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When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 5
I looked up, my face streaked with tears and sweat, and saw my mom in the doorway.A tall, good-looking guy was with her.Mom's eyes were a mix of worry and anger as she rushed over and pulled me to my feet."Sweetie, I'm so sorry I'm late. You've been through so much."I burst into tears and hugged her tight, letting out all my hurt and frustration."Mom, please, I can't stay here anymore. Take me home."She stroked my back, her voice soft but pained. "Of course, we're leaving this awful place right now."The man behind her quickly stepped up to lift me in his arms.However, as we headed out, Charles blocked the door.He could not even look Mom in the eye, but he tried to sound in control."Mrs. Shaw, who's this guy, and where are you taking Jennifer?"Mom shot him a withering glare."Mr. Jones, you're engaged, remember? It's none of your business where I take my daughter. Out of our way! If you try to stop me one more time, be prepared to face the wrath of the Shaw family
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 6
"What's my problem?"Rose's eyes welled up with tears, but she was not backing down, her voice rising to a scream."Don't play dumb with me. I knew all about you two when I was away. You and Jennifer, together! And the girl next door? More like your secret sweetheart!"Charles, so what if I'm not happy? Jennifer's baby is gone, and she's never going to forgive you now!"Reality dawned on Charles, "Wait, are you saying you had something to do with the car accident?""Yes!"Rose's words tumbled out before she could catch them, and panic surged through her as she realized her blunder.If Charles ever discovered she was behind the tragedy that took his child, he would be furious enough to choke the life out of her.Her face drained of color, her eyes darting around in desperation as she tried to fix the mess she had made."Charles, I… I didn't mean to hurt the baby, I swear. I had no clue she was pregnant, I just wanted her out of your life."I never thought it would go this far,
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 7
Right then, I was on the plane heading back to Nantleton. The guy who showed up at the hospital with my mom? That was Howard Peterson, head of the Peterson family, who also turned out to be the date my mom had set me up with. In Nantleton, the Petersons are like celebrities, top of the top four big-deal families, with a legacy that's rock solid and businesses all over the map. Howard took the reins of the family empire when he was just a kid and turned it into a total success story. Since my dad died in that crash, it had been just my mom keeping our family business afloat.We had grown, sure, but we were still not in the same league as the Petersons. I could not help but wonder, so I asked her on the down-low, "Mom, you didn't, like, sell out to the Petersons, did you? How else would Howard end up on a blind date with me?"In the small town of Nantleton, the Peterson family was like local royalty, and the line of ladies hoping to snag a Peterson was longer than the wait for th
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 8
Being with Howard, I discovered for the first time just how amazing love could feel.No matter how crazy his day was, he would always carve out time to share dinner with me.However, the nicer he was, the more I wondered why he chose me.One day, I just blurted out, "Why me?"Howard gave me that knowing smile like he had been waiting for the question.He took my hand, looking at me with such tenderness, it was as if he was seeing into my past."Remember when you were roughly seven years old, and you helped a kid who was nearly kidnapped? You called the cops and saved him."His words jogged a fuzzy memory. The kid was crying, held by an old lady. Something felt off, so I called the cops and stayed with him until his family showed up. That kid had those bright eyes and promised he would find me someday to say thanks.Stunned, I stared at Howard. "Wait, that kid was you?"He just smiled and nodded."Yep, that was me. I got lost at some event my parents took me to, and I ran into
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 9
The fitting room's curtain swished open.Howard's eyes were just lighting up with joy when Charles barged into the picture.The guy who was always so put-together was then a hot mess—hair all over the place, clothes a wreck, and a five o'clock shadow darkening his jaw. He looked like he had been through the wringer.He stared at me like we were the only two people in the world and muttered."Jennifer, you're my girl. You can't marry him."I scowled, ice in my voice."Get a grip, Charles. We were never an item."He stiffened, then shook his head, eyes brimming as he reached out to hug me."Jennifer, I know you're still mad."I've called off the engagement with the Canfields, and Rose? Her dad shipped her off to Mr. Wallace in Capital City. She's got her just desserts."Mr. Wallace from Capital City? Even out there in Nantleton, I have heard about Jack Wallace, infamous for his cruelty."Jen, you look stunning in that wedding gown. Come back with me, and I'll buy you a thous
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 1
The room was warm and toasty, yet a chill ran down my spine.Just moments ago, Charles had been all sweet whispers and soft caresses, but then his words cut through me, leaving me reeling.I paused, a weak smile tugging at my lips."Charles, you're pulling my leg, right?"He looked at me, long and hard, before letting out a derisive chuckle. "Jennifer, come on, we're grown-ups. It was just a bit of fun, a fling. You didn't think it was more than that, did you?"I stayed silent, my eyes cast down to shield the storm of feelings within.To him, our three-year whirlwind was just a game, but not to me. I had fallen for him, hard, and that feeling had lasted a whole decade.We were the kids who grew up side by side in the same neighborhood, the kind of friends who shared every childhood adventure.Charles was always the one everyone looked up to, not big on chit-chat, with an air of mystery about him.However, it was that very Charles who, cheeks red with embarrassment, bought me m
