Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost 26

Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost 26 Summary

In “Shattered Dreams Find Light,” Simone finds herself embroiled in a web of tension and uncertainty, particularly during a dinner party that was meant to be a celebration. As she navigates the complexities of her relationships, particularly with Carter, the atmosphere becomes charged with unspoken emotions and hidden agendas. The presence of Alexa and Krissy adds to her discomfort, as they subtly undermine her confidence, leaving Simone feeling like an outsider amidst the opulence surrounding her. The dinner, filled with exquisite food and laughter, contrasts sharply with the turmoil brewing within her, especially as she grapples with the implications of a blackmail threat.

Carter’s protective nature emerges as he expresses concern for Simone, but their connection is complicated by the lingering memories of a kiss they shared. This moment of intimacy ignites a mix of longing and fear within her, yet the weight of her situation pulls her back to reality. The pressure of the dinner and the judgmental gazes from others intensify her anxiety, leading her to seek solace outside the dining room. In this moment of vulnerability, she receives a distressing call from Lewis, revealing the threat of blackmail and the precariousness of her position. The revelation that Jasmine may be involved deepens the complexity of Simone’s circumstances, forcing her to confront the trust she has in those around her.

As the chapter unfolds, Simone’s internal struggle becomes palpable. She recognizes that she cannot remain a passive player in the unfolding drama; she must take control of her narrative and face the challenges ahead. The emotional turmoil she experiences is compounded by the fear of losing everything she has worked for, yet a flicker of determination ignites within her. The call from Lewis serves as a catalyst for her resolve, pushing her to reclaim her strength and confront the forces threatening to dismantle her dreams.

In the upcoming chapters, readers can anticipate heightened tension as Simone grapples with the fallout from her confrontation with Lewis and the potential betrayal from Jasmine. The simmering chemistry between her and Carter will also evolve, challenging her to embrace her feelings amidst the chaos. As she navigates the treacherous waters of deception and self-discovery, the stakes will rise, leaving readers eager to witness her journey towards reclaiming her truth and the life she envisions. The story promises to be a whirlwind of emotions, revelations, and the struggle for empowerment against the backdrop of shattered dreams.

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**Title: Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost**

Blackmail? Who could be behind such a sinister threat?

Jonathan didn’t have her new number, and he was the sole figure relentlessly pursuing her every move.

“Are you alright?” Carter’s voice broke through her thoughts, saturated with genuine concern, his brow furrowing as he studied her.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied quickly, her fingers fidgeting with the fabric of her turquoise gown, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on her like a heavy cloud.

“I’m sure she’s just fine, babe,” Alexa interjected, leaning against Carter with a casual demeanor that did little to mask the tension swirling in the air.

Carter’s expression shifted, a protective instinct flaring to life. “If it’s Ralph, just tell him you’re busy,” he advised, his tone firm and unwavering before he strode back into the house.

Simone blinked, allowing his words to settle in her mind. As the implications began to swirl around her thoughts like a tempest, she gasped, the realization crashing over her.

“What’s wrong?” Alexa asked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion, a predator sensing weakness.

Simone chose to ignore her probing gaze and hurried after Carter, her heart pounding with urgency.

“Mr. Wilde! Mr. Wilde!” she called, her voice echoing down the hallway, desperation lacing her tone.

Carter glanced back, a smirk flickering across his lips before he vanished into the dining room, leaving her with a whirlwind of confusion and determination.

Behind her, Alexa’s heels clicked sharply against the floor, each step echoing her irritation.

“What’s going on?” she demanded, her tone sharp and probing, like a knife cutting through the fog of uncertainty.

Simone inhaled deeply, steadying herself as she forced a polite smile. “Nothing at all.”

But Alexa’s frown deepened, her expression darkening with suspicion. “Don’t lie to me. I know you’re hiding something.”

“I truly have no idea what you’re talking about,” Simone replied smoothly, her heart racing in her chest. “Excuse me.”

She pressed on toward the dining room, her pulse pounding in her ears. How could she possibly explain to Alexa that Carter had sabotaged her dinner plans with Ralph?

There was no way to bring that up without acknowledging the kiss they had shared. The mere thought caused her heart to clench painfully, a mix of longing and dread.

With a resigned sigh, she stepped into Michelle’s dining room. The atmosphere buzzed with life; servers glided gracefully about, expertly filling the long, elegant table with an array of exquisite dishes that sparkled under the soft, ambient lighting.

A woman clad in vibrant red sat close to Michelle, a glass in hand, her laughter ringing out like music in the air, creating a stark contrast to the tension she felt inside.

Michelle turned and spotted Simone, her face lighting up with genuine warmth. “Simone, dear!” she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with mirth. “Welcome!”

Simone couldn’t help but smile, her nerves easing slightly as she moved closer. “Hello, ma’am.”

