In this chapter, the tension escalates dramatically as Gavin enters a room where Judy is being mistreated by Principal Thorne. His authoritative presence immediately shifts the atmosphere, and Judy feels a mix of fear and relief as he commands Thorne to release her. The painful marks on her wrist serve as a stark reminder of the disrespect she has faced, igniting Gavin\u2019s protective fury. His reaction reveals not only his anger at the situation but also his deep care for Judy, which becomes a pivotal moment in their relationship.<\/p>\n
As Gavin confronts Principal Thorne and Lucy, the dynamics shift. Gavin\u2019s fierce defense of Judy surprises her, and she grapples with her emotions\u2014confusion, gratitude, and a sense of disbelief. The revelation of their supposed marriage catches everyone off guard, especially Thorne and Lucy, who had belittled Judy. This moment highlights Gavin\u2019s commitment to Judy, contrasting sharply with the humiliation she felt moments before. The unexpected support from Gavin brings Judy a sense of warmth, even amidst the chaos.<\/p>\n
The chapter also delves into Judy\u2019s internal struggle as she reflects on her situation. She feels trapped and fears the consequences of her earlier actions, questioning her decision to claim she was Gavin\u2019s wife. However, Gavin\u2019s unwavering stance begins to instill a sense of hope in her. His protective demeanor not only shields her from further humiliation but also offers a glimpse of a deeper connection between them. The chapter concludes with a mix of uncertainty and budding affection, as Judy feels both the pain of her circumstances and the warmth of Gavin\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n
Overall, this chapter encapsulates a pivotal moment of conflict and resolution, showcasing themes of protection, misunderstanding, and the complexities of relationships. Gavin\u2019s fierce defense of Judy serves as a turning point, suggesting the potential for a deeper bond, while Judy navigates her feelings of shame and relief, setting the stage for further developments in their story.<\/p>\n
**TITLE: We Built a Kingdom From Ashes That Still Remembered Love by Aila Frost**<\/p>\n
**Chapter 0070**<\/p>\n
**Judy\u2019s POV**<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat on earth is happening in here?\u201d Gavin\u2019s voice rang out, firm and commanding as he stepped into the room. His piercing gaze swept across the scene, finally settling on my wrist, still ensnared in the vice-like grip of Principal Thorne. The red marks were glaringly evident, a painful testament to his force.<\/p>\n
I could feel the tension in the air thicken as I watched Gavin\u2019s expression shift, his eyes darkening with barely contained fury. The sight of those angry red marks ignited something fierce within him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlpha Landry,\u201d Lucy said, her voice trembling slightly as she bowed her head in a show of respect toward Gavin. The contrast between her demeanor and Gavin\u2019s intensity was stark. \u201cIt\u2019s truly an honor to finally meet you. I\u2019m such a huge fan.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t ask,\u201d Gavin interjected sharply, raising a hand to silence her. The abruptness of his command left Lucy momentarily speechless, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of pink as she clamped her mouth shut, anxiety radiating from her.<\/p>\n
His attention was unwavering, fixated on Principal Thorne. \u201cRelease her hand from her wrist.\u201d<\/p>\n
Without hesitation, Principal Thorne let go of me, and I instinctively pulled my hand close to my chest, wincing as I rubbed my sore wrist.<\/p>\n
Gavin gestured with a decisive nod toward me, and his Gammas sprang into action, swiftly moving to my side and guiding me away from the principal\u2019s oppressive presence, ushering me gently toward Gavin.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlpha Gavin, there seems to be a misunderstanding,\u201d Principal Thorne stammered, his voice attempting to regain some semblance of authority. \u201cI was merely protecting your reputation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis nobody half-wit is pretending to be our wife and the mother of your child,\u201d he continued, his words stinging like a slap, causing my cheeks to burn with humiliation.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, she\u2019s a nobody!\u201d Lucy chimed in, her voice full of misplaced indignation. \u201cWe were just standing up for your honor by teaching her a lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gavin\u2019s gaze flickered in my direction, and I could feel the weight of his unspoken questions and judgments swirling in his mind. All I could do was bow my head in shame, the reality of my situation crashing down on me like a tidal wave.<\/p>\n
There was no escaping this; I was trapped, and now I would have to face the consequences. I could feel the dread pooling in my stomach. I was likely going to lose my job, and poor Matt would be dragged into this mess too\u2014all because I couldn\u2019t keep up with this ridiculous charade.<\/p>\n
What had I been thinking? Claiming to be Gavin\u2019s wife? Just because I was late to my son\u2019s meeting didn\u2019t give anyone the right to treat me with such utter disrespect.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust because I\u2019m late to my son\u2019s meeting does not give you the right to treat my wife with such disrespect,\u201d Gavin spat, his glare directed at Principal Thorne, a fierce protector in that moment.<\/p>\n
I snapped my head up in disbelief, my heart racing at his words. Gavin looked ready to explode, his fury palpable as he glared at both Principal Thorne and Lucy.<\/p>\n
Their faces drained of color, shock evident in their wide eyes as they stared back at him, clearly unprepared for his defense of me.<\/p>\n
\u201cW\u2026 wife?\u201d Principal Thorne stuttered, confusion etched on his face. \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s not to understand?\u201d Gavin shot back, and to my utter astonishment, he wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close to his side as if to shield me from their judgment.<\/p>\n
