In Chapter 32 of \u201cWhen Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown,\u201d Maya grapples with her frustration and jealousy over Bella\u2019s situation. After Bella outsmarts her by arranging an early meeting with Isla, Maya\u2019s irritation simmers. Upon entering the main room, she finds her Grandmother engrossed in research for marriage counselors, initially believing it to be for herself. However, she learns that it is for Bella, who is facing difficulties in her marriage. This news hits Maya hard, igniting her anger as she realizes Bella\u2019s husband is wealthy and handsome, and she feels threatened by the admiration Bella receives from both Isla and her Grandmother.<\/p>\n
As Isla gushes about Bella\u2019s husband, Maya\u2019s emotions spiral further into jealousy and resentment. She contemplates the implications of Bella\u2019s potential divorce, viewing it as an opportunity to charm Bella\u2019s husband and shift her own relationship priorities. The thought of Bella\u2019s marriage collapsing excites her, revealing her manipulative tendencies. Maya then suggests to Isla that they should visit Bella, eager to confront her and possibly disrupt her life further.<\/p>\n
During their visit to the hotel, Maya\u2019s plans are thwarted when they discover that Bella has checked out. This revelation sends Maya into a frenzy, as she feels her chance to confront Bella slip away. She quickly calls her partner Craig, demanding he locate Bella, revealing her desperation to find out where Bella has gone and who she is with. Maya\u2019s frustration is palpable, and her facade of calm begins to crack as she tries to maintain control over the situation.<\/p>\n
As they drive back, Isla expresses disappointment over not being able to see Bella. Maya, masking her true feelings with false sympathy, suggests she can help with marriage counseling, but Isla remains steadfast in her own plans. The tension between them escalates as Isla decides to call Bella directly, prompting a surge of panic in Maya. The chapter concludes with Maya\u2019s dark thoughts about Bella\u2019s ability to evade her, setting the stage for the unfolding conflict driven by Maya\u2019s ambition and jealousy.<\/p>\n
**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**<\/p>\n
**Chapter 32**<\/p>\n
**Maya**<\/p>\n
Ever since that fateful day when Bella had the audacity to outsmart me and arrange an early meeting with Isla, I had been simmering with frustration. The very thought of it churned in my stomach like a stormy sea, and I could hardly contain my irritation.<\/p>\n
As I stepped into the main room, the sight that greeted me was my Grandmother, deeply engrossed in a chaotic spread of papers and her tablet. Her glasses were precariously perched at the end of her nose, and she scrolled through the screen with an intensity that suggested she was on the verge of discovering something monumental. Her lips moved slightly, forming silent words that seemed to dance in the air around her.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrandma?\u201d I called out, taking a few tentative steps closer to her. \u201cWhat are you up to?\u201d<\/p>\n
Without lifting her gaze from the screen, she replied, \u201cLooking for marriage counselors.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMarriage counselors?\u201d I blinked, my brow furrowing in confusion. \u201cFor whom?\u201d<\/p>\n
At last, she looked up, tucking a rebellious strand of her silver hair behind her ear with a hint of exasperation. \u201cFor myself, of course! Who else would I be looking for them?\u201d she quipped dryly, rolling her eyes as if I had asked the most ridiculous question in the world. \u201cNo, it\u2019s for Bella. She and her husband are having a tough time. I believe a good counselor could help them navigate through this rough patch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her words struck me like a physical blow to the gut. Bella and her husband\u2014my jaw clenched involuntarily, the ache in my teeth a reminder of the anger bubbling within me.<\/p>\n
Isla, ever the enthusiastic cheerleader, nodded eagerly, her excitement only fueling my irritation. \u201cYes! You should have seen them together! Oh, what a charming man he is! So well-mannered, incredibly handsome, and quite wealthy, too! He owns several businesses, I think. And the way he gazed at Bella! It was clear he still holds deep feelings for her.\u201d She tsked and sighed dramatically. \u201cWhy on earth is Bella thinking about divorcing him?\u201d<\/p>\n
My hands balled into tight fists behind my back, the nails digging into my palms as I struggled to keep my composure. Since Bella\u2019s visit to Grandmother, Isla had been singing her praises non-stop. What infuriated me the most was the fact that she was married to a man who was not only handsome but wealthy as well. And here was Grandmother, practically worshipping them.<\/p>\n
I forced a smile, though it felt like a mask over my true feelings. \u201cHe must be quite the gentleman, indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, more than just a gentleman,\u201d she sighed dreamily, her eyes sparkling with admiration. \u201cThe man looks as if he was carved from marble by the gods themselves. Such grace, such presence, such an aura! You\u2019ll understand when you finally meet him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meet him? Oh, I would certainly make that happen. The thought slithered into my mind like sweet poison. If Bella\u2019s husband was truly richer and more handsome than Craig, then perhaps I could\u2026 reevaluate my own relationship priorities. After all, Bella\u2019s marriage seemed to be teetering on the edge of disaster. She was far too soft-hearted to fight for a man who showed interest elsewhere. If I encountered him, I would undoubtedly attempt to charm him, to weave my Maya-magic around him.<\/p>\n