“Please, sit,” Michelle urged, pulling out the chair beside her with an inviting gesture. “Simone, this is Gwen.”

Gwen, with a graceful motion, dropped her glass and extended a perfectly manicured hand. “Nice to meet you, Simone.”

“Pleasure to meet you too,” Simone replied, shaking her cold hand before taking a seat, grateful for the brief respite from the storm brewing within her.

Across the table, Trevor engaged in conversation with an older man, while Carter sat beside him, deliberately avoiding her gaze as if it were a hot flame he dared not touch.

The door to the dining room swung open, and in walked Alexa, accompanied by Krissy. Their presence instantly shifted the atmosphere, the air thickening with unspoken tension.

“Oh, now everyone is here,” Michelle said cheerfully, her voice brightening the room like sunlight breaking through clouds.

As Krissy and Alexa settled into their seats, they exchanged a glance that sent a wave of unease washing over Simone. She instinctively tugged at her gown, trying to cover her exposed cleavage, her hands trembling slightly in a futile attempt to regain control.

In that moment, she felt utterly out of place. Despite the luxurious gown draping her figure, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was an imposter among them. They exuded an air of sophistication and wealth, while she sat there, desperately trying to blend in.

The plates on the table gleamed with gold, and the food—a lavish feast—was far more than the guests could possibly consume. The aroma wafted through the air, tantalizing yet overwhelming, filling her senses before she even had a chance to taste anything.

The entire arrangement was nothing short of majestic, fit for royalty—and here she was, painfully ordinary.

“Welcome, everyone,” Michelle said, tapping her glass to capture the attention of the room, and the chatter fell silent.

“Thank you all for coming,” Michelle continued with a radiant smile. “We have our lovely Simone here with us.”

Simone swallowed hard, her cheeks flushing as she waved awkwardly, feeling the weight of their gazes upon her. “Hi.”

“Welcome, darling,” the older man said with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“That’s Trevor’s father, Mark,” Michelle introduced, gesturing toward him. “And this is Gwen. You’ve met the rest of the family.”

“Hello,” Simone nodded at Mark, her heart racing, feeling the pressure of the moment.

“Nice to meet you, Simone. I’ve heard wonderful things about you,” Mark said, his voice kind and inviting.

Krissy scoffed, and Alexa stifled a laugh, the sound slicing through the warmth like ice.

Simone bit her lip, lowering her gaze as embarrassment washed over her like a cold wave.

“It’s nice to see you again,” Trevor said softly, his voice a gentle balm in the tense atmosphere. “How’s work?”

Her eyes instinctively darted to Carter, who was now staring at her, his expression unreadable, a mixture of concern and something deeper flickering in his gaze.

“It… it’s going well,” she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper, each word feeling like a fragile thread holding her together.

“Have you had a chance to discuss things with Carter?” Michelle asked casually, reaching for an empty glass, her tone light and unassuming.

“She hasn’t had the time,” Carter interjected evenly, his gaze still fixed on Simone. “We’ll schedule a date when she’s ready.”

Alexa turned to Carter, her brow arching in disbelief. “Schedule a date? Do you really need to meet?”

“Isn’t that the only way they can discuss things, dear?” Michelle replied mildly, her patience evident as she navigated the conversation.

“They could just call,” Alexa suggested, her mouth twisting into a smirk. “She did that with Krissy, right?” she asked, glancing at Krissy, who nodded in agreement, her expression smug.

Carter sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. “Enough, please. Simone is more than capable. Let her handle it in her own way.”

Simone sank deeper into her chair, feeling the weight of the conversation pressing down on her like a heavy blanket. For a moment, silence enveloped the table until Gwen cleared her throat, breaking the tension.

“So, Alexa, how’s work treating you?” she asked, attempting to redirect the conversation.

“Great, but it could be even better if someone would do their job,” Alexa hissed, her eyes narrowing as they landed on Simone, the accusation sharp and biting.

Simone looked away, her heart racing. “I’m working on it,” she said, her voice steady despite the anxiety bubbling beneath the surface.

“Well, it’s not as quick as mine,” Krissy added coldly, her tone dripping with disdain. “Why are you so slow? Do you want Carter chasing after you?”

Simone gasped, her cheeks burning at the accusation. “No, absolutely not! I… I’m…” she stuttered, feeling cornered and powerless, the walls closing in around her.

“Let’s take it easy on her,” Michelle interjected softly, her voice a soothing balm amidst the chaos. “She’ll come around.”

“I really don’t understand what you see in her, mother,” Krissy muttered, her disgust barely concealed, a sneer curling her lips.

Sweat trickled down Simone’s neck, pooling at her back. This dinner was spiraling into disaster, and all she wanted was to escape the suffocating atmosphere.

