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chapter 29
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2024-12-05 02:31:54
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ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 30
Haven's silence was answer enough. Alexis felt her heart breaking all over again."I don't know how to trust you again," she said, her voice shaking. "I don't know if I can."Haven leaned forward, his eyes pleading. "I'll do anything, Alexis. Therapy, counseling, quitting my job โ whatever it takes. I love you. Only you. What happened with Cassandra made me realize how much I have to lose, how much you mean to me."Alexis stood up abruptly, needing to put some distance between them. "That's the problem, Haven. It took almost cheating on me for you to realize how much I mean to you? How am I supposed to feel about that?"Haven stood too, but didn't move closer. "I know. I know how it sounds. But Alexis, please believe me when I say that I've always known how much you mean to me. I just... I lost sight of it for a moment. And I'll spend the rest of my life making up for that if you'll let me."Alexis turned to look at him, really look at him. She saw the man she fell in love with, the m
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 31
"Alexis, please," Haven begged, his voice cracking. "Talk to me. Yell at me. Anything is better than this silence."Alexis turned to face him, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "What do you want me to say, Haven? That I forgive you? That we can go back to the way things were?" She shook her head, a single tear escaping down her cheek. "I can't do that. Not yet. Maybe not ever."With that said she walked past home and retreated to the guest room, leaving Haven alone with a room of unraveled gift boxes and the bigger mess of a shaky relationship.The days that followed were a test of endurance for both Alexis and Haven. They moved around each other like ghosts, existing in the same space but never truly connecting. Alexis threw herself into her work, leaving early and returning late, avoiding any chance of prolonged interaction with her husband. Haven, on his side, was almost dead in remorse and depression. He left hundreds voicemail on Alexisโs phone, each more filled with more emo
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 32
Haven nodded, hardly daring to breathe. "Okay," he said softly. "I'll stay. What... what do you want to do?"Alexis stood up, wrapping her arms around herself as if for protection. "I want to talk," she said. "Really talk. About what happened, about why it happened, about where we go from here. No more silence, no more avoiding each other. We need to face this head-on if there's any chance of saving our marriage."Haven felt a weight lift from his shoulders. It wasn't forgiveness, not yet, but it was a start. A chance to rebuild what he had so carelessly damaged. "I'd like that," he said, his voice filled with genuine relief and gratitude. "I'd like that very much."Alexis nodded, a ghost of a smile flickering across her face for the first time in days. "Then let's talk," she said, gesturing to the couch.As they sat down, a respectable distance between them but facing each other openly for the first time since that fateful day, both Alexis and Haven knew that the road ahead would be
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 33
Alexis nodded. "But do you remember what you said to me the next morning?"Haven thought for a moment, then smiled slightly. "I said that even drunk out of my mind, I knew I wanted to do things right with you. That you were too important to rush things.""Exactly," Alexis said, her voice soft but intense. "You said I was important to you. So important that even when inhibitions were lowered, you still respected our relationship enough to wait."โAlexis, I,โ Haven said with his face admitting defeat as he knew where she was headed towards."So tell me, Haven," she continued, her voice growing stronger. "If I'm so important to you, how could you let things get 'out of hand' with Cassandra? How could you disrespect our relationship like that?"Haven felt like he was about to have a panic attack with the evidence of air that had been knocked out of him. He tried opening his mouth to speak, and then closes it again, short of words at that moment.With a start, Alexis got up, her chair scuf
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 34
Slowly, tentatively, Alexis leaned into Haven's side. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close, reveling in the feeling of having her in his arms again."We have a lot of work to do," Alexis murmured against his chest.Haven pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head. "We do," he agreed. "But we'll do it together."The path ahead would be difficult, as both Alexis and Haven realised as they sat there, enveloped by memories of their past and the hope of their future. Once broken, trust is difficult to rebuild. But there was a gleam of optimism as they clutched each other. They had an opportunity to rebuild what they had lost and come out stronger on the other side if they had love, perseverance, and devotion. It was long past sundown, and shadows filled the room, but neither Haven nor Alexis got up to turn on a light. They experienced a brief moment of calm in the shadows, a silent realisation that such was not the conclusion of their narrative but rather the start of a new one.
