Chapter: Ice CliffThe air inside the courtroom was thick with tension. Every seat was filled, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Reporters sat at the back, cameras ready to capture the moment.Victoria’s heart pounded as she scanned the room in search of Gerald. She hadn't seen or spoken with him ever since that day he left.Mildred. Bianca. Becca.They were all seated around her, to give moral support.And then—her eyes landed on Gerald, sitting way behind in the courtroom, he looked so unkempt with overgrown beard.My heart, went out to him. But for now we were all here to witness the downfall of Nelson Brown.This was it.The end of Nelson Brown.At the defendant’s table, Nelson sat motionless, his jaw clenched. His once-powerful presence had diminished—no longer the untouchable crime lord he once was. He had lost weight, his face was gaunt, and his expensive suit did nothing to hide the desperation in his eyes.But it wasn’t over yet.The prosecution was just getting started.The attorne
Last Updated: 2025-02-14
Chapter: Icing On The Cake IIINelson Brown sat in the small, dimly lit common area of the prison, staring at the old television bolted to the wall.His hands tightened into fists as the news anchor repeated the words."Sources say this footage directly contradicts previous statements given by officials tied to the case, raising questions about a possible cover-up. Nelson Brown, currently serving time for—"The cup in Nelson’s hand shattered against the floor.The entire room fell silent.The other inmates knew better than to speak when Nelson was angry.A guard approached cautiously. “Brown. You good?”Nelson slowly turned his head, his expression terrifyingly calm. “Phone call. Now.”The guard hesitated—then nodded, leading him to the secured phone.Nelson punched in the number with controlled precision.It rang once. Twice.Julian picked up."You have something to tell me?" Nelson’s voice was low, lethal.Julian kept his tone neutral. “You saw the news.”“I did. And I want to know who the hell betrayed me.”Juli
Last Updated: 2025-02-14
Chapter: Icing On The Cake IIVictoria opened the door just enough for Julian to slip inside.The room was dark except for the faint glow of the bedside lamp. She glanced toward the bed—Gerald and Cherish still fast asleep.She turned to Julian. “You said we need to talk.”Julian studied her, his expression unreadable. “Yeah,” He exhaled sharply, his grip tightening on the door handle. “Nelson wants you dead. All of you. Including your daughter.” Her breath hitched. “Why are you telling me this?”"Because I can't bring myself to follow through with his orders." Julian answered."Then help me stop him." Victoria pleaded.A bitter chuckle escaped his lips. “You think it’s that simple?” He took a step closer, lowering his voice. “You don’t understand the kind of man Nelson is. The kind of power he still has.”“I understand just fine,” Victoria shot back. “But I also know you hesitated.”Julian’s eyes flickered.“If you were really as far gone as Nelson thinks you are,” she continued, “we wouldn’t be having this conv
Last Updated: 2025-02-14
Chapter: Icing On The CakeVictoria’s breath hitched.The weight of Gerald’s words settled over her like a suffocating blanket. The cameras. The interrogation room. The truth recorded in grainy, inescapable footage.She gripped the sheets beneath her, her heart pounding so hard it threatened to crack her ribs.“Victoria?” Gerald’s voice was steady, but his eyes were sharp, searching her face. “You okay?”No. She wasn’t.Because if they got access to those tapes, Nelson’s threat would be undeniable. It would be proof—hard evidence that he was still pulling strings from behind bars.But it wouldn’t be all it revealed.Her body stiffened at the memory, shame crawling up her spine like a cold, unwelcome touch.The way Nelson had backed her into a corner. The way she had let herself get lost, let herself fall.She couldn’t let Gerald see that.“I—I don’t know if that’s the best idea,” she stammered, forcing herself to look away. “Even if we get the footage, who’s to say it won’t get buried? Nelson has people in his
Last Updated: 2025-02-13
Chapter: Blocked IIIThe car ride to the daycare was filled with tense silence. Gerald gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white, his jaw clenched in unspoken frustration. Becca sat in the backseat with Victoria, her hand resting over Victoria’s in quiet reassurance.Victoria barely noticed.Her thoughts were consumed by one name.Nelson.She knew him too well. This wasn’t a coincidence. It wasn’t bad luck. It was him.Her heart pounded as she thought of Cherish, of what could have happened if they had been home.Gerald suddenly slammed his palm against the wheel, breaking the silence."This doesn't make sense!" he burst out. "Why would someone do this? Who the hell would want to burn our home down?"Victoria pressed her lips together, looking out the window. She wanted to tell him. She needed to tell him. But how?Would he even believe her?Nelson was behind bars. To Gerald, he was already dealt with, out of their lives. But Victoria knew he still had power. She had felt his influen
