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Relief
Last Updated:
2024-12-31 20:15:28
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Under The Mask Of My Enemy Intimacy
Chapter 27: Thorne's POVThe night air was so thick with unsaid words and tension that it could wrap itself around the room and just not let go. I sat on the edge of the bed and stared out the window at the weak moonlight filtering through the curtains. The coldness of the day still lingered, and the sharp edge of Garrett's silence cut deeper than the words could ever cut.The creaking of the door opening startled me, and my head jerked up. There he was-Garrett. He stood in the doorway, his shoulders tense, his gaze heavy with something I couldn't quite name. He didn't move, and for a moment, I wondered if he'd simply turn and walk away again.But then he stepped inside, his movements deliberate, the door clicking softly shut behind him.Garrett," I said, my voice slicing through the silence that had stretched between us all day to unbearable lengths.He didn't say anything for a minute. Instead, he crossed the room in a few long strides, stopping directly in front of me. His hands re
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Under The Mask Of My Enemy Shadows Of The Past
Chapter 28This nightmare came with no warning at all, tugging me out of that fragile cocoon of sleep I'd managed to wrap around myself after the emotionally draining night with Garrett. The dream was just so real-so visceral-the initial feeling when I woke was not about knowing where I was. It took a few moments for my mind to sort out just exactly if I was still dreaming or finally awake.I felt the grain beneath me; I was five again and stood at the window of our old house, peering out into the black night. It was raining hard, blowing as if in howls; I was waiting-just for them to come home. A birthday hat sat crooked on my head, its strings pulling uncomfortably at my neck. I remembered clutching the little handmade card I’d spent all day working on, the one with the misspelled words and clumsy drawings. I’d wanted to show it to them so badly.In my dream, I still hear my own childish voice, insistent and pleading, "You have to come home! It's my birthday! You promised!" I didn't
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Under The Mask Of My Enemy Burdened Memories
Chapter 29: Garrett's PovIt was a long and exhausting morning; my head was still blurry from last night, for which it wasn't the least prepared to hear from Thorne what he actually had to say.The soft shuffle of footsteps hit behind my back, and without even looking further, I already knew him since his presence in my life-an anchor, welcome or not-loomed well amidst the world around me. But there was a difference in the air, surrounding him today. The feeling inside him was monumental, weighty, something that spoke of a titanic shift. I instinctively could feel the rising tension inside my body as I knew he needed to say.When he finally spoke, his voice was low, uncertain, almost like testing the waters. "Garrett," he said, his words drawing me in completely, "I remember… some things.I froze, the fork I had been holding midway to the plate of eggs in my hand. My heartbeat faltered for a moment. A memory. His memory. It was a long time since he started recovering it, but now… now
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Under The Mask Of My Enemy A Day For Us
Chapter 30: A Day for UsGarrett's POVWhat had shaken me more than it should have was Thorne's confession of his childhood-a story not so much about what happened, but how it was told in a quavering voice, the weight of years of pain apparent in every word. The memory had branded him; the scars ran so deeply that I doubted he even knew how much it still hurt.Days went by, and I just couldn't seem to get it out of my head. This little boy, Thorne, hopeful and excited as he waits for his parents and then will never see them again-that haunted me. That wasn't fair. He was too young to be forced to carry the weight of that horror with him throughout his life. Yet, he had borne it silently, without complaint, letting it color his life in ways he never should have had to endure.I couldn't change the past, but maybe-just maybe-I could give him something new to remember.It struck in the dark of night as I sat and stared out the window: an amusement park-a simple thing of innocence-but to
Last Updated : 2025-01-02Under The Mask Of My Enemy A Gift From The Heart
Chapter 31: A Gift from the HeartThorne's POVRecovery of my memories had been bittersweet all these days. These flashes of the past were small victories, which keep hinting that I am not so lost after all. Of course, each memory brought a wee bit of pain with it and more importantly, brought me a little closer to myself. No longer was this about reclaiming my past but all about building a future that I could be proud of. And the future, at the moment, included Garrett.One evening, when it was quiet, I was standing in the kitchen. Oliver was laying the silverware for dinner, very precise, as always, his movements slow and smooth. I leaned against the counter, lost in thought."Oliver," I said hesitantly into the silence."Yes, Master Thorne?" he replied, not looking up from his task."When is Garrett's birthday?The only sound that followed was the clatter of a spoon against a tray. Oliver straightened and turned to me, an inquisitive look upon his face."It's next month," he stated
Last Updated : 2025-01-03Under The Mask Of My Enemy Mission
