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70– Adaline
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-05-05 18:33:52
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To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 71– Adaline
Two mornings have gone by, and Michael is still asleep. His chest rises and falls steadily, lashes fluttering, brows twitching every time he mumbles something in his sleep.The nurses say that’s a good sign. That he’s dreaming now. That it means his body’s starting to come back online, slowly.But it’s been slow. Too slow.The IV line is still hooked into his arm, taped down at the crook of his elbow, feeding him fluids and nutrients drop by drop. He’s had five injections so far—two antibiotics, a sedative to keep him stable, and the last two were vitamins to try and keep his energy up. He hasn’t eaten in days. They said his stomach wouldn’t be able to take it yet, so they’re doing what they can to stop his body from completely shutting down.I sit beside him, fingers curled around the edge of the stiff chair, watching the way the clear liquid drips from the IV bag to the line. One, two, three…It’s really weird… really, really weird.And I don’t understand anymore.I’ve barely slept.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-05-06To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 72– Adaline
Strained sounds echo through the bathroom. Michael’s knuckles pale as he grips the edges of the toilet tighter, wretching out the bile in his throat. I rub my palm in circles over his back and heave out a breath.“There… let it all out,” I mutter.Michael slaps my hand away as he staggers up on his feet and flushes the toilet, stumbling to the sink to wash his mouth. I exhale a tired breath. “I know it must be frustrating—”“You think?” His voice is snarky.I clench my teeth, already exhausted with Michael’s crankiness since his recovery. We’re still in the hospital, soon to be discharged, but the doctor said he’ll need to be here for a few more days for monitoring because of the alcohol in his system and how it might affect him.Let me tell you this: There have been effects, lots of it.This is another version of Michael that I didn’t know existed. And I’m fighting every nerve in my body not to hate him, I’m trying so hard to be understanding that this behavior of his isn’t really w
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-05-06To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 73– Adaline
A few more days at the hospital wouldn’t kill anyone, would it?The normal would be: it wouldn’t. But with a man like Michael who operates very differently from the rest of us in ways that makes us seem like the lesser beings, a few days in the hospital ripped him apart.He became more cranky. Not to me though, the man now fears me and is very careful with what he says or how he acts around me.However, every other person has been a beneficiary of his very nasty behavior. Sometimes, I’m forced to believe he does it on purpose just to get on their nerves. Caleb especially.I’ve noticed that apart from my father, Michael has no other friends. My father is hardly his friend anyway. But then Caleb? They share a special kind of bond.I’ll ask questions, but not now.Maybe when Michael has fully recovered, or probably when he decides to stop being so fucking annoying about his wet hair.“Michael, stop it!” I laugh, trying to wriggle out from beneath him. Michael is already straddling me on
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-05-07To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 74– Adaline
The drive is quiet. It’s not awkward, just utterly silent with Michael’s fingers laced through mine and his thumb stroking the back of my palm.For me? I’m content, yet curiosity is starting to take the reins. I want to ask what he meant when he said the main business happens underground at the hospital. And I’m starting to regret why I told him to keep that side of his business to himself.But thinking about it, do I really want to know? I might love Michael, I might want to be with him, but the fear is still there, the uncertainty for what the future holds for us. If I learn more about his business or anything he’s involved in, then what? More fear?Resentment?What happens to our relationship?So it’s better I don’t know. I’ll rather remain in the dark than ruin a beautiful thing.Hopefully, this is my beautiful thing…“What’s going through my girl’s mind?” Michael asks.I respond with a roll of my eyes, leaning back into the seat, but I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. H
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-05-07To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 1– Adaline
My ear erupts with loud ringing as I watch my world shatter into tiny little pieces. The pain is crippling. It feels as though someone is craving a blade into my heart. Sorrow curls around me, confusion and surprise seizing my ability to breathe. I’m standing with my skin tight with a cold that shouldn't even exist in this heat, my legs firmly rooted to the spot, and my mind spiraling. I’m trying to understand, to make sense of the scene unfolding in front of me. My wide eyes are trained on my best friend and the love of my life, watching as they scramble with the sheets to shield their nakedness, to hide their betrayal. Their shame means nothing to me. The damage is already done.Tears flood into my eyes and sting my lid, I refuse to let them fall. I can’t break—not here, not now. Is it even necessary to hold back the tears?With or without it, my pain is boldly written on my face. My pain shows in the way my eyes are darting around the room with desperation, as if searching for
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 2– Adaline
I’m standing in front of the mirror, nervous. My frayed nerves are not even about the party or being in a room filled with influential men and women—I’ve attended many such parties for at least sixteen years in a row, I’m already used to it. My birthday parties are after all business gatherings. I’m nervous about meeting Michael Black for the first time. I’m afraid of becoming someone’s wife-to-be barely twenty four hours after my heart was broken. A marriage of convenience. He’ll meet me today, and I’ll wear his ring today. And maybe in weeks, if I’m lucky, I’ll officially become his wife. Adaline Black.What was I thinking yesterday when I barged into my father’s office and made that decision? I shake my head to push the doubts away. It’s done. There’s no undoing it now.The door swings open, and Kate steps inside with a huge grin. She’s always so enthusiastic for my birthdays you might even think it’s hers. Good for her. I don’t like to consider Kate a household staff—maid as
