เข้าสู่ระบบแชร์
Protection Instinct
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด:
2025-04-25 14:58:22
Golden ButterflyHere's today's update. Big shout out to K.C., J.P., A., J., and C.C.U., for the new gems contributions! :)
บทที่เกี่ยวข้อง
The Substitute Bride's Revenge Family Interference
ARIAThe Harrington family estate has become more comfortable, less like a museum and more like a place I could actually call home. I’ve spent time exploring the vast property. However, there are still rooms that feel forbidden. Eleanor's private study is one of them—a sanctum I've never been invited to enter.I'm passing by its heavy oak door when I hear my name spoken in Eleanor's crisp, authoritative tone.I pause, not intending to eavesdrop yet unable to move away when I realize she's speaking to Xavier."You're becoming distracted by Aria," Eleanor says. "The board has noticed. I've noticed.""The board is pleased with our performance," Xavier responds with an edge I recognize as defensiveness. "Our stock is up seventeen percent since the Kazakhstan deal.""This isn't about business performance." Eleanor's voice sharpens. "It's about your performance. The way you look at her during meetings. The rooftop dinner for her birthday. These gestures go far beyond our arrangement."I shou
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-25The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Accident
ARIAThe storm hits Midtown with unexpected ferocity, turning the afternoon sky an ominous slate gray.I should have rescheduled my meeting with Westlake Pharmaceuticals, but their CEO is flying to London tomorrow, and securing their distribution partnership for our Kazakhstan facilities is too important to delay."You could videoconference," Michael suggests when he sees me collecting my portfolio. "The weather warning's been upgraded to severe.""Westlake’s CEO is old-school," I explain, checking that I have all the necessary contracts. "Mr. Harrison won't sign anything without a handshake first."Michael frowns at the rain lashing against the office windows. "At least take the company car instead of yours. They have better traction.""Mine has all-wheel drive," I assure him, though I appreciate his concern. "And I grew up driving in harsh winters. This is nothing."My car glides smoothly through the downpour, and by the time I arrive at Westlake’s glass tower, the valet is already w
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-25The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Accident (2)
ARIAThe realization that he's here, that someone actually reached him, brings an unexpected wave of relief that makes my eyes sting with sudden tears.When he appears in the doorway, I barely recognize him.His usual immaculate appearance is completely disrupted: tie missing, shirt collar open, hair disheveled as though he's been repeatedly running his hands through it. However, it's his expression that truly shocks me. The emotion in his eyes."Aria," he breathes, crossing the room in three long strides to reach for me. Then hesitates with his hands hovering uncertainly as he takes in the monitoring equipment, the bandage being applied to my wrist, the bruise already forming at my temple."I'm okay," I manage. "Just a little banged up."Xavier's gaze sweeps over me, cataloging each visible injury with growing intensity. When he finally meets my eyes again, there's something raw and unguarded in his expression that I've never seen before."What happened?" his voice is rough.I try to
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-26The Substitute Bride's Revenge Unexpected Concern
ARIAThe night passes in fragmented pieces of Xavier waking me every two hours as promised, asking me simple questions to check my awareness."What's your name? What day is it? Do you know where you are?"Each time, I drift back to sleep almost immediately after answering, vaguely aware of his watchful presence in the armchair near the bed.Morning arrives with pale sunlight filtering through the blinds and the dull throb of pain in my head and wrist.I blink awake to find Xavier standing at the window and his back to me as he speaks quietly on the phone."Cancel everything through Friday. Reschedule the Tokyo call for next week. Tell them I have a family emergency."Family emergency. The term catches me by surprise. Hearing him use that terminology when he doesn't know I'm listening feels significant."I'm awake," I announce softly, not wanting to eavesdrop further.Xavier turns immediately, ending his call with a brief "Handle it" before approaching the bed.He looks exhausted, with
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-26The Substitute Bride's Revenge Unwelcome News
ARIAAfter a week of being confined primarily to the blue suite, cabin fever sets in with a vengeance.The walls seem to close in despite the spacious rooms, and I find myself staring longingly out the windows at the expansive gardens below."I need fresh air," I announce when Xavier brings lunch, another task he's taken to performing personally despite the household staff's availability. "Just a short walk. I'm going stir-crazy in here."Xavier studies me carefully as I stand to emphasize my point. "Dr. Pia did say light activity would be beneficial at this stage," he concedes. "The gardens, maybe. But not alone.""I wasn't planning a solo expedition," I reply dryly. "I assumed you'd insist on accompanying me."Something that might be amusement flickers in his eyes. "You're learning."The Harrington gardens are spectacular even in early spring. Maintained pathways winding between geometric hedges and early blooms.Xavier matches his stride to my slower pace with his hand resting ligh
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-26The Substitute Bride's Revenge Unwelcome News (2)
