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Chapter 31
Last Updated:
2025-02-10 10:51:33
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After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 32
Emily’s POVThe bar thrived with its usual energy, laughter spilling through the air, glasses clinking against polished wood, and the hum of conversation blending with the distant melody of the live band. But tonight, I barely noticed any of it. My mind was elsewhere—on Savor the Night, on the dishes I was perfecting, on the future I was determined to carve out for myself and my family.My mind was solely focused on creating and everything else seemed to fade away as I bustled around the kitchen. The weight of my failed marriage, the years I had spent trying to be someone I wasn’t, no longer lingered in my mind. Rediscovering my passion for food forced me to face myself - it challenged me, pushed me, made me realize that I wasn’t weak. I wasn’t just Louis’s ex-wife. I was Emily. I was a damn good chef.I had spent the past week refining the menu for Savor the Night, testing bold new flavors, bringing fresh twists to our family’s traditional dishes. Every plate was a piece of me, a stor
Last Updated : 2025-02-10After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 33
“I can explain everything,” he assured, glancing around the bar. “When do you get off?”“Two, it’s a bar,” I responded, looking him up and down. He was clearly shaken. “What is going on? Why are you here?”“It’s a long story.”Just then, Emma came over, eyeing us both curiously. She looked around the bar, which was still lively but slowing down, most people lingering, drunk and chatting entirely too loudly.“What’s wrong?” she asked, glancing at Damien.“I honestly don’t know,” I grumbled, shaking my head. I then turned to restock the coolers and Emma stopped me, smiling."Go on, Emily," she said over the hum of conversation and the clink of glasses. "You’ve done enough for tonight. I’ll close up."I hesitated, looking up at the clock behind the bar. It was still an hour until closing. “Are you sure? It’s still so busy.”She rolled her eyes, tossing a towel over her shoulder. “Emily, you’ve been on your feet all day. I’ve got this. Besides, I think you two should talk – he looks anxio
Last Updated : 2025-02-11After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 34
Emily's POVDamian’s entire demeanor shifted the second he saw her. His face hardened, his knuckles whitening on the wheel before he exhaled sharply and opened the door. I followed, stepping out into the cool night air, my stomach twisting with unease."Charlotte," Damian said, his voice low, wary. "What are you doing here?"Charlotte ignored him. Instead, her sharp brown eyes landed on me, assessing, unyielding. She was beautiful, but her expression made it clear she wasn’t here to exchange pleasantries."This is her?" she asked, like I was some kind of stain on her designer shoes.My spine stiffened, and I lifted my chin. "Excuse me?"She let out a humorless laugh before turning back to Damian, her perfectly manicured nails digging into her crossed arms. "Are you even aware of the damage you're doing to yourself? Do you have any idea what you’re throwing away?"Damian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Charlotte, I don’t need this right now.""No, you never need it, do you?"
Last Updated : 2025-02-11After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 35
Emily's POVThe scene in the kitchen buzzed with energy, like a pot of stew just beginning to boil. I glanced at the clock, my heart racing as I wiped my hands on my apron. Tonight was the night. A famous food blogger named Nathan Park was on his way to our restaurant, ready to discover the hidden gem that was our restaurant. He specialized in this.He was a renowned food critic and influencer with millions of viewers on YouTube and a popular food blog that highlighted up and coming restaurants, often labeled hidden gems. Of course, after he reviewed them, they weren’t so hidden, but this is the exact exposure I wanted for my family. I could already hear the hum of anticipation beyond the kitchen door as the bar staff hustled to set the mood. This was my shot, the chance to highlight my family’s passion and our determination to bring our past culinary experiences to more people.As I arranged garnishes on plates with trembling fingers, the sound of raised voices filtered through the
Last Updated : 2025-02-12After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 36
Emily's POVThe music swirled around us, the singer hitting a high, thrilling note that sent the crowd into a roar of excitement. I walked over to Nathan’s table, holding my creation—a chili hot dog. The soft, crusted bread cradled a lavishly seasoned sausage, topped with green bell peppers, scallions, crunchy radishes, spicy jalapeño slices, and finished off with a generous drizzle of my special sauce and melting cheese.Nathan sat with his legs wide on the stool, his signature slouch evident in his worn t-shirt and ripped jeans. Tattoos with intricate designs snaked down his shoulders, giving him the appearance of someone who belonged in an energized fight club, not sitting here as a professional food critic. His grin spread when I approached, and he glanced up as I set the plate down, taking a seat beside him. His table was already piled high with a variety of snacks, appetizers, and dishes—it was almost comical to think this muscular frame could take on so much food.“Feeling the
Last Updated : 2025-02-13After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 37
