Chapter: Hidden CornersSkylarAfter the call with Jason, Ingrid began to help me get dressed, carefully zipping up my dress and smoothing my hair down with her gentle hands.I glanced at the clock. No rushing to the office today. Tara had said I could take the day off—something about not needing me urgently at the company.I was very grateful and lucky to be working with a rare gem like Tara. Coincidentally, Jason had invited me to that program for expectant mothers, hence my day wouldn't be so boring. Ingrid, however, was not as enthusiastic. As she pinned a small clip into my hair, she gave me a cautious look.“Skylar,” she said softly, “please be careful. Jason is a gentleman, yes, but you are married. A married woman and a single man shouldn’t spend too much time together… not even as friends.”I smiled, fighting the urge to make a teasing remark. Ingrid was starting to sound like one of those old grannies who’d warn a girl that spending so much time with a man who wasn't her husband was a bad omen. Bu
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-05
Chapter: Unwelcome ClosenessColeSkylar had just finished her breakfast when she reached for the glass of freshly squeezed orange juice sitting next to her plate. I had made sure she ate something healthy. Lately, I’d been extra careful with everything concerning her—her food, her rest, and her medications.I sat across from her, slowly sipping my black coffee while scrolling through a few reports on my tablet.Then, her phone rang.Skylar picked it up and smiled when she saw the caller.“It’s Jason,” she said, before placing it on loudspeaker.Jason?My fingers froze slightly on the tablet screen, and I raised my eyes briefly from the report. What could Jason want this early in the day? And why was he calling Skylar and not me?“Hey Skylar,” Jason’s voice rang out cheerfully. “How are you feeling today?”“I’m good,” Skylar replied, still smiling. “I’ve been taking those teas you got me. They’re amazing.”I silently sipped my coffee, watching her.Jason continued on, “That’s great to hear. I’m glad you like them
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-05
Chapter: LucianaAmeliaI sat in my room, numb. Since last night, everything around me felt like a blur, like I was watching someone else live this horrible moment. Skylar… she was pregnant. Pregnant for Cole.No.No, no, no.I blinked rapidly, trying to stop the burning sensation behind my eyes. But it didn’t help. That sick feeling in my stomach only grew worse the more I thought about it. I had seen the documents. The contract between Cole and Skylar.Even though I hadn’t combed through every detail, I thought I understood what it meant. I had assumed Skylar was just a trophy wife to meet some business and family arrangement. Nothing more. Nothing meaningful.But I had been wrong. Completely, foolishly wrong.He got her pregnant.That was no accident. That was real. That was intimacy. That was… love?I clutched the bedsheet with trembling fingers. My heart felt like someone had wrapped it in barbed wire and kept twisting. I had to bite my lower lip to keep from screaming out loud. Betrayal was such
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-04
Chapter: The Spark of RebellionEthanThe tires screeched as I made a sharp turn, barely missing a parked car. My knuckles were white from how tightly I gripped the steering wheel. I was boiling with rage.Tonight had pushed me over the edge.Grandfather had done it again. He insulted my mother in front of the damn whole family at the dining table!He painted her like some damn mistress that was eager and desperate to climb on a married man's bed for peanuts! And the worst part was that he had made her cry!My mother rarely cried. Not even when she was sick. Not when we had to live far from the Buckman mansion. But tonight? That old man reduced her to tears.I punched the steering wheel with a loud thud. “Damn it!”No matter what we did, we were never truly accepted in that cursed family.After comforting my mother, I met Skylar in the sitting room. I thought maybe I could confront her and express my disappointment. Like how could she have gotten pregnant for Cole?! What was she even thinking?As much as I hated the
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-04
Chapter: Unexpected GiftsSkylarAs we were about to leave, I said my goodbyes to Grandpa and walked toward the car with Cole.When we reached the car, he opened the door for me like he always did lately—attentive and gentle.I smiled at him, sliding into the passenger seat as he shut the door softly behind me and moved around to the driver’s side.He got in and leaned toward me without hesitation, buckling my seatbelt with such care it made me chuckle.“I can do that myself, you know,” I teased lightly.Cole smirked as he started the engine. “I know.”As we headed home, I turned to him. “Why did you say yes to Ethan’s invitation?”Cole glanced sideways with a raised brow. “You mean his engagement party?”I nodded. “You know he and his fiancée aren’t exactly best friends with us. I expected you to turn him down.”Cole chuckled under his breath. “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”I blinked. “You want to go?”“Of course,” he replied smoothly. “Don’t you want to know what the ‘big announcement’ i
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-04
Chapter: Sharp Tongued WifeCole After Vanessa and Ethan left the dining hall, Grandpa also stood up. “Cole,” he called. “Come with me to the study. There’s something I need to discuss with you.” I turned slightly, eyes meeting his, and nodded. I leaned toward Skylar. “I’ll be right back,” I whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Skylar smiled. “Go on. I’ll wait here.” I looked around quickly. With Grandpa’s butler standing close by and some staff loitering near the hallway, I felt a little more at ease because I didn't want anyone disturbing or troubling Skylar while I was gone. “No one will bother you while he’s here,” I added, nodding toward the butler. “And if you need anything, just let him know or you could just call me.” Skylar chuckled softly. “Cole, I’m fine. Go.” I leaned down, kissed her gently on the cheek, and then straightened. “Okay. I won’t take long.” I followed Grandpa down the long corridor and entered the study. Grandpa walked to his desk, his pace slower than usual. H
