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Chapter 18 - Chapter 18_ New Beginnings, Old secrets

*Loveth's POV*

The morning sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my brand-new salon, bathing every surface in a warm glow. The scent of fresh paint mixed with lavender filled the air — a sharp contrast to the chaos I'd left behind. This was *my* space now. A place where I called the shots, where my dreams weren't tangled in lies or whispered betrayals.

Clients started trickling in, each one smiling, complimenting the sleek design and the vibe I'd created. I felt alive — powerful even. But beneath the buzz of celebration, a cold whisper nagged at the back of my mind. The past had a way of catching up, no matter how fast you ran.

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*Ethan's POV*

The text from Tola sat heavy in my pocket like an unwanted truth.

*"Loveth deserves the whole story. Meet me tomorrow. It's urgent."*

I'd avoided her for years, burying memories and mistakes deep under new promises and new faces. But now, the past was clawing its way back. I wasn't sure if I was ready to face it — or what it meant for Loveth.

When I finally saw her, Tola's eyes weren't filled with anger or regret. They were sharp, almost haunted. "Ethan," she said quietly, "there's more to this than you know. Loveth needs to hear the truth, before it's too late."

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*Tola's POV*

I wasn't here to reopen old wounds or to sabotage a fresh start. I came because the danger lurking in Ethan's past wasn't just a ghost anymore — it was very real, very close.

"There's someone — someone who wants to hurt you both. Closer than you think. And if you don't act fast, everything you've built will come crashing down."

Watching Ethan's face tighten with worry confirmed what I feared most: the secrets we thought were buried were far from over.

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*Loveth's POV*

Her warning hit me like a thunderclap.

I clenched my fists, feeling every bit of strength and fear clash inside me. I'd fought so hard to build this new life, but it wasn't just about the salon, or Ethan's past anymore.

It was survival.

Looking out the window, watching the city pulse beneath me, I made a silent vow.

*No more running. No more hiding.*

Whatever was coming — I would face it head on.

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*Ethan's POV*

I reached for my phone, my fingers trembling. It was time for honesty, for courage — for us to finally confront the storm before it destroyed everything.

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*Miracle's POV (closing scene)*

From the shadows, I watched their fragile peace, savoring every crack in their armor. The game was far from over — and this time, the stakes were deadly.

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