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Chapter 35
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-02-12 10:44:12
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After 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-14After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 40
Emily's POVThe heat from the stove warmed my face as I plated the final dish, hands moving with practiced ease. This was the highlight of our family’s meticulously crafted event—my best creation, unveiled in the most dramatic, eye-catching manner. The crowd hushed as I skillfully waved the ladle, splashing hot oil onto the thick, amber curry sauce. The top layer of the massive snapper sizzled, sending a satisfying crackle through the air. Green peppers, red chilies, carrots, lime slices, and diced tomatoes swirled in the rich liquid, their vibrant colors flashing with each pop and bubble. I let the aroma stew, filling the air with its mouthwatering fragrance, then placed the lid on the wok with a soft metallic clink. The crowd gasped. I smiled. “During my time in Philadelphia, I experienced the wonderful culinary ingenuity of Szechuan and Thai cuisines…” I began, my voice smooth. “I wanted to honor that memory by combining the best of both worlds—”“Interesting,” a man interrupte
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-17After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 41
Emily's POVAs the tension over my creative originality hung thick in the air, the crowd watched with bated breath. Damian stepped onto the stage beside me, his presence commanding attention. With a few swift taps of his fingers, the screen flickered to life, revealing a candid moment from my kitchen—hair messy, face dotted with splashes of sauce, and me fumbling with the ingredients for the dish I’d just introduced. The contrast couldn’t have been more striking.“Stop! Damian, I’m still experimenting!” I protested, laughter spilling out as I fumbled with the ingredients, my hands—no doubt covered in sauce—smeared across the counter. “Promise me you’ll never show this to anyone! You’re supposed to capture my best, not my clumsiest moments!”“Well, it’s the process that shows your genius,” Damian said, zeroing in on me and the cutting board. “What’s next? Tell me about your thought process.”“Well,” I smiled playfully, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear, “maybe a Thai and Szech
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-17After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 42
Damian's POVThe restaurant had been warm before, filled with the rich scents of simmering sauces, seared meats, and the gentle hum of admiration. Now, the air was thick with something else entirely. Something cold. Something suffocating.Barrett Augustus stood at the center of the chaos, his commanding presence drawing every eye in the room. His sharp, calculating gaze bore into me with quiet fury, his voice slicing through the tension with the ease of a blade."You have defied the family’s wishes for far too long, Damian," he stated, his words clipped and deliberate. "Pretending to date other women, keeping up appearances, when all along, you were secretly pursuing her?"He turned then, his piercing gaze settling on Emily."Tell me, my dear," he continued smoothly, his tone laced with something that sent an unmistakable chill down my spine. "Has my grandson told you the truth?"Emily’s brows furrowed, confusion flickering in her green eyes. "What are you talking about?"Barrett’s li
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-17After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 43
Damian's POVLouis stood too close to Emily, his presence a vile intrusion, his gaze dark and taunting. He had no right. Not after what he had done to her. Not after he shattered her heart and left her to pick up the pieces alone.I stepped in front of her, blocking his path. “Back off, Louis,” I warned, my voice low and lethal. “You have no place here.”A slow, mocking smirk curled at the corner of his mouth. “Oh? And you do?” He crossed his arms, his tone dripping with disdain. “I must say, Damian, your hypocrisy is astounding. You stand here, acting like some noble protector, when you’re the one dragging her into your family's endless disgrace.”Emily stiffened behind me, her fingers gripping the fabric of her dress. I could feel the tension radiating from her, the confusion, the pain. She didn’t deserve this. She didn’t deserve any of this.Her parents, standing nearby, moved closer, instinctively positioning themselves in silent defense. Her mother’s gaze burned with quiet fury,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-17
Bab terbaru
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 95
Emily's POVI remained still. My heart pounded in my chest, but I did not move.That drove her completely mad.Maya’s expression tightened, frustration flashing behind her eyes. This was her moment of triumph, her moment to watch me crumble, to see me break beneath the weight of her cruelty, and I refused to give her that victory.She drew a breath, her lips curling into something sharper, something colder. “Do you remember that video?” she whispered, her voice like silk wrapping around a dagger. “The one that destroyed you? The one that made Louis finally leave you? The one that showed the whole world what you refused to believe?”I clenched my fingers at my sides.A slow, satisfied smirk stretched across her lips. “I was the one who released it.”The world tilted for a split second.Pain lanced through me, sharp, deep, sudden. My breath hitched ever so slightly, but I forced myself to breathe, to push past the suffocating weight pressing down on my chest.For so long, I had wondered
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 94
Maya, however, chuckled lightly, the sound as artificial as the diamonds glistening in her ears. "Oh, Emily herself is already annoying enough," she mused, her eyes gleaming. "I did hear something rather interesting, though. Apparently, Damian has been searching for someone, his childhood first love." She tilted her head, her gaze locking onto mine. "Maybe he just thinks Emily looks like her."Her words were not spoken in hushed tones. They were meant to be heard, meant to draw a reaction, meant to make me falter.I did not.Instead, I reached for my fork, cutting through the delicate piece of fish on my plate, tasting the citrus glaze with an appreciative nod. "The ingredients are lovely," I said simply, directing my words to Damian and his grandfather, who sat nearby. Damian smiled, nodding in agreement, and his grandfather gave a pleased chuckle.Maya’s smile tightened.The rest of the night continued in a blur of laughter, music, and speeches. I played my role well. I smiled when
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 93
