"My husband walks about freely, lavishing my fortune, with his mistress by his side, while I am condemned to spend the rest of my life in an island prison for his death. If this is my fate, I will fight it until my last breath."~~~ MARIANNE Betrayed by the ones she trusted most, Marianne finds herself convicted for a crime she did not commit. In a desperate attempt to change her new reality, she ends up at the brink of death but gets a second chance in Troy; An unusually sexy billionaire willing to place the world at her feet. Marianne swears she is done with men and love, and her life's goal is revenge against those who wronged her. But why does her heart race uncontrollably at the sound of his voice? ***His hands reached out, framing my face, his fingers tracing the outline of my lips as if committing them to memory. His touch moved lower, his thumbs grazing the sensitive peaks of my nipples. The sensation sent a wave of pleasure rippling through me, making it impossible to think. I closed my eyes as his lips found the crook of my neck, kissing and biting lightly, leaving me breathless and trembling. "Troy," I panted, my eyes flying open as I took a step back, trying to create distance between us. But he followed me, closing the gap I had made. His voice was low, a whisper that seemed to reach into my soul. "Do I scare you?" I nodded, my eyes unable to meet his, looking anywhere but at him. His brows furrowed as he gently lifted my chin, forcing me to face him. "Why, Anne?" I swallowed hard, trying to find the words. "Because... you make me feel things I've never felt before."***
Lihat lebih banyakMARIANNE
I stepped on my brake pedal and gave myself a minute to catch my breath. My hands were shivering and I felt chilled to the bone. I still could not believe what I had just seen. I opened my phone and watched for the umpteenth time, the pornographic video that had been sent to me anonymously. My husband of almost two years was in bed, having sex with a woman that wasn't me. His face was revealed in the video, while hers was concealed. The only thing I could make of the woman was her slender wrist and the gold bracelet around it. It seemed oddly familiar but I could not remember where I had seen it. For two years, I believed my marriage was the best in the world because my husband, Tony adored me and worshipped the ground I walked on. I was the richest woman in the city and my company, RAY INDUSTRIES was the number one in the country, yet, my happiest moments were the ones spent with my husband. That was how much I loved him. How could he betray my trust? Hands still shivering, I called my best friend, Britney's number again. "I just pulled up in front of your house," she told me. "Your husband's car is parked outside so I am guessing he is still at home." "Thank you, Brit. I'll be there soon," I sniffled before hanging up. I breathed in and out and continued driving. Britney was my best friend and one of the few people I trusted most. When I first received the video, I was so shocked that I forwarded it to her. She called me immediately, expressing her shock and disappointment in my husband whom we had all believed was a saint. Since her office was closer to my house, and I was on my way home, she started heading there to meet me because she knew how devastated I was. Ever since I watched the video, I had been trying to reach my husband but he wouldn't take my calls. I finally arrived home and saw both my friend's and husband's car parked outside. I went inside the house and met her pacing up and down sadly. The moment she saw me, she ran to me and hugged me. "I'm so sorry, Anne," she whispered as tears fell from her eyes. Unable to hold back anymore, I broke down in tears and cried my heart out. Britney kept stroking my back as she comforted me. More than thirty minutes passed before I finally calmed down and wiped my tears. "What are you going to do now?" She asked me. "I met your maid leaving when I arrived and she told me your husband is asleep in your bedroom." I scoffed, "Asleep? How dare he sleep soundly after betraying me? I will confront him right away." Britney offered to go upstairs with me but I refused because I knew I had to confront Tony alone. I went up the stairs and pushed the door to our bedroom open. I came face to face with Tony but nothing about his facial expression showed that he had been asleep. I glared at him with eyes full of tears, "Why, Tony? How could you betray my love and trust?" Without a word in reply, he walked past me and began to leave. "Tony!" I yelled as I suddenly lost it and went after him. He descended the stairs, taking two at a time while I charged behind him. Just as I reached out my hand to pull his shirt so he could stop moving, his foot slipped and he tumbled down the stairs. There was a loud cry from him and it attracted Britney's attention. She ran to the foot of the stairs and stared at him in surprise. She looked up at me and asked almost inaudibly, "Did you push him?" I shook my head and proceeded to descend the stairs as I said angrily, "Get up, Tony because today, the sky is going to fall." Tony did not move but lay on the ground unconscious. Britney took a step back as she suddenly noticed that blood was oozing out of his head. Seeing her reaction, I went closer and inspected his body. I drew my breath when I also realized that he was bleeding. Despite my anger toward him, I could not let him bleed to death. "I will call an ambulance," I told Britney who seemed frightened. The door to my living room was suddenly kicked open. I heard footsteps of men approaching but could not be bothered by them as I kept staring at Tony's unconscious body while requesting for an ambulance to quickly arrive. After speaking on the phone, I finally looked up and noticed that the three men who had barged into my house were policemen. I was about to ask them why they barged into my house forcefully when one of the policemen ran to Tony, squatted and touched his neck, and then declared, "He is dead." My phone fell off my hand as I gasped in shock. Britney cried out, "No! How is that possible when he merely fell off the stairs?" One of the policemen approached me at this point and held my hands together. I barely moved as I was still in shock from the news of Tony's death. "You are under arrest, Mrs. Tony, for the murder of your husband," the policeman stated. "You have the right to an attorney and you have the right to remain silent because whatever you say now can and will be used against you in the court of law." My mouth fell open as I was handcuffed and led out of the house by two policemen while the other one attended to Tony. As I was being taken away, everything began to feel surreal. The voices around me became echoes and the last thing I remember hearing was Britney's voice assuring me, "I know you didn't push him, Anne. I saw everything with my eyes. Don't worry. I will get in touch with your lawyer and get you out as soon as possible."Alva sat by the window, the golden sunlight pouring over her as she gently caressed her rounded belly. She had just registered her marriage to Jonas a week ago in a quiet ceremony, their rings simple yet meaningful. Though their wedding celebration had been postponed until after the baby’s arrival, her heart was full. But today, she was restless. “I miss Mom,” Alva said softly, turning to Jonas, who was busy arranging a small pile of baby clothes they had recently bought. “I want to visit her.” Jonas looked up with a gentle smile, crossing the room to kneel in front of her. “Then let’s go,” he said, taking her hands in his. “You’re her pride and joy. I know seeing you will make her day.” As they prepared to leave, Alva suddenly gasped, clutching her stomach. A rush of water spilled onto the floor. “Jonas…” she whispered, her voice trembling. Jonas was at her side in an instant. “Your water broke,” he said, his voice steady despite the panic rising in his chest. “It’s time.”
