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Chapter 36
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-22 16:29:33
Bab terkait
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 37
Emma's POV Damian watched me with the kind of twisted satisfaction that made my stomach churn. His smile didn’t reach his eyes, and his hands rested casually in his pockets as if this was all just a game to him. “You’ve got Ethan’s stubbornness,” he said, his tone amused. “But I wonder—does it run deep enough to save you?” “I don’t need saving,” I replied sharply, narrowing my eyes at him. Damian chuckled, the sound echoing in the hollow space. “Oh, Emma. You’re standing in a trap, and you don’t even know it.” “What do you want from me, Damian?” I asked, my voice as firm as I could manage. He stepped closer, the smile fading from his lips. “I told you. I want to send Ethan a message. And you’re going to deliver it for me.” “I’m not your pawn,” I snapped, my fists clenched at my sides. “Everyone is a pawn in someone else’s game,” he said simply. “The question is whether you’re smart enough to realize it.” ---Before I could respond, one of Damian’s men reached out, gri
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-22The unfaithful encounter Chapter 38
Emma's POV Damian stood across from me, his gaze sharp and calculating, as if he could read every thought running through my mind. His men flanked him, their expressions impassive, but I could feel the weight of their presence. This wasn’t just a confrontation anymore. It was a battle—a battle for control, for power, for my future.“You’ve been quiet, Emma,” Damian said, his voice smooth, almost too calm. “What’s on your mind?”I crossed my arms over my chest, refusing to let him see the unease creeping under my skin. “I’m thinking about how this ends, Damian. And it’s not going to end the way you want it to.”He chuckled, the sound echoing off the cold concrete walls. “You’ve always been a fighter. But it’s cute how you think you have any control here. I hold all the cards, Emma. And you know it.”I met his gaze without flinching. “You might have the cards, but I’m not the one playing this game anymore. Ethan is.”Damian’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second, but it was enough
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-22The unfaithful encounter Chapter 39
Emma's POV Ethan slammed the door to the study, the sound reverberating through the large estate. I stood by the window, arms crossed, waiting for him to speak. His frustration was palpable, but I wasn’t about to back down. “What were you thinking, Emma?” he snapped, his voice low but intense. I turned to face him, meeting his glare with equal fire. “I was thinking that sitting around and waiting wasn’t going to solve anything. I’m tired of being a bystander in my own life.” “You put yourself in danger!” Ethan shot back, pacing the room. “Do you have any idea what could’ve happened if Chloe hadn’t shown up when she did?” “I know exactly what could’ve happened,” I replied, my voice steady. “But if I hadn’t gone, we wouldn’t know half of what Damian is planning.” Ethan stopped pacing, his jaw tight as he stared at me. “You’re too reckless.” “And you’re too controlling,” I countered, taking a step toward him. “This isn’t just your fight, Ethan. It’s mine too. Whether you lik
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-22The unfaithful encounter Chapter 40
Emma's POV The top floor of the high-rise felt like an arena, and Damian stood in the center, commanding the room with his smug presence. Ethan’s jaw tightened, his every movement deliberate and calculating. Chloe and I stood a few steps behind him, while Martin flanked the group, his sharp eyes scanning for threats. “Let me guess,” Damian began, his tone mocking. “You’re here to make some grand speech about justice, truth, and taking back control.” Ethan didn’t take the bait. “You’ve had plenty of chances to back down, Damian. This is your last one.” “Back down?” Damian scoffed, gesturing dramatically to the panoramic view of the city behind him. “Why would I back down when I’m on the verge of winning? Look around, Ethan. This city, this game—it’s mine now.” “It’s over,” Ethan said firmly. “We’ve got evidence tying you to everything—the bribes, the extortion, the sabotage. Walk away now, and maybe you’ll have a sliver of dignity left.” Damian’s smirk faltered, but only for
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-22The unfaithful encounter Chapter 41
Emma’s POVThe suffocating silence of the penthouse pressed on me like a heavy weight. Ethan’s abrupt departure from last night’s confrontation at the dinner Party had left me in a whirlpool of confusion and anger. His words echoed in my mind: *“You don’t get to walk away from this, Emma.”*But I wasn’t the same naive girl he had manipulated months ago. The baby growing inside me served as a constant reminder of why I couldn’t allow myself to falter.Cassie’s warning replayed in my thoughts like a broken record: *“You need to decide if you’re fighting for yourself or this toxic relationship, Emma.”* It wasn’t just a question of survival anymore; it was about reclaiming my autonomy.Ethan’s footsteps announced his arrival. He entered the living room, his expression a mask of cold determination.“Pack your bags,” he said without preamble.I blinked. “Excuse me?”“We’re leaving for Aspen tonight,” he said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “It’s time to get away from the chaos he
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-23The unfaithful encounter Chapter 42