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 3– Michael
Ever since seeing this woman—Adaline, I’ve always dreamt of being here in this position as the man who she’ll spend the rest of her life with. Now I’m here, and I’m beginning to realize she won’t be an easy woman to deal with.Understanding dawns on me as I narrow my eyes and watch the woman who just challenged me with two words—Make me. I finally understand what her father meant when he asked if I could handle her. At the time, I’d brushed off his words with the confidence of a man who has seen and done enough to believe there’s little left in the world that could surprise him. But now, standing here, observing her in real-time, I see that he wasn’t speaking about handling her in the way I assumed.He meant this.There’s fire burning in her eyes. Her skin radiates with bubbling energy. And the way she tilts her chin and holds her head high? God help me. The girl is a walking representation of rebellion wrapped in elegance. She’s rolled her eyes so many times I’ve lost count. She d
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 4– Adaline
I’ve never felt this way… weak, dull, unable to properly move my limbs. My eyes flutter slowly, fighting to adjust to the dim light above me. I bink up at my ceiling. But it’s not really mine. This looks different, the color is off, the light too dim. And the sheets feel different—smoother, silkier. Not like my usual fluffy ones.I shift slightly in bed with a strained groan and the dullness of my limbs drives tears out of my eyes. Is this what it feels like to die? Am I having a nightmare? My mind floods with thoughts as I move again, my eyes finally opening fully. Gritting my teeth, I try to move again, exhaustion keeps me down, my vision blurring, almost dragging me into an unconscious state. I blink hard, fighting to stay awake. It already feels like I’ve slept longer than I’m supposed to.“How are you feeling, Adaline?” I hear a thick voice, immediately feeling firm fingers stroking my hair. The touch is so soft and gentle it almost makes me sick. My stomach twists as I try to
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07
Bab terbaru
To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 74– Adaline
The drive is quiet. It’s not awkward, just utterly silent with Michael’s fingers laced through mine and his thumb stroking the back of my palm.For me? I’m content, yet curiosity is starting to take the reins. I want to ask what he meant when he said the main business happens underground at the hospital. And I’m starting to regret why I told him to keep that side of his business to himself.But thinking about it, do I really want to know? I might love Michael, I might want to be with him, but the fear is still there, the uncertainty for what the future holds for us. If I learn more about his business or anything he’s involved in, then what? More fear?Resentment?What happens to our relationship?So it’s better I don’t know. I’ll rather remain in the dark than ruin a beautiful thing.Hopefully, this is my beautiful thing…“What’s going through my girl’s mind?” Michael asks.I respond with a roll of my eyes, leaning back into the seat, but I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. H
To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 73– Adaline
A few more days at the hospital wouldn’t kill anyone, would it?The normal would be: it wouldn’t. But with a man like Michael who operates very differently from the rest of us in ways that makes us seem like the lesser beings, a few days in the hospital ripped him apart.He became more cranky. Not to me though, the man now fears me and is very careful with what he says or how he acts around me.However, every other person has been a beneficiary of his very nasty behavior. Sometimes, I’m forced to believe he does it on purpose just to get on their nerves. Caleb especially.I’ve noticed that apart from my father, Michael has no other friends. My father is hardly his friend anyway. But then Caleb? They share a special kind of bond.I’ll ask questions, but not now.Maybe when Michael has fully recovered, or probably when he decides to stop being so fucking annoying about his wet hair.“Michael, stop it!” I laugh, trying to wriggle out from beneath him. Michael is already straddling me on
To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 72– Adaline
Strained sounds echo through the bathroom. Michael’s knuckles pale as he grips the edges of the toilet tighter, wretching out the bile in his throat. I rub my palm in circles over his back and heave out a breath.“There… let it all out,” I mutter.Michael slaps my hand away as he staggers up on his feet and flushes the toilet, stumbling to the sink to wash his mouth. I exhale a tired breath. “I know it must be frustrating—”“You think?” His voice is snarky.I clench my teeth, already exhausted with Michael’s crankiness since his recovery. We’re still in the hospital, soon to be discharged, but the doctor said he’ll need to be here for a few more days for monitoring because of the alcohol in his system and how it might affect him.Let me tell you this: There have been effects, lots of it.This is another version of Michael that I didn’t know existed. And I’m fighting every nerve in my body not to hate him, I’m trying so hard to be understanding that this behavior of his isn’t really w
To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 71– Adaline
Two mornings have gone by, and Michael is still asleep. His chest rises and falls steadily, lashes fluttering, brows twitching every time he mumbles something in his sleep.The nurses say that’s a good sign. That he’s dreaming now. That it means his body’s starting to come back online, slowly.But it’s been slow. Too slow.The IV line is still hooked into his arm, taped down at the crook of his elbow, feeding him fluids and nutrients drop by drop. He’s had five injections so far—two antibiotics, a sedative to keep him stable, and the last two were vitamins to try and keep his energy up. He hasn’t eaten in days. They said his stomach wouldn’t be able to take it yet, so they’re doing what they can to stop his body from completely shutting down.I sit beside him, fingers curled around the edge of the stiff chair, watching the way the clear liquid drips from the IV bag to the line. One, two, three…It’s really weird… really, really weird.And I don’t understand anymore.I’ve barely slept.
