The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape

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My forehead creased slightly when Grayson paused from kissing, my neck. I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary,

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"Yeah... My necklace went missing back in high school. Oh, right! I remember someone slipped an anonymon note into my locker, promising to return it after school. But, with Charlotte's gang, constantly trying to bully me, I barely gave it a second thought. Strange how it turned up in Tina's neck eight years later"

"How much does it mean to you?" he asked; his tone even,

"Hmmm... It's one of the few things I have from my grandmother. I just find it strange that Tina had it all this time. Do you think she might've been the one who sent me that note?" I commented casually.

The warmth of Grayson's body disappeared as he pulled away, taking two measured steps back. The subtle shift in his expression sent a chill through me. "I'll make a call. Go ahead and have your breakfast," he said, turning away. “Uh... is everything okay?" I asked, unsure of his sudden change in demeanor. He paused at the doorway, looking at me momentarily before forcing a small smile. Just remembered something I need to handle for the wedding later. Don't worry about the necklace. Since it's important to you, I'll ensure you get it back."

"Thank you," I replied with a grateful smile.

I tried to act nonchalant, but I wasn't naïve. The stark contrast between Tina's warning to forget the necklace and Grayson's sudden change nagged at me. It felt like there was a missing piece to this puzzle.

Unaide to shake the feeling, I decided to message Cassie. She'd been my closest friend for years and knew the story behind

e necklace better than anyone.

While savoring the breakfast Grayson had lovingly prepared, I sent Cassie a quick message, pouring out the details of everything on my mind.

As expected, her reply came almost instantly.

Cassie: 'I was still in school when your necklace went missing, but Grayson wasn't around back then.'

Suddenly, a thought occurred to me.

Me: 'Could Tina be Grayson's ex? Maybe they had a relationship, and that's why he acted so strangely after hearing Tina's

name'

Cassie: 'It's possible.'

Me: 'But it still doesn't explain why Tina told me to just forget about the necklace, saying it would only hurt me. What's the connection between Grayson, Tina, and the necklace?'

Cassie: 'Babe, maybe there isn't one. Not everything's connected.'

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration building in my chest. Moments later, my phone buzzed again. Cassie had sent another message.

Cassie: 'Oh, wait! Remember what else happened when your necklace went

missing? That popular athlete who died falling from the school building? Everyone called it suicide... What was his name again?'

My fingers trembled as I typed the response, memories flooding back.

19:30 Sat, 12 Apr

Me: 'Landon Moretti.'

I was just seventeen then, too young to grasp the weight of everything. All I knew was that Landon was always on the basketball court, pouring hours into practice and physical activities. He was always with Charlotte.

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Pushing the unsettling memory aside, I sent Cassie a quick reminder about the wedding this afternoon. Before she could respond, Leo's message popped up.noveldrama

As expected, photos loaded one by one on my screen. Each showed Sabrina finding new ways to touch Gabriel, to lean in close. His gaze toward her was unnervingly soft, and disgust boiled in my chest.

Disgusted at Gabriel's audacity to flirt with Sabrina while expecting me to remain by his side.

In the afternoon, I was wearing an ivory wedding dress in a secluded villa when

my phone buzzed with Gabriel's call.

I answered without a shred of emotion.

"Hey, babe!" His voice dripped with its usual charm.

"Hi," I replied, my tone flat as winter ice.

"What's my girl up to?" he asked casually as if he hadn't just been photographed practically nuzzling anothe

nan's neck.

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'Getting married to someone else,' I thought, tasting the delicious bitterness of the secret.

Instead, I lied with practiced ease: "Just working on Bloomify business plans. Reviewing some contracts from entertainment agencies."

"You're switching companies?" Gabriel's voice held a note of genuine surprise.

"Yes. It's no secret how unfair Golden Stage has been in treating me."

"It's just... I'll miss you if I don't see you around the office anymore." His words carry a weight I once would have treasured.

I kept my voice carefully neutral, saying, "It's fine! We can always meet up if we're both free."

That was a lie. With everything I had planned, I doubted I'd have time for Gabriel anymore.

The door opened silently, and Grayson appeared.

"Gabriel?" he mouthed, one eyebrow raised.

I nodded, watching as he stalked toward me with predatory grace. His arm snaked around my waist, pulling me flush against him. When his lips found my neck, hot and demanding, I had to bite back a moan.

I could hardly focus on what Gabriel was saying about his project or why he hadn't called me sooner. Grayson's kiss deepened, possessive and consuming, making my knees weak.

"You don't have to worry, Issa," Gabriel was saying, his voice distant through my haze. "I'm just being a gentleman."

Grayson suddenly snatched the phone from my hand, giving me a sharp look.

"My bride is stunning," he said, his tone low, "but I don't appreciate her talking to an ex."

"That ex is irrelevant now," I added, meeting Grayson's intense gaze.

Cassie and Grayson's assistant were the only witnesses to our wedding. Everything felt surreal until the moment the marriage certificate appeared before

me.

19:30 Sat, 12 Apr.

As I signed it, my eyes caught Grayson's full name.

Grayson Moretti Blake.

1 froze for a moment, stunned.

Could Grayson be connected to Landon?