Share

Chapter 0101

Penulis: Melanie96
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-04-16 22:40:45

Anna

“Are you crazy? You can’t go there!” Damian’s voice cuts through the room like a whip, anger and concern laced in every word.

“Actually, we’re both going,” Alaric replies dryly, arms crossed as he leans against the desk. “He asked for us both.”

I don’t even try to stop the eye roll. The situation would be a lot funnier if I didn’t wholeheartedly agree with Damian.

This was definitely a trap.

We’d been ruthless lately—strategically acquiring Elias’s properties, shutting down his companies, exposing his shell businesses one after the other. He had to be desperate. Cornered animals don’t beg—they bite.

“You really think he’s just going to surrender?” Damian scoffs, pacing now, eyes blazing. “After everything? The attacks, the manipulation, trying to ruin your company—hell, trying to ruin all of us?”

“He sounded tired,” Alaric says quietly, his gaze distant, thoughtful. “Not defeated. But… done.”

“Of course we won’t go in alone,” Alaric adds, his voice low but firm. “There’ll be back
Lanjutkan membaca buku ini secara gratis
Pindai kode untuk mengunduh Aplikasi
Bab Terkunci

Bab terkait

  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0102

    AnnaI know I should have stayed back.I promised I would.But it’s different this time.Something in my gut twists with dread, and no matter how hard I try to ignore it, it keeps clawing at me. I know they were walking into a trap. And knowing they were going in with backup didn’t help soothe my fears not one bit. Not tonight. Not when Elias was desperate and dangerous. Not when Alaric looked at me like he might not come back.I wait until I can no longer see the tail lights of the black SUV disappear down the road before I move.My feet take me straight to the study, to the drawer where I had stashed Alaric’s gun weeks ago. The same one I’d stolen the very first day we met—back when he had threatened me to help him.A fond smile pulls at my lips at the memory.God, a lot has changed since then.The man who once cornered me with cold eyes and threats was now the man I love and loves me. Fiercely. Wholeheartedly. I had changed too—no longer afraid, no longer unsure of my place in the

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-17
  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0102

    I don't know how long we stayed like that—Alaric pressing down on Damian’s wound, me whispering prayers.The sound of backup finally crashing in loudly to my ears. Yells. Footsteps. Barked orders. But all I could see was Damian's paling face.“Medics!” Alaric shouted hoarsely, his voice raw. “Someone call an ambulance! We need a medic now!”At some point someone knelt beside us, a blur of uniform and supplies, hands taking over. I didn’t let go of Damian’s hand until they pried it from mine to load him onto the stretcher.“Stay with him,” Alaric said, voice shaking but firm. “Don’t let him go under.”I nodded numbly, stumbling after them as they wheeled him out. Alaric stayed behind to coordinate the clean-up, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Damian’s blood on my hands.The gun—the one I had fired—was still tucked in my waistband. I’d killed a man today. A man who nearly destroyed everything we loved.But all I could think was…Please, don’t let this be the price we pay.The wall

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-18
  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0103

    AnnaIt’s been hours.Long, aching, heavy hours since they took the blood from me. I barely noticed the prick of the needle or the lightheadedness that followed. My body was numb. My mind was too focused on a single thing, saving him.And somehow… he made it.Damian is stable now.Those words were like a balm I didn’t know I needed. I must have cried then—relief bursting through the fear like the first sunlight after a storm—but I don’t remember. I only remember Alaric holding me, one hand on the back of my head, the other wrapped around my waist, grounding me like he always does.Now, though, the relief is fading, replaced by a new weight.Telling his family.Telling Ellie.I glance at Alaric as we walk down the hallway. His jaw is tight, his steps stiff. The adrenaline of battle has worn off, leaving him hollowed out, just like me. But he’s here. And that’s all I need to move forward.The door to the waiting room is just ahead. I can hear voices—Mrs. Ashford’s soft worry, Ellie’s an

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-19
  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0105