Emily's POVDamian stood there, leaning against the frame, his dark eyes fixed on me with something unreadable—something raw. For a moment, neither of us spoke. It had been days since our last conversation, since Charlotte’s harsh words, since my doubts had almost swallowed me whole.“You gonna let me stand here all night?” he finally asked, a small, wry smile tugging at his lips.I let out a breath, shaking off my nerves. “You’re the one lurking in my kitchen like a lost soul.”Damian chuckled and stepped inside, his presence filling the space. “I came to talk.”I swallowed, setting my tongs down. “I figured.”He took a deep breath, rubbing the back of his neck before looking at me, his gaze unwavering. “Emily, I don’t want to dance around this anymore. I want to be with you. I know things are complicated, I know you’re scared, but I also know what we have is real. And I’m asking you—are you willing to give us a chance?”My chest tightened. I had spent so much time pushing him away,
Last Updated : 2025-02-13After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 38
Damian's POVThe glow of my desk lamp cast long shadows over the paperwork spread before me. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temple as I scanned through my patient notes, my mind half-focused on the words scribbled in black ink. Mrs. Lancaster had opened up about her struggles with grief today—her husband’s passing still fresh in her heart despite the years that had passed. Then there was Adam, a teenager weighed down by his father’s impossible expectations, his shoulders curled inward as if bracing for the next blow.Different lives, different pain, but all of them searching for a way forward.I sighed and made a few final notes, saving the updates to my records. Just as I reached for my coffee, my phone chimed.Charlotte.Dinner. Tomorrow night. I already made reservations.I stared at the text, irritation prickling beneath my skin. It wasn’t a request; it was a demand, an expectation wrapped in polite wording. My fingers hovered over the screen before I typed out a curt reply
Last Updated : 2025-02-13After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 39
Emily's POVThe restaurant hummed with energy, the warm glow of chandeliers casting a golden sheen over the sea of guests. I wiped my hands on my apron, exhaling slowly as I scanned the room.Emma stood behind the bar, effortlessly mixing cocktails, her smile lighting up the space. Near the stage, the band from my bar played their hearts out, while regulars at the bar raised their glasses at me with playful winks. Loyal restaurant customers nodded solemnly like seasoned pros, chatting away with industry folks at each food station. Amidst it all, Nathan beamed his signature smile as he tasted a dish, and I even spotted neighbors who’d shown up to every yearly cookout, offering their quiet support.I stole a glance at the large screen behind me. A video played, a beautifully edited montage of my journey—my family’s history, the roots of our recipes, the long nights of struggle, and sweats and tears we poured into our every creation. I saw my parents’ faces, their younger selves beaming
Last Updated : 2025-02-14
Latest chapter
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 85
Damian's POVThe restaurant had been packed from the moment the doors opened, the energy electric, the kitchen a well-oiled machine producing dish after dish with precision and perfection. Emily had been in her element, her passion shining through with every plate that left the pass. And now, as the final customers lingered over their desserts and the staff began winding down, she stood at the bar, a champagne flute in hand, her cheeks flushed from the rush of it all.I stood beside her, watching the way her eyes sparkled in the low light. “You should let them close up,” I murmured, swirling the golden liquid in my glass before taking a sip.She turned to me, instantly shaking her head. “I can’t just leave them to do everything. It was a crazy night.”Her assistant manager, a sharp-eyed woman named Lila, overheard and let out an exasperated sigh. “Emily, go. Seriously. We’ve got it under control.”Her sous chef, a burly, no-nonsense guy named Felix, chimed in from across the bar. “We’
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 84
Damian's POVFrom across the restaurant, I watched Emily’s expression shift as she spoke on the phone in the office. A faint smile tugged at her lips, her features soft, even playfully relaxed. It was a look I recognized but didn’t often see—at least, not when she was with me. With me, she was always guarded, careful, as if some invisible weight rested on her shoulders.The way her fingers curled loosely around the phone, the way her eyes flickered with amusement—it wasn’t just a casual call. She wasn’t just handling business. This was different. This was personal.My fingers absentmindedly traced the edge of my phone. Nathan’s voice echoed in my mind, teasing and knowing, and I could still hear Emily’s casual remark—"a private invitation."Psychology would categorize this as an irrational jealousy response. But at this moment, I had no intention of suppressing it with logic.Sliding my phone into my pocket, I made my way toward the office.She had just ended the call, still staring a
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 83
Emily's POVEmily barely had time to catch her breath before she was back in the kitchen, calling out to her chefs as they fired up dish after dish. The energy was intoxicating, the air thick with the smell of sizzling meats, fragrant broths, and caramelized garlic. But that night for dinner, with their reservations full, there was something new in the mix.Truffle fried rice.The dish had started as an experiment, a luxurious take on a humble classic, and after Nathan’s viral video, she knew the timing was perfect. A blend of creamy truffle, perfectly fried rice, and a balance of umami-rich flavors that made every bite melt on the tongue. She had tested it, perfected it, and now it was ready to make its grand debut.As soon as the first plates hit the tables, the reaction was immediate. Customers took that first bite and practically melted in their seats. Word spread fast, and soon, orders flooded the kitchen, the dish flying off the line like gold dust. It was a hit.Emily barely co
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 82
