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Chapter 49
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-02-18 11:37:31
Bab terkait
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 50
Maya's POVThe glow of the dim overhead lights reflected beautifully off the rim of my glass as I lifted it, savoring the expensive cocktail in my hand. Around me, my friends laughed and chatted, their voices a gentle hum of admiration and indulgence. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and fine whiskey, a mix of sophistication and luxury—everything I had always deserved.Louis sat beside me, his dark, smoldering gaze locked onto me with that slow, knowing smile that made every other woman in the room seethe with jealousy. I could feel it, the way they watched us, the way they whispered. They wanted what I had. They wanted to be me. And who could blame them? I had it all—wealth, beauty, power, and a fiancé who worshipped the ground I walked on.“This place is… quaint,” one of my friends, Ava, mused, running a manicured finger along the rim of her glass. Her usual taste ran more toward exclusive members-only lounges with imported champagne and name recognition.I smil
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 51
Maya's POVEmily moved through the bar ready to take their order, her face perfectly neutral, her posture stiff.A slow smile curved my lips. The moment was too perfect.Seizing my opportunity, I gestured toward her with syrupy sweetness. “Oh, everyone, you must meet Emily.” I let my voice rise just enough to ensure I had the group’s full attention. “This is Damian’s ex-girlfriend.”The reaction was instant. Heads snapped toward her, eyes widening with interest. The conversation that had been focused on me—on my flawless life—shifted, their curiosity now directed at the woman who had, once upon a time, held Louis’ heart.Emily’s steps faltered for just a fraction of a second, her fingers tightening around the tablet in her hand. She recovered quickly, but I had seen it. The weakness. The sting.I tilted my head, feigning innocence. “Oh, you don’t mind the introduction, do you, Emily?” My voice was light, pleasant, perfectly polite, but the underlying message was clear.She met my gaze
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 52
Maya's POV“Oh, Damian has always been the noblest of men,” I cooed, swirling my untouched champagne as I leaned forward, my smile delicate yet sharp. “It’s no wonder he has such a dedicated following. Isn’t that right, Emily?”Emily barely spared me a glance as she set down another tray of drinks with practiced ease. Her expression was composed, unreadable, and it infuriated me.“I wouldn’t know,” she said lightly, her tone void of any emotion that would suggest familiarity. “I was never his patient.”The table let out an exaggerated collective gasp, ever the dramatists when a bit of juicy gossip was at play.“Oh?” I feigned a surprised blink. “I thought… well, with everything I’ve heard…” I trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air like perfume.Emily smiled at me then, and I despised how calm she looked. “Damian is a wonderful doctor, but we’ve never had that kind of relationship.”I tapped my chin as if deep in thought. “Interesting. But tell me, Emily, how is your fami
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-06After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 53
Damian's POVI never intended to come to this party.When Eloise extended the invitation, I had every intention of declining. I had been preparing excuses in my head, knowing that social gatherings hosted by Maya were never just friendly get-togethers. There was always an underlying motive, a scheme brewing beneath her carefully poised smile.But then Eloise mentioned the venue.Emily’s bar.I agreed before I had time to think about it.Now, as I stepped inside with Eloise on my arm, I was immediately reminded of why I had hesitated.Maya was already holding court, her voice lilting with amusement as she spun yet another version of the story she wanted the world to believe. The moment she noticed me, her eyes gleamed, and she turned her attention toward Emily, her tone growing deliberately louder.“Emily, you must know how we feel,” Maya purred, her voice honeyed with false concern. “After everything that’s happened, it’s just so unfortunate that people keep bringing up old wounds. I
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 54
Damian's POVEmily, standing just beyond the table with a tray balanced effortlessly in her hands, froze. Her green eyes locked onto mine, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw something shift behind them. Surprise? Doubt? A flicker of emotion she didn’t want me to see? But just as quickly as it came, it was gone, buried beneath the same calm professionalism she always carried like armor.Across from me, Maya’s smile faltered, a thin crack forming in her carefully polished exterior. She hadn’t expected this. She had set the stage so beautifully, twisted the narrative just enough to make Emily seem like the fool, the desperate woman clinging to a man who had never truly belonged to her. And yet, I had just shattered it in one fell swoop.Louis sat rigid beside her, his fingers curled into a fist against the table. His expression darkened, his jaw tightening as if he were barely containing whatever rage had begun to simmer inside him.Someone cleared their throat awkwardly, breaking t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 55
Emily's POVThe glass in my hand trembled slightly as I set it down behind the bar. My fingers tightened into a fist for just a moment before I forced myself to release the tension. I couldn’t let them see me falter—not now, not after everything Damian had just said.His words still echoed in my mind, lingering like an unfinished melody. He had stood up for me. He had declared, in front of everyone, that he admired me, respected me, believed in me. I had known, deep down, that his feelings for me were real. And yet, hearing them spoken aloud, laid bare in front of a crowd of people who wanted nothing more than to see me humiliated; it was overwhelming.I should have been grateful. I should have felt vindicated. But instead, all I felt was the sharp edge of complication cutting through me.Because this was exactly what I had wanted to avoid.From across the room, I felt Maya’s venomous gaze searing into me. Though she had recovered her usual poised expression, her fingers were curled a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 56
Emily's POVThe neon sign outside the bar flickered, casting a hazy glow over the empty street. The last of the patrons had gone, their laughter and lingering whispers fading into the night. I exhaled slowly, my breath curling in the cool air as I locked the register. My fingers ached, my wrist throbbing with every movement. I had lost count of how many drinks I had mixed tonight, how many bottles I had flipped and spun through the air to entertain the ever-demanding crowd. The exhaustion settled into my bones, but I ignored it.Tonight had drained me, but it wasn’t just from the labor. It was everything. Damian’s words, Maya’s venom, Louis’s possessiveness - all of it clashing together in a whirlwind that I hadn’t had time to process. I rubbed my wrist absentmindedly, rolling my shoulders as I prepared to head out. And then I saw him.Damian.He stood at the entrance, his figure illuminated by the dim light from the streetlamp. The sight of him hit me harder than I expected. He wasn’
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 57
Emily's POVThe ride home was quiet, but not uncomfortably so. The city lights flickered past the car window, casting shifting shadows over Damian’s face as he drove. My wrist throbbed dully, a reminder of the hours I had spent pouring drinks, shaking cocktails, and carrying trays with more flourish than necessary. I flexed my fingers absently, wincing slightly at the stiffness settling in.Damian noticed. Without a word, he reached over at a stoplight, taking my hand gently in his. His fingers, warm and sure, pressed against the tendons in my wrist, his touch featherlight yet precise. The tension melted almost instantly under his careful ministrations, the ache ebbing away as his thumb moved in slow, deliberate circles. A soft sigh escaped me before I could stop it.“You really are a jack-of-all-trades,” I teased, tilting my head to study him. “Did you pick this up while studying psychiatry?”He glanced at me, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. “Just basic medical knowledge. You’v
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-10
Bab terbaru
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.