    After hours of sitting in that cold, too-bright waiting room, it's as if time blended into itself. I’ve counted every tile on the ceiling. I’ve memorized the rhythm of every footstep that passes by the hall. I’ve heard more whispered more prayers than I can remember. And then finally, the door opens. A nurse steps out, her face soft with something resembling a smile. “He’s awake,” she announces quietly. The air leaves my lungs in a whoosh. I see Mrs. Ashford’s hand fly to her mouth as Mr. Ashford pulls her into a trembling embrace. Ellie lets out a choked sob, her shoulders sagging with relief. Alaric, beside me, closes his eyes for a moment, and takes a deep breath as if releasing a tension wound tightly beneath his skin. “But,” the nurse continues gently, “he’s still weak. He can only handle one or two people at a time.” Of course. We all nod, silently agreeing. Mr. and Mrs. Ashford go first. They disappear behind the door, and for ten long minutes, we wait in thick silence.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-20
  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0106

    Lisa’s POVThe capital smells like money and power.I breathe it in as I step out of the plane with Josh trailing behind me, already going on about how this city’s going to change everything for us. “Connections,” he keeps saying. “Opportunities.” Blah, blah. I’ve heard it all before.We weave through the arrival terminal, and for a second, I’m bored. Airports are all the same—plastic smiles, rolling suitcases, screaming kids.Until I see him.He’s leaning casually against a black luxury car parked by the curb, a phone in one hand, the other tucked into the pocket of a navy-blue coat. He’s not trying to be noticed, but God, it’s impossible not to. There’s something about him—sharp jaw, cold eyes, the kind of presence that doesn’t just enter a room but commands it.I slow down instinctively.And then a woman runs toward him.A girl—slender, stylish, dark curls bouncing as she throws herself at him. He hugs her tightly, murmuring something that makes her laugh. There’s warmth in his tou

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-21
  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0107

    I stare up at the sleek glass building in front of me, its mirrored panels catching the morning sun like armour. My reflection stares back—poised, professional, and a tiny bit terrified."You’ve got this," I tell myself, shifting my folder to my other arm. I’ve done everything I could to prepare. Hours of brushing up on industry questions, perfecting my resume, and tailoring my pitch. And countless mock interviews with Alaric—him sitting on the edge of his desk in his lazy, arrogant sprawl, firing hard questions with a smirk just to watch me squirm.I smile to myself at the memory. It’s because of him I feel even remotely ready.Still... this is different. This isn’t his world. This is mine.I smooth a hand over my skirt, exhale slowly, and whisper under my breath, “You’re smart. You’re capable. You belong here.”And then I walk inside.The receptionist greets me kindly, and I’m led to a waiting area that smells like fresh coffee and expensive polish. I take a seat, crossing my legs a

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-22
  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0108

    I stir awake, a smile already tugging at my lips as I realize where I am, wrapped in Alaric’s arms, still basking in the afterglow of a blissful night. The sun rays shines gently through the curtains, casting golden warmth across our tangled bodies. I stretch slightly, careful not to wake him, and try to ease myself out of bed. But the second I move, his arm tightens around my waist. “Five more minutes,” he mumbles, voice rough with sleep. I glance at the clock, heart skipping. “I’ll be late, Alaric. It’s my first day.” He doesn't even open his eyes. Instead, he shifts closer, nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck before pressing a kiss there—slow, purposeful, and devastatingly effective. My resolve wavers instantly. It didn't even pretend to put up a fight. “Just five,” I whisper, breath hitching. “That’s all I need,” he murmurs with a devilish grin, before rolling back the covers and disappearing beneath them with wicked intent. My squeal turns into a gasp a

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-23
  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0109

    The week passes in a blur of logins, onboarding emails, and meetings where I try my best to nod like I understand everything—thankfully, I understand more than I expected. They’re still easing me into the workload. I’m mostly shadowing my mentor, assisting with research, preparing data summaries, and sitting in on team meetings. It's nothing too intense yet, but I make sure to look alert, take notes, and ask smart questions. I want to earn my place here, not just coast on charisma and a polished resume.And thankfully, despite the awkward start, I haven’t had to interact with Lisa much. We're in different departments, mentored by different analysts, and our desks are thankfully on opposite ends of the floor. The only times I catch a glimpse of her are during lunch breaks, when I feel her eyes on me from across the cafeteria like some low-budget thriller villain.I’ve learned to ignore it. She can stare all she wants.Friday rolls in before I know it. I’m just finishing up a small repo

