Chapter 13 Her Sacrifices
After hearing the bombshell news about Marcus‘ marriage, Anthony immediately slung an arm around his shoulder, grinning from car to ear.
“Come on. Tell me. Was I the first to know?” He raised his brows, eyes practically sparkling with excitement.
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“You were,” Marcus replied bluntly, shrugging him off without a second thought.
Unfazed, Anthony just laughed and raised his glass. “That’s what I call friendship! We have to celebrate this: Cheers!”
They clinked glasses, and Anthony took a sip. His face immediately twisted in disapproval. “No, no, this wine is a tragedy. Totally unacceptable.
“Marcus, this is a once–in–a–lifetime event. You’re finally tying the knot before hitting thirty! We need the good stuff.”
Before Marcus could object, Anthony was already halfway to the wine cellar. A few minutes later, he returned triumphantly, holding a bottle of his dad’s century–old vintage.
The thought of his father’s inevitable fury barely registered.
Chapter 13 Her Sacrifices
Under the pale glow of the moonlight, the scene was anything but celebratory. The soft silver rays filtered through the floor–to–ceiling windows, illuminating a battlefield of empty wine bottles scattered across the floor.
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Abigail lay sprawled on the sofa, her arm dangling off the side, clutching a half–empty bottle of rosé. Her tear–streaked face was flushed from the alcohol, and she could barely remember how much she had drunk.
All she knew was that ever since hanging up the phone with Olivia, her chest had felt unbearably tight.
She wasn’t naïve. She knew James didn’t care much for her.
The reason was that ugly little family secret she’d stumbled
upon years ago.
It had been an ordinary weekend. Excited to show off the new dessert she’d learned to make, she decided to bring some to James, who was working overtime.
But the moment she reached his office door, her world came crashing down.
There he was, laughing and flirting shamelessly with his
secretary.
And the secretary sweetly asked him to attend their son’s birthday party.
Sixteen–year–old Abigail had stood frozen in shock, every word
Chapter 13 Her Sacrifices.
they said stabbing her like a dagger. She’d run home sobbing, her heart shattered.
But when she saw Natalia waiting for her, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything.
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For years, she had believed her parents were the epitome of love and harmony.
But it had all been a lice.
Natalia adored James and trusted him implicitly. She’d never survive learning the truth about his decade–long betrayal.
After crying herself hoarse, Abigail had come to a decision.
She kept the affair to herself, but deep down, she began to fear the illegitimate son would one day come for the Winchester Group.
So, after her SAT, she made a drastic choice. She gave up on her dreams, enrolled in a major she didn’t care for, and stepped into the family business right after graduation.
The Winchester Group had started as a construction and interior design firm under her grandfather.
Under James, it had expanded into hotels, antiques, equestrian centers, fine dining, and even entertainment.
But as the years went by, James‘ once–sharp instincts dulled. A string of bad investments brought the company to the brink of
Chapter 13 Her Sacrifices bankruptcy.
For two years, Abigail threw herself into saving the business, working tirelessly to keep it afloat.
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But her efforts didn’t earn her gratitude. Instead, James accused her of trying to take over the company.
Their arguments grew bitter, and their once–close bond turned into a cold war.
Even Natalia, swayed by the manipulative Caroline, started pulling away from her.
Looking back, Abigail couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.
Her life and her sacrifices all felt like one cruel joke.
By the time the driver parked Marcus‘ car in the underground garage, it was already 2 a.m.
Marcus sat in the back seat, lost in thought, the faint scent of alcohol lingering around him.
After turning off the ignition, the driver quietly left.
Marcus stayed where he was, staring into the dimly lit garage.
At this hour, Abigail was probably asleep.
She seemed more relaxed when he wasn’t around. Without him, there’d be no tension in the air, no need to keep her guard up.
Chapter 13 Her Sacrifices
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The thought softened his gaze. Taking his keys, he got out of the car and headed home.
But the moment he opened the door, a wave of alcohol hit him like a truck.
He froze, momentarily wondering if he’d stumbled into a distillery by mistake.
This wasn’t from him as he’d only had two drinks with Anthony.
The realization sent a chill down his spine. Something was
wrong.
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