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Chapter 3

Author: ONYINYE
last update Huling Na-update: 2024-09-07 17:39:23

**The Price of Secrets**

Sophia walked briskly through the garden that sprawled behind the reception hall, the cool night air stinging her cheeks. The garden lights cast a soft glow on the manicured hedges and blooming roses, but the beauty of the place only deepened her sense of isolation. Her thoughts whirled chaotically, the weight of Ethan’s words pressing down on her. Who could be watching her, and why? She felt a cold shiver run down her spine as she tried to piece together the fragments of Jason’s betrayal, Ava’s involvement, and Ethan’s cryptic warnings.

Ethan’s footsteps crunched on the gravel path behind her, his presence a constant reminder of the dangers she faced. He was close now, close enough that she could feel his breath, but Sophia kept her eyes forward, unwilling to acknowledge him.

“Still think you’re safe out here?” Ethan asked, his voice low, almost mocking. “If I were you, I’d be looking over my shoulder. People have a habit of disappearing when they dig too deep.”

Sophia spun around, her patience wearing thin. “Why are you telling me this, Ethan? If you’re trying to scare me, it’s working. But I don’t need more fear—I need answers.”

Ethan smirked, his eyes flickering with a mixture of amusement and something darker. “Fear’s the only thing keeping you alive right now, Sophia. You think you know Jason, Ava, and everyone around you, but trust me, they’ve got secrets. Big ones. And secrets have a nasty way of biting back.”

Sophia clenched her fists, her frustration boiling over. “Enough with the riddles, Ethan! What do you know? If you really want to help, tell me who’s behind all this.”

Ethan stepped closer, his expression turning serious. “Alright, but you’re not going to like it. It’s not just about you and Jason. This goes deeper—into the family, into business deals that should’ve never happened. Jason got involved in something dangerous, something that could ruin more than just a wedding.”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed. “Business? What kind of business?”

Ethan glanced around, as if the garden itself might be listening. “Illegal deals, money laundering. He got in too deep with the wrong people, and now they’re using you to keep him in line.”

Sophia’s breath caught in her throat. Jason had always been ambitious, but she never imagined he could be involved in something so reckless. “You’re lying. Jason wouldn’t—”

Ethan interrupted her, his voice sharp. “You think I’m lying? Why do you think he left you at the altar? It wasn’t just the baby or cold feet. He’s scared, Soph. Scared of what’ll happen if he doesn’t play along.”

Sophia took a step back, her mind reeling. “Play along? With what? Why am I in the middle of this?”

Ethan hesitated, his expression softening slightly. “Because you’re leverage, Sophia. They think they can control him through you. And if Jason won’t play ball, well… let’s just say accidents happen.”

Sophia’s knees felt weak, the implications of Ethan’s words sinking in. She turned away, staring out at the garden, her mind racing. This wasn’t just about a broken promise or a runaway groom—it was about survival. She was a pawn in a game she didn’t understand, and the stakes were higher than she’d ever imagined.

“Why are you telling me this now?” Sophia asked, her voice barely a whisper. “What do you get out of it?”

Ethan’s gaze hardened, his jaw clenching. “Because I’m not the only one keeping secrets. I know things, too—things that could hurt them. But I can’t do it alone. I need you to help me bring Jason down.”

Sophia turned to face him, shock and disbelief written all over her face. “Bring Jason down? You’re his brother!”

Ethan stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. “Brother or not, I’m not letting him drag us all into his mess. But you need to decide, Sophia. Are you going to keep being the victim, or are you going to fight back?”

Before Sophia could respond, a figure emerged from the shadows of the garden, moving swiftly towards them. It was Ava, her face pale and eyes wide with fear. She glanced nervously between Sophia and Ethan, her breath coming in quick, ragged gasps.

“Ava?” Sophia said, startled. “What are you doing here?”

Ava grabbed Sophia’s arm, her grip tight and frantic. “Sophia, you need to leave—now. They’re coming. They found out you were talking to Ethan.”

Sophia’s heart pounded as she looked at Ava, then back at Ethan, whose expression had shifted from confident to alarmed. “Who’s coming?” Sophia demanded, her voice rising in panic.

