Share

14 “Driven”

Author: June Rimari
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-30 03:10:28

Fourteen

Florence’s chest heaved as she nodded her head, her lips parted slightly. Her hands, trembling slightly, reached out to accept the envelope. She and Heath had connected through a sugar daddy website called SecretBenefits, a topic frequently discussed among her fellow female college students as a means to add more to their income on platforms like FansOnly. Their initial encounter had been immediate, and Heath had wasted no time in expressing his desires to marry. While hesitant, Florence’s dire financial situation had compelled her to consider the proposal.

Florence’s desperate financial circumstances had forced her to contemplate the proposal. Driven by a fierce determination to survive even if she had been hanging by a thread, she was willing to consider any option, no matter how unconventional. Despite the profound depression that had enveloped her in recent years, she still harbored a desire to make her parents and older brother proud by obtaining a college degree. She be
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   15 “For His Public Appearance”

    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

    Last Updated : 2024-10-31
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   16 “The Noble Cause” 

    Sixteen“I want to do a runthrough with you.” Heath chimed as he was driving to the location.Florence shifted her focus to Heath as the car was moving, acknowledging his request with a polite affirmative nod.“We are heading to The Noble Cause dinner, and it will be a huge event especially for the both of us. For you, as well. Of course, for me.” He smiled widely, “This is our first public appearance as a couple, so it is crucial and very imperative that we convincingly portray ourselves as a genuine pair.” Florence nodded, indicating her understanding. “Remember to subtly display the engagement ring,” she muttered.Heath praised her right away, “Very excellent. But remember to be discreet with the ring, avoid flaunting it excessively, as that might appear unnatural.”Florence nodded her head once more, confirming her understanding of his instructions. She then inquired, “May I ask you a question?”Heath raised an eyebrow, curious about her question. “What is it? You are not usually

    Last Updated : 2024-10-31
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   17 “Surrounded” 

    SeventeenWithin the exclusive world of the ultra-wealthy, three prominent families reigned supreme: the Frorths, the Spencers, and the Battenkurts. For centuries, these three powerful and wealthy families had consistently occupied the top three positions on the list of the world’s wealthiest dynasties.So, in the realm of affluence, Zacchaeus “Chaos” Spencer Battenkurt, the playboy billionaire, belonged to a whole new and different kind of echelon, a level of wealth that transcended the ordinary. His wealth was completely unparalleled, placing him in a league of his own kind.While most wealthy individuals were accustomed to the luxury of marble floors, Chaos walked on a different level entirely, surrounded by opulence and extravagance. His father, Edward Battenkurt, a former Vice President of the United States, and the one and only heir of the Battenkurts, hailed from a family of generational wealth, their influence deeply rooted in the political landscape and economic sphere.His m

    Last Updated : 2024-11-01
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   18 “In A Cruel World”

    18 “”EighteenAs the evening progressed, Florence’s boredom grew more, and she found herself mechanically stirring the remaining food on her plate. At the same table, Florence sat among the wives of the businessmen, who were engaged in discussions about high-end salons and luxury brands from Italy and other countries they could actually afford without a sweat. Florence, however, found these conversations uninteresting and struggled to pay attention.Startled by the sudden surge of loud music from the stage, Florence dropped her fork in pain. Her right ear was particularly sensitive to such sounds, a condition that her doctor had previously warned her about. An orchestra provided live music for the affluent attendees of the ballroom, but Florence found the noise overwhelming. She struggled to cope with the sound, instinctively holding and covering her hearing aid to alleviate the discomfort.“Babe,” Heath placed a gentle hand on Florence’s shoulder, rubbing her spine soothingly. “Are

    Last Updated : 2024-11-02
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   19 “A Humble Demeanor”

    NineteenFlorence’s gaze was fixed on the man, who appeared to be a humble hotel waiter with a generous smile on his face, a comparison to the wealthy people in the ballroom that she just escaped for a couple of seconds. Little did she know, he was the infamous Spencer-Battenkurt’s CEO playboy billionaire in disguise. His humble demeanor and casual attire disguised his true identity. Despite the expensive brands he wore, she knew nothing about it, and he hoped that she did not recognize him from his speech earlier. His overall appearance was unassuming, despite the fact that he possessed immense wealth and never encountered financial difficulties. His casual demeanor, reminiscent of the waiters in the ballroom who wore white dress shirts and colored dress pants of black, gray, and brown, led Florence to completely overlook his extraordinary wealth and influence. His unassuming presence, similar to the waiters in the ballroom, led Florence to completely overlook his extraordinary we

    Last Updated : 2024-11-03
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   20 “Meeting Chaos”