Chapter 32: Thorne's POVWith Oliver's help, I slipped away from the villa without being noticed. Each step felt as though I was treading on thin ice, but it was something that had to be done. Garrett mustn't find out about this meeting. If he did, then it would all be over. My chest was heavy with tension, but I moved ahead, following Oliver's lead as we went along the hidden paths leading to the meeting point.After a number of turns and bends, we reached a nondescript building at the outskirts of the city, standing almost concealed by the growth of a copse of trees. It looked so nondescript, but I know by now not to look at appearances. Oliver stood at the door, impassive, as he waited for me to precede him into the room. "Remember, Thorne, you have only half an hour. Don't push your luck.".I nodded in acknowledgment, offering a tight smile before pushing open the door and stepping inside. The room was dimly lit, the air heavy with scents of wood and leather. It was a place of pri
Last Updated : 2025-01-04Under The Mask Of My Enemy Fractured Trust
Chapter 33: Garrett's POVThe moment that tracker lit up with Thorne's whereabouts, a churn of unease stirred in my gut. He was out—again. I leaned back in my chair, my fingers tapping on the desk as I weighed my options. Confrontation could wait until I had all the details. For now, I'd start with the obvious.I called for Oliver. He entered the room with his usual stoicism, but his neutral expression didn't reassure me in the least."Where's Thorne?" I asked without preamble.Oliver didn't bat an eyelid under my scrutiny. "He's back at the villa," he replied evenly. "I took him out for a short time. He wanted to see the outskirts. I didn't see any harm in it.I stared at him for a moment, weighing the veracity of his words. Oliver had been loyal for years—one of the few people I trusted with Thorne. But something about the situation felt off."Did he meet anyone?" I asked sharply.Oliver hesitated for the briefest of moments, a crack in his otherwise perfect composure. "No one suspi
Last Updated : 2025-01-05Under The Mask Of My Enemy A Silent Answer
Chapter 34: "A Silent Answer"(Thorne's POV)The villa's walls seemed closer than ever, suffocating me with their quiet elegance. Over time, Garrett's control had grown more suffocating with every glance, every unspoken rule tightening the invisible leash he kept around me. Yet, I couldn't blame him altogether. Garrett had his reasons, which came in layers of pain and fear buried beneath his overbearing need to keep me safe. But understanding didn't make it any easier to breathe.It was Oliver who saved me from utter isolation, his silent companionship soothing to my wandering spirit. It was through him that I still held any link to the world beyond, a link delicately guarded, yet rare and one that ultimately managed to help keep my sanity. Of all people, Gavin had evolved into an unexpected ally. Resources, connections, quick thinking-he had everything and was an asset to me, though his motivations could be trusted only half of the time.My heart had skipped a beat, in a way it hadn'
Last Updated : 2025-01-06
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Under The Mask Of My Enemy Escape
Chapter 55: Garrett's POVThe night was wearing on, the villa settling into a soft hum of quiet. Most of the guests had left, leaving only family behind. I leaned back in my chair, a glass of whiskey in hand, savoring the faint burn that seemed to dull the high emotions of the evening. The engagement had gone perfectly. Thorne was mine—officially, undeniably.The image of his face when I slipped the ring on his finger filled my mind, and I smiled to myself. I had never seen him look so captivating. For the first time, I allowed myself to believe that happiness was within reach."Garrett," Donovan's voice cut sharply through my thoughts.I turned to see him standing in the doorway, his expression solemn. My older brother had always been good at grounding me, but tonight I really wasn't in the mood for lectures. "What is it, Donovan?" I asked, waving him off with a lazy hand."Come with me," he said, his voice low, almost a command.I frowned, setting down my glass. Something in his ton
Under The Mask Of My Enemy Wedding Engagement
Chapter 54: Thorne's POVIt was less than perfect-the wedding engagement party that Garrett had turned into an over-the-top festivity that would shame royalty, down to every single last obsessive attention to detail: a grand hall chandeliers glimmered; roses, champagne-the lot. The whole evening surrounded me with congratulating people: huge, honest-to-goodness, real, teeth- showing grins on the Cullens.The world seemed to hold its breath as Garrett slipped the diamond onto my finger. Pure happiness danced unguarded in his eyes, as the force of applause burst loudly around us. He hauled me in, his mouth coming down against mine in a sure declaration of love to everyone present.For a moment-a so-tiny fraction of time-I almost managed to get myself to really believe this could be it. I could contemplate really staying in this world he'd carved out for me.But reality was relentless, and so was my mission.As the hours passed, the guests trickled out, their farewells growing softer unt
Under The Mask Of My Enemy Suspicions
Chapter 53: Garrett's POVThe days leading up to the wedding had been a flurry of activity and happiness. My mind was consumed with planning: confirming the flowers, finalizing the guest list, and making sure that everything was just right for Thorne. For the first time in my life, I allowed myself to dream of a future beyond power and control, of a future with him at its center.Yet in quieter moments-when I found Thorne gazing out a window or fleeing into his thoughts-I sensed there was something hovering just beyond my grasp. His smiles didn't always meet his eyes, and when laughter did come, it sounded hollow. But I overlooked it. He had said yes, hadn't he? That was all that mattered.I buried any doubts beneath the weight of my happiness.I hadn't expected Donovan to show up at my office that afternoon. He came in, his usual placid exterior sharpened, tightened. I put aside the pile of documents I was working my way through and waved him on."What's so urgent it couldn't wait?"