“The people Jason owes,” Ava said, her voice breaking. “They think you know too much. They’re not going to let you walk away.”

Ethan cursed under his breath, his eyes darting towards the darkened edges of the garden. “Damn it, we need to move. Now.”

As they hurried through the garden, Sophia’s mind raced. She was caught in a web of lies, surrounded by people she couldn’t fully trust, each with their own motives and secrets. And now, the threat was no longer just a whisper—it was a reality, closing in fast.

As the three of them reached the edge of the garden, headlights suddenly illuminated the path, blinding them. A car screeched to a halt, blocking their escape. The doors flew open, and men in dark suits stepped out, their faces shadowed and menacing. Sophia’s breath hitched as she realized the full extent of the danger she was in. The game had changed, and the price of secrets was about to be paid.

Sophia stormed through the lush garden behind the reception hall, her heels sinking slightly into the damp earth with each step. The ornate fountains and blooming roses, usually so serene, now felt like the backdrop to her own unraveling. Her heart pounded with every word Ethan had uttered. She could hardly believe the turn her life had taken in just a few hours. Jason’s betrayal, Ava’s involvement, and now Ethan’s ominous warnings had her head spinning.

Ethan followed her closely, his footsteps crunching on the gravel path, keeping pace as if he sensed she was on the verge of breaking. He had always been the troublemaker in Jason’s life, the one who knew how to dance on the edge of danger. But tonight, his usual cocky demeanor was tempered with an urgency that unsettled her.

“Running isn’t going to help, Sophia,” Ethan said, his voice cutting through the night’s silence. “You’re in deep whether you like it or not. If you want to survive this, you need to stop pretending everything’s fine.”

Sophia whirled around, her eyes blazing with fury. “Stop pretending? How dare you? I didn’t ask to be part of this nightmare. I thought I was marrying the man I loved, not stepping into some twisted game!”

Ethan held her gaze, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “Believe me, I wish it was just a game. But Jason got involved with some dangerous people—people who don’t care about your wedding or your happy-ever-after. To them, you’re just leverage.”

Sophia’s breath hitched. “Leverage? For what?”

“Money, power. Jason’s been laundering cash for a syndicate that’s way out of his league. When he tried to pull out, they started using you as collateral,” Ethan explained, his voice edged with frustration. “And now, they think you’re a liability.”

Sophia’s world spun, her knees nearly giving out as she clutched the garden’s stone railing for support. “A liability? I don’t even know these people!”

“Doesn’t matter,” Ethan said grimly. “They’ve been watching you for weeks. Your movements, your meetings—everything. Jason thought he could protect you by keeping you in the dark, but that just made you a bigger target.”

Sophia felt a wave of nausea. Everything she thought she knew about her life with Jason had been a lie. The man she loved, the life she envisioned—it was all a facade, paper-thin and crumbling. As the implications sank in, she heard footsteps approaching from behind, quick and urgent.

Sophia turned to see Ava rushing toward them, her face pale and eyes wide with panic. “Sophia! Ethan! We need to go. Now.”

Sophia stepped back, confusion mixing with dread. “Ava, what’s going on?”

Ava’s voice wavered, her gaze darting nervously around the garden. “They’re coming. The syndicate—they know you’ve been talking to Ethan. They think you’re planning something. We have to leave before they find us.”

Sophia’s pulse quickened, her mind scrambling to keep up. “Who told them? How did they find out so fast?”

Ethan’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is getting you out of here before they make an example of you.”

Sophia looked between Ethan and Ava, the two people she least expected to rely on, and yet here they were, her unlikely allies in a night gone terribly wrong. She could see the fear in Ava’s eyes, the determination in Ethan’s, and a bitter resolve hardened within her. She wasn’t going to be anyone’s pawn, not anymore.

They hurried through the maze of hedges, the moonlight casting long shadows that stretched like ghostly fingers across the path. The sound of their breathing, quick and ragged, mingled with the distant murmur of the party still carrying on, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking just beyond the garden walls.

