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Between pride and pain
Last Updated:
2025-04-17 21:45:17
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The tangled web of love falling in love in one month
Episode 18Scout’s POVThe words slipped out before I could stop them. "You have nowhere else to go."The moment they left my mouth, I regretted them. Bella’s face hardened, her lips parting slightly as if she had been slapped. A bitter laugh escaped her, and I knew this was not going to end well."You're right. I have nowhere else to go," she said, her voice tight. "But don’t act like you’ve done me a favor. I was fine on my own before you and your family decided to ruin my life."Ruin her life? I clenched my fists at my sides. "Bella, you think this marriage is only a burden to you? Do you think I wanted to be tied to someone who despises me? You’re not the only one who had dreams.""At least you got a say in yours!" she snapped, stepping closer. "I had one hope, just one hope, Scout! To marry for love. And you took that away from me."I let out a slow breath, trying to hold my temper. "Then maybe it’s time you learned to love me. Because like it or not, you’re my wife, and you don’
Last Updated : 2025-04-17The tangled web of love learning the hard way
Episode 19Bella's POVThe next day came too quickly. I barely slept, and when I did, it was shallow, like my mind refused to rest properly. As soon as I was sure Scout had left for work, I got out of bed. The quietness of the house told me he was gone. Not a trace of his cologne lingered, not even the usual sound of his footsteps in the hallway.I wasn't in the mood to eat anything, so I just freshened up quickly and changed into a sleek, dark, professional outfit. A blazer and pencil skirt.The driver was already outside waiting for me, his usual polite smile plastered on. I gave him a small nod and sighed inwardly. I didn’t want to inconvenience him, but I also knew better than to argue. If I refused his service, he might lose his job. That wasn’t a burden I wanted to carry.The ride to work was mostly quiet, and I stared out the window the entire time, watching the city slowly come alive.As I stepped into the office building, I spotted Sarah first. She waved with a cheerful smile
Last Updated : 2025-04-18The tangled web of love No more Mrs nice girl
Episode 20Bella’s POVTo be honest, I was relieved Scout didn’t bother me at all throughout the day. I knew how dramatic he could be when he wanted to. I was almost certain he’d call me into his office and demand an explanation for talking to a guy, but... nothing. Just silence.Thank God.By closing time, Laura told me I could leave first. I didn’t argue. I packed my things quickly and left, grateful for the escape.The moment I got home, hunger hit me like a truck. I could barely think straight. I dropped my bag, pulled off my clothes, and headed straight for the bathroom. I reeked of sweat and stress and everything in between.After a quick shower, I settled for something comfy and headed to the kitchen. I wasn’t in the mood for anything fancy, so I made some fast toast and eggs and a cup of tea. I ate in silence, letting the quietness of the house wash over me.It was almost 9 PM. when I glanced at the clock. Scout still wasn’t back. I frowned. That was unusual. He rarely stayed
Last Updated : 2025-04-18The tangled web of love The client
Episode 21Scout’s POVI walked into my office after a long, draining day, with Laura trailing behind me.I slumped into my chair."You said you had something to tell me?" I asked.“Oh wait,” I paused as my phone rang again for the fifth time that afternoon. “Let me get this first.”“Hello, who’s this?”“It’s Mr. James.”The name made my eyes flash.Why was he calling after everything? After he terminated the contract I had invested so much into. That single action had wrecked my mood yesterday.“I’ve been trying to reach you,” he said, “I made a mistake about the contract. Someone gave me the wrong information.”“My personal assistant didn’t inform me of your call,” I said coldly.“She wouldn’t. She insulted me and I wouldn’t even have bothered calling again if there wasn’t something in it for me,” he said bluntly.“I’m really sorry about that. It won’t happen again,” I said, trying to salvage the situation.“We’ll talk more tomorrow.”As soon as the call ended, I sighed. My frustra
Last Updated : 2025-04-19The tangled web of love unspoken tensions
Episode 22 Bella’s POVI still couldn't believe the drama that happened in the car. Laura was becoming more shameless by the day, and it was obvious she no longer cared about keeping her feelings for Scout a secret. The way she was acting lately, you'd think she was the one married to him. And to think, I actually respected her. That respect went out the window the moment she started throwing shade and subtly competing for Scout’s attention.As we drove into the compound, I was already mentally exhausted. All I wanted was a warm bath and to crawl into bed. But when we stepped out of the car and walked into the living room, my heart nearly stopped.Seated there like royal judges on their thrones were Luciana Scout’s mother and Kelly, his so-called cousin. Their eyes landed on me immediately, the disapproval in them was clear."Great," I muttered under my breath. "Just what I needed to make today even worse."Scout's brows furrowed slightly. "Mom? Kelly? What are you both doing here?"
