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Chapter 80
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-31 16:38:48
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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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31After 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31After 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31After 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01After 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’
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 86
Emily's POVThe dress hung on the back of the closet door, pristine, elegant, and carefully chosen to be the perfect balance between understated and appropriate. It was a soft, dove-gray silk, simple in its design yet flattering enough that I wouldn’t feel completely inadequate standing beside Damian in his tailored tuxedo. I had picked it weeks ago, back when I had convinced myself that attending Maya’s wedding was just a social formality. Nothing more, nothing less.Yet here I was, sitting at my vanity, staring at my own reflection, unable to decide if I could actually go through with it.The thought of watching Maya marry Louis, standing before their family, their friends, exchanging vows in some opulent venue filled with lavish flowers and imported champagne, should have meant nothing to me. I had moved on. I was happy, truly happy, in a way I had never been before. But still, a wedding was not just about the people saying their vows, it was about the past, about memories, about t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-08After 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-08After 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-08
Bab terbaru
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 119
Charlotte & Nathan’s POVI moved to a quieter corner of the bar and pulled up my computer. I needed to catalog my clips before the light changed. As I clicked through stills and video snippets, she showed up again and again. One shot was practically a close-up—her brow furrowed as she listened to the bartender, her lips barely parted like she was on the verge of some revealing statement. It was like she had been placed there deliberately, woven into the frame by fate rather than accident.Curious, I asked the bartender when she walked by, “Hey, do you know who that woman is? The one in the cream coat?”The bartender smiled brightly, a bit too brightly. “Oh, her? I think she’s a journalist. Said she was working on a piece for some food magazine. Real polite. Asked all the right questions.”I arched a brow. “Really? Which magazine?”The bartender shrugged. “Didn’t say. You know how these people are. Always sniffing around for the next trend.”My gut told me she was sniffing for somethin
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 118
Charlotte & Nathan’s POVThe waiter returned with my entrée, along with another unsolicited comment. “She’s been working double shifts since her sous-chef had her baby. Covers mornings and nights. Still smiles like that every day.”I nodded, unsure what to say. I wanted to ask more—how she handled the stress, what she said when no one was listening, whether she ever snapped, or if the sweetness was just another mask. But the longer I sat here, the more it became obvious. Emily wasn’t pretending. She was just… good.Too good.I finished half the meal, barely tasting it, before signaling for the check. I left a generous tip and a few vague compliments scrawled on the napkin for appearance’s sake. I couldn’t let them think I hadn’t been impressed. That would arouse suspicion. No, I had to vanish like mist, just as I had come, with no one the wiser.As I stood, the young waiter rushed to my side again, eager to please. “If you ever want to come back for a proper interview or photos, just
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 117
Charlotte & Nathan’s POVThe rain had turned to mist by the time I arrived, a fine silver veil that clung to my coat like static. I pushed open the door of the bar and stepped inside, the warmth immediately enveloping me in a comforting, spicy mix of clove-scented candles, citrus, and whatever simmered in the kitchen. It was quieter than I expected. Jazz music hummed softly in the background, the low hum of conversation weaving through clinking glasses and the occasional laugh. This wasn’t some loud, chaotic dive or a pretentious speakeasy pretending to have charm. It was effortless. Like Emily.I slipped off my coat and slid into a booth in the corner, the plush velvet seat hugging me with a quiet familiarity. I ordered a glass of wine I didn’t really want. I hadn’t come here for drinks. I hadn’t come here for ambiance. I had come for answers.She fascinated me. That was the only word for it. Emily had taken up space in my thoughts lately, a slow-burning curiosity that I couldn’t see
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 116
Charlotte’s POVThe string lights above the terrace twinkled like distant stars, casting a soft, amber glow over the garden that had been transformed for Grandfather’s birthday. I stood by the fountain, my fingers wrapped tightly around a flute of champagne, watching as the guests trickled in, their voices rising in cheerful bursts. The old guard was here tonight—Larry with his ever-present cigar tucked behind one ear, Saul in his ridiculous plaid bowtie, and Carl, who’d brought his wife even though she could barely stay awake through a conversation. These were the men who’d built an empire alongside Barrett Augustus. They were also men who knew how to tell a story and raise a glass in honor of a legacy. Tonight, that legacy was turning seventy.I looked across the tables set out with fresh flowers and gold-rimmed plates and spotted Emily, laughing at something Damian had just whispered in her ear. I smiled without thinking. She was wearing a pale blue dress that floated when she walk