As they neared the exit, headlights suddenly flooded the path, blinding them. A sleek black car screeched to a halt, blocking their escape. The doors burst open, and four men stepped out, dressed in dark suits, their faces obscured by the harsh glare. Each carried the unmistakable posture of someone accustomed to intimidation and violence.

Sophia’s heart raced as she clung to Ethan’s arm, her mind screaming for an escape that wasn’t there. The men moved closer, their expressions unreadable but their intent clear. Ethan pushed Sophia behind him, his stance tense and ready.

“Stay behind me,” Ethan whispered urgently. “Whatever happens, don’t let them take ......

The lead man stepped forward, his voice cold and commanding. “Ethan, Sophia, you’ve made a very costly mistake tonight. You’re coming with us, now.”

Sophia’s eyes darted to Ethan, her breath catching. She had been pulled into a world of secrets and shadows, and now, standing at the brink of no return, she realized there was no going back. The only choice left was to fight—and survive.

Kaugnay na kabanata

  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    chapter 4

    **Shadows of Betrayal**The night air was thick with tension as Sophia stood paralyzed, her heart pounding in her chest. The menacing men in dark suits closed in, their expressions cold and unreadable. The garden, once a place of solace and beauty, now felt like a trap—each perfectly trimmed hedge and marble statue a silent witness to her unfolding nightmare.Ethan shifted, positioning himself between Sophia and the approaching men, his jaw set in a defiant line. Ava, trembling but determined, clutched Sophia’s arm, her grip tight enough to leave marks. The leader of the group, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, took another step forward, his gaze piercing through the shadows.“Ethan,” the man growled, his voice a low rumble. “You were warned to keep your distance. Now look where it’s gotten you.”Ethan smirked, though his eyes flickered with unease. “Funny, I don’t remember asking for advice. What do you want, Marco?”Marco’s smile was cold. “This isn’t about what I want,

    Huling Na-update : 2024-09-07
  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 5

    **The Bitter Truth**The car's engine hummed, filling the tense silence as it hurtled down the dark, winding road. Sophia's heart raced, her mind a tangled mess of fear, anger, and confusion. The night outside the windows was pitch black, the world beyond reduced to fleeting shadows and blurred lights. Beside her, Ethan sat rigid, his gaze locked forward, as if bracing for an impact that had yet to come.Sophia’s hands trembled in her lap. Ethan’s words echoed in her mind, a chilling refrain that refused to fade. *“He made a choice. He chose his own skin over you.”* She felt the sting of betrayal deep in her chest. Every memory of Jason—his promises, his kisses, the way he’d held her hand and swore they’d face everything together—now felt like a cruel joke.“Tell me everything,” Sophia demanded, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. “No more half-truths, no more lies. Why did Jason do this?”Ethan glanced at her, his expression grim. “Jason’s always been desperate to p

    Huling Na-update : 2024-09-07
  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 6

    **The Cost of Trust**A remote cabin in the woods, far from the city. The warm glow from the fireplace casts soft shadows around the room. It's cozy, but the tension inside is palpable. The silence outside feels heavy, with the wind rustling the trees, adding to the sense of isolation.Sophia and Ethan sit by the fireplace, the heat from the fire doing little to ease the cold distance between them. After everything they’ve been through, trust is still fragile. They’ve escaped the immediate danger, but the emotional scars run deep. Ethan has been protective, but Sophia senses that he’s holding something back, and it’s eating away at her. She wants to trust him, but doubts linger in her heart.Sophia struggles with her feelings for Ethan. After Jason’s betrayal, she is terrified of being hurt again. Every time she looks at Ethan, she wonders if he’s hiding something. She can’t afford to fall for someone only to be deceived once more. Ethan, on the other hand, is torn between confessing

    Huling Na-update : 2024-09-20
  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    chapter 7

