Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak
“Sign the papers, Estella.” Marco’s voice dripped with cold indifference as he slid the divorce papers across the table, his gaze locked on Claudia standing smugly by his side. “Did you really think a nobody like you could keep me?”
Estella swallowed her pride, forcing herself to meet his eyes despite the burning humiliation. The family she had fought to belong to had become her greatest enemy.
Claudia smirked, leaning closer. “You should be grateful. Letting you go is the kindest thing we’ve done for you.”
****
When Estella married into the powerful Valdez family, she believed in a love strong enough to conquer any storm. But after years of enduring Marco’s cruelty and twisted schemes, she’s cast aside, humiliated, and left with a shattered heart.
Yet, when Estella crosses paths with Alejandro, Marco’s ruthless rival. With Alejandro’s guidance, she reclaims her life, finding strength she never knew existed. Together, they plot to dismantle the very family that tore her apart. But revenge is a dangerous game, and as her quest unfolds, she faces betrayal, tragedy, and a conspiracy far deeper than she imagined.
In a world of deceit and broken promises, Estella will discover that survival means more than escaping her past. It means learning to wield her pain as power—and showing those who wronged her that the quietest heart can hide the fiercest storm. But as she edges closer to revenge, a final tragedy strikes, threatening to strip her of everything. Can she rise from the ashes, or will she become a pawn in a game more twisted than love itself?
Will Estella’s journey be one of redemption or destruction? Only time will tell in this gripping saga of betrayal, vengeance, and forbidden love
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Chapter: 95: A Storm of LiesWarning: This chapter contains graphic content, including self-harm, that may be triggering for some readers.If you're struggling with mental health issues, please take care of yourself and consider skipping this chapter.Alejandro POVThe snow started falling a few miles away from the estate, covering the road and slowing my progress. It hadn’t been snowing when I left home, but now it was heavy flakes covering the windshield and muffling the sound of my tires on the secluded drive.I cursed under my breath, gripping the steering wheel tighter as I turned into the long, winding driveway of the mansion. This place was old money through and through: a large plot of land in the middle of nowhere, towering oak trees lining the path, and a mansion that looked more like a fortress.The entire property’s lights were out, save for a faint glow coming from a single window on the second floor.When I reached the entrance, I slammed the car door shut and jogged to the grand stone front steps.
Last Updated: 2025-01-18
Chapter: 94: Blast from the Past Estella Mia’s blank stare still stuck with me as I walked back into the house, locking the door behind me. The whole house was silent, the kind that made every creak of the floorboards echo louder than it should. What the hell was Mia doing out there? Sleepwalking? Spying? I couldn’t figure it out, but the way she just stood there, staring, still gave me chills. I tried to shake off the thought. She’d been weird since the moment she started working here. I sent Alejandro a quick message: Are you almost there? Is she okay? I sighed, heading to the bedroom. My dress clung to me uncomfortably after the long day, and I peeled it off, tossing it onto the chair. Sliding into the bathroom, I turned on the shower, letting the hot water soothe my tense muscles. The warm spray did little to calm my thoughts. My mind was a whirlwind of suspicion and unease. I had just been proposed to. I should be euphoric, floating on air, but instead, I felt restless. When I stepped out of the shower,
Last Updated: 2025-01-17
Chapter: 93: Abrupt CallEstella“She just collapsed, Alejandro! One minute she was fine, and the next—oh my God, what do I do? I called an ambulance, but they’re taking so long. She’s just lying there!”Alejandro pinched the bridge of his nose, his jaw clenched as he paced. “Camila, just take a deep breath. Did you check her pulse? Is she still breathing?”“I-I didn’t want to touch her,” she stammered. “What if I make it worse? I don’t know what to do, Alejandro. I’m scared. She hasn’t even opened her eyes! Please what should I do?”“Stay with her,” he ordered, his voice firm. “I’m on my way. I’ll be there soon.”Alejandro’s expression was unreadable as he slid his phone into his pocket, but I could feel the tension radiating off him. I know what he is feeling. He told Lucia is like a mother to him. Losing her is like reliving the lost of his mother.“You’re going?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer.“Yes,” he said shortly, grabbing his keys from his pocket.I stepped in front of him. “I’ll come
