Crater Lanterns Glimmered Over Tidelands by Axton Reed 6
Orlando returned home in a daze.
The moment he pushed the door open, he caught the familiar aroma of food–the rich, savory scent of cream of mushroom soup, Gretchen’s specialty.
His heart leaped. A flicker of excitement lit his eyes.
“Gretch? You’re back?”
He hurried into the kitchen, his face full of anticipation and hope. But the moment he saw the figure standing by the stove, his smile froze.
It wasn’t Gretchen.
Dressed in pristine white silk pajamas, Carolina was stirring the soup slowly. She turned and beamed at him.
“Orly, you’re back.
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All the anticipation in Orlando’s eyes vanished.
His expression turned cold.
“I thought you left.”
He remembered clearly–he had seen her off at the airport himself.
“I came back.”
She set down the ladle, walked over, and traced a finger along his chest.
“I couldn’t bear to leave you, Orly… I want to be with you.
“I’m not going away this time.”
She looked up, her eyes full of confidence.
“Let’s get married.”
Orlando pushed her away, a cold smirk on his lips as if she’d told a bad joke.
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Chapter 6
“Get married?
“Carolina, know your place.”
Her smile stiffened.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean…
His voice was icy. “I’m remarrying Gretchen. Why would I marry you?”
“That’s impossible!” she shrieked.
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“Orlando, you left her for me–over and over. Don’t act like you’re some devoted husband now!”
A flicker of shame crossed Orlando’s face, but it was quickly replaced by profound indifference.
“I divorced her to protect your reputation, not because I loved you.
“You’re the one who clung to me all these years. If it weren’t for you, Gretch wouldn’t have left.”
Carolina’s face went pale, then flushed with anger.
“You’re lying! If that’s true, then tell me why did you remarry her on time every single time?”
“Because-‘
Orlando paused, as if realizing it for the first time himself.
“Because I promised Gretch…”
It hit him then–what he had really cared about all along was Gretchen, the one who’d always
waited for him to come home.
Carolina let out a sharp, ugly laugh.
“Orlando, stop lying to yourself.”
She approached him step by step.
“Who was it that set me on his lap and kissed me in his office? Who came to me eagerly every time getting a divorce?
“Do you really think you can fool yourself? You love me! Me!”
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Chapter 6
Suddenly, Orlando grabbed her wrist, his grip so tight it nearly crushed her bones.
“Shut up!”
“Hit a nerve, huh?”
Enduring the pain, she glared at him, her eyes full of malice.
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“Gretchen finally saw through your hypocrisy and left. Now you’re acting all affectionate?
“You deserve it!” she screamed hysterically.
“You deserve to never find her!”
Orlando’s eyes turned blood red. He slapped her hard.
The crisp sound echoed through the empty villa.
Carolina stumbled back, clutching her cheek, staring at him in disbelief.
“You hit me?”
“I warned you,” he said, his voice dangerously low.
“You provoked Gretch again and again. She wouldn’t have left if it weren’t for
“Go back abroad. Now.”
He took out his phone and called his bodyguards.
“Get over here. Take Ms. Ramsey back to where she belongs.”
Carolina panicked.
“You can’t do this to me, Orlando! I love
you-
The sound of the front door opening cut her off.
you.
Two bodyguards in black stepped in and hauled her away. Her cries faded into the night.
Orlando stood alone, his eyes falling on the overturned mug on the floor. Slowly, he crouched down.
The rich aroma of cream of mushroom soup filled the air.
But the woman who made it would never come back.
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.
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