    **Torn Between Shadows**The night deepens around the cabin, the sky a heavy blanket of darkness. The trees sway ominously in the wind, casting long shadows that stretch toward the windows. Inside, the warmth from the fireplace contrasts with the icy tension that Jason’s sudden arrival has brought. The cabin, once a refuge, now feels small and suffocating. The three figures stand still, the silence thick with the weight of unsaid words.Ethan’s eyes narrow at Jason, fists clenching at his sides.The cold night presses in on the cabin as a storm brews in the distance. Thunder rumbles softly, a low, ominous sound that mirrors the tension inside. The once-cozy cabin now feels claustrophobic, the fire in the hearth barely offering warmth to the strained trio standing in its glow. The isolation that once felt like a sanctuary now feels like a trap. Outside, the wind picks up, rattling the windows, adding to the eerie atmosphere of unease.Jason’s eyes flicker between Sophia and Ethan, his d

    Huling Na-update : 2024-09-20
  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 8

    **A Door to Darkness**The once cozy cabin has become a fortress under siege. The wind howls outside, shaking the fragile structure, while the ominous voice beyond the door echoes with a bone-chilling threat. Shadows dance on the walls, illuminated only by the flickering light from the fireplace. Inside, the tension is suffocating as Ethan, Sophia, and Jason stand frozen, their minds racing to comprehend the danger creeping closer.Ethan’s hand hovers over the gun he has tucked away in his jacket, but his mind is working on overdrive. He can’t risk a confrontation without knowing who’s at the door. Sophia stands behind him, her hands gripping the back of a chair for support, her knuckles white. Jason’s face is pale, his panic just barely restrained.The knock comes again, this time accompanied by a slow, menacing drag of knuckles against the wood. The voice follows, dripping with malice. “Open the door, Jason. We know you’re inside. You can’t hide from us.”Sophia’s heart hammers in h

    Huling Na-update : 2024-09-21
  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 9

    ** The Cost of Secrets**The cold night clings to the cabin as the rain beats against the windows, intensifying the fear inside. The flickering light of the fire only casts darker shadows as Sophia, Ethan, Jason, and Max stand in the heart of the cabin, emotions whirling like a storm. Outside, the men that Max came with wait, their presence a constant threat. The door, broken from their forced entry, hangs crookedly on its hinges, a reminder of the fragile situation they're all trapped in.Sophia’s mind spins, her legs weakening as she stares at Max. Her brother—her long-lost brother—now stands as part of the very force that threatens to tear her world apart. The cabin feels smaller, its four walls pressing in on her, trapping her between two impossibilities: the betrayal she feels from Max’s presence, and the looming danger outside.Jason, still pale, speaks first. “What the hell is going on here? Max, why are you with them?”Max’s expression hardens, his eyes locking with Jason’s. “

    Huling Na-update : 2024-09-22
  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 10

    **Hearts in the Storm**The storm outside rages on, mirroring the chaos within the cabin. Rain lashes against the windows, lightning occasionally illuminating the dark forest that surrounds them. Inside, tension simmers. Ethan, Sophia, Max, and Jason are all on edge, with danger looming just beyond the walls. The fire crackles, but its warmth does little to comfort them. As the gunshot echoes in the distance, fear tightens its grip on everyone, but it’s the weight of the secrets that has shattered the fragile trust between them.Sophia stands frozen in the middle of the cabin, her mind still reeling from the revelations. The rain pounds harder, but her thoughts are consumed with Max’s words: *You’re the key to everything.* What could that possibly mean? She feels like her world is falling apart—everything she thought she knew about her brother, her life, has turned out to be a lie.Ethan moves closer, his hand brushing gently against her arm. “Sophia, we have to go. We don’t have time

    Huling Na-update : 2024-09-23
  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 11

    ** The Betrayal Unveiled**The cabin feels smaller now, the walls closing in as the rain outside continues its relentless assault. The fire, which had once been a source of comfort, is now merely a flickering shadow in the face of the chaos within. The air is thick with tension, fear, and betrayal. Every breath Sophia takes is laced with disbelief as she stares at her brother, her mind spinning from his words. The masked intruder stands in the center of the room, gun still trained on Max, but his cold gaze now fixed squarely on Sophia. She feels Ethan’s protective arm around her, but even that can’t stop the gnawing sense of dread that’s settled in the pit of her stomach.Sophia’s voice trembles as she steps forward, unable to hold back her emotions any longer. “Max… what are you doing? You’re my brother, how can you just stand there and let them take me?”Max’s face is etched with pain, but his posture remains firm. “I’ve done everything I could to keep you safe, Sophia. But I can’t