“But she resolved your issue,” Mark reminded Krissy, his tone firm, a protective father defending his daughter.

“Exactly,” Gwen added, her voice supportive. “Give her some time.”

Trevor scoffed, reaching for his glass, the sound echoing in the tense silence, amplifying the discomfort.

Mark frowned, glancing at him. “What was that?”

“Nothing,” Trevor shrugged, his expression nonchalant, but the tension lingered in the air like an uninvited guest.

“Let’s not start anything awkward,” Carter said firmly, attempting to steer the conversation back to safer waters. “We are here to enjoy dinner.”

“Absolutely!” Michelle chirped, ringing a bell that summoned servers back into the room, who promptly began dishing out the food, the clatter of dishes momentarily distracting from the tension.

“Are you alright?” Carter asked, his eyes softening as they met hers, concern etched in his features.

Simone nodded, her throat tight, unable to find her voice amidst the chaos. A plate of seafood was placed before her, but the smell churned her stomach, sending panic creeping into her chest.

Before she could stop herself, she stood up abruptly. “Excuse me,” she murmured, hurrying out of the dining room, her heart racing as she sought refuge from the storm inside.

Her vision blurred momentarily, and she grasped the wall for support, counting to ten in an attempt to steady herself.

Once the wave of anxiety passed, she straightened up, wiped her face, and walked down the corridor, desperate for fresh air and a moment of clarity.

“Simone, Simone,” Carter called from behind her, his voice filled with concern, echoing in the stillness.

She turned slowly, forcing a smile that felt fragile and thin. “Hello, Mr. Wilde.”

He studied her intently, worry etched deep in his features. “Are you okay? You look pale.”

“I’m fine,” she lied, her smile faltering under the weight of his gaze. “I just needed some air.”

“My family can be overwhelming,” he chuckled softly, attempting to lighten the mood, though the heaviness still clung to her heart. “I apologize for that.”

Overwhelming was an understatement, but she kept that thought to herself, not wanting to burden him further.

“It’s fine. I’ll be right back,” she said, attempting to turn away, eager to escape the intensity of the moment.

But he reached out, gently grasping her hand to stop her, sending a jolt of electricity through her.

“Mr. Wilde…”

He stepped closer, his finger brushing against her lips, and her body shuddered at the contact, igniting a flame of desire that was both thrilling and terrifying.

“I want you to be okay,” he said softly, his eyes locked onto hers, filled with an intensity that made her heart race with longing and fear.

Her breath hitched as he dropped his hand, the heat of the moment lingering like a charged current between them, an unspoken promise hanging in the air.

He couldn’t kiss her again—not with his entire family just a few feet away. What if someone walked in? Or worse, what if it was Alexa?

The fear surged within her, prompting her to take a step back, breaking the spell that had captivated them both.

“You can’t do that, Mr. Wilde,” she said, her voice trembling, the weight of reality crashing back in.

Carter chuckled, his gaze dropping to her gown, and she could feel the heat rising within her, igniting a longing she couldn’t fully comprehend.

“I see that it’s a perfect fit,” he murmured, his voice low and teasing, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “And the shoes? Do they match?”

She nodded, biting her lip, caught in the moment, the world around them fading into the background.

“Oh, Simone,” he growled, raising his hand as if to caress her face. “You make it so difficult,” he confessed, his voice thick with desire, the air crackling with unspoken tension.

Then, as suddenly as he had approached, he turned and walked away, leaving her breathless and reeling from the encounter.

She exhaled shakily, her heart pounding in her chest. What had just happened? Why was she losing control so easily?

Before she could gather her thoughts, her phone rang, the sound jolting her back to reality. She reached for it with trembling fingers, noticing the unknown number flashing ominously on the screen.

“Hello?” Her voice came out small and uncertain, the weight of dread settling heavily in her chest.

“Did you get my message? You can’t fucking blackmail me and win!” the voice on the other end spat, full of venom, slicing through the remnants of her calm.

She blinked, trying to place the voice, and then it clicked, the recognition hitting her like a cold wave.

“Lewis?” she breathed, the name slipping from her lips like a curse, the reality of her situation crashing down.

Lewis scoffed, the disdain palpable in his tone. “You’ve lost, Simone, and you’ll be hearing from my lawyers about your fucking article.”

Then the line went dead, leaving her frozen in disbelief. She hadn’t even released the article. How did Lewis know about it?

Only Jasmine knew about the piece on Lewis.

Her stomach dropped, a chill running down her spine. Why was Jasmine blackmailing Lewis? What tangled web had she unwittingly walked into?

