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Chapter 22
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2025-01-17 15:38:38
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After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 1
Emily’s POVI was packing my husband's suitcase and found a box of used condoms in the pocket.I open the box and find only four condoms even though the box says it's a pack of six. A wave of nausea washes over me as I sink onto the floor in disbelief - I'm afraid of what this means. Ten years of good, solid marriage. We’d gotten comfortable, perhaps too comfortable, but still, I thought we had true love. Louis wouldn’t throw it all away on some random business trip, right?“Babe? I’m home!” Louis’ voice rang through the house, smooth and confident, like it always did. I shoved the box back into the suitcase pocket with shaking hands, snapped the zipper shut, and forced myself to stand.I met him in the foyer, where he dropped his briefcase and smiled, that wide, boyish grin that once made me weak in the knees. “Hey, there’s my girl.” He pulled me into his arms, and I stiffened before I could stop myself. His cologne, the one I’d picked for him years ago, smelled cloying now—familiar
Last Updated : 2024-12-18After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 2
Louis’s POVAs the first of morning light came creeping in through the curtains, I sat on the edge of the bed, watching Emily as she slept. Despite her peaceful expression now, I knew she had slept restlessly most of the night, tossing and turning in her sleep. Guilt formed a knot in my stomach. I knew it was because of me. I knew I was the reason for her sleepless night, even if she didn’t yet. I had betrayed her. I broke a trust so fundamentally that I knew it would all be over if she found out. She would never look at me the same again. Still, the selfish, cowardly part of me hoped she would never find out. Some things were better left unsaid. Maybe if I kept it hidden, I could protect her, protect us.Just keep telling yourself that, coward. I looked at her one last time before slipping out of bed. And as I got ready for work, bittersweet memories came rushing in. ***I first noticed Emily on the sixth hole at Westridge Golf Club, struggling under a heavy bag while two older
Last Updated : 2024-12-18After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 3
Emily’s POVI stretched with a soft, lazy smile, rolling over in bed as the morning light filtered through the curtains. For a moment, the fears of yesterday were a distant memory. Then my phone buzzed on the nightstand, and I reached for it, mumbling, "Wonder who’s up so early..."As I unlocked the screen, an unknown number flashed, followed by a message that made my heart stop:Louis cheated on you."What?" I gasped, sitting bolt upright. "No, no, no. I must be dreaming.”My phone slipped from my trembling fingers and clattered to the floor. I stumbled out of bed, my mind all over the place. A whirlwind of emotions coursed through me—disbelief, anger, and a terrible sadness. Was I the only one out in the dark? Did everyone else seem to know about this except me?"Breathe, Emily, breathe," I told myself as I ran a shaky hand through my blonde hair. "It's probably just a prank. Yeah, that's probably it." But as I said it, I looked in the bedroom mirror and could see the doubt on my fa
Last Updated : 2024-12-18After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 4
Emily’s POVI tried to sit up but hissed when my hand sank into a ceramic piece. I had fallen on the shattered bowl. Now, I was covered in cuts and “fertility soup.” Yay.A movement to my right startled me, and I looked to see Lucy there, seemingly unaffected by my fainting spell and subsequent injuries. She couldn’t care less about me; I knew that. It was just startling to see her exact level of indifference. For god’s sake, she was yawning. Like my pain bored her.I heard the front door open before fully collecting myself and trying to rise to my feet. I knew it was Louis just by his thundering footsteps as he ran across the house towards the kitchen. When he entered the room, his eyes immediately zeroed in on me, and seemingly genuine concern appeared on his face.“Emily,” he murmured as he walked over and carefully knelt beside me. “Emily, are you okay? What happened?”Why was he so concerned? Didn’t he remember what I had screamed at him through the phone?He put his hands on my
Last Updated : 2024-12-18After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 5
