Daniel Martin
Stories
9
Chapters
5,013
Words
4.4 M
Comments
0
Reading
15 d, 7 h
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Lina noticed the Emperor had caressed her mother on the face. She knew it was time to excuse herself. Sometimes, Lina wondered why the Emperor even married the Empress and First Concubine if he wasn't going to love them. Then, Lina heard the story about her mother and the Emperor. It was amazing that her mother was even able to become the Second Concubine. At that time, The Second Concubine was of royal blood, but from a fallen house with no wealth, no power, and no prospect. The entire Imperial…-
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Lina wasn't fazed. She held her head high and kept her face composed. The Empress hated all of the concubine's children, instead of blaming the Emperor for having that many affairs. This was her way of keeping everyone in line—through a disposable handmaiden. "I might be in the wrong, but are handmaidens allowed to disrespect royal blood?" Lina innocently asked, tilting her head to show it was a harmless question. It certainly provoked the Empress who's blank expression faltered. She narrowed her…
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980 Years Ago. "Princess, it's time to arise!" A voice frantically called out in the background, anxiously pacing back and forth near the enormous bed in the center of the marvelous tent. She nibbled nervously on her bottom lips, worried about her heavily sleeping Princess. "Ugh…" Lina groaned at the sound, clutching her head at the horrible headache she had. "Princess, you're awake. Finally!" The servant chirped, clapping her hands in joy. A large grin broke out on her face. Lina was…
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Lina wondered if she would have to experience this pain for the rest of her life. She hoped not. But what would happen to her if she remembered the trauma? What would happen to her body? Would she completely shut down and collapse out of sheer shock? Lina didn't want to find out. She pressed her lips together, thinking of something to say that'd change the topic. There was a dangerous glint in Kaden's eyes, despite his gentle clasp on her body. He looked like he was ready to murder whoever did this to…
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Kaden didn't know what to say. It was the first and only time he heard she had this ability. Kaden wondered if she had it in her previous two lifetimes. He didn't remember a single moment it could be possible. Her eyes were rarely as distant and glazed over as that day in the museum and this morning. This was not a natural ability she inherited. Kaden knew as much. "Were you born with it?" Kaden asked. Kaden released her collarbone to grab her hand. He gave it a soft, reassuring squeeze. She…
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Lina touched her lips, feeling heat grow on her cheeks. In this lifetime, it was her first kiss. His mouth felt as soft as it did in her first life, his gestures had not changed and his technique had remained the same. Did that mean he hadn't kissed any other women? Lina tried to ignore that foolish question. Who could expect a man to remain celibate like a monk for one thousand years? "Was that your first kiss?" Kaden asked, his fingers stroking her soft hair, enjoying the way it fell in layers. He…
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Lina ignored the mischievous Kaden. She lifted her chopsticks and began to eat the food in peace. She nearly let out a moan at how delicious and fresh the fish tasted. She wasn't able to eat this yesterday, but could savor it all for herself today. "What was your favorite fish from yesterday's selection?" Kaden asked in a mellow voice. He leaned against the table and watched her consume what he bought for her. Lina paused mid-chew. She raised her head. Kaden stared at her expectantly. When she…
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The only thing Lina could think of was that Kaden deserted her at the altar. Her heart trembled at the thought of that. "Young Miss, we've arrived," the chauffeur told her with a gentle smile. The driver could tell she was thinking deeply about something. She always was. Ever since the Young Miss was a child, there was a distant look in her eyes, like she was mentally bounding thousands of steps ahead of her age. "Thank you," Lina said, just as a man opened the door for her. Lina's lips parted…
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Lina left the house without another word. She didn't even look back. She got into the chauffeur's car, told him to drive to DeHaven Conglomerate, and the rest would be decided from there on out. In the car ride, Lina reflected on her life actions. She was so worried about disappointing people that she had been blind to the fact that they had consistently disappointed her. What was the point of gaining favorability if she did nothing with it? Lina tucked her fingers together, an alarming realization…
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Rina was the first to break the deafening silence. She raised her gaze, calm and poised like a woman in her domain. "Your marriage is nothing but names on paper," Rina softly said, her voice filled with wisdom. She had been raised in a wolf's den worse than the life Lina lived. At the end of the day, Lina was the granddaughter Rina had seen grow up the most. The one hated by Evelyn, sheltered by Lawrence, and loved by everyone in the Yang family. What did Lina know about hardship? "Kaden Dehaven…
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