Entwined

Entwined

Chapters: 29
Updated: 19 Dec 2024
Author: Spring Mendez
4.2

Synopsis

It's Maggy's turn to find love in the dramatic sequel to Enraptured! I woke up one day without any memory of who I was. My world was on the verge of crumbling right before my eyes when I saw a handsome blue-eyed man enter my hospital room. He introduced himself as Austin McClennan. He took me in. And I held on to his every word because, from the moment our eyes met, I had a feeling that I could trust him. I thought he was the perfect Prince Charming. He was sweet, kind, and compassionate; no wonder I found myself falling in love with him. And despite my situation, I was happy when he said he loved me too. I was even happier to say 'yes' to his marriage proposal. By the time I found out that I had made the biggest mistake of my life, it was too late. We were already married. Because when my memories returned, I realized that the man I'd married was the son of the man I loathed the most. Austin's destruction was the key to the revenge I’d been planning for so long. I had a choice to make: love or justice?

Romance Suspense Enemies To Lovers BxG Revenge Broken Family

Entwined Free Chapters

Prologue | Entwined

Nevada, USA

(Maggy)

“I, Noah, choose you, Denise, to be my wife. In front of our family and friends, I promise to love and cherish you through every obstacle that may come into our path.”

I tried to suppress my tears. I'd made a vow to myself that I wouldn’t cry today, no matter what. But I felt like my heart had been slashed to pieces when I saw how big Noah’s smile was when he stared at his bride. Back then, that smile had been meant only for me, and the glow in his eyes that I was witnessing now had been meant exclusively for me, too.

I definitely should not cry. Because I had wanted this to happen. I'd set Noah free so I could complete my mission.

I bit my lower lip to stop myself from sobbing. I should be in a hotel, getting some rest, because I would be leaving in a few hours to go back to my home country. But I found myself here instead. I was aware that I was punishing myself by watching the happy couple make vows to one another. I wanted to see Noah for the last time, to convince myself that I had done the right thing.

Noah had finally found his match.

And judging by the love written in his bride’s eyes, I had made the right decision. He'd found a woman who could love him without hesitation. The couple was deeply in love with each other. And that was the most important thing. When I saw them begin to exchange rings, I stood up and quietly walked out of the church. And since I had been sitting in the back, nobody noticed me leaving.

I went straight to my best friend’s car, which was parked nearby. Clarice was in Nevada for her honeymoon, but her husband had been suddenly called to a business meeting somewhere. That’s why he wasn’t able to accompany Clarice today.

“I can’t believe you actually let someone steal your man,” Clarice said as soon as I got into the passenger seat.

My chest tightened. “You know damn well that there are far more important things than love, Clarice. I wouldn’t have been able to focus, not until we finally ruin Benedict McClennan.”

When Clarice started driving, I glanced at the church for the last time before turning away. I leaned on the chair and shut my eyes. In my head, I could still see Noah’s adorable smile. I would bury our memories together deep in my heart and just be thankful that once upon a time, someone as good as him had accepted and loved my broken self with all his heart.

“If you knew all that, then why on earth did you decide to watch your ex-boyfriend’s wedding?”

“So I could finally put an end to this feeling. I had to pine for the last time.” A bitter smile curved on my lips. “Perhaps I will have a shot of strong liquor when I get back to Manila. I’ll drown my sorrows and wake up with a clearer head the next morning. That’s how it’s supposed to work anyway. You and I both know that we can’t afford to get distracted by our emotions at such a crucial time. How about you?” I opened my eyes and glanced at her.

Clarice married Alano McClennan, our enemy’s second son, about three weeks ago as part of her mission. “Have you gotten Alano’s company shares yet? What about Benedict’s location? You have to find that out soon so you can put an end to your so-called marriage. My goodness, Clarice.” I shook my head in disgust. “Just the thought of you being married to Benedict’s son makes me want to vomit.”

Clarice did not respond and just focused on driving. My brows furrowed when she kept evading my eyes. “Is something wrong?”

“N-nothing. I haven’t located Benedict yet. Give me a little more time, and I promise, I will give you all the information you need.”

“All right. But please hurry, okay? So you can finally be free of his son.” I took a deep breath. None of this would have happened if karma had done its job properly. For the millionth time, I could feel rage burning deep inside me.

I would do everything in my power to destroy the man who had stolen our family’s wealth and killed our parents. I would not stop until I got even. I would make Benedict McClennan pay. Clarice, my twin sister Yalena, and I were certain that Benedict’s sons were hiding him. That’s why we’d planned to lure his sons into our trap to find him. Clarice had already begun her mission with Alano. And my mission targeting Austin, Benedict’s youngest son, would start as soon as I returned to my homeland.