Emily's POVI still came to the wedding despite my reservations.When Damian’s father personally delivered the invitation, I hesitated for a long time. I could have refused and left all the pain in the past, could have spared myself from the whispers, the lingering stares, the carefully measured pity disguised as politeness. But in the end, I chose to face it. I wanted to prove to everyone that I had moved on.With my hand resting on Damian’s arm, I stepped into the wedding reception with composed steps, my expression indifferent, my spine straight. The murmurs started almost instantly, hushed voices passing from one guest to another like a ripple in still water. I could feel the weight of their gazes, lingering too long before darting away when I met their eyes. Most of them were familiar faces, I had once raised my glass to toast their happiness at their own weddings, just as they had once watched me walk down the aisle toward Louis, believing it was forever. And now, they saw me he
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 92
Maya's POVStepping out of the bridal suite once more, I felt reborn. The deep wine-red gown cascaded over my frame, sculpted to perfection, seductive yet elegant, as though it had been woven from the very essence of power itself. The rubies glistening at my neck and wrists caught the light with every movement, perfectly matching the fire in my veins. It was not just a dress. It was a statement. It declared to the world that I was untouchable, that I had won.The moment I stepped outside the main doors, heads turned. My father, Charles, was the first to approach, his expression one of pure admiration. His arms opened, and I stepped into his embrace, inhaling the scent of expensive cologne and success."You are breathtaking," he murmured, pulling back to admire me. "Everything about this night is perfection, and all of it is for you, my beautiful daughter."I beamed, tilting my chin up as if soaking in the admiration. "Thank you, Father. This wedding, this reception, it is beyond anyth
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 91
Maya's POVThe reception was a masterpiece.Exactly as I’d imagined it—a golden haze blanketing the estate as the sun dipped low in the sky, casting everything in that soft, glowing light you can’t fake. Rows of champagne flutes sparkled like diamonds, the scent of roses wafting through the warm air, mingling with hints of truffle, seared lamb, and other delicacies I had hand-selected from a Michelin-starred tasting.People were talking about it already. I could hear it in the way they murmured as they arrived, the way their eyes widened at the floral arch, the way their compliments grew more effusive with each course. This wasn’t just a reception—it was the event. The kind of thing high society would whisper about for years.Louis and I stood at the entrance like royalty, arms elegantly linked as guests floated toward us with their congratulations and over-the-top gifts. I wanted every single one of them on display—glinting under the chandeliers in the grand salon like trophies. Proo
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 90
Emily's POVLouis wasted no time. He pulled her into his arms, pressing a lingering kiss against her temple before resting his forehead against hers. “Finally,” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. “It’s over. We’re married.”Maya smiled, resting her hands on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath the crisp fabric of his tuxedo. “Yes,” she whispered. “And it was perfect.”His lips curled into a soft grin as he kissed her once more. “I can’t believe we actually made it through the day.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Now we can start our new life together. Just us and the baby.”At the mention of their child, Maya’s fingers tightened against his jacket. Their baby. The ultimate symbol of her victory. She had everything. Louis, their marriage, their child.She let out a pleased hum, tilting her head to look at herself in the full-length mirror. Louis wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, and she sighed in contentment. She wasn’t showing yet, thank Go
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 89
Emily's POVThe estate was a dream, her dream, brought to life with painstaking attention to detail. No expense had been spared, no arrangement left to chance. Towering floral centerpieces of pale mauve and buttery yellow roses lined the courtyard, their fragrance wafting through the air, mingling with the delicate scent of fresh-cut greenery. The warm glow of chandeliers hanging from the grand estate’s terraces bathed everything in golden light. A string quartet played softly, their elegant renditions of pop songs filling the space with a romantic yet modern touch.Maya sat in the lavish bridal suite, her hands folded delicately in her lap, as her bridesmaids surrounded her, their voices buzzing with excitement. The room was a swirl of silk and chiffon, the muted hues of their dresses perfectly complementing the aesthetic Maya had so carefully curated. She had chosen the colors herself, ensuring they enhanced her own brilliance rather than stealing focus. Mauve and pale yellow, soft
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 88
Emily's POVCharlotte let out a dramatic sigh. “I’m drowning in it already.” She waved her free hand, gesturing at the overwhelming décor. “This whole thing is nauseating. An entire estate transformed into a wedding fairytale just to prove Maya has officially climbed the social ladder. It’s embarrassing.”Damian hummed in agreement. “A bit much, isn’t it? But then again, we couldn’t have expected subtlety.”Charlotte scoffed, shaking her head. “I didn’t even want to come, you know. But Father made it clear that wasn’t an option. Not when appearances are everything.”I offered her a small smile. “Well, at least we can get through it together.”Charlotte arched a brow, tilting her champagne flute toward me in mock salute. “Misery loves company.”Damian chuckled but then turned serious. “Have you seen them yet?”Charlotte let out another dramatic sigh. “No, but I assume they’re all gathered somewhere, discussing important matters over overpriced scotch and thinly veiled insults.”Damian
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 87
Emily's POV For a moment, I simply looked at him, taking in the way he stood beside me, unwavering, constant. It was strange how different love could feel when it was real, when it was built on trust instead of illusion.His fingers squeezed my shoulder gently, his gaze meeting mine in the mirror. “Do what feels right for you,” he said. “You don’t owe anyone anything.”I turned in my seat then, reaching up to cup his face as I pulled him down into a kiss. It was deep, lingering, a silent confirmation that I had made my decision.“I’ll go,” I whispered against his lips.When I pulled away, I caught the flicker of relief in his expression, amusement dancing in his eyes.“Were you worried about going alone?” I teased.He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “You’ve met my family, Emily. Anyone would be worried about facing them alone.”I laughed at that, shaking my head as I turned back to my vanity, reaching for my makeup brush. As I began applying a soft sweep of blush to my cheeks
