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Chapter seventeen
Last Updated:
2024-12-11 22:14:30
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The unfaithful encounter Chapter eighteen
Emma’s POVThe card sat on the table in front of me, its weight far heavier than its thin paper. Damian’s message was clear: if I wanted answers, I had to meet him on his terms. But what if I didn’t like what I found out?Cassie paced the room, her frustration spilling into every sharp step. “This is a trap, Emma. You know that, right?”I sighed, rubbing my temples. “I don’t have a choice. Damian’s the only one willing to give me answers, even if they come with a price.”“You don’t trust him,” Cassie said firmly. “And you shouldn’t. Damian doesn’t just give information. He uses it to manipulate people.”I looked at her, my resolve hardening. “I need to know the truth. About Ethan, about why Damian’s so obsessed with me. I can’t keep living in the dark.”Cassie stopped pacing, her expression softening. “Then I’m coming with you.”“No,” I said, shaking my head. “I need to do this alone.”“You can’t trust him, Emma,” she argued. “What if he tries to hurt you?”“I’ll be careful,” I promis
Last Updated : 2024-12-11The unfaithful encounter Chapter nineteen
Nathan’s POVI stepped into the black SUV waiting near the alley. Elena was already inside, her fingers flying across her tablet as she pieced together the fragmented files we had taken from Damian’s hidden room.“We don’t have time for this,” I muttered, slamming the door shut. “Damian’s not going to sit back and let us walk away with all that evidence.”Elena glanced up at me, her brow furrowed in concentration. “This isn’t just evidence, Nathan. This is his entire operation. Blackmail material, financial records, deals with his so-called allies. It’s enough to bury him.”I clenched my jaw, my mind already calculating our next move. “And it’s enough to put Emma in even more danger. We need to move fast.”Ethan climbed into the SUV moments later, followed by Emma, who looked pale but determined. She was quiet, her gaze fixed on her hands.“Drive,” Ethan said sharply.The driver didn’t need to be told twice. The car lurched forward, the city’s dim lights flashing past the windows.“Da
Last Updated : 2024-12-11The unfaithful encounter Chapter 20
Emma's POVEvery passing moment felt like another thread of control unraveling from the web Ethan had spun around me. His cryptic warnings about Damian, the vague promises of truth, and the weight of his secrets—everything felt like a cage I didn’t know how to escape.I sat by the window in the guest room, staring at the garden below. The vibrant colors of the flowers seemed almost mocking in their brightness. This estate was a beautiful prison, and Ethan was the warden who refused to release me.The soft knock at the door startled me. I turned to see Cassie peeking her head in, her expression a mix of worry and determination.“Are you okay?” she asked, stepping inside without waiting for an answer.“I don’t know,” I admitted, hugging my knees to my chest.Cassie closed the door behind her and crossed the room, sitting on the edge of the bed. “This isn’t like you, Emma. You’ve always been strong, even when things fell apart. But now… you look like you’re drowning.”I sighed, resting m
Last Updated : 2024-12-12The unfaithful encounter Chapter 21
Emma’s POVThe cold air of the night bit at my skin as I stood near the edge of the estate, staring into the dark woods. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it a strange feeling of unease. I had been feeling it all day—the weight of everything that had happened, the lies, the secrets, the constant feeling of being trapped in a world that didn’t seem like my own anymore.I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to block out the thoughts that kept spinning in my mind. There was so much I didn’t know. Ethan had told me about Damian, about the past they shared, but it wasn’t enough. Damian was after something, and I was at the center of it all. And I needed to understand why."Emma," I heard Ethan’s voice call out from behind me. I turned to see him standing in the doorway of the house, his figure barely visible in the dim light. "What are you doing out here?"I sighed, feeling the weight of everything pressing on me. "I needed some air," I said, my voice quiet, almost defe
Last Updated : 2024-12-12The unfaithful encounter Chapter 22
Emma's POVEthan We’d crossed a line tonight, and I wasn’t sure if it was too late to turn back. Damian had finally shown his hand, and now it was clear: this wasn’t just about power or control. This was personal."Ethan, I don’t think we have much time," I said, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. "Damian’s not just playing games anymore. He’s making his move."Ethan turned to face me, his eyes burning with a mix of fury and resolve. "I know. And we’re going to stop him."I felt my heart beat faster, not in fear, but in determination. For too long, I had been pushed around, controlled by forces I didn’t understand. But no more. I was done being a pawn in someone else’s game. Tonight, I was going to take back control.Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the building. We all turned at the same time, the noise coming from the hallway. I knew instantly that this wasn’t a coincidence. Damian had set something in motion."Stay close," Ethan whispered, his voice calm but
Last Updated : 2024-12-12The unfaithful encounter Chapter 23
Emma's POVThe drive back to the estate was quiet, the kind of silence that carried the weight of everything left unsaid. I glanced at Ethan from the corner of my eye. He was focused on the road, his jaw set and his knuckles white as they gripped the steering wheel. He hadn’t spoken a word since we left the warehouse, and I couldn’t tell if it was anger, relief, or something else entirely.As we pulled into the long driveway, I saw the faint glow of lights in the house. Something about it felt off. It wasn’t just the tension from the events of the night; it was a new energy, something unfamiliar.Ethan parked the car and stepped out, his movements precise and controlled. I followed, my nerves on edge as we approached the front door.“I’ll check inside first,” Ethan said, his voice low. He unlocked the door and stepped in, his body language alert.I stayed close behind him, my eyes scanning the dimly lit foyer. The house felt different—quieter, but not in a comforting way. It was as th
Last Updated : 2024-12-12The unfaithful encounter Chapter 24
Emma's POVI stood in the kitchen the morning after the attack, staring at the steaming mug of coffee in my hands. The house was quieter than usual, but not in a peaceful way. It was the kind of silence that followed chaos, filled with tension and the weight of unspoken words.Ethan and Kiera were in the study, hashing out plans to deal with the Syndicate. I wanted to help, but part of me felt out of place, like I didn’t belong in their world of strategy and violence.I took a sip of coffee, trying to focus on anything but the swirling thoughts in my mind, when a knock at the door pulled me from my trance."Emma," Kiera’s voice called out. "Someone’s here for you."I frowned, setting the mug down and walking toward the foyer. My footsteps slowed as I saw who it was.Standing in the doorway, dressed in a sleek black coat and holding a designer handbag, was a woman I hadn’t seen in years. Her sharp green eyes—so much like my own—studied me with a mix of curiosity and coldness."Caroline
Last Updated : 2024-12-12The unfaithful encounter Chapter 25
Emma’s POVThe limousine glided through the city streets, the soft hum of the engine the only sound breaking the soft silence between Ethan and me. I kept my gaze fixed on the window, watching the blurred lights of New York City. My thoughts were a jumble of frustration, confusion, and fear. “Why are we going to the Ethan estate?” I asked, breaking the heavy silence.Ethan didn’t look at me. His sharp jaw tightened as he adjusted his cufflinks. “Because it’s time you understood the full extent of our arrangement.”My stomach churned. His cryptic answer only deepened my unease. But pressing him further would yield no results. Ethan revealed information on his terms, and I hated that about him.When the car finally pulled into the sprawling estate, I felt a lump in my throat. The Ethan mansion was as imposing as its owner—grand, cold, and intimidating. Two security guards opened the massive doors, revealing the expansive marble-floored foyer.As we stepped inside, a tall, slender woman
Last Updated : 2024-12-17
Latest chapter
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
The 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
The 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