Last Updated: 2025-01-16
Chapter: 92: The Real ProposalEstella POV“Let’s just go home,” I said. “I’m tired. It’s been a long day, and I’m just… done.”Alejandro shot me a sidelong glance. “When was the last time you let yourself just stop and breathe?”I huffed out a small laugh. “I’ll stop and breathe as soon as we get home.”“Then it’s my job to make sure you get it,” he said firmly, wrapping an arm around my waist.As we neared the corner where Clara stood, I spotted her slouched against the wall, arms crossed.“Hey Clara?” I asked, stepping closer. “Are you okay?”She straightened immediately, plastering on a forced smile. “Yeah, fine.”I narrowed my eyes. “You don’t look fine.”“I’m fine,” she insisted, waving me off.I hesitated, my concern growing, but before I could press further, she shook her head and chirped, “ Are you going? Just go and have a rest. I’ll handle everything.”I studied her, then gave a small nod. I will make sure to find out what is up with her. “Make sure everyone leaves safely, okay? And… I will get Raul stay
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Chapter: 91: The ProposalEstella POVI walked through the remnants of the event, seeing guests off and thanking them for sticking with me, believing me.I was about to suggest to Alejandro we leave when Elliot Harrington appeared in my path.Elliot Harrington, of Vanveau, the company that had yanked their partnership the second the rumors started. His cocky smile was a reminder of how easily people could turn on you when it suited them“Well well Estella,” he said. “I have to say, tonight’s event was nothing short of extraordinary.”“Extraordinary enough to make you regret pulling out of our deal?” I replied, arching a brow.His smile faltered for a split second, but he recovered quickly. “A lapse in judgment, I admit. One I deeply regret. That’s why I’m here—to assure you that Vanveau is still very interested in partnering with Estrella Designs. The deal stands if you’re willing.”I crossed my arms, keeping my face neutral. “Funny. I seem to remember you being the first to jump ship when the rumors started.
Last Updated: 2025-01-14
Chapter: 90: Julius CadwellThe tension in the room thickened as Vivian’s father strode in, his presence commanding every ounce of attention. His tailored suit was impeccable, his silver hair gleaming under the spotlights. He scanned the room, his piercing gaze settling on Vivian, who was still struggling against the guards.“Daddy!” Vivian’s voice cracked as she broke free from their grip, staggering toward him like a child seeking refuge. “Look at what they’re doing to me! She humiliated me in front of everyone. She’s lying daddy! You can’t let them treat me like this.”“Vivian.” His voice was a low rumble, full of warning. “Enough.”Her confidence faltered for the briefest moment before she doubled down, her voice rising hysterically. “Enough? You don’t understand! She did this all… to ruin our company. Estella thinks she’s so perfect—she thinks she can just waltz in and—”“Stop.” His single word silenced her tirade, leaving her mouth agape. The crowd murmured in disbelief, the sight of the mighty Vivian Cadw
Last Updated: 2025-01-13
Chapter: Chapter 12: Wedding Reception Elle POVI should’ve known Adrian Blackwell didn’t do anything halfway.The reception wasn’t just smooth—it was flawless, like something out of a movie. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft golden glow across the ballroom, catching the glint of diamonds on every wrist and neckline. Waiters floated around with silver trays, offering champagne that probably cost more than my whole life savings. I sipped cautiously from my glass, sticking close to Adrian as a steady stream of people came up to congratulate him“Adrian, you sly devil,” one man said, clapping him on the back with a laugh. “When I heard you’d finally tied the knot, I didn’t believe it. Thought you were allergic to commitment.”Adrian smirked, his hand resting lightly on my back. “There’s a first time for everything, Richard.”Richard’s gaze slid to me, his smile widening. “And you must be Elle. My wife told me you were stunning, but I wasn’t prepared for this.”“Thank you,” I said, my smile polite but tight. Compliments like tha
Last Updated: 2025-01-03