Emily’s POVLouis had gone to get some dinner at the hospital cafeteria. I was left twiddling my thumbs and staring at the IV in my hand like it magically held all the answers to my problems.I was startled when Dr. Anderson came into the room. She had been so nice to me; I felt bad for being so distant towards her.“Hey, Emily. How are you feeling?”I attempted a smile and looked her in the eye as I said, “I’m feeling okay. Better. Do you have those test results?”She nodded, and I was confused by her cheery expression until she said, “Congratulations, you’re pregnant!”Pregnant. I’m pregnant.My heart raced with mixed feelings that I couldn’t quite get a handle on—fear, uncertainty, but, strangely, a bit of joy that I hadn’t expected to feel.“Where’s Louis? He’ll be so happy to find out—”“You can’t tell him!” I snapped. At her shocked expression, I apologized. “I’m sorry. But please, don’t tell him.”Jenna looked at me with concern. “Of course, Emily. What you want confidential st
Last Updated : 2024-12-18After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 6
Louis’ POVShe can’t find out. She can’t find out.I tapped my fingers on my desk in a stunted, anxious rhythm. This uncertainty, this nervousness, was not like me. I was usually so well put together, so confident, and full of pride. But what I had done had reduced me to practically a sniveling mess.“Dammit!” I shouted and slammed my palm on my desk. “Sir, is everything all right?” my new secretary, Susan (a middle-aged woman; I will not make the same mistake twice) asked as she peeked her head into my office.I waved a hand but couldn’t wipe the scowl on my face as I said, “I’m fine.”She looked at me skeptically but didn’t argue. I didn’t hire her to argue. I hired her to get Maya out of my life, at least until the baby came.God, what had my life become?When Susan left, I stood up and looked out the window. I clenched my fists, staring out at the storm brewing in the distance. I used to be in control—always two steps ahead, always confident. But now, everything felt like it was
Last Updated : 2024-12-19After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 7
Emily’s POVI drove off in a mixed state of shock and rage. I drove almost blindly, barely making it across town. Where I was going, I didn’t know.Eventually, I pulled over. With determination, I dialed Louis. He answered on the second ring as if expecting my call.“Emily? Is everything okay?”“Louis,” I said, trembling, “have you betrayed our promise?”A silence. Then, “No.”“Then why did Maya tell me she’s carrying your baby?”The silence was the judge, jury, and executioner. It condemned him just as much as any confession would have.How could he lie to me? How could he betray me like this?“Emily, where are you? Let’s talk about this—”“You’ve ruined my life!” I screamed. I saw red, fury coursing through me like a burning flame. I had no idea where I was going or even how fast I was going. I barely registered a turn and over-twisted my wheel. A deafening bang rang out, and I jerked harshly against the seatbelt as the airbag hit me roughly in the face. I sat for a moment, dazed as
Last Updated : 2024-12-19After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 8
Maya’s POVI tidied up the living room quickly, ensuring everything looked untouched and perfect. The SD card and card reader I’d prepared was plugged in the back of the TV. I plucked it out, holding it with triumph, then slipped it into a drawer, placing it gently under a pile of old magazines. The proof of my night with Louis. He might have dismissed me, but I wasn’t going to let him erase me or our child that easily.I smoothed my hands over my stomach, feeling anger and determination swell within. “Emily, don’t blame me,” I murmured softly to myself. “I’m doing this for my child.” I whispered down to my stomach, “Daddy will love you very much.” He might not know it yet, but he would adore this baby—and me. He had to. Or all this would have been for nothing.***I had confronted him about it almost as soon as I knew. “I’m pregnant, Louis,” I told him. My pulse thrummed with the excitement that my plan was finally coming to fruition.But when he looked at me, his expression was cold
Last Updated : 2024-12-19
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After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 22