Karma had seemed to be on sick leave for the past few years; that’s why I decided to play its role and become Benedict’s personal karma.

Your father took me to hell over and over again these past few years. So prepare yourself because I swear I’ll take you there as well, Austin.

Chapter 1 | Entwined

“Austin is heading out alone, ma’am. From the looks of it, it seems that he's rejected the women his brothers offered to him as a birthday gift.”

A playful smile formed on my lips. “Come on, Radha. A nerd will always be a nerd. I’m sure Austin would rather devote his time to the library or his office rather than play with random women at the bar. Or maybe Austin sensed a better surprise coming his way tonight,” I said as I placed my phone on the dashboard. I tapped the speaker button so I could still hear my assistant clearly as I opened the bottle of wine that I'd brought with me. I splashed some of it over my dress.

I glanced at the rear-view mirror and fixed my hair to make it appear a little messy while making sure that I still looked seductive enough. I smelled like a mixture of my favorite perfume and wine, but I didn’t mind.

Sacrifices, no matter how big or small they were, always served as the key to success. That was among the many things I learned while growing up.

“As always, thank you for the information, Radha. I will just call you again,” I said when I felt satisfied by my appearance.

I ended the call and put the phone back in my purse. It’s only been two days since I came back in the Philippines after sixteen years, but I decided to start my mission right away. I don’t want to waste a minute more. I’ve been waiting for this moment ever since I was thirteen.

Before I slept last night, I studied all the information about Benedict McClennan’s youngest son that’s why I know that it was his thirtieth birthday today. And the credit goes to Radha, my ever-loyal employee, for the thorough research on Austin McClennan.

It’s been a year since I assigned Radha to the Philippines. At that time, the YCM hotels and resorts that I started with Yalena and Clarice were already established in Nevada. We felt that we had enough connections and resources to go against Benedict; that’s why I'd sent Radha to my home country to gather information about the McClennans. She was able to get all the necessary information about his sons, but not about Benedict himself. We tried hiring private investigators but just like Radha, they failed in finding Benedict as well.

Despite that, Radha stayed in the Philippines. She would stay until our mission is over. Radha was an effective employee that’s why I made sure that she was highly compensated. When I came back to the country, everything was already prepared by her including the place where I would live and the car I would use.

I glanced at my wristwatch. It was past nine in the evening. When I saw Austin stepping out of the bar, I went out of my car with the bottle of wine and prepared myself. I acted like a drunkard and bumped into him. I intentionally spilled the wine on his suit before dropping the bottle on the ground, causing it to shatter into several pieces.

“Oh, sorry,” I whispered halfheartedly.

Happy birthday, McClennan. I do hope you and Benedict would have fewer birthdays to come, I said inwardly before I lifted my face to meet his gaze. It was a big mistake. I caught him staring at me. From the light coming from the lamp post, I could see a hint of amazement and adoration in his eyes, the eyes which he unfortunately inherited from Benedict.

For a moment, I wanted to cover his entire face as wrath began to surge in my chest. No matter how attractive this man was, it still could not change the fact that he was the carbon copy of the man who ruined my life. I clutched my purse. I suddenly remembered Noah, the Prince Charming whom I had to give up only for this mission, only for the Beast’s son who was standing before me. For the countless time, the images of my parents flashed in my mind.

My chest heaved and before I knew it, I already slapped Austin.

When I came back to my senses, I quickly held his cheeks. “I’m really sorry,” I said and swiftly wracked my brain to make an excuse. “I thought you were my ex, you looked a lot like the man who hurt me. When I saw you, pain just… rushed into the surface.”

“It’s all right,” Austin finally answered. “It wasn’t every day that I’d get a slap for my birthday, anyway.” He smiled as if he understood what I was going through. “You shouldn’t drink on your own. Don’t mind your ex. He’s not your loss. Because even in your drunken state, you are still no doubt, the loveliest woman I have ever seen in my life. And I don’t lie.”

(Austin)

“REALLY? Then why do you think he married someone else?” The stranger asked in a raspy voice. I swallowed hard. The woman was beyond lovely, drunk, and all that. It was true that she had the most beautiful face I have ever laid eyes on.

She had a golden-brown complexion, which added to her sensual charm. She had deep-set eyes. The more I look into those eyes, the more I feel like I’m being pulled in by her. Those pair of eyes were dangerous. They had the power to enchant people. And I was no exception. She also had long, curly eyelashes. Her long wavy hair was light brown. And her lips were rosy and full. How could anyone be so dumb to leave this woman’s side?

