All Chapters of EXCEPTION: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

It was one of the most painful nights of my life. The darkness enveloped me like a suffocating shroud as I sat huddled on my bed, tears streaming down my cheeks unabated. The weight of each teardrop felt like a burden, too heavy to bear. They cascaded from my eyes onto the bruises that marred my skin, painful reminders that had been left behind Blaine's wrath. It had been three days since my husband caught me at the party. He brought me home after that encounter. I tried to fight back, hurling every curse word I could muster at him, all the while seething with the anger that had been building up for so long. Nothing could quell my burning desire to break free from his hold. I knew what to do since Courtney accepted me as part of them. I had to leave this nightmare behind. I don't want to be a prisoner again. I don't want to be controlled or tortured by Blaine anymore. I wanted freedom. That's what I've learned from Courtney— the very first man who made me believe that despite the mis

Courtney’s POV"All of you! Get out! Except from Frysto Seal!" I barked at my men as I stomped into the summit room, where they were huddled around a table. Quick as lightning, everyone jumped up and scurried out of the room. Not a single soul dared to glance my way or say a word. They are the Python Team, and they already knew they needed to complete the task I gave them earlier while the entire Elite units will stay here for a new task.I dashed to the main desk, plopping down in my chair with a huff. As I opened my laptop and tapped into the security system, my face must have looked like thunder. Davis, one of my trusty men, sauntered over and put down the glass and bottle of champagne before me. I took it from him and drained the entire bottle in one gulp. With a heavy sigh, I set the empty glass back on the desk.My eyes stayed glued to the screen, absorbing all the data flooding in without missing a beat.After having a conversation with Carter twenty minutes ago, I received imp

When his gaze redirected to Blaine, his features hardened instantly. The fury was evident. And now I’m feeling nervous ’cause I could feel the tension that’s there.Blaine suddenly let out a loud growl, which snapped my attention. “Bullshit!” He swerved, taking another turn so sharply that the car almost tipped over. “If he thinks he can save you, he’s wrong!”I didn’t respond, but deep in my heart, I knew he was wrong. He’s a fool even to think Courtney was incapable of saving me.Blaine suddenly veered into an abandoned warehouse district, the crumbling buildings providing cover. I looked outside, and Courtney was following us, tires screeching as it fishtailed around the corner. He leaned out of the window, gun in hand, while his left hand held the wheel firmly. The following thing was when he fired shots through the windows beside Blaine, causing them to shatter loudly, and the bullets raked across the front windshield. That caused me to jerk back into the seat, covering my ears as

I’m sitting inside Redemice Cafe, a bustling, popular restaurant and his current favorite, according to him. As I sit in contemplative silence, my gaze fixated on him in the distance, I observe him engaged in a conversation over the phone. Meanwhile, I remain rooted in my place, patiently awaiting the arrival of our meal. It has been fourteen hours since he unveiled all the weapons and closet to me. Despite the gravity of yesterday’s events, I have whiled away the day in quiet repose as if the specter of danger had never loomed over us only now, as he brought me to this wealthy cafe. I’m wearing this dress he gave me— a black slit maxi dress adorned with shimmering sequins that seem to sparkle like precious jewels. The fabric is not flimsy; it exudes a softness and warmth that caresses my skin as my fingers glide over the delicate ruffles. While not overly revealing, the neckline features a sheer top, a choice that Courtney insisted upon. And the black suede heels that go along with i

Courtney held my hand tight as we ran outside, chasing the entire gang. Continuous gunshots echoed through the air. Bullets pinged off brick and metal structures around us, creating a cacophony that was becoming too much to bear. I looked over my shoulder briefly but didn't see anyone who had not been shot already, so I focused on escaping. It was easy enough with Courtney by my side, but it was still terrifying to think I was now facing this scenario. 
Those dangerous gang members were the ones who made trouble and are now on their way to sell the diamond. We were behind the enemies, and they kept firing at that ridiculous speed and precision. But we're trying to follow them while staying out of reach. However, despite the fact I'm used to hearing gunshots, the apprehension overwhelmed me with each thump that echoed around the surroundings. But Courtney's hands had this comforting grip on my arm as he continued to pull me along. 
The more we kept following them, the more I witness