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 2
"Charles, who is this?"Rose's voice was cloyingly sweet, tinged with a whiff of hurt.Charles's gaze softened, like ice thawing in the sun, and he reached past me to drape an arm around Rose's shoulders."The sister I've told you about, Jennifer."Sister.The word sister tumbled from Charles's lips and burned through me, bringing tears to my eyes.I bit down on my lip so hard I tasted blood, fighting back the wave of emotion.Rose, clueless to the tension, kept up her chirpy act, playfully swinging Charles's arm."So you're Jennifer! Stay for dinner, then. Charles is cooking tonight."My eyes went wide.Just last week, I was sick with a fever, begging Charles to make me oatmeal. He claimed he could not cook and left me to fend for myself.Turned out, he could cook all along—he just would not do it for me.Charles seemed to remember that day too, a guilty look flashing across his face before he quickly got his act together and added. "Since Rose invited you to stay, join us
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 3
Rose said it matter-of-factly, which left me momentarily stunned, staring at her in shock.Rose did not care for my response and continued speaking, her voice dripping with sarcasm."I had barely left the country for my studies, and you immediately got into Capital Heights University. Were you that eager to steal someone else's man?"I tried to protest, to tell him that it was Charles who had talked me into volunteering, but the words just would not come out. They were lodged in my throat, stubborn and unmoving."However, no matter how hard you try, you're just a secret mistress, a nobody. What makes you think you can even hold a candle to me?"The moment I got back, Charles couldn't wait to kick you to the curb and come ask for my hand. Take a hint and beat it. Don't stick around like some annoying cling-on that nobody wants."Her words stung, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated. I was about to defend myself when Rose dialed a number.With a taunting smile aimed at me, she cr
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When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 9
The fitting room's curtain swished open.Howard's eyes were just lighting up with joy when Charles barged into the picture.The guy who was always so put-together was then a hot mess—hair all over the place, clothes a wreck, and a five o'clock shadow darkening his jaw. He looked like he had been through the wringer.He stared at me like we were the only two people in the world and muttered."Jennifer, you're my girl. You can't marry him."I scowled, ice in my voice."Get a grip, Charles. We were never an item."He stiffened, then shook his head, eyes brimming as he reached out to hug me."Jennifer, I know you're still mad."I've called off the engagement with the Canfields, and Rose? Her dad shipped her off to Mr. Wallace in Capital City. She's got her just desserts."Mr. Wallace from Capital City? Even out there in Nantleton, I have heard about Jack Wallace, infamous for his cruelty."Jen, you look stunning in that wedding gown. Come back with me, and I'll buy you a thous
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 8
Being with Howard, I discovered for the first time just how amazing love could feel.No matter how crazy his day was, he would always carve out time to share dinner with me.However, the nicer he was, the more I wondered why he chose me.One day, I just blurted out, "Why me?"Howard gave me that knowing smile like he had been waiting for the question.He took my hand, looking at me with such tenderness, it was as if he was seeing into my past."Remember when you were roughly seven years old, and you helped a kid who was nearly kidnapped? You called the cops and saved him."His words jogged a fuzzy memory. The kid was crying, held by an old lady. Something felt off, so I called the cops and stayed with him until his family showed up. That kid had those bright eyes and promised he would find me someday to say thanks.Stunned, I stared at Howard. "Wait, that kid was you?"He just smiled and nodded."Yep, that was me. I got lost at some event my parents took me to, and I ran into
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 7
Right then, I was on the plane heading back to Nantleton. The guy who showed up at the hospital with my mom? That was Howard Peterson, head of the Peterson family, who also turned out to be the date my mom had set me up with. In Nantleton, the Petersons are like celebrities, top of the top four big-deal families, with a legacy that's rock solid and businesses all over the map. Howard took the reins of the family empire when he was just a kid and turned it into a total success story. Since my dad died in that crash, it had been just my mom keeping our family business afloat.We had grown, sure, but we were still not in the same league as the Petersons. I could not help but wonder, so I asked her on the down-low, "Mom, you didn't, like, sell out to the Petersons, did you? How else would Howard end up on a blind date with me?"In the small town of Nantleton, the Peterson family was like local royalty, and the line of ladies hoping to snag a Peterson was longer than the wait for th
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 6
