Chapter: Chapter 143BrittneyThe silence in the car was unbearable.Instead of allowing Jackson to drive us back home, Andre dismissed him for whatever reason he had and took his place behind the wheel.Honestly, I didn't care either way. I just wanted to get home and be done with this night.Andre’s hand gripped the wheel so tightly that his knuckles were white, and the glow from the streetlights cut across his jaw, sharp and tense.Every now and then, he would glance at me as though expecting me to say something, but I kept my lips stubbornly shut and my arms folded across my chest, my eyes on the blur of passing buildings, refusing to meet his gaze.Every time I blinked, I saw flashes of the restaurant rushing back at me…. The chaos, the crazed man lunging at me, the fear that gripped me so tightly, it rendered me immobile.I guess this was my life now.Chaos.Danger.Fear.All because of him….and it made me pissed.“Brittney, come on,” Andre said at last, voice low and strained. “You’re really not go
Last Updated: 2025-09-30
Chapter: Chapter 142BrittneyThere's nothing that makes adrenaline kick like the sight of danger.Time seemed to slow down, making everything a tad bit hypersensitive… the clink of a fork, the murmur of other tables, the scratch of a napkin.Everything became background noise as my entire focus narrowed to the sharp glint of the knife in the guy's hand.Andre’s face shifted the moment he saw it.He went from casual to alert in a fraction of a second, that practiced composure of his crumpling into something raw.He started to rise, the act more of a reflex than a plan.“You'd better sit your ass down!” the man said, voice flat but edged.Weirdly enough, he didn’t raise his voice enough to alarm the room.That was the cruel part…. his body was angled so that the blade was hidden by his tray and his chest, so people watching from the other tables would think it was just a tense conversation.Only we were aware of what was going on.Andre froze, mid-stride. “Hey, man,” he said, trying the easy smile that usu
Last Updated: 2025-09-30
Chapter: Chapter 141BrittneyI stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the emerald-green satin dress over my hips, trying not to think too hard about how much it had cost.The dress had crushed stones that made it sparkle when I moved, with a low neckline that scooped the tops of my cleavage.It was a gorgeous piece that I fell in love with instantly the moment I laid my eyes on it.Andre had pressed his black card into my hand that morning, casually saying, “Get whatever you like.”Like money wasn't an issue…. I guess for him it wasn't.But as I studied my reflection, a familiar voice whispered in my mind….Is this right?I was starting to rethink the whole thing.Is going out for dinner really what I should be doing with Andre, a man that I didn't trust?Rolling my shoulders, I forced those thoughts down and took one last glance at the mirror thenI grabbed my clutch, shoving the card back inside, and forced my expression into something neutral before walking out.Andre was in the living room, leaning
Last Updated: 2025-09-29
Chapter: Chapter 140BrittanyThe house was quiet, the kind of quiet that makes you second-guess every creak and noise you hear.I had taken the day off from the office, half working from home and half trying not to think too much about anything.Or what the TraceRunner told me the previous day.I had to take a break and figure out what to do.Whoever was sending me those weird and creepy messages wanted me to find something out… the only question is…. How bad would it be?Sighing, I scrubbed a hand down my face, wishing someone was around.Samantha was in school, and Claire had a meeting to attend, which meant I had the rare luxury of silence.I thought I’d enjoy it.Turns out, silence just leaves room for your mind to wander in circles.I was curled up on the couch with my laptop balanced on my knees, having decided to do some work when I heard the front door click open. My head snapped up.The last person I expected to see was Andre.He stepped inside, dragging his travel bag behind him.For a second,
Last Updated: 2025-09-29
Chapter: Chapter 139BrittneyThe apartment was too quiet after Claire left.Too quiet in that heavy way that made me feel like there were pins and needles on my skin.Long after she left, I remained on the edge of the couch, staring at the envelope lying on the coffee table as though it might open its mouth and explain itself.Explain what the words in it meant.My fingers itched to pick it up again, but I didn’t.I’d already looked at the photograph a dozen times.Each time, the sight of my mother standing beside Andre carved deeper into me.And then there was Claire.It's like I can't get enough of this family and the drama.Her presence still clung to the air like perfume I couldn’t get rid of.The way she had casually brought up my mother… it was out of the blue, with that sly tilt of her head… the entire thing made my skin crawl.Out of all the things she could have said, why mention my mother now? Why hint at memories I wasn’t ready to face right when a photograph of her appeared in my mailbox?Sur