The tantalizing prospect brought a genuine smile to my face for the first time that day. \u201cGrandma, would you like to meet Bella again?\u201d<\/p>\n
Isla perked up at once, her eyes lighting up with excitement. \u201cDo you know where she lives?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I do,\u201d I replied smoothly, a plan already forming in my mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, wonderful!\u201d she exclaimed, clapping her hands together like a child on Christmas morning. \u201cThen let\u2019s go see her!\u201d<\/p>\n
And so, within a mere fifteen minutes, I found myself seated beside Isla in her vintage car, my foot tapping anxiously against the floorboard. If it were up to me, Isla would have been long gone, perhaps residing in an old age home, far from my life. But my stepfather adored his mother and refused to entertain any notion of sending her away.<\/p>\n
As we drove through the streets, I decided to probe the waters carefully. \u201cGrandma, have you mentioned Bella to Father yet?\u201d<\/p>\n
She shook her head, her expression serious. \u201cNo, not yet. But I plan to soon. It\u2019s about time she returns to the home where she truly belongs.\u201d<\/p>\n
My stomach twisted at the thought. That could not happen. If Bella returned, especially with her children in tow, my father\u2019s weak heart would undoubtedly soften, and all the inheritance I had meticulously planned for myself would shift in her direction. Her twins would become the rightful heirs, and I couldn\u2019t allow that to occur.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s a wise idea,\u201d I interjected quickly, my voice laced with feigned concern.<\/p>\n
Isla frowned, her expression turning skeptical. \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause Father is too fragile to handle emotional upheavals,\u201d I explained, adopting a sympathetic tone to mask my true intentions. \u201cIf he suddenly hears about Bella and her children, it could be too much for him. You know how delicate his condition is. We should break the news to him gradually.\u201d<\/p>\n
She narrowed her eyes at me, annoyance flickering across her face, but she seemed too weary to argue further. \u201cPerhaps you\u2019re right,\u201d she conceded reluctantly.<\/p>\n
I smiled sweetly, suppressing the urge to smirk. We arrived at the hotel where Bella had been staying, and Isla exited the car first, adjusting her shawl with a flourish as she approached the reception desk. I, however, slipped past her with a determined stride, eager to ask Bella to come down without her children tagging along.<\/p>\n
The receptionist greeted me with a polite smile. \u201cGood afternoon. How may I assist you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re here to see Ms. Bella Williams,\u201d Isla chimed in. \u201cCould you please let her know that her grandmother is here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry, ma\u2019am, but Ms. Williams checked out a few days ago,\u201d the receptionist informed us, her tone apologetic.<\/p>\n
I froze, my heart racing. \u201cChecked out?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTo where?\u201d I pressed, my voice rising slightly in urgency.<\/p>\n
The woman shook her head, her expression apologetic. \u201cI\u2019m afraid we don\u2019t have that information.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frustration surged within me, my nails digging into my palm as I fought the urge to scream. This was infuriating! The moment I wanted to confront Bella about her husband, she had vanished without a trace.<\/p>\n
Isla\u2019s disappointment was palpable, and I clenched my teeth, forcing a smile at the receptionist. \u201cThank you for your assistance.\u201d I hurried past Isla once more, pulling out my phone to call Craig. He answered on the second ring, his voice sounding distracted.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaya?\u201d he said, his tone indicating he was preoccupied.<\/p>\n
\u201cI need you to find Bella,\u201d I snapped, urgency lacing my words. \u201cShe\u2019s moved out of the hotel, and I need to know where she is and who she\u2019s living with.\u201d<\/p>\n
He hesitated, confusion evident in his voice. \u201cLiving with? What do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n
Sometimes, I wondered if he was entirely oblivious. \u201cShe met Grandma with her husband. It seems she has moved out with him. I want to meet them. According to Isla, they\u2019re going through a divorce. He could be valuable to us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMoved out with him?\u201d he repeated, disbelief coloring his tone. \u201cShe didn\u2019t mention a husband the last time I saw her. I thought this was just a story she was spinning!\u201d<\/p>\n
I bristled at his tone. \u201cWhy do you sound regretful?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not,\u201d he replied quickly, sensing my irritation.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, really?\u201d I retorted, my voice sweet as honey, but my teeth clenched tight. \u201cBecause it certainly sounds like you are. Don\u2019t tell me you\u2019re already missing your ex-fianc\u00e9e?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous,\u201d he shot back.<\/p>\n