Last Updated : 2025-04-19The tangled web of love pain
Episode 23Bella's pov It felt like morning came too fast. One minute, I was closing my eyes. The next, Scout was already up, standing by the mirror, buttoning his shirt like the world couldn’t wait for him.I sat up groggily, rubbing my eyes. “I thought Scout would have left for work, but here he is, still dressing.He glanced at me briefly through the mirror. “Make sure you pack your bag. We’ll be leaving from the office.”He adjusted his tie and headed out of the room, tossing over his shoulder, “I’ll be waiting downstairs.”“Wait, what about the driver?” I called after him, pushing the duvet off my legs. The idea of walking into the office with Scout made my stomach churn. The kind of gossip that would follow us wasn’t something I was ready for.“He’s still on leave,” Scout answered casually.“Then I’ll just drive myself,” I said.He paused, halfway out the door, and turned to me with a slight frown. “I can’t trust you with my car.” “Then maybe I’ll just take the bus since you
Last Updated : 2025-04-20The tangled web of love something between us
Episode 24Scout’s POVTiana insisted we stop by a restaurant just a block from where I had parked. I didn’t want to go, not even a little. But I also didn’t want to create a scene in public. The last thing I needed was her causing drama that would somehow get back to Bella. So, against my better judgment, I followed her in.The place was cozy and half empty, yet I still felt like the walls were closing in. My eyes kept darting to the door. I couldn’t even sit properly, I was already itching to leave.“Scout,” she began hesitantly, stirring the straw in her drink without taking a sip. “I don’t know if this is right but…”I didn’t let her finish.I already knew what she was about to say. It was written all over her face, in the way she leaned forward, in how her eyes tried to read mine. Honestly, I was already losing patience.“I’d appreciate it if you respected my wife,” I said flatly. “What you did earlier was out of line. I should’ve turned you down right away, but I didn’t want to
Last Updated : 2025-04-20The tangled web of love The start of something dangerous
Episode 25Bella's POV As I slowly opened my eyes, I realized it was morning. Scout was nowhere to be found. I never knew he had this side to him. Perhaps he always did, but I just hadn’t noticed before. I felt grateful to him for what happened yesterday, and I had opened up to him in a way I hadn’t expected. I was deep in my feelings, reflecting on how I had ended up in this situation. I almost forgot who I was. I stood up and looked around for Scout, but he was still missing. Where could he have gone? We had a meeting with the client today. I checked my phone to see if he had texted me, but there was nothing. That’s when I noticed the time.my heart skipped a beat as I saw the time.1:00 PM.“What the hell?” I muttered to myself, sitting up so quickly that the sheets twisted around my legs. My eyes flicked back and forth between my phone and the clock on the wall. Outside, the sky was overcast, the weak afternoon sun barely breaking through the clouds.How had I slept this long
Last Updated : 2025-04-21
Latest chapter
The tangled web of love Not on my watch
Episode 38Scout’s povI left the house earlier than usual that morning. Had a meeting lined up with an overseas client, one of those sensitive deals that couldn’t wait. Before I stepped out, Bella stood by the door with that look on her face, half worried and half trying to fake confidence.“I know everyone will continue their gossips today,” she had whispered, fiddling with the edge of her blouse. “That intern saw us, and they’ll put the pieces together.”I kissed her forehead. “Let them talk. You didn’t do anything wrong. And if anyone dares to say otherwise… they’ll answer to me.”She didn’t reply, just nodded like she was trying to believe it. But I saw the tension in her shoulders. The way she kept glancing at her phone after I left.Still, I thought she'd be fine. Bella wasn’t one to let people step on her. I mean, I’ve seen her glare down at me when she’s angry, and I’m not an easy man to intimidate.But I was wrong.After the client meeting, I didn’t go back home, so i went