Emily's POVThe kitchen buzzed with energy, the air thick with the scent of sizzling garlic, rich broths, and seared meats. Pans clattered, knives chopped in rhythmic precision, and the steady hum of the lunch rush filled the space. Emily moved with practiced ease, her sleeves rolled up, her hands expertly tossing noodles in a steaming wok. Sweat beaded along her hairline, but she didn’t care. This was her domain, her sanctuary.But then her phone vibrated again. And again. And again.Her brow furrowed as she wiped her hands on a kitchen towel, glancing at the notifications flooding her lock screen. Her heart pounded, her pulse quickening with every new alert.The numbers didn’t lie; Nathan Park’s short video had exploded, racking up thousands of likes, shares, and comments in just a few days. It was everywhere. Food bloggers, influencers, even critics had latched onto it, praising the restaurant’s revival and raving about the dishes.Emily sucked in a breath, pushing through the swin
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 81
Maya's POVI finished the last bite of my dessert, a delicate fruit tart with a buttery crust and just the right amount of sweetness. It had been a perfect evening, just like the ones I had always envisioned for myself—peaceful, luxurious, and completely under my control. No unexpected chaos, no unwanted guests, no one to question me or undermine my authority. This was my home, my life, and I was finally at the center of it all.I picked up my phone again, absentmindedly scrolling through my messages as I sipped on my herbal tea. A new text from my mother, Lyla, caught my attention.Have you considered keeping things simple for the wedding? A smaller venue, something more intimate? No need for extravagance, sweetheart. These things are about the union, not the spectacle.I nearly scoffed aloud. Not the spectacle? What was even the point of a wedding if not to be a spectacle? This was my grand moment, my crowning achievement, the culmination of everything I had worked toward. I had spe
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 80
Maya's POVMy life was finally perfect.Louis was always busy with work, but that was exactly what I wanted. He was dedicated to the family business, leaving me to enjoy the luxury of our new home, a spacious, pristine sanctuary untouched by chaos. No more bizarre herbs strewn across counters, no more foreign guests parading through the house at all hours, and, most importantly, no more Lucy. I had won.The house was everything I had dreamed of, the kind of place women envied and whispered about over brunch. A classic American two-story home, wrapped in elegant ivory siding, with dark shutters that framed tall, stately windows. The front yard was a masterpiece—symmetrically trimmed hedges, a smooth stone pathway leading up to a grand mahogany door, and a black wrought-iron gate enclosing it all in a picture-perfect vision of stability. No overgrown vines creeping over walls, no bizarre statues cluttering the yard. It was polished, refined, and entirely mine.The backyard was just as f
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 79
Louis's POVMaya let out a sharp, humorless laugh, eyes widening as she stared at my mother in utter disbelief. “Thanking you?” she spat. “For what? For making me live in this?” She gestured wildly around the room, her hands trembling. “For making my house smell like rotting plants? For forcing me to drink God-knows-what every single day? For making me feel like I am losing my sanity?”Lucy sighed, rolling her eyes slightly, as if Maya were nothing more than a dramatic child throwing a tantrum. “You’re exaggerating,” she said with that same infuriating calmness. “The house isn’t that messy. You young people are just too accustomed to sterile, lifeless spaces. A home should have character. It should be full of life, full of culture. You act as if a few books out of place and a few herbs drying in the air is a disaster.”“A few herbs?” Maya shrieked. “There are piles of them, everywhere! It looks like a witch’s lair! And the books? They’re not even ours! Where do you even get them?” She
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 78
Louis's POVThe moment my phone rang and I saw Maya’s name flash on the screen, I knew something was wrong. I had been getting ready to leave work, shrugging on my jacket, when I answered. The second I picked up, her voice hit me like a storm, raw, frantic, and nearly breaking apart with rage and frustration."Louis, I can't do this anymore!" she cried, her voice shaking. "I swear to God, I am losing my mind in this house! Your mother is unbearable! She’s always here, always interfering, always treating me like I’m some child who can’t take care of myself! And those—those disgusting concoctions she keeps forcing on me, I can’t take it, Louis, I won’t take it! Do you have any idea what I walked into today? Do you? The house is a disaster! It looks like some kind of apothecary exploded, and the kitchen—Louis, I went into the kitchen, and there were dead bugs in the food. Dead. Bugs!"I gripped my phone tighter, momentarily stunned into silence. My mind should have been focused on Maya,
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 77
Maya's POVI couldn’t take it anymore. My hands were trembling as I clutched my phone, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps. The sheer disgust of what I had just seen, the chaos of this house, the stench that clung to every surface, it was all too much. I swiped at the tears on my cheeks, pressing the call button with shaking fingers. The phone barely rang before Louis picked up."Maya?" His voice was steady, indifferent, as if he hadn’t just left me to drown in this nightmare of a house.I felt my composure shatter the moment I heard his voice. "Louis, I can't do this anymore," I cried, my words tumbling out in a desperate, breathless rush. "I swear to God, I am losing my mind in this house! Your mother—she is unbearable! She is always here, always interfering, always shoving her ridiculous remedies down my throat, and I have had enough!"There was silence on the other end, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. "She keeps making these disgusting concoctions and insists I drink them.