\u201cFind her,\u201d I ordered coldly, my patience wearing thin.<\/p>\n
He mumbled a reluctant \u201cfine\u201d before hanging up, leaving me seething with frustration.<\/p>\n
I returned to the car, masking my fury with a facade of calm. \u201cIt\u2019s really unfortunate that Bella has moved without informing us,\u201d I told Isla, my voice dripping with faux sympathy. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t meet her.\u201d<\/p>\n
As we drove back, Isla looked genuinely saddened. \u201cHer husband seems like such a good man. I really hope they go through marriage counseling.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can help,\u201d I offered sweetly, my mind racing with ulterior motives. \u201cI know a fantastic marriage counselor who works wonders.\u201d And who would ensure they ended up divorcing.<\/p>\n
But Isla shook her head, her expression resolute. \u201cNo, thank you, dear. I already have a list of excellent counselors I trust. I\u2019ll reach out to one of them personally.\u201d<\/p>\n
I smiled, though the urge to punch her was nearly overwhelming. The old woman clearly didn\u2019t trust me at all. The drive back was shrouded in silence, my eyes fixed on the road as I pretended to be the perfect granddaughter while fury simmered just beneath the surface. Let Grandma play her little games for now; I had my own plans brewing.<\/p>\n
As our mansion gates loomed ahead, Isla suddenly declared, \u201cActually, I should call Bella now. Maybe she\u2019ll tell me where she\u2019s staying.\u201d<\/p>\n
I stiffened, a jolt of panic coursing through me. This old woman had Bella\u2019s number? Why hadn\u2019t she called her sooner? \u201cYes, please do. Ask her where she has moved, and I\u2019ll take you there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI miss her too much,\u201d she said, dialing Bella\u2019s number with a sense of urgency.<\/p>\n
As the phone rang, I thought darkly, \u2018Answer, Bella. Let\u2019s see how long you can keep hiding from me.\u2019<\/p>\n
In the culmination of my tumultuous emotions, I realized that my desires had twisted into a dangerous obsession. The simmering jealousy I felt toward Bella and her seemingly perfect life had morphed into a calculated scheme, one that threatened to unravel the very fabric of my family. The thrill of plotting against her was intoxicating, yet I found myself grappling with a gnawing sense of emptiness. As I sat in the car, the weight of my intentions pressed down on me like a heavy shroud, obscuring the fleeting moments of joy I once cherished. The very thought of Bella\u2019s potential return sent shivers down my spine, igniting a fire of determination within me to ensure that I would not be overshadowed by her presence.<\/p>\n
Yet, as the phone rang and the silence enveloped me, I couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that I was standing at the precipice of something monumental. The winds of change were blowing fiercely, carrying with them secrets and revelations that could alter the course of my life forever. With each passing moment, I felt the tension mount, knowing that my actions could either solidify my position or lead to my ultimate downfall. As I clutched the steering wheel, my heart raced with anticipation, and I understood that the choices I made now would echo into the unknown future, for better or for worse.<\/p>\n
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**<\/p>\n
In the upcoming chapter, tensions will escalate as Maya\u2019s carefully laid plans begin to unravel. With Bella\u2019s sudden disappearance, the stakes are higher than ever, and Maya\u2019s desperation to locate her will lead her down a treacherous path. As she grapples with her mounting frustration and jealousy, readers can expect to witness a more cunning and manipulative side of Maya. The stakes of her rivalry with Bella will intensify, and the lengths she is willing to go to secure her position will leave readers on the edge of their seats.<\/p>\n
Moreover, the dynamic between Maya and her grandmother, Isla, will shift as secrets begin to surface. With Isla\u2019s determination to reconnect with Bella and her unwavering trust in her, Maya may find herself battling not only external challenges but also the growing suspicion of her own family. As the chapter unfolds, readers will be drawn into a web of deceit, where alliances will be tested and hidden motives will be revealed. Will Maya\u2019s machinations lead her to victory, or will her plans backfire in unexpected ways? Prepare for a thrilling continuation that promises to keep you guessing until the very last page.<\/p>\n
Sara Lili 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
When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown 32 When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown 32 […]<\/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":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22997","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-new-world-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22997","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=22997"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22997\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22997"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22997"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22997"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}