The tangled web of love who Dares
Episode 37Bella's POVI knew the day was going to be awkward the moment I walked into the office.The stares.The whispers.The fake smiles that vanished the moment I passed by.I tried to act normal, tried to pretend I didn’t notice how heads turned, and necks craned. But it was hard,really hard. My heels suddenly felt too loud.I sat down at my desk, praying that Sarah wouldn’t…….. but here she was. “Bella!” she half-whispered and half-shouted, sliding into the seat beside me like she was starring in a spy movie.Oh God, I muttered.“You have no idea what the whole office is saying this morning,” she started, eyes already glinting with mischief.I sighed and dropped my bag. “Please, Sarah. Not this morning.”But she was already leaning closer.“One intern said he saw you and the boss… like… in a not so friendly position yesterday. I mean… he couldn’t have, right?” She leaned back with a dramatic gasp. “It’s not possible! It’s Scout Cromwell we’re talking about. Untouchable, col
The tangled web of love Oops
Episode 36Bella’s POVLately, everything felt good. I don’t mean just okay or manageable, I mean, really good. For the first time in forever, life felt calm and peaceful.Scout was showing me love in ways I never thought I deserved. Morning kisses, gentle forehead pecks, random “I miss you” texts in the middle of the day, back rubs when I complained about work, even the way he looked at me was different. Like I was his favorite person in the whole world.My parents hadn’t bothered me since then. I’d completely cut them off from my life. They forced me into marrying Scout, thinking it would ruin me, but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.Even Scout’s mother hadn’t popped up recently. Maybe she finally got tired of trying to break us apart. Or maybe she realized I wasn’t going anywhere. Either way, I wasn’t complaining. Peace was rare in my world, and I was soaking in every bit of it now.I was at work, minding my business, going through some files, and reply
The tangled web of love kisses
Episode 35Bella’s POVI got home before Scout, and the house was so quiet, I didn’t even bother changing. I just went straight into the kitchen and started cooking. I made jollof rice and fried some chicken. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it smelled good.After that, I finally went upstairs to freshen up. I kept thinking Scout would walk in while I was bathing or that I’d come out and find him sitting on the bed like he usually does when his back from work. But nope. Nothing.I didn’t want to eat without him, so I just sat on the couch, scrolling through my phone. Before I knew it, my eyes got heavy, and I fell asleep.A soft kiss on my forehead woke me up.I opened my eyes slowly and saw him leaning over me, his face soft and tired. “Scout?” I mumbled.“Yes, babe,” he replied.I sat up and blinked at him, still half-asleep. Then, without thinking, I leaned in and sniffed him. I know, it looked weird, but I had to be sure. I’d been thinking about what Sarah said earlier at lunch. Abou
The tangled web of love gossips...
Episode 34Bella’s POVScout and I were getting ready for work. I had barely zipped up my dress when I heard him say, “You’re coming with me in my car.”I froze.“Scout,” I called out, grabbing my bag, walking towards him. “You know if we arrive at work together, people will start talking. Gossip spreads like wildfire in that office.”He raised a brow. “So?”“So, we can’t go together, not yet. You have to understand,” I said gently, hoping he wouldn’t take it the wrong way.His face softened. “You want to keep this a secret?”“Yes. At least for now.”He stared at me for a bit, then nodded. “Anything you want, baby.”And just like that, he leaned in, gave me a soft kiss that left my stomach doing flips, and left for work. A few minutes later, a new driver showed up to take me. He had called me earlier, probably sorting out a backup because I guess my formal driver had quit.The drive to work was quiet, and I spent most of it trying to calm my thoughts. Being with Scout was amazing, bu
The tangled web of love The Morning After..........