The dim glow of the flickering neon sign outside the bar cast long shadows across the near-empty room. The coldness of the place wasn’t just physical—it seeped into my bones, wrapping around me like an unwelcome shroud. I sat slumped in the corner, nursing a half-empty bottle of whiskey that I’d convinced myself would help me unwind. Instead, it only made the edges of my world blur into a dark and distorted haze.The bitter liquid burned as it slid down my throat, but it didn’t warm me. I stared at the amber ripples in my glass, my reflection distorted and unrecognizable. My mind swirled with every regret, every misstep. The room around me seemed to grow smaller, the silence louder. It was as if the world had shrunk to just me, my failures, and the suffocating weight of isolation.The alcohol churned in my stomach, threatening to revolt, but I kept drinking. The brave front I’d put on for so long was cracking, revealing the raw, trembling fear underneath. I pulled my coat tighter arou
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 21
I stepped into the sterile, fluorescent-lit hallway of the hospital, the smell of antiseptic stinging my nose. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of nerves and guilt gnawing at my insides. Damian walked beside me, his steady presence both comforting and overwhelming."Are you sure you're okay to do this alone?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.I nodded stiffly. “I’ll be fine. You’ve already done so much. Thank you for coming with me.”He hesitated, his hazel eyes scanning my face as if searching for cracks in the fragile mask I wore. “Call me if you need anything.”I watched him disappear down the hall before taking a deep breath and heading toward my father’s room. The sound of my boots clicking against the tile seemed deafening as I approached the door.Inside, the scene struck me like a blow. My sister, Lola, sat beside our mother, Sienna, who looked like the weight of the world had settled on her shoulders. Lola’s arm was draped around her, murmuring soft reassurances.“Ever
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 20
“A most wonderful friend of mine,” I beamed, eyeing Louis and Lucy cheerfully. “Nice to meet you all.” Damian replied coolly, hands in his pockets. “A friend?” Louis sneered, his voice thick with sarcasm. “Don’t insult me, Emily. What is he? Your lover? Trying to make me jealous?”“Why would I?” I winked, “It’s not like you’ve given me any reason to.”Maya jumped in, angry and mocking. “You have no right to judge anyone when you’ve clearly been screwing around behind Louis’ back!”“Hypocrite,” Louis bit out.“Careful,” Damian said, his voice soft but cutting as he turned to Maya. “People in glass houses should not throw stones. Or the sticks and bricks might just come back for a bite.”Maya went pale and derided. “What’s that supposed to mean?”Damian gave a slight grin “Just don’t reach for things that don’t belong to you.”“Maya?” Louis peered uneasily at her face, “What’s he talking about?”“Everything's fine." Maya said with a faint smile, her voice soft. "They're just trying to
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 19
Emily' POVThe pounding on the bedroom door was relentless—each thud louder, angrier than the last. “Emily!” Louis’s voice boomed, full of irritation. “Open the door!”“Emily, open up! This is ridiculous—you’re just being petty!” Maya screeched, her shrill voice grating against my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.I didn’t move, arms crossed. From inside, their overlapping voices grew louder—his furious commands clashing with her whiny pleas. “Louis, calm down,” Maya purred. “She’s doing this to make us look bad!”I turned as the clatter of hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway. Lucy swept into view, sporting her polished curls and her garishly flamboyant suit.“What in God’s name is going on here?” She demanded.Without a word, I flung the key at the door with a sharp clink. “There,” I nodded at it with my chin, “Your golden boy and his mistress are locked inside together. Go on, let’s see what Mommy Dearest makes of that.”Lucy glared at me as she stalked forward, snatched u
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 18
Emily's POVThe drive to my parents’ house felt longer than usual. My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as I sped away from Louis and our marriage. When I arrived, the usual warmth of home greeted me—the gardenias my mother planted still blooming by the porch, the faint aroma of fresh bread wafting from the kitchen. But none of it settled the unease in my chest.“You’re here so soon!” my mother exclaimed, pulling me into a hug.I forced a smile. “I thought I’d surprise you.”She frowned. “What’s wrong?”“I’ve been worried about dad’s health,” I said quickly, brushing past her and into the house. “I wanted to spend time with you both today and get my mind off of everything.”Her brow furrowed with concern, but she let it drop. My father appeared from the living room, frail and pale but smiling as he walked over to hug me. The sight of him weakened something in me, but I pushed the emotions down.“How’s my girl?” he asked as I helped him to his recliner. His MS had limited him to
