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47. Things never remains the same
Last Updated:
2025-02-26 20:10:32
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Traded For His First Love 48. Hand sweating
Reese POVI drove in silence, my fingers gripping the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles ached, the leather cool and unyielding under my palms. The weight of the moment pressed against me, a silent storm brewing beneath the surface as the city blurred past—Chicago’s skyline, the hum of traffic, the rhythmic thud of my own heartbeat pounding in my ears. When I finally turned the last corner, Sammy’s school loomed ahead, its red-brick facade a stark silhouette against the late afternoon sky. My stomach churned violently, a knot of nerves twisting tighter with each passing second, threatening to consume me entirely.I slowed the car, carefully maneuvering into a spot near the entrance, the tires crunching softly against the gravel. The parking lot buzzed with the chatter and laughter of parents and children, a scene of normalcy that felt alien, surreal, like a dream I couldn’t quite enter. I turned off the engine, and the sudden silence that followed was vast, heavy, pressing a
Last Updated : 2025-02-26Traded For His First Love 49. The most anticipated meeting
Reese POVThe parking lot was nearly empty, with faint lights casting a soft glow over the parked cars. I stood near my car, waiting for Elliot to emerge with Sammy, my breath shallow and my nerves fraying with every passing second. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, each tick consuming me, making me feel as if my heart might stop. I was still trying to steady myself and make sense of what was about to happen after so long apart.When I finally saw Elliot step out of the school building with Sammy, my body froze. The boy looked at me, stopping mid-step, standing still as if trying to piece together who I was, trying to understand the moment unfolding before him. That look hit me with such force that I nearly couldn’t breathe. His small frame, so familiar yet so changed, stood there under the dim lights, his wide, curious eyes locked on mine, searching for something I wasn’t sure I could offer.I gazed at him, my chest tightening painfully. How he’d grown. So different. I knew he’d ch
Last Updated : 2025-02-26Traded For His First Love 50. The unexpected turn
Reese POVThe ice cream parlor was crowded, filled with laughter and conversations in the background, but it felt like the world around us had stopped. The tension was almost palpable. Elliot and I were trying to make Sammy feel comfortable, but he remained distant, closed off, his gaze fixed on his chocolate ice cream cup as if it were the only thing in the world worth his attention.“So, Sammy,” I began, trying to sound casual, “would you like to meet Avie? She’s adorable. I think you two would get along really well.”My voice came out more cheerful than I actually felt, but my intentions were good. I wanted him to meet his sister, I wanted them to connect in some way. I knew it would take time, but I wanted to take the first step at least.But Sammy didn’t seem excited. He just shook his head and kept staring at the ice cream, as if I hadn’t said anything. “I don’t feel like it,” he replied, not even looking at me.Those words hit me like a blow. I tried to hide the pain, but I kn
Last Updated : 2025-02-27Traded For His First Love 51. Not this time
Reese POVI was still sitting there, staring at the door Sammy had run out of, as if waiting for him to come back. But he didn’t.The weight of his words was crushing me. “You’re not my mom, Lady Venus.”Lady Venus.Not “Mom.” Not Reese. Just a distant name, as if I were some stranger.I felt a knot forming in my throat. I wanted to be strong, to act as if this hadn’t shattered me inside, but it was impossible.The truth was, nothing could have prepared me to hear that from my own son’s mouth. I’d spent years dreaming of this reunion, trying to imagine how it would be. I always knew there would be difficulties, that things wouldn’t be perfect right away, but never, not even in my worst nightmares, had I imagined he would reject me like this.Elliot sighed beside me, rubbing his hands over his face before turning to look at me.“Venus, he didn’t mean it.”“Didn’t he?” My voice came out more bitter than I intended. “Because it sounded pretty clear to me, Elliot. I’m nothing to him.”“He
Last Updated : 2025-02-27Traded For His First Love 52. Facing the devil for you