Last Updated: 2025-09-28
Chapter: Chapter 138BrittneyThe house felt too big without them.I’d only just gotten back from the hospital, and my body was still weak, every step reminding me I wasn’t fully healed.Several hours after I had spoken up, I finally managed to get in touch with Andre who sounded tired and exhausted.The call was brief and we mostly talked about Samantha.Who isn't here either.She was staying the night at Jane’s… an innocent sleepover arranged for her safety, though it stung more than I expected.The fact that my kid had to stay somewhere so she didn't have to be hurt.The thought of her laughing in Jane’s cozy home while I sat alone in mine made the walls feel even more hollow.Oh, how I wished I could join them.Security guards patrolled outside, their shadows occasionally passing across the curtains.Their presence should have comforted me, but instead, it made me hyper-aware that danger was lurking around, close enough to require them.Inside the house, the silence was deafening.I tried to relax, ev
Last Updated: 2025-09-27
THE MARRIAGE GAME
Meet Emma Hart, 24, drowned in debt all her life, from bills to bills, and loans to pay off, the cycle never seems to end. Fresh out of college, she manages to get a few jobs, saving up to clear her debts, until her mother falls sick… lung cancer. Destitute and helpless, she must learn to shake the hand of Liam Caruso. Liam, 35, known for his cold demeanor and controlling act, he's a perfectionist, and, what he wants, he gets. Reluctantly, she shakes hands with the devil himself, after all, she needs to save her mom. Emma must learn to accept Liam's life, including his dark past and unwelcoming mother. With time, Liam must understand, that mutual connections do matter. Will she be able to break through Liam's icy heart? Or, will they be engulfed within their flames? Within the heat, they generate?
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Chapter: CHAPTER 115: EMMAI glance at the clock and my heart starts racing. I'm late."Okay, stop fussing!" I scold my bridesmaids, but I can't help the nervous laugh that escapes my lips as Gia fluffs my veil for the third time. Natasha is running around, making sure every single detail is perfect, while Odette is already dressed and helping the makeup artist add the final touches to my lips.And then there's Rob. He's pacing back and forth, muttering under his breath, "You're going to be late for your wedding, Emma. Of course, you are. I knew it. I knew this would happen!""Rob," I groan, rolling my eyes. "You're not helping!"He stops pacing and dramatically places his hands on his hips, his eyes full of fake indignation. "Excuse me, darling. Who has been by your side through every single dress fitting, cake tasting, and meltdown?"I chuckled despite myself, the tension easing just a little. "I love you, Rob.""Yeah, yeah, yeah," he mutters, coming over to adjust my gown. "But seriously, we need to get movi
Last Updated: 2024-09-18
Chapter: CHAPTER 114: LIAMThe darkness is heavy, but slowly, painfully, it starts to lift. I feel a strange tug in my chest, and I'm aware of the beeping sounds, the sterile scent of the hospital filling the air around me. My eyes flutter open, and the brightness of the room stings my vision. It takes a few moments for everything to come into focus.Where… where am I?"Liam?" A soft voice calls out to me, and when I blink again, I see Lilian, Emma's mother, standing by my bedside, her eyes wet with tears. "Oh my God, you're awake."I try to speak, but my throat feels like it's on fire. Instead, I groan, my hand instinctively reaching out to grasp hers. Lilian smiles through her tears, gently squeezing my hand."You've been in a coma, sweetheart," she says softly. "For a while now. But don't worry, you're okay. You're going to be okay." Her smile wavers for a moment before she adds, "Emma… she's at the station with your mother, confronting Serena. But she's fine. She's been by your side every day."My mind race
Last Updated: 2024-09-18
Chapter: CHAPTER 113: EMMAThe silence in the room is deafening. Isabella stands before us, her posture rigid, her hands clasped together tightly as if she's holding on to a secret too heavy to bear. My mom and I sit across from her, the tension thick between us, suffocating."There's something you both need to know," Isabella begins, her voice wavering slightly. I glance at my mom, who looks pale, her fingers tightly gripping the arms of the chair. "I've held onto this for years, but it's time you hear the truth. About Enzo."At the mention of my father's name, my heart skips a beat. I feel my stomach churn as I wait for her to continue. Isabella takes a deep breath, then says the words that make my world tilt off its axis."I knew him."The words hang in the air like a weight, pressing down on me. My mom's face pales even more, her lips trembling as she absorbs the shock of the revelation. Isabella presses on, her eyes filled with a mixture of shame and regret."Enzo and I… we had an affair."The room goes co