\u201cJudy is my wife, and you treated her poorly.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut\u2026 but you are a bachelor!\u201d Lucy gasped, her voice a mixture of disbelief and accusation. \u201cHow is it possible that you have a wife??\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThose were all rumors,\u201d Gavin snapped, his expression hardening. \u201cJudy is my wife and the mother of my child.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lucy\u2019s face twisted in shock, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, while Principal Thorne appeared to be on the verge of a breakdown, sweat beading on his forehead.<\/p>\n
They were both at a complete loss for words, and under different circumstances, I might have found the scene humorous. But I was too stunned to laugh.<\/p>\n
Was Gavin truly stepping in to defend me? Why was he doing this?<\/p>\n
When I dared to look up at him, I found his expression still set in a fierce glare directed at them. He was undeniably handsome, even in his anger, and the warmth of his arm around me sent a rush of conflicting emotions through me. It took every ounce of willpower not to lean into him, to breathe in his comforting scent.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am so deeply sorry, Mrs. Landry,\u201d Principal Thorne stammered, his voice shaking with nervousness. \u201cPlease, accept my apology. My receptionist is new and wasn\u2019t certain what she was talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lucy\u2019s mouth dropped open in shock, thrown under the proverbial bus by Principal Thorne\u2019s sudden backpedaling. She spun around to face him, her eyes narrowing in disbelief. \u201cYou were the one trying to have your way with her!\u201d she hissed, venom lacing her words.<\/p>\n
I flinched at the memory of what Principal Thorne had intended to do, a chill running down my spine.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are here to talk about Matthew, are we not?\u201d Gavin interjected, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.<\/p>\n
Principal Thorne bowed his head, his eyes glued to the floor, clearly unable to meet Gavin\u2019s fierce gaze. \u201cSir\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCome into my office,\u201d he said, motioning toward the door behind him.<\/p>\n
\u201cLead the way,\u201d Gavin replied, maintaining his protective hold on me as he guided me toward the office door.<\/p>\n
But then he paused, turning his attention to Taylor. \u201cDeal with her,\u201d he instructed, nodding toward Lucy, who had turned an even paler shade of white.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Taylor responded with a smirk, turning to face a now frantic Lucy.<\/p>\n
\u201cA\u2026 Alpha?\u201d Lucy stammered, desperation creeping into her voice as she tried to regain his attention, but Gavin was already moving on, ignoring her entirely.<\/p>\n
I followed Gavin into the office, shutting the door behind us with a soft click that seemed to echo in the silence.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease, take a seat,\u201d Principal Thorne said nervously, gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk as he settled into his own seat on the opposite side.<\/p>\n
Gavin intertwined his fingers with mine, and the warmth of his touch sent a wave of heat rushing to my cheeks, igniting my skin like fire.<\/p>\n
He gently traced his thumb over the red marks on my wrist, and I winced at the lingering pain, his eyes darkening with an emotion I couldn\u2019t quite decipher. Was he angry with me, or was it Principal Thorne who had stirred his ire?<\/p>\n
In the aftermath of the chaos, a fragile yet profound shift had occurred between Gavin and me. His fierce defense had shattered the weight of shame that had pressed down on my shoulders, transforming it into something more hopeful. As he held my hand, the warmth of his touch and the fierce intensity in his gaze spoke volumes, bridging the gap between our tumultuous past and a future that felt uncertain yet filled with possibility. I could feel the remnants of my humiliation melting away, replaced by a burgeoning sense of belonging that I had long yearned for. In that moment, I realized that perhaps I was not just a mere bystander in this kingdom we were building from ashes, but an integral part of it, deserving of love and protection.<\/p>\n
As we sat together in the office, the air thick with unspoken words, I sensed a new understanding blossoming between us. Gavin\u2019s fierce loyalty had ignited a spark of courage within me, urging me to confront the shadows of my insecurities. I was no longer just a mother struggling to keep up with an impossible charade; I was Judy, a woman who had found a protector in Gavin, and perhaps, in time, something deeper. The journey ahead would undoubtedly be fraught with challenges, but as I looked into his eyes, I felt a surge of determination. Together, we would navigate the complexities of our lives, building a kingdom that remembered love not just in the past, but in every moment we chose to embrace it in the present.<\/p>\n
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**<\/p>\n
As tensions escalate in the aftermath of the confrontation, readers can anticipate a deeper exploration of Gavin and Judy\u2019s complex relationship. Will Gavin\u2019s impulsive declaration of Judy as his wife lead to unforeseen complications, both personally and professionally? The stakes are high as Judy grapples with the implications of their charade, and the fallout from Principal Thorne\u2019s actions looms large. Expect emotional revelations that will challenge Judy\u2019s understanding of her place in Gavin\u2019s life and the kingdom they are building together amidst the ashes of their pasts.<\/p>\n
Moreover, the dynamics between the characters are set to shift dramatically. With Lucy and Principal Thorne left reeling from Gavin\u2019s fierce defense, how will they retaliate? Will their misguided attempts to undermine Judy lead to further chaos, or will they inadvertently strengthen the bond between her and Gavin? As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, the next chapter promises to be a whirlwind of tension and intrigue, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how Judy will navigate the treacherous waters of this unexpected alliance.<\/p>\n
Sara is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland\u2019s breathtaking cold.<\/p>\n
We Built a Kingdom From Ashes That Still Remembered Love by Aila Frost 70 We Built a Kingdom From Ashes […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-shadow-slave-by-author-novelnozi-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21139"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21139\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}