2025-05-17 00:59:38
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CHAPTER 163
Uptown, around 2:14 PM, in Marina Ward’s Penthouse. She had been so busy with work at the military base that finally she was given a leave to relax and unwind. Now she decided to glance through her phone and what appeared made her hair stand on edge. The screen dimmed after the last photo loaded—an image of Luca in a sharply cut tuxedo, standing beside Amelia Thornton, the glowing bride-to-be. It was all over social media now, subtle, high-class photos from a private rooftop engagement party, all tagged discreetly but unmistakably. Luca Ashford and Amelia Thornton, their wedding will be coming up in a week. Marina Ward stared at the phone in her hand, lips slightly parted. She hadn’t meant to see it. It just… appeared. Like the universe was mocking her again. The espresso in her cup had gone cold. Her apartment, usually filled with curated playlists and quiet elegance, was now unnervingly still. There was an immense feeling that welled over her, it made her feel re
CHAPTER 162
A week later, the Thornton estate had never seen this much activity. Luxury cars pulled in and out of the long driveway. Delivery vans from top fashion houses came and went, dropping off garment bags and accessory cases. Calla lilies and pale roses were being tested in arrangements that sprawled across the entire west wing sitting room. Stylists, planners, and photographers moved in a coordinated chaos, whispering about lighting, angles, and vibe consistency for the engagement shoot. And right in the middle of it all—Amelia Thornton was glowing. She sat on the edge of a cream leather sectional in their newly redecorated lounge, flipping through the latest mockups from her wedding planner’s iPad. “This color palette isn’t working,” she said, eyes sharp. “The emerald doesn’t pop against the ash backdrop. Let’s try ivory and rust instead.” Her voice was calm, direct. She had always been graceful, but now she was undeniably in control. This was her occasion and she wa
CHAPTER 161
One Week Later after the engagement announcement to the world and social media. Everything seems to go back to normal or so they thought. The morning sun spilled softly through the arched windows of the Thornton estate, casting a golden hue across the sprawling gardens. The air carried a calm, fragrant breeze of lavender and lemon balm from the herb beds Amelia had replanted herself. Inside the drawing room, Amelia flipped through its pages filled with scribbles, flower swatches, and possible venues. Her face glowed, a soft, focused joy resting on her features. She was humming under her breath, unaware that Luca stood silently in the doorway, watching her. The reason Luca was still in Thornton's estate was because Leon had insisted he stayed with them at least until the wedding day which was just two weeks later, so as to spend more time with him. Although, Luca did not want that, but he agreed to stay. Luca admiring how cute, Amelia was flipping through pages of a book
CHAPTER 160
Ashley and George sat in the corner booth of their favorite café, their trays barely touched as they joked and laughed, basking in the aftermath of their successful test. Ashley had insisted on treating George for lunch, and he'd finally accepted, though he still looked sheepish about it. "I swear, George," Ashley said, grinning. "If you keep being this smart, I'll have to start booking tutoring appointments through an agent." George pushed his glasses up, hiding a soft smile. "Well, I take payment in milkshakes and French fries." He joked. Ashley laughed, just as her phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up, her expression sobering as she saw the caller ID: Dad. Joe Stark. Ashley sighed and stared at the phone for a bit longer before answering. Their relationship had improved lately. He wasn't breathing down her neck every hour anymore, and the private security team that used to trail her everywhere had been reduced to a distant presence. For once in years, sh
CHAPTER 159
George got home that evening with his thoughts still spinning like a wheel stuck in motion. Ashley's teasing words echoed in his mind, looping over and over. "Do you want me to be your girlfriend?" He knew she had been joking, well, half-joking but still, the question haunted him. Should he have been just as blunt? Should he have told her how he felt, laid it all bare? Maybe she would have laughed, or maybe she would have smiled and said yes. But he hadn't, and now, alone in the long, quiet hallway of his family's villa, it felt like a missed chance again. As George dropped his backpack onto the floor of his room, his mother Agnes waltzed in without knocking. Typical, George didn't even bother hiding his exasperation. He scoffed inwardly as she adjusted a vase on his desk like she had a right to be in there. "The maids already made dinner," Agnes announced breezily, ignoring the tension in the air. "Time to eat." George sighed, he wasn't exactly in the mood, but skipping d
CHAPTER 158
George arrived at school earlier than usual, the morning sun cast a soft glow on the school courtyard, and the breeze tugged playfully at the edges of his jacket. He settled on the bench near the entrance, eyes scanning the walkway in anticipation. He was waiting for her, Ashley. It had become their little ritual, George arriving first and waiting until she appeared, walking up with that easy smile that never failed to make his heart race. He always looked forward to seeing her, not just because they were friends now, but because she had become the most constant and comforting presence in his life. Soon enough, she came strolling in, a soft bounce in her step. Her ponytail swayed behind her as she adjusted the strap of her backpack. George smiled the moment he saw her, rising from the bench as she approached. "Morning," she said warmly. "Hey," he replied, reaching out instinctively to take her hand as they walked in together and she let him. They made their way to
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