All Chapters of Masked Desires: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

82 Chapters

Confess

The walls of the police interrogation room were painted a dull grey, the kind that absorbed sound and joy alike. Amanda sat perfectly still in the metal chair, legs crossed, one heel tapping faintly against the tiled floor. Her expensive coat hung on the back of the chair like a cloak of defiance. She looked out of place here, too sleek, too polished for the cold, fluorescent-lit room that stank of old coffee and stale regret.Across the table, two officers sat with a thick file, its pages stained with rainwater and mud.Amanda flicked her wrist, checking her designer watch for the third time.“I’m not sure how many more times I have to say this,” she said coolly, brushing a strand of golden hair behind her ear. “I have nothing to do with whatever scandal your department is trying to stir up.”Detective Andrew leaned forward. He was older, tired-eyed, but calm. His voice was gravel smooth. “Amanda. We know you had Minnie Love followed.”“She’s my ex-husband’s wife,” Amanda replied wit

Last Updated : 2025-07-22

What matters

he low rumble of tires crunching over snow broke the stillness outside Marta’s secluded cabin. Minnie looked up from the steaming mug in her hands, heart thudding as headlights cut through the fogged-up window. Two police cruisers pulled to a halt near the porch, their presence not blaring or urgent—but unmistakably deliberate.Marta stood up, brushing her palms on her wool skirt. “That’ll be them.”Minnie rose slowly, blanket wrapped tightly around her shoulders, the warmth of the fire unable to thaw the weight in her chest. The knock on the door came a few seconds later—firm, but not aggressive.“I’ll get it,” Marta said, giving her a reassuring nod.The door creaked open, letting in a blast of icy air and the sight of two uniformed officers, their expressions lined with both purpose and relief.“Good morning, ma’am,” said the older one, tipping his cap to Marta. “We’re looking for Ms. Minnie Love.”Minnie stepped forward, her voice hoarse but steady. “I’m Minnie.”The younger offic

Last Updated : 2025-07-22

To stubborn men.

The air smelled of disinfectant and blooming lilies from a vase left on the nurse’s station. The hospital felt unnaturally quiet despite the soft humming of machines and the shuffle of feet echoing down sterile hallways.Minnie sat in a chair outside Ethan’s room, wearing a fresh hospital gown and wrapped in a soft blanket that smelled faintly of lavender. Her body still ached, her feet were bandaged from frostbite, and her heart throbbed with too many emotions to name. But she was alive. And so was Ethan.She didn’t realize she was holding her breath until she heard heels clicking down the hallway.Cassie.Her sister appeared first, followed closely by Ellie—hair frizzy from the snow, eyes wide with relief. Behind them, Marlena Lockwood moved with her usual grace, though the usual steel in her eyes was softened now. Worry carved deeper lines into her face, but her presence felt like a wave of warmth after a long freeze.“Minnie!” Ellie rushed forward, throwing her arms around her wit

Last Updated : 2025-07-22

Jury will decide

The courthouse loomed over the old brick square—a monolith of marble pillars and stern-faced statues whose granite gazes seemed to judge all who approached. A cold wind whipped around the portico, lifting skirts and rattling loose coats, carrying shards of gravel in its swirl. Amanda D’Arcy descended from the black SUV, her posture proud and unbowed, but her cheeks were pale, her expression a flicker of controlled fury.She adjusted her orange jumpsuit and looked ahead with a stil expression. The woman who was used to designer clothes and Acessories that costed more than what people made in a year was now dressed like a common criminal. She hadnt known what it was to be disliked and here she could see hatred on peoples faces as she walked.Camera flashes exploding like artillery fire, reporters shouting accusations in synchronized waves. Amanda met the glare with polished composure, stepping forward with the practiced grace of a woman convinced of her own invincibility.Inside the cou

Last Updated : 2025-07-22

Defense

The courtroom was buzzing again. Word had spread like wildfire—Ethan Lockwood and Minnie Love had survived the storm. The media outside the courthouse swarmed like vultures drawn to heat. Everyone wanted to see the couple who had defied death, scandal, and betrayal.Inside, the courtroom was colder than usual, despite the spring air beginning to thaw outside. Amanda D’Arcy sat stiffly at the defense table, still in the orange jumpsuit, her wrists still marked faintly from the cuffs. She looked like she hadn't slept in days. She’d spent days in holding, with the walls closing in around her—and now, as the double oak doors swung open, her eyes snapped to the entrance.Minnie walked in first, dressed in a soft navy-blue suit, her hair pulled back in a simple bun. The faint scar on her temple was still visible, a cruel souvenir from the forest. She held her head high, even though a thousand eyes drilled into her.Ethan followed, slower, more guarded. Though his body was still healing, the