Under The Mask Of My Enemy Hidden Emotion
Chapter 52: Garrett's POVThe low hum of the motor was the only sound as we ventured into the heart of the city. I shot a sideways glance to Thorne riding beside me in silent introspection, staring out of the window, his gaze unreadable. His hand lay against his thigh; the ring that I had popped onto his finger that night gleamed bright in the reflected light of morning sun.The view before me swelled up a tide of emotion I hadn't known in years, a mix of pride and love, the kind of joy that pained my chest. He had said yes. Thorne was mine in a way no one else could ever be, and I was determined to make our wedding everything he deserved, even if he didn't realize how much it meant to me yet.Are you sure you do not want to chime in on at least the venue?" I tried to lighten the tone with a slight chuckle as I glanced at him. "It is your wedding, after all."He arched an eyebrow before his lips set into a small smile that barely reached his eyes. "I think I can trust you to do the ri
Under The Mask Of My Enemy Will you marry me?
Chapter 51: Thorne's POVThere was a silence in the villa, an almost palpable stillness due to what wasn't said between Garrett and me. The moment we stepped inside, neither of us said a word. The door shut softly behind us, and it had all the effect of a thunderclap in the oppressive stillness.I didn't know what to say, how to breach the wall that had risen between us. My mind was a jumble of thoughts, emotions swirling in a storm I couldn't name. Garrett's protectiveness felt like a double-edged sword: comforting one moment, suffocating the next. I couldn't tell if his desperate attempts to keep me close came from a place of love or something far darker.Was I the one he was afraid of losing? The idea of me? Was he afraid that if I finally remembered, I would leave him behind and go back to the FBI?The thought stung my chest, the ache one I couldn't quite shake.I turned to him now, his face a mask of conflict, a reflection of my turmoil. His jaw was clenched, his shoulders taut,
Under The Mask Of My Enemy Safe Play
Chapter 50: Garrett's POVGlowing monitors cast an as cold, sterile light across the room; the soft hum of the equipment was the only sound that relieved the silence. My office felt suffocating, the weight of the situation weighing upon me. My mind refused to stay put on the arms theft investigation. It kept going right back to Thorne.He was no longer in the hospital, that much was for sure. I had located him, watched his position veer off from safety and toward part of the city I would never have approved. Even now, when I knew I could pinpoint where he was at any given time, a niggle gnawed at me. My chest felt tight, my instincts screaming that something wasn't right.I told myself to trust him, that Thorne wasn't someone to be careless or naively walk into a trap or put himself in harm's way. But unpredictable, his curiosity often got him into situations he was ill-prepared for.I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples as I tried to push away the frustration that had been bu
Under The Mask Of My Enemy Escaped
Chapter 49Thorne's POVThe knife was suspended above my mark, poised to fall, when I heard that voice."Thorne, it's me."My body froze, blade inches from its mark, as I turned to him. His features were indistinct, shrouded by the darkness, but there was no mistaking the desperation in his eyes. Without saying another word, he released me and gestured for silence.Follow me," he whispered, his voice commanding yet calm.A million thoughts flooded my mind. What was Gavin doing here? Was he working for Donovan? Was this some kind of trap? My instincts yelled at me to keep my guard up, but something in the way he sounded made me pause. I lowered the knife and nodded reluctantly.Gavin led me through the maze of crates and shadows, his movements definite and calculated to avoid the main pathways so that we were out of sight. My heart thudded in my chest as every step shook the faintly echoing voices and footsteps around us-the reminder of our danger.Finally, he stopped before a car tuck
Under The Mask Of My Enemy The Warehouse
Chapter 48Thorne's POVThe warehouse loomed ahead, a dark monolith cast long and wide by the faint streetlights. The air was thick with the metallic tang of rust, oil, and decay. Every step I took closer seemed amplified out loud in the stillness, the sound of my feet meeting the earth overloaded only by the pounding of my heart.I'd been on a trail, piecing together really the fragments of information I could dig up, and this was going to be-it felt like the turning point. This warehouse was big, something big was going down, and with the right move, it might unravel whatever secret dealings the Cullen family was hiding in the dark.As I came closer, I saw a group of men stood at the entrance, loose in stance, but their alertness was easy to realize. Their gaze cut in neat, exact cuts around them; their hands barely left the daggers each of them held.Among them, my eyes caught a figure that seemed so familiar. There was no mistaking him in the dim light-Dexter Cullen. He was the se
Under The Mask Of My Enemy Escaping The Cage
Chapter Forty-Seven: Escaping the CageThorne's POVThe air in the hospital room felt unbearably stifling; the walls just seemed to close in on me with every passing second. Garrett's constant presence was comforting and oppressive all at once. His gaze followed me wherever he was, full of unspoken concern. Still, it wasn't enough to soothe the storm brewing inside me. The fragments of my past haunted me, and the questions that came with them had grown too loud to ignore.I couldn't dwell on anything else. I couldn't fully believe in Garrett, not with parts of my memory missing and this nagging feeling there was more to my past than he was letting on. And I couldn't afford complacency, not now that for the first time, I felt like I was getting closer to the truth. But Garrett's men were always outside my room, guarding and watching me like a hawk. It would virtually be impossible to do anything.Today was different, though.Garrett had left early that morning, muttering something abou