Last Updated: 2024-09-18
Chapter: CHAPTER 112: EMMAThe beeping of the heart monitor is the first thing I hear, steady and rhythmic, pulling me from the darkness that has consumed me. My body feels heavy like I'm being held down by invisible weights, and there's a dull ache spreading across my chest and limbs. The sterile smell of the hospital fills my nostrils, and it takes a moment for me to remember where I am.I blinked, squinting against the harsh fluorescent light above, trying to make sense of my surroundings. As my vision clears, I notice my mom, slumped over in a chair next to me, her head resting on her crossed arms, fast asleep. Her face looks worn, more tired than I've ever seen her.I try to sit up, but a sharp pain shoots through my ribs, forcing me to wince. The memories hit me all at once—the truck, the crash, Liam's bloodied face. Panic rises in my chest, and I gasp, "Liam."My voice is weak, barely more than a croak, but it's enough to wake my mom. Her head snaps up, her eyes widening as she sees me. "Emma!" she cries
Last Updated: 2024-09-16
Chapter: CHAPTER 111: EMMAWe're curled up on the couch, the flicker of the fireplace casting warm shadows on the walls. Liam has been quiet all evening, his usual playful mood replaced by a somberness I haven't seen before. I know something's wrong. The weight of his silence presses down on me, but I don't want to push him, not yet.Eventually, he breaks the silence."Emma," he says quietly, his voice strained. His eyes are red and teary, and my heart aches just seeing him like this. "We need to talk."I sit up, my chest tightening. "Liam, what's going on? You're scaring me."He doesn't look at me, his gaze fixed on the fire. His hands tremble, and I gently place mine over his, trying to calm him, to let him know I'm here, whatever it is."I'm a monster," he whispers, his voice breaking. "I've done terrible things, Emma. Things I can't undo."I freeze, my heart hammering in my chest. "Liam, what are you talking about? You're not a monster."He shakes his head, his eyes squeezed shut as if the memories are too
Last Updated: 2024-09-16
Chapter: CHAPTER 110: LIAMI lean back in my office chair, glancing out of the large windows that overlook the city humming with life. It's been a perfect week, just me and Emma, no distractions, no obligations. We've spent our days exploring the city, enjoying quiet dinners by candlelight, and getting lost in each other's company. For the first time in a long while, I felt completely at peace.But now, it's back to reality. Back to work. And as much as I hate to admit it, the tension in the air is thick. I've barely been at my desk for half an hour when my mother storms into the office, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors. Right behind her, Serena follows with a face full of barely contained rage. Great. Just the pair I didn't want to see today."Liam!" my mother snaps, her voice slicing through the silence of the room. "We need to talk."I sit up, bracing myself. I knew this was coming. Ever since Emma returned, I've been waiting for the inevitable confrontation. My mother never approved of E
Last Updated: 2024-09-15
Chapter: Chapter 126Archie stepped out, eyes sharp, scanning the street fast, first Piper, then his guard standing in front of her, tension obvious even from a distance.“What the hell is going on?” he demanded, already walking toward them.The guard’s shoulders stiffened. “You shouldn’t be here,” he muttered under his breath, not turning fully around.Archie ignored him completely and focused on Piper. “You disappeared, and he,” he said, pointing at the guard, “left without saying anything. I followed because something felt off.” His eyes narrowed at the distance between her and the guard.“Now I find you standing in the middle of the road looking like you’re about to pass out?”Piper opened her mouth, but her words refused to form. Her heart was still racing too fast, adrenaline flooding every nerve.Behind Archie, another car rounded the corner, the headlights brighter than Archie’s own.The two shadowed figures shifted slightly, staying just outside the direct beam of light.The guard’s posture staye
Last Updated: 2026-02-09