Spencer POVThe sun blazed mercilessly over the sprawling golf course, its golden rays glinting off the pristine emerald grass and the shimmering artificial lakes that dotted the landscape like polished jewels. I stood in the parking lot of the exclusive Chicago Country Club, my tailored dress shirt already clinging to my back with sweat, as I spotted Alfred Carter leaning against his custom golf cart, his mirrored sunglasses concealing the sharp, calculating eyes I’d come to know so well. The cart, a gleaming black machine adorned with gold accents, screamed wealth and arrogance—much like the man himself.I forced a confident smile as I approached, swallowing the faint discomfort his presence always stirred in me. “Mr. Carter, thank you for letting me meet you today. I’ve always wanted to understand golf better, and there’s no one I’d rather learn from than you.”Alfred raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, clearly pleased by the flattery. His laughter was s
Last Updated : 2025-02-27Traded For His First Love 53. Incongruity
Reese POVThe moment I stepped into the sleek, polished reception of Carter’s Wine, I drew in a deep breath, the air heavy with the rich, woody scent of polished mahogany and the faint floral notes of expensive perfumes worn by the women in high heels clicking across the gleaming marble floor. It was 1993, and the opulence of the building reflected the era’s booming economy—minimalist furniture in deep burgundies and blacks, abstract oil paintings in bold, angular strokes adorning the walls, and brass fixtures casting a warm, strategic glow over the space. Every detail screamed sophistication, a testament to the wealth and influence of the Carter empire, nestled in the heart of Chicago’s financial district.My eyes settled on Josh Carter’s secretary, a poised woman with sharp, square-framed glasses and chestnut hair pulled into an elegant chignon. I approached the sleek marble counter and cleared my throat, hoping to catch her attention without seeming intrusive.“Good morning,” I s
Last Updated : 2025-02-27Traded For His First Love 54. Take the speck first in your eye
Reese POVI strode into Josh Carter’s office without knocking, as I often did—our familiarity granting me that liberty. He was sprawled behind his massive oak desk, his polished loafers propped casually on the edge, a lopsided, carefree grin plastered across his face as if nothing in the world could truly trouble him. The office was expansive, its dark mahogany furniture exuding an air of effortless elegance tinged with Josh’s characteristic disheveled charm. Soft, golden light from the late afternoon filtered through the half-open wooden blinds, casting long, dramatic shadows across the cream-colored walls, where framed vintage wine labels hung in perfect alignment.“Bethany’s out there,” I said, crossing my arms and leaning against the doorframe, my voice laced with a mix of impatience and exasperation. “You shouldn’t leave her waiting like that—or lie about being too busy.”Josh let out a deep, exaggerated sigh, as if my presence were already an inconvenience. He tilted his head b
Last Updated : 2025-02-27Traded For His First Love 55. As a fiancé
Bethany POVI felt utterly ridiculous.There I sat, in the frigid, sterile waiting area of Carter’s Wine, pretending to read a tattered copy of The Bridges of Madison County—a novel I’d grabbed from my purse out of habit—while my mind screamed that I shouldn’t be enduring this. Not me. Not Bethany Skyland.And yet, here I was.And worst of all? I was waiting.I waited while Josh’s secretary, Angela, threw me sidelong glances every so often, her sharp, square-framed glasses glinting under the fluorescent lights as if silently questioning what on earth I was still doing here. Likewise, I waited while I watched Venus stride confidently into Josh’s office without so much as a knock, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I waited even after realizing Josh had deliberately chosen to see her before me, his own fiancée.Furthermore, I swallowed hard, the sting of that realization hitting me like a physical blow—a direct strike to my pride. But I remained seated, chin held high,
Last Updated : 2025-02-27
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Traded For His First Love 110. Morning Light
