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Chapter 38
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2024-12-22 16:33:03Related chapters
The 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 2024-12-22The unfaithful encounter Chapter one
The small apartment was quiet, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator. I stared at the eviction notice taped to the counter. Bold, unforgiving letters. Two weeks to find a miracle—or a new place to live. My heart clenched, but I refused to cry. Not after everything Cameron put me through.Cassie’s voice rang from the other end of the line, sharp with concern. “You’re not thinking about going to that party, are you?”“I am,” I replied, pulling on the heels she’d lent me months ago. They pinched, but I couldn’t let that stop me. “What else am I supposed to do, Cassie? Sit here and wallow?”“Getting drunk isn’t going to fix anything, Emma.”“No,” I said, grabbing my purse. “But it’ll shut my brain up for one night.”Cassie sighed heavily, but I didn’t wait for her response. I hung up and left. The chilly New York air wrapped around me as I stepped out, heading toward the club where my life was about to change forever.---The music was deafening, a mix of bass and lights that made my
Last Updated : 2024-11-24The unfaithful encounter Chapter 2
Emma’s Point of ViewThe sound of a spoon clinking against porcelain banged loud in the dining room. My stepmother, Regina, sat across from me, her perfectly manicured nails tapping rhythmically on the table. Her sharp green eyes scanned me like a predator stalking its prey. “Tell me, Emma,” she said, her voice deceptively sweet, “what exactly do you plan to do with your life now?” I hesitated, gripping the edge of my chair. “I’m figuring things out.” She let out a soft laugh, one that sent chills down my spine. “Figuring things out? That’s not good enough. Your father didn’t work his entire life for you to become—” she paused, her lips curling into a smirk—“a burden.” I clenched my fists under the table, willing myself not to react. Regina always had a way of digging under my skin, but I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me break. “I have a plan,” I said firmly, meeting her gaze. “Oh?” she arched a perfectly shaped brow. “And does this plan involve the father o
Last Updated : 2024-11-24The unfaithful encounter Chapter three
Ethan’s Point of ViewRegina’s townhouse was far from the opulence I expected for a woman with such a sharp tongue. It was modest, even charming, but I wasn’t here to admire the decor. I stepped out of the car, adjusting my cufflinks, and made my way to the door. My driver had already announced my arrival, so I wasn’t surprised when the door opened before I could knock.“Ethan,” Regina greeted with a sly smile. “What a pleasant surprise.”I didn’t return the smile. “We need to talk.”She stepped aside, waving me in. “By all means. You didn’t have to come all this way, though. A man like you must have better things to do.”“Nothing is more important than protecting my interests,” I replied, stepping into the living room.She closed the door and followed me, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. “You sound so serious. What’s the matter? Is the perfect marriage already falling apart?”I turned to face her, my expression cold. “Let’s skip the games, Regina. I know what you’re try
Last Updated : 2024-11-24The unfaithful encounter Chapter four
Emma’s Point of ViewThe morning light streamed through the windows of Ethan’s estate, but the beauty of the view did little to calm my nerves. I sat at the kitchen table, staring at the coffee cup in front of me, trying to focus on anything other than the storm that was brewing.Ethan had been distant for the past few days, his mood colder than usual. He was always intense, but now there was a hard edge to him that made it impossible to ignore. I had an uncomfortable feeling that things were about to get worse.“Good morning,” I said quietly when I saw him enter the kitchen, his eyes dark with something I couldn’t quite place.He didn’t respond immediately, instead grabbing a mug and pouring himself coffee. His silence made the air thick with tension, and I could feel my throat tighten.Finally, he spoke, his voice low and clipped. “You need to get dressed. We’re going out.”I didn’t have time to ask why before he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. His co
Last Updated : 2024-11-24The unfaithful encounter Chapter five
Emma’s POVEthan sat at the head of the table, calm and composed, as if nothing had happened. His cold demeanor only fueled my frustration. “You’ve been quiet,” he finally said, breaking the silence. “I take it you’re upset.” I set my fork down with deliberate slowness. “Upset doesn’t even begin to cover it, Ethan. What was that meeting with Delilah about? Why didn’t you tell me she existed?” His jaw tightened, but his expression remained unreadable. “Because it wasn’t relevant.” “Not relevant?” I repeated, my voice rising. “You’re telling me that your *betrothed*—the woman you were supposed to marry—isn’t relevant?” “She’s my past,” Ethan said flatly. “You’re my present. That’s all that matters.” I leaned forward, narrowing my eyes. “Except she doesn’t seem to think she’s in the past. What kind of relationship do you even have with her?” Ethan’s lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s complicated.” “Complicated,” I echoed, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “That’s all yo
Last Updated : 2024-12-08The unfaithful encounter Chapter six