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 17
Maya’s POVI leaned back on the plush couch in my apartment, staring at the ceiling. My fingers twirled idly through my hair as memories of the past unfurled, mingling with my current schemes. Emily. She was the anchor of every thought, every plan, every bit of envy that burned quietly within me.It had always been Emily. Back in high school, she was the golden girl—beautiful, driven, and effortlessly adored. Beside her, I was just the shadow, the girl people noticed only when Emily wasn’t around. Even the teachers who praised me for my hard work always added, “You and Emily make such a great team.”A laugh escaped me, bitter and hollow. Emily’s glow made my achievements look like scraps. I’d smiled at her wedding, clapping politely, but the jealousy had gnawed at my stomach as I watched her glide down the aisle. She didn’t just get a husband—she secured Louis Whitman, a man who seemed to have everything: charm, intelligence, and a future paved in gold.When Emily reappeared in my lif
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 16
Damian’s POVI had always wondered if the memories were real. The children’s home where we’d promised to meet once a year, the bond that had kept us steady when everything else seemed to fall apart—were they as vivid for her as they were for me?When I first saw Emily weeks ago, standing amidst chaos at the scene of an accident, I knew it was her. Her features had matured, but her gaze held the same quiet intensity. Yet I said nothing. Fear of her not remembering, or worse, not wanting to, kept me silent. Seeing her again in the hospital stairway, vulnerable and unraveling, had only strengthened my resolve to help her.But now, sitting across from me in my office, she didn’t seem to recognize me at all. Emily had walked in hesitantly, her eyes darting around the room like she was trying to find a reason to leave. She sat in the chair I gestured to, clasping her hands tightly in her lap. To me this felt like a relief but the conflict of knowing my patient personally, of withholding tha
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 15
Emily’s POVI wandered aimlessly through the hospital’s stark, sterile hallways, the bright fluorescent lights above doing nothing to warm the chill that seemed to settle in my bones. My footsteps echoed softly against the linoleum floor, but my mind was louder—filled with painful memories and questions that wouldn’t stop haunting me.How had it come to this? Maya had turned my life into a nightmare. I felt like a marionette, my strings tangled by her manipulative fingers. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. I stopped near a window, clutching my phone tightly. Desperation clawed at me, and I thumbed through my contacts, searching for comfort. But the screen mocked me with its emptiness.Maya. That woman had meticulously isolated me from everyone I once called a friend. Each subtle word, each whispered doubt, had slowly chipped away at my relationships until there was nothing left but her false friendship. How had I not realized it until now?My finger hovered over my mother’s number.
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 14
Emily’s POVLouis’s face paled as he rushed past me, his eyes fixed on Maya’s shuddering form at the bottom of the stairs. He knelt beside her, his hands trembling as he cradled her carefully. Maya let out a piercing wail, clutching her stomach.“My baby… my baby!” she sobbed, tears streaming down her face.I froze at the top of the stairs, my heart pounding in my chest. The hallway was deathly quiet, save for Maya’s cries. The accusing stares of their coworkers burned into me like fire.One of them, a man with a stern face, turned to me. “What happened?”“She—she fell,” I stammered, gesturing wildly. “I didn’t touch her! She moved back on her own!”But their expressions didn’t soften. If anything, their gazes grew colder, filled with disbelief.“You expect us to believe that?” a woman muttered, her voice laced with disdain. “After that altercation… the whole office could hear…”“I’m telling the truth!” I snapped, panic creeping into my voice. “It wasn’t me!”Louis looked up sharply,
