Semua Bab I Picked My Future Husband... From Blind Boxes: Bab 1 - Bab 10

My name was Tabitha Cole, the only daughter of the Cole family, spoiled beyond measure.I had seven adopted older brothers, and the third eldest, Karl Boone, was the most handsome and the one I had mustered the courage to tell my dad about my eagerness to marry.After a long silence, my dad spoke. "Well, I respect your choice. Karl is capable and stable; he was always the best candidate. Once he returns, we'll throw you a grand wedding and make you the happiest bride in the world."From that day forward, I began waiting.My other brothers often teased me, saying that the once mischievous "little tyrant" who caused chaos had turned into an unshakeable "statue of longing".I listened but didn't bother to glare at them. I wanted nothing but for Karl to return safely and sooner.Whether he arrived riding a horse or in a beat-up car, I didn't care. I just wanted him to come back and marry me.Two years passed in a flash."Miss, he's back. Mr. Boone is back!" reported the maid.I ju

Karen continued, "I just heard from the servants that it was a gift from you. How thoughtful of you! It has really protected me and the baby."So, the blessing I had earned through blood and devotion had become nothing more than a trinket Karl could casually give to his new love.The air froze for a second. I could feel my second brother's rage igniting behind me, but I just stared quietly at the charm in her hand for a full three seconds."Oh, that?" My voice was light and carefree. "I'd forgotten about it. Bought it from a souvenir shop at the church. Ten bucks for three. It looked nice, so I grabbed some. Since you like picking up other people's trash, it's yours."I ignored her frozen smile and walked off. Steve shot her a glare and hurried after me.His voice trembled with heartache. "Tabitha, don't hold it in. I know you're hurting. Remember those 'blind boxes' I made of all the eligible young heirs in the city? You can draw one at random. Whoever you pick, I'll tie him up a

"What's all this commotion? Anyway, the wedding ring..." Richard started.I glanced at him, and he quickly shut his mouth."Karl," I said, "I'll say this once more. Keep your woman in line. If I hear anything like that again, you know what I'll do."I grabbed Richard, hauling him toward the door. Karl watched, clenching his fists."Come at the auspicious hour tomorrow to pick me up," I told Richard. "No need to keep dropping by before the wedding."He clicked his tongue. "Have you chosen the wedding dress?""Yeah.""Wear it for me to see."I gave him a sharp look, and he cowered. "That's scary, honey.""I haven't married you yet," I said, seeing him off.Heading back, I ran into Karl, who handed me a martini. I pushed it away. "Don't like it."He frowned. "Changed your taste?""Yes, in drinks and people," I replied blandly.He downed one glass after another. I pressed my hand over his to stop him, but he caught my wrist. "Why didn't you send me any messages these past two

"I'm right here," I taunted, my voice devoid of warmth, "are you going to blow it up or not? You know, I'm in a hurry to get married."My nonchalant and scornful expression rattled Karl. His pupils contracted sharply, and his chest heaved so violently that he couldn't catch his breath.A sudden jet of blood splattered from his mouth, staining his pale chin and shirt. "Are you really going to be this cruel to me?"Richard pulled me behind him, grabbed the explosives, tied them around his waist, and grinned provocatively at Karl. "Detonate it, or I'm going to bring my wife home. Your call."Karl hesitated, his thumb hovering over the detonation switch. But in the end, he gave up, looking at me with immense pain.A large group of men appeared behind him, darkening the area.Richard snapped his fingers, and a wave of uniformed figures emerged from the hidden spots along the road, quickly assembling.They positioned themselves in a standoff against Karl's crew, the tension in the air

Standing on the side, my dad gazed at the photos.His expression softened before he let out a quiet sigh and patted Elmer's shoulder. "Indeed. The children have their own destiny."I lifted my eyes just in time to meet the gaze of Richard, who was surrounded by guests, toasting and laughing.He raised his glass across the crowd, raised an eyebrow, and smiled at me. His eyes sparkled with a teasing light, as if saying, "See? We're meant to be together."So, he had known all along....Richard left the crowd and strolled over to me. He sat down beside me, his arm draped intimately over the back of the sofa behind me. He tilted his head and gave me those puppy dog eyes."Honey," he whispered, his voice tinged with a playful accusation that only the two of us could hear, "you're a heartless little devil."He pointed subtly at the open baby album on the table and shot me another glance, this time with a dramatically pained look. "I was the first one here. We played together, thick a