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 115
Barrett’s POVThe next morning, I sat in my leather recliner, nursing a secund cup of black coffee, and staring out over the manicured estate. Thoughts of the approaching date churned in my mind, and I found myself… restless. Seventy. The big seven-zero. The number itself tasted both bitter and regal on my tongue. I had not planned to celebrate, not publicly anyway. But as the morning wore on, I began to feel something stir in my chest. A small fire. A whisper of sentimentality. Perhaps, I thought, a modest gathering with those closest to me would not be entirely foolish.I reached for the landline beside me, its polished brass and ivory buttons still more satisfying than any of these cursed smartphones. I dialed Charles’ office number and waited.“Father,” Charles answered, his voice clipped, professional. Always the executive, even for me.“I hope I’m not interrupting your hostile takeover of a rival firm,” I said, smirking to myself.“You’re lucky I find your sarcasm charming, Fath
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 114
Barrett’s POVThe morning sun filtered through the heavy drapes of my suite, casting golden beams over the thick Persian rugs and polished mahogany furniture. I had just finished a satisfying breakfast of poached eggs, grilled asparagus, and a piece of toast slathered with just enough marmalade to remind me of Madelin’s old habit of sneaking sugar into everything. I was reclined in my massage chair, the mechanical hum of the rollers easing into my lower back as I sipped a small glass of tomato juice. My slippers were warm, my robe wrapped perfectly around me, and for a brief, fleeting moment, I allowed myself the luxury of peace.Then came the knock.It was not sharp or aggressive, but steady, insistent. I assumed it was Becky, my nurse, coming to check my vitals and shuffle me off to the pool where I would wade like a disoriented walrus through lukewarm water in the name of cardio. I did not mind. At my age, movement was a celebration, not a punishment.“Come in,” I called, not turni
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 113
Emily’s POVThe house was silent, that comforting kind of quiet that settles just before twilight. I had dimmed the lights in the kitchen and lit the candles I kept tucked away for special occasions, letting them cast soft, flickering shadows across the table. The scent of roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil danced through the air, blending with the heady sweetness of the vanilla candle near the door. Damian had texted me an hour ago to say he was finally headed home after a brutal day at the hospital. I could almost hear the exhaustion in his message.He had been working late all week, dealing with a string of emergency surgeries and difficult patients. I had seen it in the shadows under his eyes and the way his voice sometimes trailed off mid-thought. I hated seeing him that way. So tonight, I decided, was just for him.The table was set with our mismatched plates and the fancy cloth napkins we never used. A bottle of Chianti stood like a soldier at attention beside
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 112
Emily’s POVThe smell of garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest lingered in the air as I stirred the sauce gently in the pan, the soft clink of the wooden spoon against metal filling the silence between bursts of laughter. Damian sat on a stool near the island, slicing up bright heirloom tomatoes for the salad, his sleeves rolled up, forearms dusted with a trace of sea salt. There was something sweetly ridiculous about how domestic we’d become. Just last week I was navigating legal documents and emotionally charged confrontations, and now, I was arguing with this man—this impossibly handsome, frustrating, tender man—about how thick tomato slices should be.“Thicker, Damian. They fall apart when they’re paper-thin. What is this, a salad or carpaccio?” I teased, shaking my head.He looked up at me with mock offense, eyes sparkling with humor. “Excuse you, this is art. Not everything needs to be manhandled into submission.”I flicked a little water at him from the edge of my fingers and he gas
After Divorce: Ex-wife Never Turns Back Chapter 111
Barrett’s POVThe afternoon light filtered in through the tall windows of Emily’s restaurant, casting a soft golden hue across the crisp white tablecloth and delicately arranged tea set before me. I leaned back slightly in my chair, cigar long extinguished, the aroma of fresh herbs and warm fruit filling the air. Emily moved with the grace of a dancer, placing platters of vibrant foods before Tom and me, her smile glowing with sincerity and quiet confidence. It was a different kind of strength than I was used to — not forged in boardrooms or battles, but grown in the soft, persistent soil of daily intention and care. A strength you could eat, I thought, marveling at the spread before us.“I wanted to do something special,” she said as she settled into the chair across from me. “This is part of something I’ve been dreaming up — a lifestyle brand built around nutrition, mindfulness, and family. Something real. I’ve spent so long building something for myself, and now… I want to build so