    Twenty Chaos smiled widely before letting her know, “They are absolutely divine. The pastry is flaky and buttery, and the filling is a perfect blend of creamy cheese and savory herbs.” He spoke slowly, but not too slow, but he spoke with care and consideration for her. “They are the perfect bite-sized treat to tantalize your taste buds.”As Chaos spoke, he gestured towards the tray of mini quiches, his eyes sparkling with excitement and care. He then pointed to one of the quiches for Florence to see. “Just look at that golden brown crust,” he said, “It is simply irresistible. Do you want to take a bite, miss?”Florence stared at mini quiches on the tray. “The filling is so flavorful,” He continued while smiling at her, “and the balance of saltiness and sweetness is just perfect. I highly recommend trying one.” He held out the tray to Florence, urging her to take one. “Trust me, you will not be disappointed.” He reassured her with a confident smile before adding, “For allergens, it h

    Last Updated : 2024-11-04
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   21 “Wedding”

    Twenty-OneThe day was bathed in bright sunlight, casting a warm glow over the attendees as everyone had doubted this wedding, but it was still happening after all. The women were elegantly dressed in long gowns, while the men exuded sophistication in their tailored suits and ties. The overall atmosphere was one of refinement and opulence.As the church doors swung open, Florence stood at the entrance, her presence captivating the attention of the photographers and wedding guests. She was a vision in a breathtaking wedding gown adorned with a flowing train and a stunning veil embellished with hand-sewn Swarovski crystals. At the end of the aisle, her soon-to-be husband awaited her with anticipation, but his anticipation was because of the fame that he was going to get.Florence was the epitome of bridal beauty, captivating the attention of every wedding guest. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, while her makeup was flawlessly applied. Both her hair and makeup were the work of ski

    Last Updated : 2024-11-06
  • The Tale Not Old As Time   22 “Purely Transactional”

    Twenty-TwoAlmost a year had passed since their contractual marriage, Florence and Heath continued to reside under the same roof, yet their lives remained largely separate. Florence occupied her own bedroom which was downstairs in his flat, while Heath slept in his private quarters which was on the second floor. Despite their shared living space, their relationship was far from intimate. Their relationship is devoid of intimacy and affection. Heath would leave for work each day, returning home without acknowledging Florence’s presence. Their living arrangement was purely transactional, lacking any genuine emotional connection. They barely even talk with each other. While Heath was focused on his career and social standing, Florence was dedicated to her studies and maintaining their household. Their lives intersected only in the most basic and superficial ways, as they share a living space but rarely engage in meaningful conversation or interaction.Their coexistence was a purely prac

    Last Updated : 2024-11-07

Latest chapter

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   96 “Asher”

    Ninety-SixAsher Woods was a breath of fresh air at the deaf-mute school. Tall and lanky, with an athletic build that hinted at a love for sports, he possessed an easygoing charm that made him instantly likable which made him popular amongst the other female teachers around. His face, framed by a mop of dark blond hair, was undeniably handsome, with a pair of intelligent gray eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled. He had joined the school a few months after Florence, bringing with him a youthful energy and a genuine passion for working with the children. His easy going nature and quick wit quickly made him a favorite among the staff, and Florence found herself drawn to him.He admired Florence’s patience with the children, her gentle demeanor, and her quiet confidence. He had a way of connecting with the students as well, of seeing past their disabilities and recognizing the unique individuals within.As they worked together, their friendship blossomed. They spent hours di

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   95 “Despair” 

    Ninety-FiveChaos felt a wave of despair wash over him. Florence’s words were like a physical blow, each one chipping away at his already fragile hope. “No, Florence,” he answered, his voice hoarse, “that is not true. You are not a reminder of her. You are you.”“Stop saying that!” She yelled at him.“But it is the truth!” He kind of raised his voice at her as he sighed, “I am sorry for yelling. But please. Trust me on this. I fell in love with you, not with a memory and not because of her heart. It just deepened the connection, but the heart wants what it wants, and my heart wants you. Not of what is inside you.” She shook her head. He did not like it when he does that, so he immediately added to say, “I know my words might seem like that, but believe me, it is not the truth.” He paused, his voice catching. “I am so sorry for the pain I have caused you. I never meant to make you feel like you are just a… a vessel for someone else’s memory. This was why I did not want to let you know

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   94 “A Knot Of Emotions”

    Ninety-FourChaos understood the potential for misinterpretation, that his words might come across as insensitive or even insulting towards Florence. But honesty felt paramount. He yearned for her to see the true depth of his love, to understand the complexities of his emotions, despite the challenging circumstances.“I… I do not know what to say. I need some time. I need to think.” Her voice trailed off as she looked away, unable to meet his gaze. She slowly turned away from him, avoiding eye contact. Her shoulders slumped, and she appeared small and withdrawn in front of him and he hated himself for it. She felt a knot of emotions twisting in her stomach – hurt, confusion, and a deep sense of uncertainty.“You did hurt me,” she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. “You lied to me, built our relationship on a lie.”“It was not a lie. It was never built on a lie.” He insisted, not wanting her to think that he lied to her. “How can you call that honesty when you kept such a cruci

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   93 “Cuts Deep”