Emma’s POVThe cabin was eerily silent when I woke up, the morning light filtering through the curtains. I stretched and glanced at the empty side of the bed where Ethan had slept. He had been distant and cold since the confrontation with Damian last night, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was brewing—something bigger than both of us.I pulled on a warm sweater and padded to the kitchen. The smell of coffee hit me, but Ethan was nowhere to be found. On the counter was a note in his sharp handwriting: *“Gone to handle something. Stay in the cabin.”*I crumpled the note in my fist. Who did he think he was, giving me orders like I was some wayward child? I wasn’t a prisoner, and I certainly wasn’t going to sit around waiting for him to decide what I needed to know.I poured myself a cup of coffee, the bitter liquid doing little to ease my irritation. My thoughts spiraled back to the events of last night. Damian’s sudden appearance, Ethan’s cryptic behavior, and the growing
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-23The unfaithful encounter Chapter 43
Emma’s POVThe snow outside the cabin had thickened overnight, turning the world into a white abyss. I sat by the window, staring out at the blanket of frost that stretched for miles. My thoughts swirled, an endless loop of questions and doubts. Damian’s threat hung over us like a storm cloud, and the tension between Ethan and me seemed ready to snap at any moment. I needed clarity, but with Ethan’s constant secrecy and Serene’s cryptic warnings, it felt like I was trapped in a puzzle with no solution. The sound of a car engine broke through the silence. I turned to see headlights cutting through the falling snow, approaching the cabin. My stomach churned. “Ethan!” I called, my voice sharp. He emerged from the study, his expression immediately alert. “What is it?” “There’s someone here,” I said, pointing to the window. Ethan moved to my side, his eyes narrowing as the car came to a stop. “Stay here,” he said firmly, already heading for the door. I followed him despite hi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-23The unfaithful encounter Chapter 44
Emma’s POVThe man’s calm demeanor unsettled me more than his words. His warning echoed in my mind: *“Ethan isn’t who you think he is.”* “What are you talking about?” I demanded, keeping the flashlight pointed at him. The faint beam flickered across his face, highlighting sharp features and calculating eyes. He didn’t flinch. “You think Ethan is your protector, but he’s only protecting his own interests.” I tightened my grip on the flashlight, my unease growing. “Who sent you?” “Does it matter?” he countered, his tone even. “I’m here because you need to know the truth.” “And what truth is that?” I pressed. The man hesitated, glancing over his shoulder as if to ensure we were alone. Then he turned back to me, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. “Ethan has been lying to you about Damian. This isn’t just about business or revenge. There’s something else at play—something much darker.” Before I could respond, the crunch of snow behind me made me spin around. Ethan stood th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-23
Bab terbaru
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 51
Emma’s POVThe forest was eerily silent, save for the heavy breathing of those around me. Marcus, Damian’s enforcer, stood tense and poised for violence, while Alexander’s unexpected arrival threw everything into uncertainty. Chloe shifted beside me, her hands subtly moving toward the small blade she carried at her waist. I could feel Ethan’s protective stance near me, his body coiled like a spring, ready to react. Alexander’s cold gaze flicked between Marcus and us. “Damian doesn’t want them dead,” he said sharply. “Not yet.” Marcus let out a low chuckle, his amusement sending chills through me. “That’s funny, because he didn’t give me any orders to keep them alive.” He rolled his shoulders, as if he was itching for a fight. “Besides, they’re already too much trouble. It’d be easier to end it now.” Ethan stepped forward slightly, positioning himself in front of me. “You should listen to Alexander, Marcus. If Damian wants us alive, you don’t want to be the one who disobeys.”
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 50
Emma’s POVThe crisp morning air stung my cheeks as I stood at the cabin’s doorstep, my thoughts drifting between Ethan’s warmth and the danger lurking beyond the trees. The snow was fresh, untouched, save for our own footprints from the night before. I couldn’t help but feel a shiver crawl down my spine despite the sunlight cutting through the forest canopy.Ethan stepped up behind me, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder. “We’ll have to move soon,” he said, his voice steady.I nodded, forcing myself to focus. After everything Chloe revealed, it felt like the entire world was shifting under my feet. A powerful member of the council was helping Damian. The implications were terrifying. If the council itself was compromised, then nowhere was safe.Ethan pulled me close, his lips brushing against my temple. “We’ll figure it out.”Chloe joined us on the porch, her expression as tense as mine. “I’ve been thinking,” she began, crossing her arms. “We need more than just a plan to confron
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 49
Emma’s POVThe morning was calm, but my mind wasn’t. Bright sunlight streamed through the window, highlighting every corner of the room. I sat at the edge of the bed, staring out into the woods beyond the cabin. Snow glistened under the sun, making the entire landscape look peaceful. It was the kind of scene you’d expect in a painting, but peace was the last thing I felt. Behind me, Ethan stirred. The bed creaked as he shifted, his warm hand brushing my back. “Why are you up so early?” he asked, his voice low and husky from sleep. “I couldn’t sleep,” I admitted, my voice soft. He sat up, leaning against the headboard. “What’s on your mind?” “Damian,” I said honestly. “And whoever’s helping him.” Ethan sighed heavily. “We’ll handle it.” “How can you be so sure?” I turned to face him, needing answers. “He’s out there, plotting, and we don’t even know who else is involved. Chloe said someone in the council might be behind this. That’s big, Ethan.” “I know,” he said calmly,
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 48