Chapter: Chapter 11: Food StopAdrian POVShe slumped in her seat, groaning softly. “Okay, fine, yes. But I’m not about to eat some overpriced tiny portion that costs more than my rent, so don’t even think about it.”There was something about her—the way she spoke her mind without hesitation—that felt refreshing. Honest. Even when she was embarrassed, she owned it.“Fine,” I said. “What do you want?”“Pizza,” she blurted suddenly, catching me off guard.I glanced at her. “Pizza?”“Yes, pizza,” she said, sitting up straighter, as if daring me to argue. “From Alessandro’s over on Grand Street.”I blinked. Alessandro’s. A hole-in-the-wall Italian place with mismatched chairs and a menu written in smudged chalk. “Alessandro’s?” I repeated, my voice slightly incredulous.She nodded, her confidence unwavering. “Best pizza in the city. Hands down.”“Fine. Pizza it is.” I said, turning the wheel and heading toward Grand Street.The smell of garlic and melted cheese hit me the second we stepped into Alessandro’s, and for a
Last Updated: 2024-12-30
Chapter: Chapter 10: Dressing the PartElle POVI smoothed my hands down the sleek fabric of the dress, frowning at my reflection in the mirror. I feel like I was walking onto the set of The Real Housewives of Manhattan instead of a… what was it he called it? A press conference?The dress was deep emerald green, the silk hugging my curves in ways that left very little to the imagination. Thin straps crisscrossed over my bare shoulders, and the slit running up the side? That thing could kill a man. It was the first dress I’d tried on when we’d entered the boutique, but I hadn’t actually planned on buying it. I know it wasn’t exactly in my price range—or my comfort zone.Adrian was standing behind me, leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed. When I turned to glance at him, his gaze roamed over me like he was seeing me for the first time.“You look…” He paused. “Breathtaking.”My cheeks warmed, and I turned back to the mirror, trying to ignore the way my heart skipped.“It’s a little much for a press conferenc
Last Updated: 2024-12-28
Chapter: Chapter 9: The WeddingElle POVThe second I stepped onto the porch, I saw my mom waiting at the door, her arms crossed, her face stormy. Typical your-daughter-just-made-headlines-for-all-the-wrong-reasons rage radiated off her. The curtains in the living room next door twitched as our nosy neighbor, Mrs. Brown undoubtedly tried to get a better view. Great.“Mom, I—”“Don’t even start,” she snapped, throwing open the door and stepping aside. “Inside. Now.”I sighed, trudging past her into the small living room. The faint hum of the heater filled the awkward silence as I shrugged off my coat. The smell of cinnamon from the candles she always burned when stressed clung to the air. Judging by the half-melted wax pooling in the holders, she’d been at it for hours.She shut the door with a sharp click and turned to face me, hands on her hips. “What the hell is going on, Elle? Half the neighborhood has already sent me the article. Your face is everywhere!”“I didn’t ask for this,” I said, throwing my hands up. “I
Last Updated: 2024-12-27
Chapter: Chapter 8: Bargain Elle POVAdrian’s jaw was clenched so tight I was sure it was on the verge of snapping. He gripped the steering wheel like he wanted to break it in half, his foot heavy on the gas as we sped through the dark streets. The tension in the car was suffocating, but I knew better than to say anything.The article. The photos. Damian and Lucia’s smug faces. The way Adrian had walked out of the house without a word, his hand gripping mine .His phone buzzed on the console, breaking the thick silence. He glanced at it, his lips curling in a scowl. “Pick it up please. Put it on speaker.”I grabbed the phone, swiping to answer. “Mr. Blackwell,” a sharp female voice came through. “I’ve been trying to reach you all evening. We have a problem.”Adrian didn’t respond, his focus on the road, his knuckles white against the leather wheel.“Go on, Melissa”“The article,” she began, her voice lowering. “It’s spreading like wildfire. The photos—” She hesitated. “They’re explicit. It’s not just tabloids a
Last Updated: 2024-12-25
Chapter: Chapter 7: The Dinner“Now that I think of it, this is a bad idea,” Adrian said, his fingers flexing on the steering wheel as he tried to reverse the car.I whipped around to glare at him. “Are you out of your mind? It took me three hours to pull this glam. There’s no way we’re backing out now.”He gave me a long stare, one that sent a ripple of heat through me despite my irritation. Then, slowly, his gaze drifted over me, lingering just a little too long on the neckline of my black dress.“You look absolutely ravishing,” he said, his voice dipping low. “Although,” he added, his lips curling into a wicked smirk, “I think you’d look even better without all of it.”My cheeks burned, and I tugged at the edges of my dress to ground myself. “Focus, Adrian. Are we doing this or not?”“He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair, his frustration evident. “Are you sure about this? It’s not too late to back out.”I nodded firmly, ignoring the nervous flutter in my stomach. “Absolutely.”He let out a breath, sho
Last Updated: 2024-12-25
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