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 35
As the days passed, Alexis found herself clinging to these brief exchanges with Haven. They were like drops of water in a desert, never quite enough to quench her thirst but just enough to keep her going. She lived for the moments when her phone would light up with his name, even as she tried to steel herself against the disappointment of his continued absence.One night, unable to sleep, Alexis found herself scrolling through old photos on her phone. She paused on one taken just a few months ago, at a friend's wedding. In it, Haven was looking at her instead of the camera, his eyes full of love and adoration. Alexis remembered the moment clearly, how safe and cherished she had felt in his arms, how certain she had been of their future together."What changed?" she whispered to the image of Haven's smiling face. "What did I do wrong?"The questions kept her awake deep into the night, making her mind so uneasy. She finally slept and it was fitful and filled with dreams of Haven walking
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 36
The assailant, startled by Haven's sudden appearance, loosened his grip on Alexis. It was all the opening she needed. In a burst of adrenaline-fueled strength, she stomped hard on his foot and threw her elbow back into his solar plexus, just as she had been taught.The man wheezed and stumbled backward, giving Haven the opportunity to close the distance between them in two long strides. With practiced efficiency, Haven grabbed the assailant's wrist, twisting it until the knife clattered to the floor."Alexis, run!" Haven shouted as he grappled with the would-be thief.Alexis just couldnโt move a limb in her body. She was deeply rooted to the spot, watching in astonishment as Haven overcame her attacker with a series of quick moves. It was like the time slowed down intentionally just for her to take notice of every detail of the man she had been longing for.Haven's dark hair was slightly longer than when he'd left, and a part of his beard shadowed his jawline. He wrestled the attacker
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-05ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 37
Haven's palm found hers again as the door snapped shut behind them, the tension in the room apparent. His touch was comforting and light. She was caught hostage by the mixture of sincere concern and something more in his eyes."Are you okay?" His voice was low, a soothing balm to her frayed nerves.Alexis nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "I think so."Haven tightened his grasp around her, his arms encircling her with a guarded sway. She held on to him, comforted by his power. They stood for a long while, the outside world becoming less and less important. Upon eventually releasing his grip, he looked into her eyes and left a question mark in the air. A shudder went down Alexis's spine because she knew what he was asking. She felt vulnerable and afraid, but there was an unmistakable magnetic pull towards Haven. Haven moved closer without saying anything, his hands resting on her waist. At first, his lips were gentle and sensitive, a tender investigation.However, the intensity of t
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-06
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ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 246
"I actually believed that we would eventually have to take sides.โ Marcus could vividly recall the memories. He had been friends with Haven since high school, witnessing his journey through a painful breakup with his college girlfriend, who had betrayed him by getting involved with his roommate. Smoothly flowing friendship marked by shared experiences and challenges. The betrayal had caused Haven to build walls so high that they appeared insurmountable. His innate warmth and optimism were buried beneath layers of protective cynicism. When Fiona first re-introduced Alexis to their friend group few months ago, Marcus noticed the same wounded walls in her. Fresh from calling off her engagement to a man who had gradually tried to suppress her sparkle, in an effort to control her better, Alexis was portraying a demeanor characterized by sharp edges and cautious aloofness. Haven and Alexis moved around each other cautiously, like two wary cats, drawn to each other yet filled with insecurit
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 245
The park seemed hushed, only the little giggles from the children playing and the jogging steps from around the park seemed to be the only sound apart from the heartbeat of both Haven and Alexis. Haven and Alexis sat across from each other, their gazes locked. Time seemed to stand still as they simply were, their presence filling the space with a quiet intensity. Haven's heart pounded in his chest. Heโd never felt this way about anyone before. It was as if he was seeing her for the first time, every detail, every nuance, striking him with a fresh sense of wonder. Her eyes, a deep, captivating brown, held a universe of emotions. He could get lost in them for hours, exploring the depths of her soul. Alexis, too, was lost in the moment. She felt a warmth spreading through her, a comforting familiarity that she hadnโt experienced in a long time. Havenโs gaze was steady and kind, a stark contrast to the chaos that often surrounded her. In his eyes, she saw acceptance, understanding, and
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 244
Haven's throat was fixed. He knew precisely what she meantโhow they had both lost themselves in the splits and cleft of their fizzled marriage, getting to be individuals they didnโt recognize. "Do you ever think," he said, his voice scarcely capable of being heard, "about what us?" Alexis gave him a sidelong look, her expression softening. "All the time." They fell into a pensive quiet, the kind that comes as it were when two individuals share a history as well complicated for words. "I think," Alexis began gradually, "we were trying so hard to be what we thought the other needed that we overlooked to be ourselves." Haven gestured, her words resounding deeply. "No doubt. I thought I had to be this culminating supplier, continuously solid, continuously in control. But I wasn't truly letting you in. I see that now." "And I kept trying to be this perfect spouse," Alexis included with a little, self-deprecating snicker. "I needed to demonstrate that I was enough, that I coul
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 243
Alexis let out a little, severe giggle. โI never stopped caring, Haven. Thatโs the problem.โ The genuineness in her voice cut through him like a knife, more sharp than any offended she may have tossed his way. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. โIf you never stopped caring, why did you leave?โ She hesitated, her expression tormented. โBecause I was tired of waiting for you to choose me.โ Haven felt the air leaving his lungs as if she had punched him. โWhat are you talking about? I was continuously there.โ โYou were physically there,โ Alexis whispered, โbut your heart was someplace else. Continuously working, continuously building. I needed more than that.โ He closed his eyes, blaming wrapping around him like chains. He had worked himself to the bone to donate them both a great life, believing it would be enough. But in the process, he had missed the foremost vital thingโher. โI thought I was doing it for us,โ he said, his voice overwhelming with lament.
