaurant in Little Italy. As they savored their pasta and a glass of red wine, they could hear the lively chatter of other diners and the soft sounds of jazz music playing in the background.

Most people who just finished having their dinner, had taken a leisurely stroll through Central Park. The park was quieter now, with only a few people braving the cold. Some had admired the snow-covered trees and the twinkling lights of the city skyline. As others walked, they could feel the peace and tranquility of the park, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

There were some who watched a lively Broadway show. The theater was, as always, filled with excitement as the curtain rose. The performance was captivating, and most who had left the theater felt insp
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    FifteenThe contract marriage was easy, being a good trophy wife to Doctor Heath Godric in public for his reputation and to bolster his name and image. That was all. Be a good fake wife since he needed one. That was the extent of her obligations towards him and nothing else. Only for his public appearance. In exchange, she would receive a monthly allowance, her debt to the loan sharks would be paid, her debt for the student loan would also be paid, she would have free housing for five years, a private bedroom in his residence, and no sexual favors would be required from Heath. Her plan was to save as much money as possible during this time, with the intention of moving out once the contractual marriage was dissolved. Florence knew that it was going to be easy money. “Five years. Just five years,” Florence mused to herself as she thought in the back of her head. She had endured countless hardships in her life, so the prospect of portraying a fake wife to a wealthy dentist for five y

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  • The Tale Not Old As Time   61 “Barely Audible”

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  • The Tale Not Old As Time   56 “Sign Language”

    Fifty-SixChaos smirked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “You caught me,” he signed, his fingers moving gracefully. His playful gesture, a silent acknowledgment of his unspoken desire, sent a thrill through Florence. The intimacy of the moment, the shared understanding, was intoxicating.“You thought I didn’t.” She hand signed as they shared a laugh. Florence felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. She was both embarrassed and exhilarated by the boldness of his confession. She knew that crossing the line between friendship and romance would be risky, but she could not deny the pull she felt towards him. The cool water enveloped them, a soothing balm for their weary souls. Chaos gently guided Florence, his strong arms supporting her as she floated on her back. The weightlessness of the water, combined with the warmth of his touch, created a sense of peace and tranquility.As they drifted silently, the world seemed to fade away. The only sound was the gentle lapping of the water agai

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   55 “Lake House”

    Fifty-Five The morning sun cast a warm glow over the lake, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Florence and Chaos sat by the water’s edge, enjoying a leisurely breakfast. The peaceful and gentle lapping of the very small waves on the lakes against the shore provided a soothing soundtrack to their conversation.“I am glad we came here,” Florence said, her voice soft. “It is so peaceful.”Chaos smiled warmly. “I am glad that you like it,” he replied. “I often come here to clear my head.”They spent the rest of the morning talking, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them. As the day wore on, they took a boat ride on the lake, explored the nearby trails, and shared a quiet dinner by the fireplace.As the night fell, they sat on the porch, watching the stars twinkle above. “It makes me not want to leave,” Florence confessed, her voice filled with longing. “I wish we could stay here forever.”Chaos took her hand

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   54 “Warm Embrace”

    Fifty-FourFlorence awoke refreshed, the soft glow of the morning sun filtering through the curtains. The bathroom, a sanctuary of tranquility, beckoned her with its luxurious amenities. High-end toiletries, from fragrant soaps to soothing lotions, filled the space with a delightful aroma. As she stepped into the warm embrace of the shower, the stress and worries of the past few days began to melt away. The gentle stream of water massaged her tired muscles, while the rich lather enveloped her senses. The experience was pure indulgence, a much-needed respite from the chaos of her life.Emerging from the bathroom, wrapped in a plush towel, Florence paused at the window. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes landed on the breathtaking sight before her. Chaos, his muscular physique glistening in the morning sun, was swimming in the lake. The water droplets, clinging to his skin, accentuated his every curve, every line. She could not help but admire the raw beauty of his form, the p

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   53 “Hum”

    Fifty-Three The car hummed along the deserted highway, the soft glow of the dashboard illuminating Florence’s face while the music was playing in the background. She was lost in thought, her mind racing with a thousand questions. This spontaneous road trip, a sudden escape from the confines of her life, had thrown her into a whirlwind of emotions.Chaos, ever the attentive driver, glanced at her, his eyes filled with concern. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice gentle. “You seem a bit… distant.”Florence forced a smile. “I am fine,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper. But her forced cheerfulness could not mask the underlying sadness in her eyes. “Just wondering what clothes we will wear.” She lied.Chaos chuckled softly, “Don’t worry about it.”She knew that she was trapped in a life that was not her own, a prisoner of her circumstances. But she got in this situation because of her own choices, and her own debts as well as her father’s. She had no choice but to suffer.As they d

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