Emma's POV My breath formed small clouds in the chilly air, but I barely noticed. My thoughts were tangled, racing between Damian’s threats and Ethan’s secrets. Everything felt like it was slipping out of control, and I didn’t know how to hold on. I hugged myself tightly, not sure if I was trying to warm my body or calm my nerves. The woods were silent, with only the soft rustling of leaves breaking the stillness. I took a shaky breath and turned toward the cabin door. Inside, Ethan was pacing near the fireplace. The light from the flames flickered across his tense face. He hadn’t spoken much since we got back, but I could feel the weight of everything unspoken hanging between us. "Ethan," I said quietly, breaking the heavy silence, "we need to talk." He stopped pacing and looked at me, his eyes sharp. "You're right." I walked toward the fire, letting its warmth chase away some of the cold. "Why didn’t you tell me everything from the beginning?" Ethan ran a hand through
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 47
**Ethan’s POV**Damian’s body was limp beneath me, but I didn’t trust that he was out for the count. I tightened my grip around his wrists, pinning him against the snow-covered ground. Every part of me was on high alert, anticipating the next move from the man who had been pulling the strings behind so much of this chaos. Emma was still out there, somewhere in the dark, and I couldn’t afford to lose track of her now. My thoughts were scattered, torn between ensuring Damian stayed down and finding Emma before she did something reckless.I looked over at Damian, still breathing but not moving. "Stay down," I growled, my voice low. But I knew that wouldn’t stop him for long. He had a way of worming out of situations, always a step ahead.“Let me go, Ethan,” Damian said, his voice a dark chuckle, strained but filled with menace. "You can't protect her forever."I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. "This is over," I said. "You won’t hurt her again."Damian laughed again, a bitt
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 46
**Emma’s POV**The room felt heavy with silence. I stood near the window, staring out at the dark trees. The cold wind blew outside, but I barely noticed. My thoughts were racing. Serene had shown up today, and I still couldn’t make sense of everything. There were so many questions. Why had she come? What did she want from Ethan? What was really going on?Ethan had gone out to deal with something. He’d left in a hurry, but his words stayed in my mind. *Let me protect you.* I didn’t know if I wanted his protection anymore. I didn’t even know if I could trust him fully. He had so many secrets. And those secrets were getting harder to ignore.I turned away from the window and walked to the fireplace. The logs crackled, giving off a soft glow that lit up the room. I thought back to the things Ethan had said about Damian, the man who seemed to be behind everything. Damian wasn’t just a threat; he was someone who had power, someone who could destroy everything I cared about.And then there
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 45
Emma’s POVThe next morning, I awoke to the smell of coffee drifting through the cabin. It was a small comfort after the emotional weight of Ethan’s confession the night before. My thoughts swirled as I dressed, each one more troubling than the last. The man I had come to depend on, despite our differences, had killed someone. And now, because of that act, Damian had marked me as a target in his vendetta against Ethan. When I entered the kitchen, Ethan was already seated at the table, his laptop open and a mug of coffee in his hand. He looked up as I walked in, his eyes betraying a wariness that mirrored my own. “Good morning,” he said, his tone cautious. I nodded, pouring myself a cup of coffee before sitting across from him. “What’s the plan?” Ethan closed his laptop, leaning back in his chair. “The plan is to keep you safe.” I frowned. “That’s not a plan. That’s a vague promise.” He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Emma, I know you’re frustrated—” “Frustrated
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 44
Emma’s POVThe man’s calm demeanor unsettled me more than his words. His warning echoed in my mind: *“Ethan isn’t who you think he is.”* “What are you talking about?” I demanded, keeping the flashlight pointed at him. The faint beam flickered across his face, highlighting sharp features and calculating eyes. He didn’t flinch. “You think Ethan is your protector, but he’s only protecting his own interests.” I tightened my grip on the flashlight, my unease growing. “Who sent you?” “Does it matter?” he countered, his tone even. “I’m here because you need to know the truth.” “And what truth is that?” I pressed. The man hesitated, glancing over his shoulder as if to ensure we were alone. Then he turned back to me, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. “Ethan has been lying to you about Damian. This isn’t just about business or revenge. There’s something else at play—something much darker.” Before I could respond, the crunch of snow behind me made me spin around. Ethan stood th
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 43
Emma’s POVThe snow outside the cabin had thickened overnight, turning the world into a white abyss. I sat by the window, staring out at the blanket of frost that stretched for miles. My thoughts swirled, an endless loop of questions and doubts. Damian’s threat hung over us like a storm cloud, and the tension between Ethan and me seemed ready to snap at any moment. I needed clarity, but with Ethan’s constant secrecy and Serene’s cryptic warnings, it felt like I was trapped in a puzzle with no solution. The sound of a car engine broke through the silence. I turned to see headlights cutting through the falling snow, approaching the cabin. My stomach churned. “Ethan!” I called, my voice sharp. He emerged from the study, his expression immediately alert. “What is it?” “There’s someone here,” I said, pointing to the window. Ethan moved to my side, his eyes narrowing as the car came to a stop. “Stay here,” he said firmly, already heading for the door. I followed him despite hi