To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 70– Adaline
I wake before the sun rises. There were no nightmares. Hell, I didn’t even have any dreams. My sleep was simply blank, and that’s what scares me the most. My mouth hangs open, my chest heaving with shallow breaths as I stare at the ceiling, one arm across my chest, the other braced over my forehead. This morning feels different from every other morning.There’s calmness. But there’s also an undertone of chaos. And I feel the need to keep myself from falling apart, yet I don’t know what from. It’s been a month away from the world, away from everyone and everything that kept me busy. It’s been a month away from the man I love. It’s been a month since I left to breathe, to think, and to figure out who I am… who I want to be without being pressured by anyone. And by anyone, I mean my father and Michael. Turns out, staying away didn’t make me breathe any easier. Matter of fact, staying away made every breath ache. Distance didn’t make my life any easier. Michael is all I see. Mich
To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 69– Michael
I don’t know what day it is anymore. And I haven’t slept in… I don’t know. Days? Weeks?Time’s lost all shape.The clock on the wall ticks, but I think it’s been stuck at the same time for hours. Or days. Or maybe I’m the one who’s stuck.Maybe I’m the one who’s been stuck here on this cold floor, head against the leg of a chair, an empty bottle dangling from my hand.My mouth tastes bitter, too bitter… and my mind is heavy, my thoughts so jumbled I can barely make any sense of it.It’s quiet.The silence is scratching at my skin, crawling into my chest and suffocating the hell out of me.The last time I counted days, I stopped at seven, now I can’t tell how long it’s been since I last saw her.The last time I was sober enough to hear what Caleb was saying, he’d said she had taken a walk to the park once, and she sketched.That made me really happy—to know she still has something to look forward to, something in her heart that’s alive.Me? I’m dead in all forms of death.I was dead be
To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 68– Michael
It’s been three days.Three days since I’ve seen her. Since I’ve heard her voice. Since she looked at me and didn’t see a lie or a monster, or a man she’s disgusted by.And I can’t breathe.I can’t fucking breath and it has nothing to do with the lack of oxygen. Every time I draw in a breath, something in my chest hurts so deeply.She needs time.She needs space to think.She needs to understand what she feels.She needs to decide.And I promised myself I’d give her the space she deserves. I won’t be overbearing, I won’t overwhelm her and have her make a decision she’s unsure of. But now a day has turned into two. Then into three. Then into four. Then five… and six… and seven…And I’m still here, staring at my phone, waiting for it to vibrate and light up with her name. I’m still pacing these floors like a caged animal, still hoping she’ll send me something—anything. A text. A curse. A demand to leave her the hell alone. Anything to let me know I haven’t lost her to silence completel
To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 67– Adaline
“Because you needed to be safe, and power is the only thing that keeps bloodthirsty men less thirsty. He handed them power so his wife can keep her head.”My skin is shivering, pricking with a desperation to rip apart as the words sink into my mind. My first response is a small breath. The second is to walk around the room, making sure to keep my eyes away from my father, unable to look that man in the eyes at this moment when the only word my mind is screaming at him is: monster!My breath stutters.Disappointment curls around my chest, tightening, squeezing until I’m unable to breathe.“Is this what life is for you, Dad?” I ask, this time standing by the window and looking out to the drive—the very place my mother’s car crashed, the very place she knelt and a bullet split her head open.“What do you mean?” Dad asks from behind me, his voice thick.“I mean, using people to achieve certain goals without minding the effect it has on them?” I lift my shoulders. “Like when you asked me
To Hate, To Love, And To Wed 66– Adaline
When my father agreed to have a conversation with me, the shock hit so hard it felt like the floor shifted beneath my feet. I blinked, unsure if I’d heard him right. My hand had hovered mid-air, my fingers freezing on the portrait it was trailing. I looked at him and waited for a sign that he was joking. When I got none, I nodded eagerly and scrambled to a seat. But knowing what we wanted to discuss was not the easiest or lightest, I suggested we do something that’ll keep our minds active.We settled for sips and paint—opened a bottle of red wine while we stroke brushes over the canvases in front of us.For us, this is a way to connect to the person who’s not here with us. My mother. My father’s wife.Our gazes keep colliding. It’s brief, flickering connections that feel like static shocks. But no one speaks. The silence stretches taut, brittle, like a string pulled too tight and ready to snap.Dad is hesitating.I’m afraid of saying too much all at once and sending him on his heels.