Chapter: Chapter 125Piper stopped in her tracks. The street was quiet except for the distant hum of traffic, but the person ahead made her stomach drop.He was standing there, hands in his pockets, just watching quietly.“Piper,” he said, his voice low, sounding almost casual. “We need to talk.”She squeezed the strap of her bag, still pressing the vial against her side. “Who are you?” she asked, trying to sound braver than she felt.The person didn’t answer right away. He took a slow step closer, the shadows from the streetlight cutting across his face, obscuring just enough.“You already know more than you should,” he said finally, “And I can’t let you keep going without understanding the consequences.”Piper felt her heart beat faster than ever. “You, what do you mean? About the professor?”He tilted his head slightly, studying her. “Yes, and about the vial, and everything else you’ve touched tonight.”Every instinct screamed at her to run. But she stayed frozen. Something about him, something about t
Last Updated: 2026-02-09
Chapter: Chapter 124Piper breathed out carefully where she stood.Ember’s hand stayed firm on her arm. “I told you,” she muttered, voice low, “this is not happening.”The man's eyes swept the lab, then paused, lingering on the shadows where Piper and Ember crouched. Piper could feel the heat of the stare even through the glass.“We’re not waiting,” Piper said, gripping her bag. “We’re running.”Ember’s eyes narrowed, then a faint smirk tugged at her lips. “Finally, it took you long enough to come to your senses.”They bolted, pressing low against the walls, trying not to make noise. Piper’s pulse hammered in her ears as the man's gaze seemed to follow them.The lab door creaked slightly behind them, the professor still inside, completely absorbed in his work.“Go! Don’t stop!” Ember hissed, practically dragging Piper toward the side path.They rounded the corner and got in the first cab they saw.Every footstep sounded far too loud when they got back to the campus. Piper’s hand clutched her bag like a li
Last Updated: 2026-02-08
Chapter: Chapter 123The path to the professor’s lab was quiet, almost too quiet.Ember tugged her jacket tighter and muttered, “Seriously, why do all the interesting things happen when it’s dark and creepy?”Piper’s hand brushed the vial through her pocket. “Because mysterious stuff likes me,” she said jokingly.“Or you just get yourself into trouble, pick your poison,” Ember shot back, rolling her eyes. “And right now, it’s both.”Piper shook her head but couldn’t stop looking toward the lab. A light shone inside, not a reflection. Someone was there.“Stay close,” Ember said, less stern this time, more like a friend muttering a warning. “And don’t do anything stupid, I mean it, Piper, I’m not carrying you out if…”“Don’t finish that sentence,” Piper interrupted, shoving her hands deeper in her pockets.They tiptoed along the side path, using parked cars and trash bins as cover. Piper’s mind raced. Whoever had been there, whoever had spoken through the phone, is still inside.The front door was unlocked.
Last Updated: 2026-02-08
Chapter: Chapter 122Piper stared at her phone long after the call ended.The silence felt unnatural, like the world had tilted slightly and hadn’t settled back into place.“Well,” Ember said slowly, “that was a disaster.”Piper didn’t argue.She replayed his voice in her head, too fast, too sharp, too excited and then the sudden crash. The whisper, the way the line had just died.She hit the call again but it went straight to voicemail.Her chest tightened.“I’m going to check on him,” she said.“No,” Ember said immediately.Piper looked up.Ember’s arms were crossed tight over her chest, jaw set. “Absolutely not, Did you not hear that call? He told you specifically not to come, That’s the only sane thing he said.”“He sounded scared,” Piper said.“He sounded like an unstable mature man,” Ember shot back. “There’s a difference.”Piper shook her head. “I gave him that sample. If something’s happening because of it…”“You are not responsible for a grown man losing control over his research,” Ember said int
Last Updated: 2026-02-07
Chapter: Chapter 121Piper’s fingers tightened around the vial before she even realised what she was doing. The glass felt cold and too light in her palm. Wolfbane. The word echoed in her head, heavy and wrong.Her stomach dropped, and for a second she just stared at it, trying to convince herself she was mistaken, that it was something else, something harmless.But she knew what wolfbane looked like even in powdered form.. She knew what it meant.“Piper?” Ember’s voice came from beside her, careful. “What is that?”Piper blinked, snapping out of the freeze. Without answering, she curled her fingers around the vial and slipped it into her jacket pocket. The movement was quick, instinctive. She pulled Cecil’s bag up by the strap and nudged the zipper closed the rest of the way like nothing had happened.Ember watched the whole thing.“You okay?” Ember asked again, quieter this time.Cecil took the bag, still watching them. The easy smile she’d had earlier didn’t come back right away. She slung the strap ov
Last Updated: 2026-02-07
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