Last Updated: 2025-02-13
Chapter: Blocked IIVictoria’s phone buzzed against the table, cutting through the low hum of the café. She glanced at the screen—Becca.Frowning, she picked up. "Hey, Becca, what’s—""Victoria! Where are you?" Becca’s voice was frantic, breathless."Why?" she questioned."Your apartment—it's on fire!" Becca screamed with terror in her voice.Victoria’s heart slammed against her ribs. "What?""I-I don’t know how it happened, but it’s bad! The whole building is up in flames—firefighters just arrived, but it’s spreading fast!"The world tilted.Victoria's fingers clenched around the phone, her breath hitching in disbelief."Is Cherish with you?" Becca asked with panic."She’s at daycare," Victoria quickly reassured her. "She’s safe. And Gerald's here with me."But nothing felt safe anymore.Victoria shot up from her seat, nearly knocking over her coffee. Gerald looked at her in alarm. "What’s wrong?"She could barely get the words out. "Our apartment… it's on fire."Gerald’s face went pale. "What?""We hav
Last Updated: 2025-02-12
Chapter: Chapter Fifty: The StringsThe room was still.“Are you saying,” another councilor asked, arching a brow, “that despite sharing quarters with her for nearly the entire semester, you never once suspected she wasn’t who she claimed to be?”Lucian nodded once, keeping his voice steady. “She was private. Quiet. Focused on her studies. We barely spoke at first. And when we did, it was usually about training or trials. She kept her distance.”Another councilor leaned forward, skeptical. “But recently, you two were observed spending more time together. Sharing meals. Conversing during drills. You were even paired for multiple Trials. You expect us to believe there was no… intimacy?”Lucian’s jaw clenched—but he forced himself to play the role.“Whatever closeness you think you observed,” he said coldly, “was tactical. Strategic. We worked well together. That’s all.”“
Last Updated: 2025-06-29
Chapter: Chapter Forty Nine: After The FallThe wind howled through the mountain pass, sharp and bitter as knives. It whipped Rayne’s cloak around her ankles and turned her hair into tangled lashes against her cheek, but she didn’t flinch.She couldn’t feel much of anything anymore.Not the cold.Not the ache in her limbs from days of sleeplessness.Not even the sting of rejection that had carved itself so deep into her chest it might as well have been bone.She just kept walking.One foot after the other.No direction. No destination.Just… away.From Blackmoon.From Lucian.From her father.From the life that was no longer hers.Her boots crunched against gravel as she descended the eastern slope, the last part of the academy grounds that bled into the outside world. No guards chased her down. No one called her name. No one fought for her.She had been banished, yes. But worse than that—she had been erased.Wiped from the academy’s roster like she had never existed. The quarters she once shared with Lucian were already being
Last Updated: 2025-06-28
Chapter: Chapter Forty Eight: The VerdictThe council chamber was cloaked in shadows, the high torches flickering above casting long, trembling lines across the marble floor. Rayne stood in the center of it all, spine straight but heart buckling beneath the weight of silence.She had been asked the same question a dozen different ways.And each time, she gave the same answer.Yes, she had lied.Yes, she had forged her identity.Yes, she knew it was against the rules.But no—she did not regret coming to Blackmoon.Because it had been the only way.And now, she was about to lose it all.Councilor Varric’s voice cut through the stillness. “You understand, of course, that deception of this magnitude is not something the council can overlook. The Academy is built on discipline and transparency. You entered this sacred institution under false pretenses.”Rayne swallowed. Her throat was dry, her eyes aching from holding back tears.“I understand.”“Then it is only fitting,” Head instructor Calloway added with cool detachment, “that
Last Updated: 2025-06-25
Chapter: Chapter Forty Seven: Unraveled ThreadsShe went to his bed and woke him up“Rayne,” he said gently. “What's the problem?”She said nothing.Lucian sat up on his bed beside her, his fingers brushing against her clenched hands. “Rayne… talk to me. What’s going on?”She hesitated again.This wasn’t just her secret anymore—it was dangerous knowledge. Sharing it could put him in trouble too. If the Council found out he knew all along…But she couldn’t carry the weight alone. Not anymore.Rayne inhaled shakily and nodded.“I have to tell you something. It’s bad. And it’s about Xavier.”Lucian’s eyes hardened immediately. “What did he do?”Rayne looked at him, wide-eyed, and began.“He cornered me yesterday. He—he called me by my real name. Rayne. Not Rei. He knows I’m not a boy.”Lucian’s jaw tightened. Fury crept into every muscle of his body. “What?”“Jace told him, out of jealousy,” she continued quickly, “And he said if I don’t give him what he wants, he’ll report me to the council.”Lucian stood abruptly, pacing like a pred