Conclusion

In this whirlwind of emotions and revelations, Simone finds herself at a crossroads, grappling with the weight of her circumstances. The dinner, meant to be a celebration, has morphed into a battleground of insecurities and hidden agendas, leaving her feeling like an outsider in a world of privilege and expectation. The confrontation with Carter, laden with unspoken desire and the haunting specter of her past, has ignited a spark within her, yet it is overshadowed by the looming threat of blackmail. As she stands on the precipice of her own dreams, the fear of losing everything she has worked for gnaws at her resolve, intertwining her aspirations with an unsettling sense of vulnerability.

Yet, amidst the chaos, a flicker of determination ignites within Simone. The unexpected call from Lewis serves as a harsh reminder of her strength and the stakes at play. No longer can she allow herself to be a pawn in someone else’s game; she must reclaim her narrative and confront the forces that seek to undermine her. In this moment of clarity, she recognizes that shattered dreams can indeed find light, and it is up to her to navigate the shadows. With her heart racing and a newfound sense of purpose, Simone resolves to face the challenges ahead, ready to fight for her truth and the life she envisions, no matter the cost.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

In the next chapter of *Shattered Dreams Find Light*, readers can expect the tension to escalate as Simone grapples with the fallout from her confrontation with Lewis. With the threat of legal action looming over her, she must navigate the treacherous waters of betrayal and deception that seem to surround her. The revelation that Jasmine may be involved in the blackmail adds a layer of complexity, forcing Simone to question her trust in those closest to her. As the stakes rise, will Simone find the strength to confront Jasmine and uncover the truth, or will she be swept away by the very forces threatening to shatter her dreams?

Moreover, the simmering chemistry between Simone and Carter will reach a boiling point, as the emotional turmoil she faces only intensifies their connection. With Carter’s protective instincts kicking in, the dynamic between them shifts, leading to moments of vulnerability and passion that could either draw them closer or push them apart. As the dinner party continues to unfold, the atmosphere will crackle with unspoken tensions, and Simone will be forced to confront her feelings for Carter amidst the chaos. Will she embrace the light he offers, or will the shadows of her past keep her trapped in fear?

As the chapter unfolds, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to see how Simone navigates the minefield of relationships, deception, and self-discovery. Will she emerge stronger, ready to reclaim her narrative, or will the weight of her shattered dreams prove too heavy to bear? Prepare for a whirlwind of emotions and revelations that promise to keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Conclusion

In the aftermath of the tumultuous dinner, Simone stands at a pivotal juncture, her heart torn between the desire for connection and the suffocating weight of betrayal. The encounter with Carter has ignited a flicker of hope within her, yet the shadow of blackmail looms large, threatening to unravel the fragile threads of her life. As she grapples with the realization that those she trusted may not have her best interests at heart, the walls of her carefully constructed world begin to crumble. The tension of the evening has stripped her of the illusion of safety, leaving her vulnerable and exposed in a realm where appearances can be deceiving.

However, this moment of despair is also a catalyst for transformation. With the chilling call from Lewis echoing in her mind, Simone recognizes the urgency of reclaiming her narrative and confronting the forces that seek to undermine her. The flicker of determination ignited by her encounter with Carter becomes a blazing fire, propelling her forward into the unknown. No longer willing to be a pawn in someone else’s game, she resolves to uncover the truth behind the blackmail and confront Jasmine, her erstwhile confidante. As she steels herself for the challenges ahead, Simone embraces the understanding that amidst shattered dreams, there is always a path to light. With renewed purpose, she steps into the fray, ready to fight for her truth, her aspirations, and the love that beckons just beyond the horizon.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

In the next chapter of *Shattered Dreams Find Light*, readers can anticipate a gripping escalation of tension as Simone confronts the fallout from her encounter with Lewis. With the threat of blackmail looming ominously over her, she finds herself ensnared in a web of deceit that challenges her trust in those she thought she knew. The revelation that Jasmine may be entangled in this sinister plot raises the stakes significantly, forcing Simone to make difficult choices about loyalty and truth. As she digs deeper into the murky waters of betrayal, the question remains: will she muster the courage to confront Jasmine and unearth the secrets that could shatter her world even further?

Simultaneously, the simmering chemistry between Simone and Carter promises to reach a critical juncture. Their connection, already fraught with emotional intensity, will be tested as the chaos of the dinner party unfolds. With Carter’s protective instincts igniting, moments of vulnerability and passion will emerge, creating a tantalizing push-and-pull dynamic that could either strengthen their bond or drive a wedge between them. As Simone grapples with her feelings amidst the turmoil, readers will be left wondering if she will seize the opportunity to embrace the light Carter represents or if the shadows of her past will continue to hold her captive.

As the chapter progresses, expect a whirlwind of emotions and revelations that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Will Simone rise to the challenge and reclaim her narrative, or will the weight of her shattered dreams prove too burdensome to bear? Prepare for a captivating journey filled with unexpected twists and heart-stopping moments that will leave you eagerly turning the pages, desperate to uncover what lies ahead.