Reese POV I woke up to my kids’ laughter echoing through the apartment, a sound so alive it almost felt like a gift after the night I’d had. Sammy and Avie were in the kitchen — Sammy’s loud, energetic laugh mixing with Avie’s joyful little squeals — and the smell of fresh coffee and warm pancakes drifted through the air, pulling me out of bed like a thread of hope. My head still throbbed, a leftover from the party that turned into a nightmare, from the ugly fight with Spencer that ended with him dumping me at the door like I was nothing. But those laughs… they were a piece of something I’d lost, something coming back, even if it carried secrets I wasn’t ready to face.I got up slowly, my body heavy with exhaustion and a truth I hadn’t found the courage to tell. I grabbed the blue robe tossed over the chair, tied it around my waist while rubbing my eyes, and followed the sound down the hall. Last night had been a mess — Spencer spitting venom over things I didn’t even fully grasp,
Traded For His First Love 109. Heat of the Night
Alice POVI was on the balcony of Nathalie’s party, the cool night air brushing against my heated skin as Connor pinned me against the railing, his hands firm on my waist and his lips locked on mine in a kiss that was pure fire. The lively music from the ballroom spilled through the glass doors, muffled by the sound of crickets and the light breeze, but I could barely hear anything beyond the rough sound of him against my mouth. Our earlier conversation there— me throwing his flirting with the green-dress brunette in his face, him promising to surprise me — had turned into this: heated making out, his hands sliding up my back under my purple dress, and me losing myself in his warmth despite swearing I wouldn’t fall so easily.“You’re driving me crazy,” he murmured against my neck, his teeth grazing my skin as I arched into him, my heart pounding. His blue eyes glinted in the dim light, and his citrusy scent wrapped around me, pulling me deeper.“You started it,” I shot back, my voic
Traded For His First Love 108. Shelter in the Storm
Venus POV I’d barely shut the apartment door when the buzzer rang, a sharp sound cutting through the heavy silence I was trying to cling to. My body was still trembling, the dress damp from Nathalie’s champagne sticking to my skin, my face faintly stinging where Bethany had slapped me, and Spencer’s words still echoing in my head like knives. I hesitated, my feet frozen on the cold floor, thinking it might be him coming back—maybe regretful, maybe to yell some more. My heart lurched with reluctance, but I dragged myself to the door anyway, opening it with a tired sigh. But when I saw who was there, my shoulders slumped, the weight of the day nearly knocking me over with relief. It was Elliot. He stood in my doorway, his hair mussed by the wind, his green eyes full of a concern I hadn’t expected but that hit me like a bolt. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed him until that moment—not just his presence, but the way he saw me, as Reese, not the Venus everyone seemed to hate now.
Traded For His First Love 108. Fractured Trust
Venus POV The low rumble of Spencer’s car engine was the only sound filling the silence between us as he drove through Chicago’s dark streets, the streetlights streaking past the window like blurs. I was slumped in the passenger seat, my blue dress still damp from Nathalie’s champagne clinging to my skin, my face faintly stinging where Bethany had slapped me in the parking lot. My head was a mess—the party had started so well, with laughter, light conversation, a moment with Elliot on the balcony that nearly made me forget everything. But then it all crashed into a nightmare I couldn’t wrap my mind around. The humiliation in front of everyone, the accusations from Nathalie, Jennifer, and Bethany, and now this—Spencer driving me home with a look that said he was holding a volcano inside him. I ran a hand over my face, trying to wipe away the last of the dried champagne prickling my skin, and felt the weight of his gaze even without turning to him. The silence was suffocating, and
Traded For His First Love 106. Breaking the Chains
Josh POV I was standing near the door of Nathalie’s party, the cold night air hitting my face as the sound of Spencer’s car tires faded into the distance. What had just gone down in the parking lot—Bethany chasing after Venus and slapping her across the face—was still spinning in my head like a movie I didn’t want to watch. I’d seen it all from the entrance, the way Bethany screamed, the pure hatred in her eyes, her hand smacking Venus like she was a punching bag. And I knew, deep down, that this was one of the reasons I didn’t want to marry her. It wasn’t just that I didn’t love her—though that was true—but because Bethany had a rotten soul, a darkness that twisted my stomach every time I saw her lose it like that. I wasn’t some saint, and I didn’t pretend to be. The engagement to Bethany was my dad’s doing, a move to tie our families together, his business with hers, and I’d even thought it might work out. Maybe, with time, I could fall for her—she was pretty, had a fire that s