Last Updated: 2025-06-20
Chapter: Chapter Forty Six: Midnight ShadowRayne didn’t know how she made it through the day.She had few hours. Maybe less than she thought.Xavier hadn’t said where or when he would expose her. He didn’t need to. His threat echoed in her ears louder than any war drum.“Give me what I want, and I’ll keep your secret.”It was a cage. A cruel, calculated trap. And the worst part? He knew she couldn’t run to anyone—not Lucian, not the Council, not even Elias. Her secret was her undoing.She’d fought too hard to get into Blackmoon Academy.She couldn't lose everything.She wouldn't.----The sun was setting in streaks of deep crimson when Rayne finally sought him out.She found Xavier in the west tower courtyard, lounging like a king in the marble gazebo that overlooked the rest of the grounds. He always came here after training, where he could look down on the academy like he already ruled it.Rayne’s hands were shaking as she stepped into the circle of light.Xavier turned lazily, as if her presence was expected.“I have been w
Last Updated: 2025-06-19
Chapter: Chapter Forty Five: Ticking ClockRayne sat on her bed, knees tucked into her chest, staring blankly at the floor.Her disguise felt heavier now. Like a costume soaked in blood.She thought she could survive this. She thought no one would ever find out.She’d been so careful.But now Xavier knew.And the threat wasn’t just expulsion. It was violation. It was the kind of manipulation she had sworn she'd never fall victim to. He hadn’t just exposed her identity—he’d tried to take control of her body, her choices.And the most damning part?Her future was uncertain.Her disguise was gone.And someone… someone she trusted… had done this to her.Someone had told him.Someone close.Her heart clenched, a name rising unbidden in her mind.Jace.Aside Lucian, Jace was the only one who knew her secret.Could it have been him?He’d been acting strange all day. Distant. Moody. Secretive. Even.But no—he wouldn’t…Would he?A knock rattled the door.She looked up, fear blooming in her chest—but it was only Lucian, peeking through
Last Updated: 2025-06-18
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And ElevenA Few Months LaterThe sun cast its golden glow across the sprawling garden, the air alive with the scent of roses and the gentle hum of a string quartet. Frederick stood at the altar, his tailored suit a perfect fit, but it was the warmth in his eyes that truly defined him. This wasn’t just any wedding. It was a second chance—a rekindling of a love that had weathered storms and emerged stronger than ever.By his side stood Ethan, their little groom, looking dapper in his miniature suit. The boy’s chest puffed with pride as he held the rings tightly in his small hands. His bright eyes scanned the aisle with excitement, waiting for the moment his mother would arrive.The guests—all family and close friends—watched in quiet anticipation, their faces lit with joy. Ella, their sweet little bride, stood at the top of the aisle, her flower basket in hand. She giggled as she scattered petals with each step, her white dress billowing gently in the breeze.And then came Samara.Clad in an eleg
Last Updated: 2025-01-06
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And TenDamien stormed out of Caroline's apartment, his mind a whirlwind of anger and regret. He had thought he could control the situation, but Caroline's scheming had unraveled everything. Samara was gone, her trust shattered, and now he stood alone in the chaos he had helped create.As he drove through the city streets, Damien’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. Caroline had pushed too far this time, and he wasn’t going to let her get away with it. He needed to find a way to repair the damage, but what actually could he do to win Samara back? Has he really lost her after all this time of scheming to be with her? Meanwhile, back at Caroline’s apartment, she reclined on the couch, her wine glass in hand, savoring her perceived victory. She had shaken Damien and pushed Samara out of his reach. Everything was the way it should be now. She smiled to herself. If she can't have Frederick, Damien can't have Samara either.----The next morning, Samara woke in Frederick’s arms, sunlight stream
Last Updated: 2025-01-03
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And NineSamara drove aimlessly through the city streets, the cool night air seeping through her car’s cracked window. The confrontation with Damien had left her emotionally drained, but beneath the exhaustion was a strange sense of liberation. For the first time in months, she felt like she was in control of her own story.Her phone buzzed on the passenger seat, breaking her thoughts. She glanced at the screen—Frederick.After a moment’s hesitation, she picked it up. “Hello?”“Samara,” Frederick’s voice was calm but concerned. “Are you okay? You left so abruptly earlier. I was worried.”“I’m... better,” she admitted, her voice soft. “I ended things with Damien.”A pause. “You did?”“Yes,” she said firmly. “I couldn’t stay with him after what I found out.”“I’m proud of you,” Frederick said after a beat. “It takes strength to walk away from something that isn’t good for you.”Samara swallowed the lump in her throat, grateful for his unwavering support. “Thank you, Frederick. I don’t know what