    Huling Na-update : 2024-09-23

Pinakabagong kabanata

  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 130

    **A Peaceful New Dawn**The early morning sun broke through the mist, casting a golden hue over the valley as Clara, Ethan, Celeste, Malcolm, and the children stood at the entrance to the Keeper’s ancient sanctum. The air was filled with a calm serenity, a stark contrast to the trials and chaos they had faced.For the first time in what felt like forever, the world around them seemed at peace. The ominous hum of danger, which had hung over their journey like a dark cloud, was finally gone.“Is it… over?” Clara asked, her voice trembling with cautious hope.The Keeper appeared before them, his form now solid and less foreboding. His deep, resonant voice carried a softness they hadn’t heard before. “You have faced the shadows of your hearts and minds, and you have emerged whole. The balance is restored, and with it, the peace you sought.”Ethan wrapped an arm around Clara’s shoulders, pulling her close. “We couldn’t have done it without you,” he said, looking at each of their companions

  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 129

    ** The Final Sacrifice**The air hung heavy with tension as Clara, Ethan, Celeste, and Malcolm stood before the glowing portal. The Keeper’s words echoed in their minds: “Each of you must decide what you are willing to lose.”The Keeper’s calm, unwavering gaze swept across the group, and Clara felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her. She glanced at her companions, seeing her own fear reflected in their eyes.“Whatever happens, we stick together,” Ethan said firmly, his hand brushing against Clara’s for reassurance.Clara nodded, though her heart pounded. The Keeper’s words had revealed the portal wasn’t just another trial—it was a test of their deepest resolve.The Keeper gestured to the portal. “You must step through and offer your sacrifice. Only then will the next seal be within your grasp.”“What if we don’t?” Malcolm asked, his voice betraying the defiance he still clung to.The Keeper’s serene expression didn’t waver. “Then your journey ends here. And so does your wor

  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 128

    ** The Veil Between Worlds**The group ventured deeper into the mysterious terrain, the air thick with an unexplainable tension. The ground beneath their feet shifted subtly, almost alive, as if the land itself was aware of their presence. The mark on Clara’s hand burned faintly, a constant reminder of the seal they had claimed and the power it held.As they pressed on, Celeste halted abruptly, raising a hand to signal silence. The group froze, their breaths held in unison. “Do you hear that?” Celeste whispered, her voice barely audible.A low hum resonated through the air, rhythmic and haunting. It seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere all at once. Clara strained her ears, trying to make sense of the sound, but its source eluded her.“It’s a warning,” Malcolm muttered, his voice laced with unease.Ethan stepped forward, his gaze scanning the dense surroundings. “A warning or a lure. Either way, we need to stay alert.”Clara nodded, though unease gnawed at her. The hum grew loude

  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 127

    ** The Silent Mountains and the First Trial**The journey to the northern mountains tested Clara, Ethan, Celeste, and Malcolm in ways none of them had anticipated. The forest gave way to rocky terrain, the air grew colder, and the wind carried whispers that seemed to taunt them with their fears. Despite the harshness of the path, they pressed on, driven by the knowledge that the fate of their world rested on their success.The mountains loomed before them, their snow-capped peaks piercing the clouds. Clara shivered as a biting wind swept through the valley.“This place feels… different,” Malcolm muttered, his eyes scanning the horizon.Ethan nodded, his jaw set. “It’s like the air itself is watching us.”Celeste knelt by a patch of frozen ground, brushing away snow to reveal ancient symbols carved into the stone. “This is it,” she said, her voice steady. “The first trial is here.”Clara joined her, studying the symbols. They matched the map’s markings, but they seemed to pulse faintly