“Why?” She asked again. “Why do you think he left me for someone else if I’m as lovely as you said?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps because you’re meant for me?” I responded without thinking further. The stranger giggled and it took my breath away. Even her laughter sounded sexy in my ears. I could listen to it for a long time.

“I like you. You’re a funny guy,” she said before she fainted. She landed straight on my chest.

I instinctively wrapped my arms around her slender waist. She was so close that I could smell the wine from her body and also her perfume. And it was making me feel something I have never felt before. Her hair also smelled wonderful. It reminded me of my Mother’s flower garden in Olongapo.

What am I going to do with you, woman? I sighed and carefully carried her towards my car. I placed her on the passenger seat before I went outside to pick up her purse, hoping to find any ID so I would know where to take her. But there was none. She had a phone inside but it had a password on it.

Great, just great.

I shook my head and went back to my car. I gazed at the woman peacefully sleeping beside me. My heart was racing again. I tried to ignore this feeling the second our eyes met earlier. This was the first time I ever had a passenger in my car. It was also the first time that I ever felt this intense desire to touch and hold someone.

“Your ex was one lucky man. You’re in this state just because of him,” I whispered before rubbing my temples. What would have happened if I wasn’t the first person who saw her in this condition? Other men would have taken advantage of her already. And thinking about it bothers me.

“Geez, woman. You shouldn’t be doing this. You’re putting your body at risk.”

The stranger just stirred in her sleep. She moved, she was facing me this time. It made the hem of her cream-colored mini dress lift, exposing a huge part of her legs. I could also see a glimpse of her breasts. I breathed sharply upon the beautiful sight. I suddenly had this intense desire to run my hands over those long, smooth, and shapely legs.

And those breasts… Damn it. I’ve never felt this tempted before. It was as if the stranger awakened a part of me I didn’t even know I had until I saw her.

I massaged my forehead. “What’s happening to me? Why am I suddenly acting like a pervert? Stop your dirty thoughts now, Austin,” I uttered like a fool. “The woman is drunk, for Pete’s sake.”

I took another sharp breath before removing my coat. I placed it on top of her exposed legs. It was cold inside because of the air conditioner but I suddenly felt hot. I had to loosen up my tie and left the two buttons of my long-sleeved polo open. No woman had ever affected me like this before.

I shook my head and started driving. It was my birthday and all I ever got was a drunken stranger in my car.

I had no plans of coming to the bar tonight. I’d rather take a nap or watch Nat-Geo in my room than waste my time flirting around in a bar no matter how high-class it was. I didn’t care even if my brothers called me a nerd because of it. Barhopping was not really my thing. And I don’t plan to change just to match others’ taste.

I could not tolerate getting drunk together with a bunch of wild people. Besides, loud places bore me the most. That was the reason why I refused the grand birthday celebration that my family wanted to give me. This morning, I visited my parents and went to the office to make myself busy. And just like the previous years, I would have worked overtime again because there were documents that required my immediate attention but Ansel, my eldest brother, dragged me into the bar.

My second brother Alano may have stopped frequenting the bar ever since he tied the knot with his supermodel wife but he still made sure to prepare his ‘surprise’ for me. I just went along to indulge them for a little bit. And just like I predicted, their birthday surprise was the women waiting for me at the bar. Ansel had a table arranged exclusively for me. Sitting there were three women clad in skimpy clothes. According to Ansel, the two were among the best women from a high-class escort service. There were also women who greeted Ansel. After wishing me luck, he went to another table to play around.

There were private rooms on the second floor of the bar where men and women could freely indulge themselves. But I declined the women’s invitation to go upstairs. I drank a little and after giving them a tip, I left. In contrast to what others thought of, I’m no saint. Whenever I felt pent-up, I’d have my fair share of sex. There were all just one-night stands.

What I feel for the stranger beside me was different. I could not even begin to explain it. All I know was that she got me… hard. And it aches a damn lot. I better hurry home so I could take a cold shower as soon as possible. But for the first time, I don’t regret coming to a bar because it became a way for me to meet her. Although I must admit, that slap from earlier was the real surprise of the night. She was the first person who dared to do that to me.

I don’t like women who drinks. But if it’s this woman, I feel like I could let it slide. She caught my interest. And I want to know what it would be like if she was sober. I don’t know why but when our eyes locked a while ago, I had a feeling that my life was about to change.