A few days after the press conference, Jonas stood outside his parents' home, holding Alva’s hand. The house was an impressive estate surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, reflecting the warmth and grandeur of the Stanford family. Jonas turned to Alva with a reassuring smile. “Nervous?” he asked, squeezing her hand gently. “A little,” Alva admitted, glancing at the imposing double doors. “Meeting your parents officially is a big deal, Jonas.” Jonas chuckled, leaning in to kiss her forehead. “Trust me, they’ll love you as much as I do.” As they stepped inside, Alva was immediately enveloped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Jonas’s mother, Marianne, rushed forward, her arms outstretched. “Alva!” she exclaimed, pulling her into a heartfelt hug. “It’s so wonderful to see you again. Jonas has told us so much about you.” Alva smiled, touched by Marianne’s warmth. “Thank you, Mrs. Stanford. It’s an honor to meet you again.” “None of that formality,” Marianne said, waving he
A few days after the workshop ended, Alva returned home with Vidar and Jonas. The trio’s spirits were high, their bond stronger than ever after the eventful days they’d shared. But their cheerful mood took a sobering turn when they learned about Thea’s actions. Sitting in the living room, Karina explained everything; Thea’s betrayal, the recording, and her banishment to Australia. Alva’s face showed a mix of disbelief and relief. “She really tried to have me killed?” Alva whispered, shaking her head. “I can’t believe it.” Vidar clenched his fists. “It’s a good thing she’s gone. If she weren’t, I don’t know what I would’ve done.” Jonas nodded in agreement. “Your mom handled it well. And I think Australia is more mercy than she deserved.” Karina sighed. “It wasn’t easy, but it had to be done. I couldn’t risk her harming you, Alva.” She reached out, taking Alva’s hand. “You’re safe now, and that’s all that matters.” That evening, Alva and Vidar invited Jonas to join them for dinner
As Nikolai held Freya in his arms, steadying her after her fall, their eyes locked. Time seemed to slow, the patter of rain on the windows fading into the background. Freya’s lips parted slightly as she gazed up at him, her cheeks flushed, her breath soft and quick. Neither of them spoke. They didn’t need to. The intensity in Nikolai’s gaze was mirrored in Freya’s own, and before they realized it, their faces inched closer. Their breaths mingled, and then their lips met in a soft, hesitant kiss. The kiss deepened quickly, fueled by the tension that had been building between them. Nikolai’s hands slid to Freya’s waist, pulling her closer, while Freya’s fingers curled into his shirt, clinging to him as if afraid to let go. The warmth of their connection surged through them, igniting something neither of them had felt before. Freya tilted her head, giving him better access as Nikolai’s lips moved with hers, their passion growing. As Nikolai guided her onto the couch, he looked into
As Karina watched Thea being dragged away, her resolve only hardened. "No matter what happens, I will never let you come back, Thea. I’ll make all the necessary arrangements to ensure that even if I’m no longer alive, you’ll never harm my daughter again," she thought coldly. Meanwhile, at Fjord Garden, Freya sat in the now-empty restaurant, her heart sinking with each passing minute. The rain continued to pour, and the once-romantic atmosphere now felt gloomy and cold. Glances from other patrons made her feel self-conscious, as though they were silently judging her for being stood up. Her phone had lost service, and she couldn’t reach Nikolai. Frustrated and embarrassed, she decided to leave. She walked out into the rain, clutching her small bag as she began looking for a cab. In her haste, her phone slipped out of her hand, splashing into a shallow puddle. "Damn it," she muttered, crouching to pick it up and wiping it off with her damp sleeve. The rain soaked through her clothes,
The next day, Nikolai couldn’t keep the grin off his face as he prepared for his second date with Freya after work. He had spent the entire night replaying moments from their first date, unable to think of anything else. Every time her laughter echoed in his mind, he found himself smiling like a fool. At the same time, Freya was already dressed and ready, her excitement bubbling over. She had chosen a light floral sundress that flowed beautifully around her, paired with simple sandals and a small clutch bag. She couldn’t stop thinking about Nikolai, her heart racing every time she imagined his smile or the way he had looked at her the night before. As Freya waited, her phone rang, and she picked up immediately when she saw Alva’s name. "Alva!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. Freya shared everything about her date with Nikolai, thanking Alva profusely for making it possible. Alva, equally thrilled, recounted her own dramatic day at the auction, sharing every de
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