Traded For His First Love 105. The Sting of Victory
Bethany POV Watching Venus get humiliated in front of everyone had been like a balm—every shout from Nathalie, every drop of champagne running down that perfect face, every shocked stare in the room felt like I was cashing in on a piece of the pain I’d been carrying in my chest for so long. I was leaning against a table near the bar, arms crossed, my heart still racing with pure satisfaction as the echo of Nathalie’s shattering glass replayed in my head. Venus was everything I wasn’t—beautiful, desired, with that effortless charm that made everyone like her, even Josh, my fiancé. But now, drenched and kicked out, she was imperfect for the first time, and for the first time, I felt special. Jennifer was beside me, laughing softly as she swirled her sparkling wine, the bubbles rising like they were toasting our victory. “Did you see her face, Bethany?” she said, her tone light but dripping with that venom I loved. “She looked like a wet dog trying to explain herself. Pathetic.”
Traded For His First Love 104. Soaked in Shame
Venus POV The party at Nathalie’s was starting to wind down—the golden lights still glowed, but the music had softened, and the little clusters of people were breaking apart, some grabbing coats, others exchanging goodbye hugs. I was near the door, Spencer at my side with that look like he couldn’t wait to leave, and I was trying to say my farewells to a few acquaintances so we could get out of there. My heart was still racing from the almost-kiss with Elliot on the balcony, and all I wanted was to get home, take a hot shower, and pretend this night hadn’t turned me inside out. “Nice seeing you, Clara,” I said, smiling at a friend of Nathalie’s I knew from other events. She was in a shiny green dress, holding a nearly empty glass, and gave me a friendly nod. “You too, Venus. Take care, okay?” she replied, her tone light as she turned to grab her purse. I nodded, adjusting the strap of my blue dress—which was still clinging to my back from the party’s heat—and glanced at Spenc
Traded For His First Love 103. Venom in the Air
Jennifer POV The party at Nathalie’s was still buzzing—the hall aglow with those golden lights that screamed luxury, the loud music making the floor tremble, and the air thick with the scent of champagne and expensive perfume. I was leaning against a column near the drink table, a gin in hand, the ice clinking as I watched the crowd. But my focus was all on Bethany, a few steps away, her eyes narrowed and fists clenched, spitting venom like she owned the place. She was ranting about Reese—or Venus, as everyone but Elliot called her—and I could almost see the hatred rolling off her in waves. “You saw that, Jennifer? It’s so obvious that bitch wants my fiancé,” she snarled, her voice dripping with rage as she jerked her chin toward Reese across the room. There she was, the elegant woman in that perfect blue dress, smiling and chatting with her friends, her loose hair falling over her shoulders like she didn’t have a care in the world. “The way she looked at Josh? What a slut! I b
Traded For His First Love 102. Echoes Over the Lake
Venus POV The balcony at Nathalie’s house was a breath of calm amidst the storm of the party—the cool breeze blew in from Lake Michigan on the horizon, where the dark water swallowed the city lights like an upside-down sky. I was leaning against the railing, the cold metal pressing into my arms, the wind playing with my hair, and Elliot was beside me, close enough that I could feel his warmth without even touching. The noise of the party inside—the loud music, the laughter, the clinking glasses—felt like a distant echo, and I let my eyes drift to the serene line of the lake, the peace of that place wrapping around me like a blanket I didn’t know I craved. Alice and Connor were still in their little corner, murmuring and giggling, but my mind was all on Elliot, as it always was. I took a deep breath, the chilly air filling my chest, and the words slipped out before I could hold them back. “You know, Elliot… sometimes, in my craziest moments, I wonder what it’d be like if we’d wor