    Ninety-Three“Did you really love me for me?” Florence whispered, her voice trembling, tears welling up in her eyes. “Or... or did you only love me because I have her heart?”Florence’s question cuts deep. It exposed the very core of his fear – that she would ever question and think that his love for her was not genuine, that it was tainted by his connection to Theresa. He was terrified of losing her trust and hurting her further.Seeing Florence cry, feeling her pain and confusion, was excruciating. He hated that he was the cause of her distress right now. He wishes he could take it all back, erase the doubts that plague her.He paused and thought about her question deeply, he had always asked himself that question. But, at that moment, he started to question his own motives. Did he truly fall in love with Florence for who she was, or was it a subconscious projection of his love for Theresa onto her? This doubt gnawed at him, leaving him feeling insecure and unworthy of her love.A

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   92 “Beyond Repair” 

    Ninety-Two“You had a child?” Florence whispered, her voice trembling. The question hung heavy in the air, a mixture of disbelief and shock. Chaos nodded his head. “With her?” She asked softly, in more shock.Chaos nodded his head.The silence that followed was still deafening. Florence felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, the world tilting on its axis. She had trusted him, believed in their love story, only to discover that he had built their relationship on a foundation of half-truths. The ground beneath her felt unsteady, the world tilting on its axis.The revelation hit her like a physical blow, leaving her breathless and disoriented. She had trusted him, believed in their love story, only to discover that he had built their relationship on a foundation of half-truths. The ground beneath her felt unsteady, the world tilting on its axis.She looked at him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of sincerity, but all she saw was regret and remorse. The pain of betrayal, shar

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   91 “Echo”

    Ninety-OneFlorence felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. “Theresa… was…” she whispered, the name echoing in her mind as his words echoed louder in the back of her head. Chaos took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the floor. “Theresa is no longer in the picture, okay?” he confessed, his voice barely a whisper. “And I want you to trust me on this. I am not lying to you, and I never would.”Florence felt a strange mix of emotions – anger, hurt, and a strange sense of detachment since she had known that Theresa had possibly happened before she had met Chaos. The world seemed to tilt on its axis. She had never imagined this, never considered the possibility that there could be another woman, another love, in his past which was something that was so random and so out of the blue. The revelation hit her like a physical blow, leaving her breathless and disoriented. She had trusted him that they would not have any secrets with each other after everything she had told him about herself. Sh

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   90 “Mere Mention”

    Ninety“Who is Theresa?” Florence asked, her voice barely a whisper. Confusion, jealousy, and anger swirled within her. She did not know who this Theresa was, but the mere mention of her name ignited a fire within her. She had trusted Chaos, believed in him, but only to be betrayed and only to be led to confusion and anger. The realization was a bitter pill to swallow. Chaos exchanged a tense glance with Kamilla, a silent and angry warning. He had explicitly told her not to mention Theresa’s name, not under any circumstances since they had made a vow not to do so. Her defiance, her disregard for his wishes, filled him with a mixture of anger and frustration. Florence blinked back tears, her voice barely a whisper. “Who is Theresa?” she asked again, her heart heavy with a mix of hurt and betrayal.The room fell silent.Chaos, mid-sentence, froze, his eyes widening in shock as they met Florence’s gaze. His jaw dropped slightly, his mind struggling to process the sight before him. Flo

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   89 “Suspicion To Foundation”

    Eighty-NineThe morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. Florence stirred, her eyes fluttering open slowly as her body felt sore but she did not mind it. A smile slowly crept on her face, as she saw Chaos sleeping peacefully beside her, his arm draped protectively over her waist.She remembered the night before, the intimacy, the tenderness, the love. A blush crept up her cheeks as she recalled the way he looked at her, the way he made her feel. She felt safe, cherished, loved.She gently traced the lines of his face, her fingers lingering on his stubble. He stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He hummed sleepily, “Good morning,” he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.Florence smiled, her heart overflowing with happiness. “Good morning,” she replied, her voice soft.They lay there for a few moments, cuddling and snuggling lovingly as he was teasing her by peppering kisses on her cheeks and face which made her smile at how annoying and playful he was.

  • The Tale Not Old As Time   88 “Burning”

    Eighty-EightChaos gently laid Florence down on the bed, his eyes drinking in her beauty. He could feel himself getting harder as he had been wanting this to happen for so long but he had always respected her choices and decisions. But right now, the soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm, inviting glow over her, highlighting her delicate features. Her skin, smooth and flawless, glistened in the dim light. Her eyes, usually filled with a mischievous spark, were now soft and dreamy, almost lustful, as it was a reflection of the love and passion that filled her heart.He traced her features with his eyes, lingering on her lips, her nose, her eyes. Each curve, each line, was a masterpiece, a work of art. He could not believe how lucky he was to have her, to love her, to be loved by her.“You are breathtaking,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe. “Absolutely breathtaking.”Florence smiled, her eyes sparkling with happiness and at the same time shyness. She knew that she was lucky

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status