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-24

Bab terbaru

  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0132

    The ballroom at the Carlton Grand was the kind of place that made you forget where you came from.It was bathed in golden light, with chandeliers dripping crystals that cast soft sparkles on everything they touched. Orchids in white, pale lilac, and blush overflowed from massive glass vases. The centerpiece of the hall was a marble staircase wrapped in silk garlands and fairy lights, descending into a sea of people dressed in their finest. Music from a live string quartet danced softly in the air, setting a dreamy tone to the night.But nothing, not the flowers, the champagne, or the camera flashes, could drown out the pounding of my heart. Is this really necessary? Is there a window I could jump out from?“Ready?” Alaric asked, offering me his arm.I turned to him.He looked like a painting, a classic black tuxedo tailored to perfection, the tiniest hint of cologne that made my pulse skip, and a sapphire pocket square that matched my dress exactly. I had no idea how he always managed

  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0131

    Biological Mother - MotherAdoptive Mother - Mum-----------------The charity ball was only a few days away, and naturally, Mum, Ellie, and Mother declared it a fashion emergency. “We’re going to Lux,” Ellie had said with the kind of gleam in her eye that made me feel like I was about to walk into a makeover montage. “And no, you don’t get a say.”So, here I was, barefoot on a velvet pedestal in the middle of Lux’s elite fitting suite, trying on what had to be my hundredth dress. I was fairly certain I’d tried on every shade of gold known to man and possibly one that hadn't been invented yet.“Nope,” Ellie said for the eighth time in a row, waving her hand like a disapproving judge on a reality show. “Too much sparkle. You look like a sentient disco ball.”I groaned and flopped onto the chaise lounge dramatically. “I’m pretty sure I’ve aged ten years in this fitting room.”Mum chuckled. “Oh hush, you look beautiful in everything.”“Which would be helpful if we were shopping for every

  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0130

    As dessert was served—rich chocolate cake with a generous swirl of whipped cream—I leaned back in my seat, letting the warmth of the evening settle into my chest. The conversation had flowed so easily all night, filled with laughter and sharing memories.It still felt surreal—sitting here with my biological parents, with Damian and Ellie, like it was the most natural thing in the world. A week ago, they were strangers. Now? They were mine. And I was theirs.I was mid-bite when my mum set down her wine glass and tilted her head at me, her eyes shining with something suspiciously close to mischief.“So,” she said casually, though I wasn’t fooled for a second. “What about Alaric?”I blinked. “What about him?”Her grin only widened. “Are you two serious?”I nearly choked on my cake. “Mum!”She raised her hands in mock innocence. “What? I’ve always wanted the son of my best friend to marry into the family. I gave up hope, of course, but now…” She gave me the most satisfied smile I’d ever s

  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0129

    The office was quiet, the usual morning hum of keyboards and clinking mugs a strangely comforting background to the storm of thoughts in her head. She stared at her screen, a spreadsheet open but untouched, and found her eyes drifting to the photo frame next to her monitor. It was a picture of her and Brian at her last birthday, smiling in the kitchen with a cake that had sunk in the middle.They’d laughed so hard that night. That used to be her whole world—her job, Brian, the quiet comfort of routine.Brian had missed the whole thing as he was away on a business trip in Singapore, but the moment he found out, he called her. She’d barely gotten two words in before he started gushing, saying he always knew she was special, that it all somehow made sense now. His voice cracked when he told her how proud he was, how happy he was that she’d found where she belonged. “You’ve always had a big family, Anna,” he said gently. “We were just waiting for the rest of them to find you.”And then th

  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0128

    Mr. and Mrs. Ashford, my biological parents, step forward. I see the uncertainty in their eyes, like they’re holding their breath. I swallow and look at them, still overwhelmed, still unsure."I know this is a lot," Mrs. Ashford begins gently. "And we’re not trying to take anything from you. We’re just… so grateful to have found you again. We lost you once. We don’t want to lose you again."Mr. Ashford clears his throat, his voice gruff but steady. "We never stopped looking. When the adoption records were sealed and the orphanage shut down… we thought—"He doesn’t finish, but I see it in his eyes. They thought I was gone. And somehow, through a mess of fate and timing, I still ended up in their lives."You don’t have to decide anything now," Mrs. Ashford says, stepping closer. "But if you’re okay with it, we’d like to be part of your life again. And… we’d like you to call us Mum and Dad. If you’re ready. When you’re ready."The words settle over me like a warm, heavy blanket. Familiar