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-03
Chapter: Where I BelongREGINA I made my way to Marcy’s room shortly after seeing Lionel. She looked so small lying there, her face pale but serene. Her hands rested on her swollen belly protectively, even in her sleep. My heart clenched at the sight of her. The sister I had thought I’d lost forever was here again, and despite everything we had endured, there was hope. Then I thought of the tragedy that had befallen her—of Silas and everything else. Victor had indeed taken more than we could imagine. “Marcy,” I whispered as I approached her bed. Her eyes fluttered open, groggy but quickly filling with recognition. “Regina?” she murmured, her voice hoarse. I nodded, tears already welling up. “It’s me.” She eased into a smile. “I just knew you could do it. I just knew you could. You’ve always been just too strong.” I laughed as I planted a kiss on her forehead. “How’s the b
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-26
Chapter: A New Dawn
LIONEL The first thing I noticed was the sterile smell of antiseptic. My body felt heavy, but the softness of the hospital bed was comforting. Slowly, I blinked my eyes open. Regina’s face came into focus. Her hair was slightly disheveled, dark circles shadowed her eyes, but she was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. Her hand rested on mine, her touch grounding me. “Lionel,” she whispered, her voice filled with relief and tenderness. Tears welled up in her eyes as she leaned closer. “You’re awake.” I managed a weak smile. “Hey…” Before I could say more, Grandpa appeared by her side, his face a mixture of concern and relief. Ryker and Gwen were there too, their expressions lighter than I’d seen in days. “You gave us quite the scare, kid,” Grandpa said, his gruff tone unable to mask the emotion in his voice. “Victor?” I rasped, the memories of the fight f
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-26
Chapter: ShowdownREGINA “No,” I whispered, cradling Lionel closer. His breathing was shallow, his usually vibrant eyes clouded with pain. Victor stood a few paces away, lowering his weapon with a chilling casualness. “You should've just cooperated with the plan, Regina.” He chuckled disdainfully. “You and that pathetic excuse of an alpha.” “Don’t you dare!” Marcy’s voice cut through the tension, and I turned just in time to see her charging at Victor. “Marcy, no!” I screamed, but it was too late. Victor swatted her away like she was nothing, sending her flying into the side of the truck. She hit the metal with a sickening thud, collapsing in a heap. My mouth dropped open, my scream coming uncontrollably. “Stay down, girl,” Victor sneered, turning his attention back to me. I froze, my arms tightening protectively around Lionel. Every instinct screamed at me to fight, but my b
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-26
Chapter: Let’s End ThisREGINA I and Marcy had been together in the room, waiting, when we heard the sounds of the war going on outside the building. Lionel was here. At first, a feeling of joy and assurance rushed to me, but almost immediately, a certain panic rushed through me when we had waited for quite long enough and Lionel was yet to show up. “Are you sure he’s still okay?” Marcy asked, the fear in her voice evident. “He is okay.” I replied with all certainty. “Nothing could happen to Lionel!” Then the men suddenly stormed in, barking orders. Marcy and I rose hastily and followed the men down the corridors, all the way to the back of the warehouse. Soon, we were out in the dark and there was nothing but the dim lights of the moon to guide us through. I could still hear the faint buzz of war on the other far end of the building. Axel led the group of Victor’s men, his expression unreadable, but
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-26
Chapter: Final ConfrontationLIONEL His taunting words drove me mad, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me fall apart. I clenched my jaw, focusing on my breathing as I adjusted my stance, preparing for the next round. But Victor wasn’t done. He was playing with me, like a predator toying with its prey. He danced just out of reach, circling me, his every movement calculated, precise. “You know, Lionel,” he began. “I’ve always admired your strength. But strength doesn’t mean anything when it’s built on lies. Your so-called ‘perfect love’ with Regina? It’s a joke. You’re both weak, just like your parents were. Too sentimental. Too tied down by your pathetic little bond.” His words struck harder than any blow he could throw, reminding me of all the mistakes I’d made, of all the things I’d failed to protect. The past kept clawing at me, refusing to let go. I roared in fury, charging toward him once more, but this time, I cou
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-26
Chapter: AmbushLIONEL All I needed was a location and just that, Arturo had provided. Another site, another holding of Victor’s. Even if it meant going to a hundred locations this same night, as long as I was not dead, I was going to set my eyes on Regina and there was nothing that could be done to change that. As we drew closer to the warehouse where Regina was supposedly held, we knew better than to just storm our way in. We needed to maintain a low profile. The warehouse loomed ahead, its corrugated metal walls dull and rusted under the dim glow of the moonlight. A faint chill ran down my spine as I scanned the perimeter. This was the place. I could feel it in my gut. Regina was inside, and I wasn’t leaving without her. Ryker crouched beside me, his face set in grim determination. Arturo and his men from the Eric Circle pack fanned out behind us, their movements silent and purposeful. Each of them carried
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-25
Masuk