Last Updated : 2025-07-22

Made it

The courtroom was unusually quiet for the final day of the trial, as though it, too, was holding its breath. The sun filtered in through high windows, casting long golden beams across the polished wood floor. The crowd was packed—journalists, family members, lawyers, and a few strangers who simply couldn’t resist witnessing the fall of Amanda D’Arcy.At the prosecution’s table, Ethan sat with Minnie’s hand clasped gently in his. Though both had faced their share of storms, the warmth in their shared glance was a quiet confirmation:They had made it to the other side.Amanda stood between her attorneys at the defense table, expression cold, detached—as if by sheer force of arrogance, she could undo everything. Her once-perfect curls hung limp, and the designer suits had been replaced with a standard beige blazer. The judge entered, and everyone rose.“All parties may be seated.”Judge Harrington looked down from his bench, steepling his fingers.“After reviewing the evidence and hearin

Last Updated : 2025-07-22

Confrontations

The prison gates loomed before them, tall and gray against the cold morning light.Ethan adjusted his collar as he stepped out of the black sedan, Minnie following closebehind, her eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses. The air was thick with tension, thoughneither of them said a word as they were escorted through security.They hadn’t come to gloat. That had never been the purpose, at least not for Minnie.But Ethan—he had questions. Questions that had clawed at the edges of his mind forweeks, demanding answers. And today, Amanda had no choice but to face them.Inside, the visiting room was just as sterile and harsh as they imagined. White walls.Metal chairs bolted to the floor. A guard stationed at every corner.Amanda was already seated.Gone was the sleek, coiffed woman who once stormed into rooms like a queen. Her hairwas disheveled, tied into a limp ponytail. Her eyes were puffy and shadowed. She didn’tlook surprised to see them—only annoyed."Oh look," she said, her voice dr

Last Updated : 2025-07-24

The interview

Chapter: The Interview That Changed EverythingThe studio lights were almost blinding, but Ethan Lockwood sat with his back straight, jaw tight, and expression calm. He wore a crisp black suit with a dark navy shirt beneath it—no tie. He didn’t need one to command attention. His silence spoke louder than most men’s shouts.The host, a seasoned woman in her early fifties named Lana , sat across from him. She had the reputation of being sharp, fair, and unflinchingly direct. This was not just an interview—it was a trial by media, a public reckoning. The audience knew it. So did Ethan.“Mr. Lockwood,” Lana began, her voice smooth but piercing. “You’ve had a tumultuous year. The public has followed every twist in your story. First, your unexpected engagement, then the revelation that your wife was involved in a corporate data breach, followed by a kidnapping and near-death experience. Why did you agree to this interview?”Ethan took a moment, then looked her square in the eyes. “Because t

Last Updated : 2025-07-24

New beginings

The clink of porcelain against marble echoed softly in the Lockwood estate's sun-drenched kitchen. Marlena stood at the counter, pouring a second cup of coffee, her sharp eyes scanning through the financial pages. She looked up when she heard Ethan’s footsteps, her son walking in with that look on his face—the one she recognized from when he was a boy, about to ask for something bold.“Sit,” she said without looking, sliding him a cup. “You’ve got that expression again.”Ethan smirked, pulling out the stool across from her. “What expression?”“The one that usually ends with me getting a phone call from a private investigator or a very confused lawyer.”He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “No lawyers involved this time. Promise.”“That’s a relief.”He took a sip and looked at her. Really looked at her.There were still fine creases around her eyes, but they’d softened lately. The Marlena of the last few weeks had thawed—not completely, of course—but enough to let warmth peek thr

Last Updated : 2025-07-24

Second chances

Cassie folded her arms, leaning against the doorway with one eyebrow raised as she watched Ellie spin in front of the mirror for the third time."Okay," Cassie said dryly. "Either you're auditioning for a perfume commercial, or you're going on a date with a guy who used to be a total mess."Ellie paused mid-spin, smoothing down the flowy teal dress she had chosen—one that clung in all the right places but still looked effortlessly casual. “Can’t it be both?”Cassie smirked. “Just making sure you’re aware you said yes to Hunter. You know… Hunter Lockwood. Formerly engaged to She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, casually tried to burn down his brother’s life?”Ellie reached for her earrings. “He didn’t try to burn it down. He just… temporarily lost his moral compass.”Cassie rolled her eyes. “His compass was on fire and spinning wildly. And now you’re his north star?”Ellie paused, then looked at herself in the mirror. “He’s changed, Cass. You’ve seen it. He’s calm now. He’s funny. He actually l

Last Updated : 2025-07-24

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