Emma’s POVThe morning sun peeked through the thin curtains, painting the walls of the bedroom in golden hues. I lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Sleep had evaded me last night, as it often did since Ethan became a constant storm in my life. His words, his moods, and his secrets were like weights I carried every day, and I didn’t know how much longer I could bear them. Downstairs, the dining room table was set with an elegant breakfast spread. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants filled the air. Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to eat. My appetite had vanished, replaced by the unease that now seemed to follow me everywhere. Ethan’s chair sat empty, as it often did. I pushed my plate away, frustration bubbling inside me. Cassie’s advice replayed in my mind like a broken record. *“Stand your ground, Emma. If you let him control you, you’ll lose yourself.”* The sound of steady footsteps drew my attention. Ethan entered the room, dressed sharply in his signature navy
Last Updated : 2024-12-09
Latest chapter
The 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
The 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
The 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
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
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 36
Emma's POV Emma leaned against the edge of the balcony, the cold metal railing grounding her as she stared at the sprawling city below. Ethan’s estate was perched high above the chaos of the world, a quiet haven that offered a false sense of security. She could still hear the weight of his words echoing in her mind: *“Damian’s declared war, and he’s using you to do it.”* Her grip tightened on the railing as anger bubbled within her. “When does it end?” she whispered to herself. The answer, of course, was clear—it didn’t. Not with Ethan, not with Damian, and certainly not with the secrets swirling around her life like a storm. “Talking to yourself, Mrs. Blackwood?” Ethan’s voice cut through her thoughts, sharp and unyielding. Emma didn’t turn to face him. “I’m trying to figure out what kind of mess I’ve landed in this time.” The faint sound of his footsteps grew louder as he approached, stopping just short of her side. “This isn’t your mess,” he said firmly. “It’s mine, and I’
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 35
Emma POV Ethan and Emma was , sharp enough to cut through the stillness. Emma’s hands trembled slightly as she rested them on the edge of the table, trying to steady herself. Ethan stood across from her, his expression unreadable, though his piercing gaze was locked on hers.“You’re upset,” Ethan said, his voice low and controlled, though his calm demeanor was deceptive. Beneath it, Emma could sense the storm brewing.“Upset?” she replied, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. “You think that’s what this is? I’m tired, Ethan. Tired of the secrets, the manipulation, and the lies.”Ethan didn’t flinch. Instead, he leaned against the edge of the desk, his stance casual, but the sharpness in his tone betrayed his composure. “Lies? I’ve told you nothing but the truth.”Emma scoffed, crossing her arms. “Your version of the truth, maybe. You twist everything to suit yourself, Ethan. That’s not honesty.”He straightened, his frame towering over her, and for a moment, his eyes softened.
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 34
Ehan’s POVEvelyn’s presence in the estate felt like inviting a fox into the henhouse. She sat in the living room, her sharp eyes darting between Nathan, Kiera, and me as though she were calculating every possible way to escape if things turned sour. She’d finally agreed to help us, but trusting her felt like walking a tightrope. “You’ve had time to think,” I said, sitting across from her. “Now, I need results.” Evelyn crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair, her calm demeanor betraying nothing. “You’ll get results, Ethan, but let’s not forget that this goes both ways. If I hand over Lucas’s secrets, I expect full protection.” “You’ll have it,” I said curtly. “But if you’re withholding anything—” “I’m not,” Evelyn interrupted, her tone sharp. “But Lucas doesn’t operate on trust. He’s built his network like a fortress. It won’t be easy to dismantle.” Nathan scoffed from where he leaned against the wall. “Then it’s a good thing we’re not afraid of a challenge.” Evelyn’
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 33
Emma’s POVThe morning after Ethan and Nathan’s high-stakes escape was eerily calm. I woke up to find Ethan already gone, likely holed up in his study. The tension of the past few days lingered in the air, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to get worse. When I entered the study, Ethan was standing by the window, staring out at the sprawling estate grounds. His shoulders were tense, and the folder with “Project Phoenix” was open on the desk beside him. “You’re up early,” I said softly, closing the door behind me. Ethan glanced over his shoulder, his face grim. “Couldn’t sleep.” I approached the desk, glancing at the papers spread across it. “Is it bad?” “It’s worse,” he admitted. “Lucas isn’t just rebuilding Damian’s network. He’s expanding it. If this goes unchecked, everything we’ve fought for will be gone.” I picked up one of the documents, scanning the details. The names of high-profile individuals jumped out at me—politicians, CEOs, people with po
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 32
Emma’s POVThe house was still when I awoke. I rolled over, expecting to see Ethan beside me, but the bed was empty, the sheets cold where he should have been. A faint light glowed under the door, suggesting he was up early again. This had become his new routine—late nights and early mornings, no doubt trying to piece together Damian’s lingering mess. Wrapping myself in a robe, I padded quietly down the hallway and toward the study. The door was slightly open and I could hear Ethan’s voice inside. “No, that’s not enough,” he snapped. “If they’re regrouping, we need more intel—something we can use to cut them off completely.” I paused, peering inside. He was on the phone, pacing back and forth, his back to me. “I don’t care how long it takes. Find out who’s funding them now.” I knocked lightly, and he turned, his eyes softening slightly when he saw me. “I’ll call you back,” he muttered into the phone before hanging up. “Who was that?” I asked, stepping into the room. “Jus
