Chapter 1
After my family went bankrupt, I was taken in by my mother’s best friend into the Blackwood Family. That’s how I became entangled with the Blackwood brothers for eighteen years.
Their pursuit and favoritism toward me made everyone insanely jealous.
But when I wanted to settle down and have a family, both two rejected me outright.
Marcus, the older brother, smirked: “Work’s my priority, Marriage? Not my thing.”
Nathan, the younger one, shrugged: “I’m not ready to be tied down yet. Our history? That was just us playing house – nothing real.”
However, the very next day, at my birthday celebration, they both proposed to the housekeeper’s
daughter.
And to please her, they even forced me to drink strong liquor despite my stomach condition. When I ended up in the ER with internal bleeding, they all shielded her eyes and laughed about how I was just putting on a show.‘
My heart turned to stone. The day I was discharged, I called my mom.
“I’m ready to marry the Montgomery heir.”
I had just left the hospital, my body still adjusting to the bone–chilling fall air. That’s when Nathan called. His tone was harsh and accusing.
“Rose, where the hell have you been hiding? You think running away solves anything? Get back here and apologize to Amber right now!”
Marcus’s voice carried through as well.
“You faked being sick and made Amber feel terrible! She’s already fragile, and because of you, she hasn’t had an appetite for days!”
I stared at my reflection in the glass window.
Sapped Today. OKUMUMË TRETTOMANS
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Chapter 1
So pale and weak, like like a single breath of wind might just carry me off.
I’d always had a weak stomach and poor health since childhood.
Over the years, both brothers have worried themselves sick about my health.
I remember once when I fell ill in the middle of the night, Marcus carried me on his back up twenty flights of stairs when the elevator broke down.
And Nathan ran through the entire city to find my favorite yam cake to cheer me up.
After that, they strictly controlled everything I ate and drank, handling everything personally.
However, unfortunately, after Amber appeared, they threw all of that history out the window.
Thought of this, I silently hung up and dialed my mother’s number.
“Mom, I’ve made up my mind. I’m willing to marry the Montgomery heir.”
Mom paused for a moment. “Rose, this is your life we’re talking about. Are you absolutely sure?”
That year–my father passed away and our family corporation crumbled into bankruptcy soon after.
While my mother sent me to stay in Atlantic City, she remained behind, single–handedly keeping what remained of our business from complete collapse.
Over the next eighteen years, she meticulously built relationships with the Montgomery family, carefully laying the groundwork that would eventually give our family corporation its chance at
resurrection.
But more than the family’s success, what she really cared about was still my happiness.
So even Mrs. Montgomery had early set her sights on me as her “granddaughter–in–law,” Mom still left the final decision to me.
I used to believe true love was hard to find, so I’d prefer to just choose between the Blackwood brothers.
But now I understand that… I was just their plaything when they were bored.
I should have taken the hint and left long ago.
17:21
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Slapped Today Crowned Tomorrow
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Chapter 1
Just as I opened my phone to book a flight, an Amber’s latest post popped up.
“Real love doesn’t need words–only washed–up has–beens claw for relevance.”
She flaunted those two flashy diamond rings like they were trophies.
And there she was, lounging in my room like it was her own.
Wearing the designer outfit and crystal shoes the Blackwood brothers had custom–made for my
birthday six months ago.
I silently blocked Amber.
“Mom, I’m serious. I want to have my own child soon.”
At the hospital, the doctor hit me with a brutal truth: the accident messed up my body bad.
“If you don’t have kids when you’re young,” he bluntly warned, “you might never get to be a mom.”
Now, my time’s up–I can’t wait any longer.
“Alright, I respect your decision.”
“Mrs. Montgomery checked that the next Sunday is an lucky day for marriage registration. Just come home, I’ll take care of everything, okay?”
Mom must have known exactly what’s up. So right before hanging up, she only added one more thing.
“Remember to say goodbye to Mrs. Blackwood properly.”
I looked up at the gloomy sky.
Doctor said I needed a week to heal up after surgery.
One week.
It’s enough for me to cut ties and walk away from this mess for good.
17:21