Episode 33Bella’s POVI woke up feeling different.The air around me was warm and heavy. My body ached in places I didn’t even know could ache. And then, I remembered last night.Heat rushed to my cheeks immediately.I blinked slowly, adjusting to the soft morning light peeking through the curtains. My head was resting on something firm.Scout.His arms were wrapped tightly around me like he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go. His chest was bare against my back and his breathing was deep and even, his body radiating a heat that made me want to melt all over again.I bit my lip, my heart thudding painfully against my ribs.What have I done? I tried to move carefully, inching away from his grip without waking him. I was too embarrassed to face him.But the moment I lifted the blanket, his arm tightened around my waist."Where do you think you’re going?" His voice was deep and rough from sleep, and way too sexy for this early in the morning.I froze. "Uh… bathroom?"He chuckled, his
The tangled web of love finally
Episode 32Scout’s POVI watched her standing there as she wrapped her arms around herself like she was trying to hold her heart together or something.There was something different in her eyes, though... something soft like she was finally letting herself melt a little.I couldn’t resist anymore.I moved closer in a slow and careful way, giving her every chance to pull back if she wanted to.But this time, she didn’t moveShe stayed right there as I moved towards her.My hand found her cheek, and I cupped it gently, feeling how warm her skin was under my palm.She leaned into my touch without even thinking about it.God,My thumb brushed her cheek so lightly, and I swear my heart was about to explode in my chest.I leaned in slowly, feeling her breath mix with mine. And then finally I crashed my lips on her.At first, it was slow,And I was being careful like we were both scared that moving too fast might break whatever thing was happening between us.But then she kissed me back.
The tangled web of love Almost there.........
Episode 31Scout’s POVI woke up feeling like crap.I was hot and weak, like a truck ran me over. I had seen the signs yesterday, headache, and body pain,but I overlooked it. Thought it was stress, so I thought I was strong enough to brush it off like always.Clearly, I wasn’t.I tried to sit up, but my body didn’t even listen. My head was pounding, and my throat was dry. Everything felt too bright and too heavy.And in the middle of all that, there was bella.I smiled weakly, just thinking about her. For the past few weeks, she had changed. The cold walls she built around herself had started falling. Little by little, I saw it, and I felt it.New York had done something to us. It pulled her closer. It made her laugh around me, roll her eyes when I teased her, push me when I got too cocky. She wasn’t just enduring me anymore. She was starting to see me.And today?She was treating me like a freaking baby.She forced me to eat, nagged me to take my meds, and tucked me in like I was fi
The tangled web of love love
Episode 30Bella’s POVI thought I was dreaming at first. The weight on me, the heat… it didn’t make sense. My eyes fluttered open, and it hit me. Scout was sick . His body was pressed into mine, his arm around my waist like he couldn’t sleep without me anymore.But it wasn’t the closeness that startled me. It was how hot he felt.It's really hot.I shifted carefully, turning to face him. His lips were slightly parted, sweat glistening across his forehead. His brows were pulled together like he was in discomfort.I touched his cheek.“God, you’re burning up…”I sat up quickly, panic bubbling in my chest. He should’ve left for work by now, but here he was, still in bed, sick and barely awake.“Scout,” I whispered, shaking his shoulder gently. “Hey, wake up.”He groaned, eyes barely opening. “Bella… it’s too early…”“No, it’s not. You’re sick, Your temperature is really high,” I said, already reaching for my phone to check the time. Almost 8:30. “You were supposed to leave for work two
