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BEYOND THE FACADE

작가: Wummie
last update 최신 업데이트: 2025-08-18 03:49:03

ROWAN’S POV

Her silence lingered after my question, hanging heavy in the air between us. I could see the flicker in her eyes, the hesitation, but I didn’t press further. Not now.

Instead, I broke away, turning toward the bar tucked in the corner of the room. My movements were deliberate, controlled, though inside it was the opposite.

I picked up the bottle of wine, poured myself a glass, and watched the deep red swirl in the crystal as if it could answer the storm in my head.

I took a long sip, the burn sliding down my throat, grounding me. My grip tightened around the glass as I let out a low breath.

“Why the hell am I even thinking about her?” I muttered under my breath, the words meant for me alone. “This isn’t supposed to matter.”

I sank into the armchair nearby, staring at the glass in my hand. The truth gnawed at me, I shouldn’t care where Piper’s head was, whether she believed my excuse, whether she was angry or worried.

This marriage wasn’t about feelings. It was a deal, a tr
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  • Ties That Bind   BLOOD IN THE CAVE

    PIPER’S POVThe morning sun glittered across the resort’s pool, bouncing on the surface like diamonds. I stared out from my balcony, clutching a towel in my hand. My phone buzzed again, his name flashing on the screen.Him: Don’t forget, today’s the day. Jet skiing. You promised.I exhaled slowly. Maybe I hadn’t technically promised, but I hadn’t said no either. And truth be told, something inside me wanted the thrill, the distraction. Rowan wasn’t here. My thoughts about him had become heavier each night, and this was the only thing that gave me a little space to breathe.“Fine,” I muttered to myself, replying:Me: Alright. I’ll meet you at the dock.The water was endless, blue stretching as far as my eyes could see. The wind brushed against my skin as I held onto the handle of the jet ski, laughing against my will as the machine sliced through waves. He was beside me, his laughter echoing as we raced across the surface.From the beauty I saw I made up my mind to go to more resorts t

  • Ties That Bind   A DISTRACTION

    PIPER’S POVThe moment I turned and saw him at the resort, my heart skipped. For a second, I thought maybe my mind was playing tricks on me. The same guy from the restaurant…of all places, all times…standing right there in South Africa.“Piper?” His voice carried surprise, but also a warm familiarity, the kind that made me hesitate before answering.“Yes,” I managed, forcing a small smile. “It’s… you.”He laughed softly, shaking his head. “Wow, what are the odds? Last time I saw you, we were across yunno at the bar. And now…here?”“Life has a funny way of throwing coincidences at us,” I replied, trying to keep my tone casual. But inside, I felt a strange tug. Part of me wanted to ask him why fate kept crossing our paths, and another part of me reminded me sharply of Rowan.We walked a bit closer, away from the crowd at the resort lobby.“So, vacation?” I asked, breaking the silence.“Yes,” he nodded. “I needed a break, honestly. Work’s been suffocating, and my friends ditched me last

  • Ties That Bind   QUEEN OF CELL

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  • Ties That Bind   ANOTHER COMPANION

    PIPER’S POVThe flight felt so long. I sat by the window and kept staring outside, watching the clouds. My thoughts kept going back to Rowan even when I tried not to. His face, his voice, the way he lied. I shook my head.Don’t think about him, Piper. Just stop.I told myself that over and over, but my chest still hurt.When the plane landed, Ruben walked in front. The airport was private, and we didn’t have to pass the normal crowd. Outside, the weather was warm, and I could smell the sea in the air. Palm trees lined the road, and the sun was setting, giving the sky an orange glow.The drive to the hotel was silent. Ruben was busy on his tablet, making calls, checking mails. I looked out of the window, watching cars, shops, and people rush past. Everything felt alive, but inside, I felt empty.The hotel was not like anything I had seen before. It was shining, beautiful, like something from a dream. The doors were tall glass, the lobby huge with marble floors and a giant chandelier. P

  • Ties That Bind   A STEP TOO FAR

    ROWAN’S POVMy mind was a storm I couldn’t quiet. Thoughts darted back and forth, crashing into each other like waves against rocks. Piper. Where was she? What was she doing? Was she safe? Or worse—was she already planning her life without me?I couldn’t focus on work, couldn’t even eat properly. Every time my phone buzzed, my heart leapt, only to crash when it wasn’t her. And deep down, I knew why—she had blocked me. She had cut me off completely.I sat in my office, tapping my fingers restlessly against the desk, until finally, I decided I couldn’t keep spiraling like this. I needed advice. Someone who could see things clearer than me.So, I went to see my lawyer. At least, I needed to talk to someone before I ran mad. I thought she would be at Diana’s place but she didn’t sound like Piper was with her at all.He was an older man with sharp eyes behind square glasses, always calm even when chaos ruled. I sat across from him, wringing my hands like a child.“You look troubled, Rowan

  • Ties That Bind   ECHOES OF HEARTACHE

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