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 242
A minute, the walls around her heart trembling but not very falling. Perhaps, just perhaps, she might take another step. โYeah,โ she said unobtrusively. โI think I do.โ Haven leaned back in his leather chair, checking the numbers on his laptop screen with a tired but fulfilled smile. Business was good, better than ever, in reality. Growing his firm had been one of the most risky choices of his life, but the payoff had surpassed his expectations. However, even in the midst of his proficient victory, a gloomy hurt remained underneath the surface, one that wasnโt so effortlessly relieved by benefits and development charts. He tapped a number of keys to distract himself and ran a hand down his face. He had a whole lot to do on his plate for the upcoming investors meeting that could serve as a major boost for the future of his company. His company that suffered a downgrade after the divorce with Alexis was slowly getting recognized and becoming a better version of itself.Outside the wide
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 241
She moved awkwardly in her seat, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. โItโs easier that way. In case you donโt expect anything, you canโt get hurt.โ Dr. Patel inclined forward marginally, her hands resting on the armrests of her chair. โIt sounds like youโve built walls around yourself to secure against dissatisfaction. But those walls also make it difficult for people to associate with you, don't they?โ Alexis collapsed her arms firmly over her chest. โYeah, well. itโs not like anyoneโs trying that hard, anyway.โ โDo you think thatโs true?โ Dr. Patel inquired tenderly. โOr is that something you tell yourself since it feels safer?โ Alexis looked absent, jaw fixing. โWhat difference does it make? They give up inevitably. Friends, boyfriends. everybody. It continuously happens.โ Dr. Patel let a minute of hush hang between them before she spoke. โTell me about your last relationship.โ Alexis moaned, rubbing her sanctuaries. โDo we have to?โ โI think it could help us learn mor
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 240
Alexis giggled, the sound light and free. For the first time in a long time, she felt confident. โMaybe,โ she said, looking at him, โbut possibly itโs worth the risk.โ Havenโs grin mollified, and in that minute, something moved between themโsomething inconspicuous but irrefutable. As the night wore on and the wine vanished, they found themselves closer than ever before, their chuckling blending within the warm glow of the room. And for the first time since her engagement ended, Alexis allowed herself to accept the plausibility of love againโnot the perfect, fairy-tale kind, but the chaotic, complicated, genuine kind. And sitting there with Haven, she realized that perhaps, just perhaps, she was precisely where she was meant to be.The cool night air brushed against Alexisโs skin as she strolled down the quiet street. Sheโd left Havenโs place a little later than sheโd planned, but the lingering warmth of the evening was a welcome change from the usual rush.A sense of peace washed
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 239
Alexis didnโt drag her hand away, but she looked down at the ring once more, her lips squeezing into a lean line. โWhy does it feel like Iโve been left with nothing?โ โBecause shock could be a thief,โ Haven said delicately. โIt takes more than just the person, it takes your sense of worth with it. But thatโs a lie. You still have all of you, Alexis.โ For a long minute, neither of them talked. The hum of discussion and clinking glasses filled the hush between them, a foundation clamour to the turmoil whirling in Alexisโs mind. Haven gave her hand a soft touch. โLetโs get out of here. This place isnโt precisely built for healing.โ Alexis wavered but at that point nodded, thankful for the life saver he was proposed to. They ended up at Havenโs flat, the air thick with the comforting fragrance of coffee and cinnamon candles. Alexis twisted up on the couch, holding a warm mug between her hands while Haven sat over from her, his expression open and understanding. โItโs not just Mat
ENTANGLED WITH MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND ย ย ย chapter 238
Alexis yanked her arm free, dazzling at him. โNo, Matthew. You had your chance, and you blew it. I deserve way better than this.โ Matthewโs shoulders dropped back. For a moment, the sound between them was the murmur of the TV. โWhere did you indeed meet Deborah?โ Alexis inquired intensely, incapable of stopping herself. Matthew moaned intensely. โSheโs an old friend from college. She got into a few financial inconveniences, and I thought I might help.โ His voice trailed off, as if indeed he realized how lamentable the pardon sounded. Alexis shook her head in disbelief. โUnbelievable. You bet with our future for some lady from your past.โ She turned and walked toward the door, her heart overwhelming but unfaltering. She had gone through for so long disregarding the signs, trusting Matthew would be the man he imagined to be. But presently, she saw the truth clearly, he had never been that man. โAlexis, please!โ Matthew called after her, his voice splitting with edginess. โDonโt le