"What's my problem?"Rose's eyes welled up with tears, but she was not backing down, her voice rising to a scream."Don't play dumb with me. I knew all about you two when I was away. You and Jennifer, together! And the girl next door? More like your secret sweetheart!"Charles, so what if I'm not happy? Jennifer's baby is gone, and she's never going to forgive you now!"Reality dawned on Charles, "Wait, are you saying you had something to do with the car accident?""Yes!"Rose's words tumbled out before she could catch them, and panic surged through her as she realized her blunder.If Charles ever discovered she was behind the tragedy that took his child, he would be furious enough to choke the life out of her.Her face drained of color, her eyes darting around in desperation as she tried to fix the mess she had made."Charles, I… I didn't mean to hurt the baby, I swear. I had no clue she was pregnant, I just wanted her out of your life."I never thought it would go this far,
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 5
I looked up, my face streaked with tears and sweat, and saw my mom in the doorway.A tall, good-looking guy was with her.Mom's eyes were a mix of worry and anger as she rushed over and pulled me to my feet."Sweetie, I'm so sorry I'm late. You've been through so much."I burst into tears and hugged her tight, letting out all my hurt and frustration."Mom, please, I can't stay here anymore. Take me home."She stroked my back, her voice soft but pained. "Of course, we're leaving this awful place right now."The man behind her quickly stepped up to lift me in his arms.However, as we headed out, Charles blocked the door.He could not even look Mom in the eye, but he tried to sound in control."Mrs. Shaw, who's this guy, and where are you taking Jennifer?"Mom shot him a withering glare."Mr. Jones, you're engaged, remember? It's none of your business where I take my daughter. Out of our way! If you try to stop me one more time, be prepared to face the wrath of the Shaw family
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 4
The sharp scent of disinfectant filled my nose.I blinked my eyes open slowly, finding myself in a hospital bed.The doctor looked at me, his face etched with sadness."Ms. Harris, I'm sorry, but we were too late. We couldn't save your baby."I touched my stomach, flat and empty.A baby had been there? I had lost the baby before I even knew it existed.Tears spilled over, tracing wet paths down my face.Charles, was that what loving you cost?It hurt too much.I would not let myself love you again.The doctor had barely left when Charles stormed in with a bunch of cops, his stare like a blade of frost."Jennifer, it's time you faced the consequences of your actions!"I felt numb, but I pushed myself up. "I didn't do it…"Charles did not care to listen. With a nod, he had the cops move in to cuff me.Panic and fury surged through me, the pain from my wound nearly knocking me out."You can't arrest me! I'm innocent!"I yelled, my voice raw with the injustice of it all, "C
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 3
Rose said it matter-of-factly, which left me momentarily stunned, staring at her in shock.Rose did not care for my response and continued speaking, her voice dripping with sarcasm."I had barely left the country for my studies, and you immediately got into Capital Heights University. Were you that eager to steal someone else's man?"I tried to protest, to tell him that it was Charles who had talked me into volunteering, but the words just would not come out. They were lodged in my throat, stubborn and unmoving."However, no matter how hard you try, you're just a secret mistress, a nobody. What makes you think you can even hold a candle to me?"The moment I got back, Charles couldn't wait to kick you to the curb and come ask for my hand. Take a hint and beat it. Don't stick around like some annoying cling-on that nobody wants."Her words stung, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated. I was about to defend myself when Rose dialed a number.With a taunting smile aimed at me, she cr
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 2
"Charles, who is this?"Rose's voice was cloyingly sweet, tinged with a whiff of hurt.Charles's gaze softened, like ice thawing in the sun, and he reached past me to drape an arm around Rose's shoulders."The sister I've told you about, Jennifer."Sister.The word sister tumbled from Charles's lips and burned through me, bringing tears to my eyes.I bit down on my lip so hard I tasted blood, fighting back the wave of emotion.Rose, clueless to the tension, kept up her chirpy act, playfully swinging Charles's arm."So you're Jennifer! Stay for dinner, then. Charles is cooking tonight."My eyes went wide.Just last week, I was sick with a fever, begging Charles to make me oatmeal. He claimed he could not cook and left me to fend for myself.Turned out, he could cook all along—he just would not do it for me.Charles seemed to remember that day too, a guilty look flashing across his face before he quickly got his act together and added. "Since Rose invited you to stay, join us
When Love Turns to Dust Chapter 1
The room was warm and toasty, yet a chill ran down my spine.Just moments ago, Charles had been all sweet whispers and soft caresses, but then his words cut through me, leaving me reeling.I paused, a weak smile tugging at my lips."Charles, you're pulling my leg, right?"He looked at me, long and hard, before letting out a derisive chuckle. "Jennifer, come on, we're grown-ups. It was just a bit of fun, a fling. You didn't think it was more than that, did you?"I stayed silent, my eyes cast down to shield the storm of feelings within.To him, our three-year whirlwind was just a game, but not to me. I had fallen for him, hard, and that feeling had lasted a whole decade.We were the kids who grew up side by side in the same neighborhood, the kind of friends who shared every childhood adventure.Charles was always the one everyone looked up to, not big on chit-chat, with an air of mystery about him.However, it was that very Charles who, cheeks red with embarrassment, bought me m