ARIAI'm sitting in the conservatory with a book I'm barely reading, still thinking about Xavier's emotional distance since Vivian's return, when my phone shows a number I haven't seen in months.The afternoon sun filters through the glass ceiling, casting dappled shadows across the pages I've been staring at for nearly an hour without absorbing a single word."Hello?" I answer cautiously, setting the book aside."Aria! Darling!" Vivian's voice drips with false sweetness. "It's been ages! How are you?"My stepsister still manages to sound both concerned and condescending.I sit up straighter automatically. The orchids beside me seem to wilt under the sound of her voice."Vivian. This is a surprise.""Is it? I assumed Xavier would have mentioned I was back in town." Her laugh sounds like breaking glass. "I've been dying to reconnect with family. Especially now that you've married into such... interesting circumstances."The way she says "interesting" feels like an insult.I run my fing
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-27The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Sob Story
ARIA~The Next Day~I'm sitting stiff as a board in my chair with my eyes locked on the empty doorway of the Harrington dining room.The crystal chandeliers overhead are throwing off harsh light that's making my head throb like someone's using my skull for drum practice and my ribs are killing me under my designer attire.The pain meds are wearing off, and I can feel every minute of it. The doctor said six weeks for full healing. It feels like someone's jabbing me with a hot poker whenever I breathe too deep one week in.Across from me, Xavier checks his watch for the third time in ten minutes. He's fidgeting like a kid waiting for Christmas morning, and it's painfully obvious he's not excited about spending time with me.His dark hair is perfectly styled and his custom suit impeccable as always.The dining table between us might as well be a football field. The shiny mahogany surface catches all the flickering candles, making weird dancing shadows that pretty much sum up how messed u
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-29The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Sob Story (2)
ARIAVivian lowers her eyes and her shoulders slump forward. "Mom and Dad offered to have me move back home. I hate being a burden, but I don't have many options until I get back on my feet. All my savings went into that joint account he emptied. My credit cards are maxed out from when he used them without my knowledge."Xavier sits up straighter. I can see the decision forming before he even opens his mouth.He glances at me briefly—not seeking permission but checking if I'm paying attention to what he's about to do."The guest house on the estate is sitting empty," he announces. "You should stay there… close to people who can help you recover."The guest house. Our guest house. He's offering it to Vivian without a second thought.Victoria beams while Eleanor nods approvingly at Xavier's generosity.Vivian gives Xavier a look of deep gratitude that crosses way over the line into intimate territory. Her eyes lock with his for several heartbeats too long."You're too generous," her voi
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-30
บทล่าสุด
The Substitute Bride's Revenge Manipulations
ARIAI stand frozen before the ornate mirror in the powder room.My fingers grip the marble countertop so tightly my knuckles turn white. The cool stone beneath my palms offers little comfort against the anxiety rising within me.My attention snaps back when the door clicks shut behind me with a soft, final sound that makes my heart skip.Victoria's reflection materializes beside mine in the mirror. Her perfect smile contradicts the calculating coldness swimming in her eyes."Aria, darling. We need to discuss something important." Her voice drips with honey-coated venom.My stomach tightens into a painful knot. Victoria never seeks private conversations unless she wants something specific."Vivian needs stability while she recovers from her ordeal." Her manicured fingers adjust her diamond bracelet, the stones catching light with every subtle movement while her eyes never leave mine in the mirror."A position at Harrington Consolidated would provide exactly that stability." She pauses
The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Sob Story (2)
ARIAVivian lowers her eyes and her shoulders slump forward. "Mom and Dad offered to have me move back home. I hate being a burden, but I don't have many options until I get back on my feet. All my savings went into that joint account he emptied. My credit cards are maxed out from when he used them without my knowledge."Xavier sits up straighter. I can see the decision forming before he even opens his mouth.He glances at me briefly—not seeking permission but checking if I'm paying attention to what he's about to do."The guest house on the estate is sitting empty," he announces. "You should stay there… close to people who can help you recover."The guest house. Our guest house. He's offering it to Vivian without a second thought.Victoria beams while Eleanor nods approvingly at Xavier's generosity.Vivian gives Xavier a look of deep gratitude that crosses way over the line into intimate territory. Her eyes lock with his for several heartbeats too long."You're too generous," her voi
The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Sob Story
ARIA~The Next Day~I'm sitting stiff as a board in my chair with my eyes locked on the empty doorway of the Harrington dining room.The crystal chandeliers overhead are throwing off harsh light that's making my head throb like someone's using my skull for drum practice and my ribs are killing me under my designer attire.The pain meds are wearing off, and I can feel every minute of it. The doctor said six weeks for full healing. It feels like someone's jabbing me with a hot poker whenever I breathe too deep one week in.Across from me, Xavier checks his watch for the third time in ten minutes. He's fidgeting like a kid waiting for Christmas morning, and it's painfully obvious he's not excited about spending time with me.His dark hair is perfectly styled and his custom suit impeccable as always.The dining table between us might as well be a football field. The shiny mahogany surface catches all the flickering candles, making weird dancing shadows that pretty much sum up how messed u
The Substitute Bride's Revenge Unwelcome News (2)