  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0127

    After I’ve washed my face and curled up again beside Alaric on his stupidly comfortable couch, I shoot my mum a text with shaking fingers.Me: Hey, I’m staying at Alaric’s tonight. I just need a bit of time. I’ll come back tomorrow.The reply comes almost immediately.Mum: Okay, sweetheart. Take all the time you need. The Ashfords are staying over too—if that’s okay with you?I stare at the message for a second before typing.Me: That’s okay. Tell them goodnight for me.Mum: We love you. Sleep well.I exhale a breath I didn’t realize I was holding and tuck my phone away. Alaric shifts beside me, his arm still around my shoulders like he’s trying to hold the pieces of me together.“Will you stay with me?” I ask quietly, my voice barely more than a whisper.He looks down at me like it’s the easiest question in the world. “Always.”I don’t say anything after that, just press my face into his chest and let his heartbeat lull me into something that feels like peace. Right before I drift of

  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0126

    “I just… need to clear my head,” I tell Mum as I reach for my coat. My voice is too even, too controlled, and that alone worries her.She places a gentle hand on my arm. “Anna, be careful, please.”I nod, not trusting myself to speak again. I head to the back door, quietly slipping my keys into my pocket. I can’t go through the living room. I can’t face Mr. and Mrs. Ashford—not right now. Are they really my parents? Were they always? My mind recoils at the thought, twisting it around until I don’t know how to feel, only that I feel too much.The air outside is cool against my skin. It should help. It doesn’t.I get in the car and drive.I don’t even remember choosing a direction. My hands move on instinct while my thoughts spiral deeper, tangling in memories I thought I had filed away and sealed shut. My foot presses the gas harder than necessary. At some point, familiar streets start showing up through my windshield, and when I finally pull to a stop, I realize where I am.Alaric’s h

  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0125

    The next evening, I step into the house, expecting the usual scent of dinner and the sound of Mum humming along to the radio. But instead, the air feels heavy and quietquietVoices drift from the living room, low and solemn. As I round the corner, I stop short.Mr. and Mrs. Ashford are sitting on the couch, deep in conversation with my parents. My mum looks like she’s been crying, her eyes a little red and puffy, and Dad’s hands are clasped tightly in his lap. Mr. Ashford’s face is drawn and serious, while Mrs. Ashford’s lips are trembling as if she’s holding back something she’s dying to say.When they see me, Mrs. Ashford immediately rises to her feet.“Anna,” she says, voice soft and wobbly, and the next second she’s across the room, wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace. Her perfume is familiar, floral, comforting, and yet the hug is filled with something I can’t name. A desperation that makes my stomach twist.I freeze. “Is… is everything okay?”My voice comes out unsure

  • Married My Ex's Uncle In My Second Time   Chapter 0124

    As soon as I step through the front door of the house, still buzzing from the adrenaline of the pitch and the whirlwind of reactions, I barely pause to take off my shoes before heading straight for the kitchen.“Mum?” I call out, already hearing the familiar clatter of pots and the hum of the radio playing softly in the background.She looks up from where she’s chopping vegetables, eyes lighting up the moment she sees me. “Anna! You’re home early.” Then, noting the expression on my face, she sets the knife down and wipes her hands on a towel. “Wait… did something happen? Is everything alright?”I grin and nod, unable to keep it in another second. “More than alright. It went amazing. The board loved the proposal. One of them literally said it’s ‘looking very positive.’”My mum lets out a delighted gasp. “Oh, sweetheart!” She throws her arms around me in a tight hug, practically squeezing the air out of me. “I knew you’d blow them away. You’ve been working so hard—this is incredible.”I

Jelajahi dan baca novel bagus secara gratis
Akses gratis ke berbagai novel bagus di aplikasi GoodNovel. Unduh buku yang kamu suka dan baca di mana saja & kapan saja.
Baca buku gratis di Aplikasi
Pindai kode untuk membaca di Aplikasi
DMCA.com Protection Status