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The Pendant and the Lie

Author: Mayemura Special
last update Last Updated: 2025-05-21 08:06:46

Seth leaned back in his leather armchair, a glass of aged whisky in hand, eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Aretha sat on the velvet chaise, legs crossed elegantly, swirling her wine. “So… how does it feel to finally mark your territory?” she purred, a smirk playing on her lips.

Seth chuckled darkly, swirling the ice in his glass. “Better than expected. She woke up in that hotel room sore, breathless, and convinced I made love to her. She even replied to my morning message like a doting little wife.” Aretha raised a brow. “You really went all out with that message.”

“I had to. Her type needs emotional security. And now, she thinks she gave her first time to me.” He raised his glass and clinked it against hers. “To illusions... and winning.” They drank.

Meanwhile, in a quieter part of the city, Arla-Rosa descended the familiar garden steps toward Master Ye’s courtyard, her heart light, her cheeks pink with the glow of happiness. She knocked once before stepping in, calling out cheerfull
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  • The Phoenix Bride Rises: Trust Was Her First Mistake    Quiet Moments, Golden Hours

    The morning sun spilled through the tall windows of the Fleming estate, catching on the polished wooden floors and the soft silk curtains. The house was quiet, save for the occasional giggles of Cassian and Celeste racing through the halls in their small slippers.Arla-Rosa sat at the breakfast table, a simple cup of tea warming her hands. Cedric moved around the kitchen, preparing eggs for the twins while stealing glances at her from behind his broad shoulders. His movements were deliberate yet gentle, each gesture speaking of a man completely at ease in the presence of the woman he loved.“You need more sleep,” he murmured, as he set a plate in front of her. “You’ve been through more in the past month than most see in a lifetime.”She smiled softly, sipping her tea. “Sleep comes when the world quiets down,” she said. “But for now, this…” Her hand gestured to the table, the sunlight, the laughter echoing from the children, “…this is enough.

  • The Phoenix Bride Rises: Trust Was Her First Mistake    Celebration Beyond the Aisle

    The grand hall of Fleming House of Hope had been transformed into a cathedral of light and color. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over tables draped in deep sapphire silk and centerpieces of white lilies, crimson roses, and delicate sprigs of lavender. The air was alive with soft music, laughter, and the low hum of international dignitaries in conversation.Arla-Rosa moved gracefully through the hall, her gown now a flowing cascade of silk, her hair pinned in an elegant chignon. Cedric walked beside her, arm linked, his presence commanding yet tender. Their twins, Cassian and Celeste, darted ahead, delighting in the attention as miniature princes and princesses of the day.Master Ye Tianlong observed quietly from the side, a subtle smile tugging at his lips. “Even in celebration,” he murmured, “her presence commands respect without needing to demand it.”Country L’s Prime Minister approached, bowing slightly. “

  • The Phoenix Bride Rises: Trust Was Her First Mistake    Planning Forever

    The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Fleming House of Hope, casting long patterns across the polished floors. Arla-Rosa sat at the edge of the wide mahogany table, a pen in hand, sketches of floral arrangements, guest lists, and seating charts spread before her. Beside her, Cedric Fleming leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes scanning the same sheets, his expression calm yet unyielding.The world outside roared with chatter, hashtags, and outrage. Celebrities debated her brilliance. Governments proclaimed their support or veiled threats. The media scrambled for the tiniest hint of scandal. But inside the house, there was silence. Only the quiet ticking of the grandfather clock, the occasional murmur from the staff, and the measured breathing of a family who had endured too much to be swept by panic.“I want it simple,” Arla-Rosa said, tracing her finger along the outline of the garden where the ceremony would take place. “Not for the wo

  • The Phoenix Bride Rises: Trust Was Her First Mistake    The Global Reckoning

    The news hit Vespas like a cannonball. Prince Miguel’s declaration reverberated through every newsroom, every social feed, every living room where the story was discussed.King Aurelius sat in the grand hall of the royal palace, his fingers drumming against the polished mahogany desk. Advisors whispered nervously. Ministers of state exchanged glances thick with tension. The king’s expression was unreadable, but the silence was deafening. For over a year, the story of Aretha Santon had been carefully crafted. A long lost princess in all but name, groomed to maintain Vespas’ image abroad. Now, that carefully constructed illusion was shattered.“Your Majesty,” one courtier began, voice quivering, “the people… they are calling for answers. Social media… the press… They’re saying we’ve denied the true princess her rights.”Aurelius’ jaw tightened. “I did what I thought best for the kingdom,” he replied quietly. “I… trusted the Santons. I thought the child in my court would carry the name

  • The Phoenix Bride Rises: Trust Was Her First Mistake    The World Stands Witness

    The moment Arla-Rosa emerged from the operating theater, the ripples of her genius spread far beyond Fleming House of Hope. Social media still buzzed, hashtags trended in every time zone, and news networks scrambled to cover the unprecedented day of medical mastery.In Brilliant City, Country L’s capital, the prime minister and minister of defense convened a press conference. Cameras rolled, broadcasting live to millions. “Our nation celebrates Dr. Arla-Rosa Hernandez, a prodigy whose brilliance and integrity embody the very best of Country L,” the prime minister declared, voice firm. “She is our precious gem. Anyone daring to undermine or harm her will find themselves in opposition to this government itself.”The minister of defense stepped forward, adding with equal gravity, “We will provide full protection. Her safety is non-negotiable. Any threats, direct or indirect, will be met with the full might of our forces.”The statements sent tremors across diplomatic channels. Within Cou

  • The Phoenix Bride Rises: Trust Was Her First Mistake    The Fall of Authority, The Rise of Genius

    By the time Arla-Rosa stepped from the operating theater, the corridors of Fleming House of Hope hummed with a tension that had nothing to do with surgical monitors. The media crews lingered, cameras still rolling, broadcasting live the unthinkable. A doctor who had faced three near-impossible cases in a single day, each one more dangerous than the last, emerging victorious.Cedric Fleming stayed close, his imposing presence a quiet anchor. His hand brushed hers briefly. “They will not forget today,” he said. “No,” she replied softly, her eyes scanning the monitors, “and neither should they.”Thousands of miles away, Reginald Caldrick sat in his office in Geneva, pale and stiff. His hands shook over the conference papers as the live feed continued, the numbers of viewers climbing into the millions. Every social media alert, every breaking news headline, hammered home his humiliation. The aneurysm operation...untreatable and untouchable, had succeeded under Arla-Rosa’s hands.Emails fl

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