Last Updated: 2025-01-01
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And EightFrederick opened the door almost instantly when Samara knocked, as though he’d been waiting for her. His expression shifted from concern to alarm when he saw the tears streaking her face and the phone clutched tightly in her hand.“Samara, what happened?” he asked, stepping aside to let her in.She walked past him, her body trembling with the effort to stay composed. “I was right,” she said, her voice breaking. “Caroline… Damien… they’ve been working together this whole time.”Frederick frowned, shutting the door and guiding her to the couch. “What do you mean? What did you find out?”Wordlessly, Samara unlocked her phone, pulled up the video, and handed it to him. She couldn’t bear to watch it again, but the sound of Damien and Caroline’s voices filled the room, each word cutting deeper than the last.Frederick’s jaw tightened as he watched. By the time the video ended, his hands were clenched into fists, his knuckles white. “Unbelievable,” he muttered, his voice low and furious. “Th
Last Updated: 2024-12-31
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And SevenFrederick’s hand covered hers, his touch steadying. “Samara, Damien isn’t the kind of man I’d trust with anything important. But this... this also sounds like something Caroline would orchestrate. She’s manipulative, and she’ll do whatever it takes to get what she wants.”“But what if he’s lying to me, Frederick?” she whispered. “What if everything we’ve built is a lie?”Frederick hesitated, his grip tightening slightly. “Then you deserve to know the truth. You don’t have to make any decisions tonight, Samara. Take your time. Don’t let them rush you into anything.”She looked at him, her eyes searching his face for reassurance. “I don’t know where to go from here.”He gave her a faint, bittersweet smile. “You’re stronger than you think. You’ll figure it out.”Samara felt a sudden rush of gratitude for him. Despite everything they’d been through, Frederick was still there for her, steady and unwavering. She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder as the weight of the eveni
Last Updated: 2024-12-31
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And SixSamara sat frozen in her chair, the café's lively atmosphere fading into the background. Her mind replayed Caroline's words, the images she had shown, and the implications they carried. The thought that Damien might have been working with Caroline all along made her stomach churn.Gathering herself, she took a deep breath and stood. She couldn’t let Caroline get to her—not without hearing Damien's side of the story first.---Later that evening, Samara sat in the living room, her arms crossed as she waited for Damien to return home. The engagement ring on her finger seemed to burn against her skin, a symbol of trust she now questioned. The door clicked open, and Damien walked in, his usual confident stride faltering when he saw her expression.“Samara?” he asked, setting his briefcase down. “What’s wrong?”She stood, holding her phone tightly. “Caroline,” she said flatly.His brows furrowed. “What about Caroline?”“She met with me today. She showed me pictures, Damien. Pictures of you
Last Updated: 2024-12-31
Chapter: One Hundred And ThirteenI narrowed my eyes at Jack, trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind his words. "You're being cryptic," I accused, though a smile tugged at my lips. Jack chuckled, tightening his arms around me. "Patience, love," he murmured, pressing a lingering kiss to my cheek. "I promise you’ll like it." Before I could probe further, my mother interrupted, tugging at our hands. "You both need to dance! The DJ just switched to a slower song, and we can’t let all this romance go to waste!" I laughed as she pulled us toward the dance floor, Jack trailing behind with amusement in his eyes. The soft melody of a love song filled the air, and couples swayed in each other’s arms. Soon I caught sight of Jefferson and my mother moving together, whispering to one another as if the rest of the world had faded away. Seeing them like this—so in love—made my heart swell. For years, my mother had held onto the pain of losing Jefferson, believing they were never meant to be. But fate had given them
Last Updated: 2025-03-17