  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 126

    ** The Echo of Shadows**The morning after the battle was unusually quiet. The sun bathed the village in its golden light, and for the first time in what felt like ages, there was no trace of the oppressive darkness that had plagued them. Clara, Ethan, and Malcom stood near the village square, taking in the peaceful scene, though their minds were far from at ease.The villagers began to emerge from their homes and the church, hesitantly at first, as though testing the reality of their newfound safety. A few children ran out into the square, their laughter a welcome sound that broke the eerie silence.Clara glanced at Ethan. “It feels… strange, doesn’t it? Like it’s over, but not really.”Ethan nodded, his gaze lingering on the horizon. “We’ve won this battle, but the scars it left behind won’t heal overnight. And there’s still something unsettled.”Malcom, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke. “The artifact may be destroyed, and the entity contained, but the balance

  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 125

    **The Sacrifice of Light**The village was shrouded in an unnatural stillness. The shadows that had attacked relentlessly just moments ago now hovered uncertainly, their forms quivering as if tethered to some unseen force. Clara and Ethan stood at the center of the square, their breaths heavy, their determination unwavering. The villagers had taken refuge in the church, but Clara could feel their fear radiating like a physical presence.“Celeste must’ve done something,” Ethan said, scanning the horizon. “The artifact—she’s disrupting its power.”Clara nodded but didn’t lower her guard. The air felt heavy, charged with impending doom. And then, like a crack of thunder, a pulse of energy rippled through the village, originating from the forest.Deep within the cave, Celeste stood before the artifact, her fingers grazing its cursed surface. The dark voice in her mind grew louder, its taunts turning into venomous whispers.“You cannot destroy what has been forged in darkness. Your light i

  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 124

    **Echoes of Deception**The air felt heavy as the group sat in the meeting hall, a hastily assembled strategy session in progress. Clara sat at the head of the table, her face drawn with exhaustion but her spirit unwavering. The fight with the shadows had left scars on everyone, but the eerie calm that followed was unsettling."We need to regroup," Ethan said, his voice steady but firm. "If someone is controlling the shadows, then they’re watching us. We can’t let our guard down."Celeste nodded. "Agreed. But we need more information. Malcom hinted at more before he left. He knows something, and we need to track him down."Clara leaned forward, her eyes scanning the room. "Celeste, I want you to follow Malcom. Keep your distance, but find out where he goes. Ethan, take charge of fortifying the village. We can't be caught off guard again."Everyone nodded, their trust in Clara evident, but unease lingered.As night fell, Celeste tailed Malcom into the forest. The man moved with purpose

  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 123

    **Shadows in the Light**The night in the village felt unusually heavy, the stars dimmed by a haze that wasn’t there before. Clara stood by the window, her arms wrapped around herself as if warding off a chill. Ethan slept soundly, but Clara couldn’t shake the unease that had gripped her since Malcom’s arrival.She watched the forest edge, the trees swaying gently under the moonlight. For a brief moment, the shadows seemed to move on their own, almost alive. Clara blinked, unsure if her eyes were playing tricks on her.At dawn, the village square was abuzz with whispers. A farmer reported that several of his sheep were missing, their pen broken into during the night. Another villager claimed to have seen a dark figure stalking the outskirts.Clara and Ethan convened an emergency meeting.“Something is happening,” Ethan said, his tone grave. “It’s not just coincidence. We must be prepared.”The villagers agreed, though fear was evident in their faces. Clara glanced at Malcom, who stood

  • UNWED AND EXPECTING    Chapter 122

    **New Beginnings and Uncharted Paths**The sun rose over the village, its golden light streaming through the rebuilt homes and lush greenery. The air carried the scent of freshly tilled soil and blooming wildflowers, marking a new chapter for the resilient community. For Clara, Ethan, and their children, life seemed to have reached a fragile peace, but beneath the surface, the revelations of recent days lingered.Clara stood in the kitchen, kneading dough for the morning bread. Her mind replayed Elias’ words about Lily’s gift and the ancient lineage she had unknowingly passed on to her daughter. The weight of that knowledge sat heavy in her chest, yet she resolved to remain strong—for her family and for Lily, who had already shown such bravery.Ethan entered, his shirt unbuttoned at the top and his sleeves rolled up. He carried a basket of fresh vegetables from the garden, his face softened by a rare moment of calm.“You’re lost in thought again,” he said, setting the basket on the co

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