ARIAI'm sitting in the conservatory with a book I'm barely reading, still thinking about Xavier's emotional distance since Vivian's return, when my phone shows a number I haven't seen in months.The afternoon sun filters through the glass ceiling, casting dappled shadows across the pages I've been staring at for nearly an hour without absorbing a single word."Hello?" I answer cautiously, setting the book aside."Aria! Darling!" Vivian's voice drips with false sweetness. "It's been ages! How are you?"My stepsister still manages to sound both concerned and condescending.I sit up straighter automatically. The orchids beside me seem to wilt under the sound of her voice."Vivian. This is a surprise.""Is it? I assumed Xavier would have mentioned I was back in town." Her laugh sounds like breaking glass. "I've been dying to reconnect with family. Especially now that you've married into such... interesting circumstances."The way she says "interesting" feels like an insult.I run my fing
The Substitute Bride's Revenge Unwelcome News
ARIAAfter a week of being confined primarily to the blue suite, cabin fever sets in with a vengeance.The walls seem to close in despite the spacious rooms, and I find myself staring longingly out the windows at the expansive gardens below."I need fresh air," I announce when Xavier brings lunch, another task he's taken to performing personally despite the household staff's availability. "Just a short walk. I'm going stir-crazy in here."Xavier studies me carefully as I stand to emphasize my point. "Dr. Pia did say light activity would be beneficial at this stage," he concedes. "The gardens, maybe. But not alone.""I wasn't planning a solo expedition," I reply dryly. "I assumed you'd insist on accompanying me."Something that might be amusement flickers in his eyes. "You're learning."The Harrington gardens are spectacular even in early spring. Maintained pathways winding between geometric hedges and early blooms.Xavier matches his stride to my slower pace with his hand resting ligh
The Substitute Bride's Revenge Unexpected Concern
ARIAThe night passes in fragmented pieces of Xavier waking me every two hours as promised, asking me simple questions to check my awareness."What's your name? What day is it? Do you know where you are?"Each time, I drift back to sleep almost immediately after answering, vaguely aware of his watchful presence in the armchair near the bed.Morning arrives with pale sunlight filtering through the blinds and the dull throb of pain in my head and wrist.I blink awake to find Xavier standing at the window and his back to me as he speaks quietly on the phone."Cancel everything through Friday. Reschedule the Tokyo call for next week. Tell them I have a family emergency."Family emergency. The term catches me by surprise. Hearing him use that terminology when he doesn't know I'm listening feels significant."I'm awake," I announce softly, not wanting to eavesdrop further.Xavier turns immediately, ending his call with a brief "Handle it" before approaching the bed.He looks exhausted, with
The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Accident (2)
ARIAThe realization that he's here, that someone actually reached him, brings an unexpected wave of relief that makes my eyes sting with sudden tears.When he appears in the doorway, I barely recognize him.His usual immaculate appearance is completely disrupted: tie missing, shirt collar open, hair disheveled as though he's been repeatedly running his hands through it. However, it's his expression that truly shocks me. The emotion in his eyes."Aria," he breathes, crossing the room in three long strides to reach for me. Then hesitates with his hands hovering uncertainly as he takes in the monitoring equipment, the bandage being applied to my wrist, the bruise already forming at my temple."I'm okay," I manage. "Just a little banged up."Xavier's gaze sweeps over me, cataloging each visible injury with growing intensity. When he finally meets my eyes again, there's something raw and unguarded in his expression that I've never seen before."What happened?" his voice is rough.I try to
The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Accident
ARIAThe storm hits Midtown with unexpected ferocity, turning the afternoon sky an ominous slate gray.I should have rescheduled my meeting with Westlake Pharmaceuticals, but their CEO is flying to London tomorrow, and securing their distribution partnership for our Kazakhstan facilities is too important to delay."You could videoconference," Michael suggests when he sees me collecting my portfolio. "The weather warning's been upgraded to severe.""Westlake’s CEO is old-school," I explain, checking that I have all the necessary contracts. "Mr. Harrison won't sign anything without a handshake first."Michael frowns at the rain lashing against the office windows. "At least take the company car instead of yours. They have better traction.""Mine has all-wheel drive," I assure him, though I appreciate his concern. "And I grew up driving in harsh winters. This is nothing."My car glides smoothly through the downpour, and by the time I arrive at Westlake’s glass tower, the valet is already w
The Substitute Bride's Revenge Family Interference
ARIAThe Harrington family estate has become more comfortable, less like a museum and more like a place I could actually call home. I’ve spent time exploring the vast property. However, there are still rooms that feel forbidden. Eleanor's private study is one of them—a sanctum I've never been invited to enter.I'm passing by its heavy oak door when I hear my name spoken in Eleanor's crisp, authoritative tone.I pause, not intending to eavesdrop yet unable to move away when I realize she's speaking to Xavier."You're becoming distracted by Aria," Eleanor says. "The board has noticed. I've noticed.""The board is pleased with our performance," Xavier responds with an edge I recognize as defensiveness. "Our stock is up seventeen percent since the Kazakhstan deal.""This isn't about business performance." Eleanor's voice sharpens. "It's about your performance. The way you look at her during meetings. The rooftop dinner for her birthday. These gestures go far beyond our arrangement."I shou