Chapter: One Hundred And TwelveThe night was still young, and the wedding reception carried on in full swing. The music had shifted from soft jazz to more upbeat tunes, encouraging guests onto the dance floor. Laughter and clinking glasses filled the air, and the love between Jack and Sophie was evident in the way they moved together, whispering to each other, lost in their own world.But amidst the celebration, Jefferson had only one thing on his mind.Karen.She stood a few feet away, laughing with Sophie and another guest, her golden dress shimmering under the warm lights. The way she tilted her head back when she laughed, the way her eyes sparkled—it was mesmerizing.Fate had pulled them apart for years, but now, here they were, together again.And he wasn’t about to waste another second.Jefferson had spent too many nights wondering what could have been, too many years regretting the time they had lost. Their love had once been a force of nature—passionate, intense, and all-consuming. But life had taken them d
Last Updated: 2025-03-15
Chapter: One Hundred And ElevenThe wedding reception was nothing short of magical.The grand ballroom sparkled under the glow of golden chandeliers, casting a warm, romantic ambiance. Tables were adorned with elegant floral centerpieces, soft candlelight flickering between the crystal glasses and silverware. The scent of fresh roses and vanilla from the wedding cake lingered in the air, blending with the laughter and music.Jack and I sat at the beautifully decorated sweetheart table, watching as our guests mingled, sipped champagne, and danced to the soft jazz melody filling the room. The energy was electric, a perfect blend of sophistication and celebration.“I still can’t believe we’re finally married,” I whispered to Jack, squeezing his hand.He turned to me, his blue eyes filled with warmth. “Believe it my darling wife.”A rush of happiness coursed through me. “I love the sound of that.”Jack chuckled. “Get used to it.”We had just finished our first dance as husband and wife, and everything felt like a dream.
Last Updated: 2025-03-14
Chapter: One Hundred And TenThe wedding hall was a vision of elegance—golden chandeliers casting a warm glow, ivory drapes flowing like soft clouds, and the scent of fresh roses and peonies filling the air. Guests were already seated, their murmurs blending with the soft melody of a string quartet playing in the background.I walked through the corridors, my wedding gown trailing behind me, the intricate lace shimmering under the warm lights. Every step I took felt heavier than the last, not because of hesitation, but because of the weight of the moment.This was it.The moment I had dreamed of since I was a little girl.The moment I had planned for months, agonizing over every detail—the flowers, the venue, the dress, the guest list. And yet, it wasn’t the aesthetics that made this moment important. It was the man waiting for me at the altar. Jack.My mother held my hand gently as we reached the bridal suite. “Are you okay?” she asked, her gaze searching mine.I swallowed, nodding. “I’m fine.”But my voice wave
Last Updated: 2025-03-13
Chapter: One Hundred And NineThe garden terrace was tucked away behind the grand wedding venue, a quiet, secluded spot where guests would later mingle during cocktail hour. The scent of jasmine and fresh roses lingered in the air, the soft rustling of leaves the only sound as I stepped onto the stone pathway.Alex was already there.Dressed in a sharp suit, his dark hair still styled the way I remembered, he turned at the sound of my footsteps. His gaze swept over me, and for a moment, there was something unreadable in his eyes.“You came,” he said.I folded my hands in front of me, keeping my voice steady. “What do you want, Alex?”He let out a slow breath. “I needed to see you. Before you marry him.”Anger flared in my chest. “You’ve had months to see me. You waited until my wedding day?”His jaw tightened. “I know. And maybe I don’t deserve this moment. But I had to try.”“Try what, exactly?”His eyes darkened. “To tell you I still love you.”Silence crashed between us.I clenched my fists. “You don’t get to s
Last Updated: 2025-03-12
Chapter: One Hundred And EightThe wedding was just two days away, and every second felt like a blur of last-minute preparations. The venue was set, the guests had confirmed their attendance, and my dress was finally hanging in my room, ready for the big day.Yet, despite all the excitement, an undercurrent of nerves buzzed beneath my skin.I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My heart pounded against my ribs, a mix of anticipation and anxiety.Karen, always attuned to my moods, plopped down beside me. “Alright, spill. What’s going on in that overthinking brain of yours?”I hesitated before sighing. “It just feels surreal, you know? After everything that’s happened, I can’t believe I’m actually getting my happily ever after.”Karen softened, squeezing my hand. “You deserve this, Sophie. Jack loves you. And after all the hell Rachel put you through, this wedding is your fresh start.”I nodded, exhaling slowly. “I know. I just—I want it to go perfectly.”She grinned. “Trust me, it will
Last Updated: 2025-03-11