Share

Chapter 71: Chances

Author: Sacred Heart
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Suddenly there was a knock on the door, interrupting our conversation. Irene stood up and opened the door. We were both surprised to see Mr. Ruiz standing there, a wide smile on his face and a bouquet of lilies in his hand.

“Good morning, ladies,” he greeted us, his voice a warm baritone. “I hope I haven't interrupted anything important?”

“No, not at all,” I said, my voice slightly strained. I was still reeling from the sudden shift in my emotions and the realization of my own self-destructive behavior.

“Why are you here,Mr. Ruiz?” I asked, my question more of a statement than a genuine inquiry.

“Well, I couldn't wait another minute to see you again, Ms.Winston,” Mr. Ruiz said, stepping into the room and extending the lilies towards me. “I’m hoping you'll accept these as a token of my appreciation for your… company last night.”

My mind raced back to the previous night. The chaotic mess I had created, the calculated plan to provoke Franco, the reckless decision to invite a stranger hom
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 72: Her Condition

    I was surprised to see my son, Connor. I don’t know how to explain that I can’t be with him tonight because I have a dinner with Mr. Ruiz outside. I lied to him and told him I have a business meeting tonight so I cannot sleep beside him. He was very disappointed, but I promised to sleep beside him later when I got home. I promised him to sleep beside him when I get home later.“Mommy,” he whined.“Baby, I have a very important business meeting tonight. I’ll be home later. I promise I’ll sleep beside you then,” I said, trying to sound reassuring.He pouted, but eventually, he gave in. I hugged him tight and kissed his forehead.“I love you, Buddy,” I said, my voice cracking.“I love you too, Mommy,” he mumbled.He went to his room, and I sat down on the edge of my bed, my emotions a tangled mess.The guilt gnawed at me. I felt like I was betraying Connor, my sweet, innocent son. He’s always been my priority, my world. I’ve never put anything before him, not even my own dreams.The cloc

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 73: Intention

    My stomach lurched. He hadn't been supposed to know. I had been so careful, so meticulous in keeping it as a secret, especially from Connor. I’d explained to Mr. Ruiz that Connor's father had passed away, carefully avoiding any mention of Franco.“No,” I said, my voice a shaky whisper.“His father... he was different. Connor never met his father since he was a baby,”I knew it was a lie, a pathetic attempt to protect Connor from the truth, but it was the only thing I could think of in that moment.Mr. Ruiz's face softened, but he didn't dismiss my words. He knew something wasn't right, I could tell. The air between us thickened, the silence becoming heavy with unspoken truths.“I'm sorry, Ms. Winston,” he said, his voice a gentle balm against the storm brewing inside me.“I shouldn't have asked. It's none of my business. But I do care about you and Connor. I just want to offer you the best possible outcome.”“It's not your fault,” I said, feeling the tears sting my eyes.“It’s just...

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 74: Replacement

    A few moments later, the doorbell rang. I took a deep breath, hoping for the best. I opened the door and there stood Mr. Ruiz, a bouquet of lilies in his hand.“Ms.Winston, you look beautiful,” he said, his smile warm and genuine.“Thank you, Mr. Ruiz,” I said, trying to be polite.“Please, call me Harvey,” he insisted.I forced a smile, feeling the weight of my expectations pressing down on me. “Harvey, this is my son, Connor.”Connor stood behind me, his arms crossed, his face a mask of suspicion. He didn’t offer to shake Mr.Ruiz’s hand.“Hello, Connor,”Harvey said, extending his hand.Connor just stared at him, his gaze unwavering.“He’s just shy,” I said, trying to smooth things over.Mr.Ruiz who I used to called Harvey now was chuckled, “It’s okay, Connor. We all have our moments.”Connor didn’t respond.I took a deep breath, feeling my own frustration mounting. I had been so hopeful, so excited for this meeting. I had thought that maybe, just maybe, Harvey could be the person t

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 75: Can't replace

    And then, just like that, Connor withdrew. He bolted from the couch, tears welling up in his eyes as he ran toward his room, a small trail of misery behind him. My heart sank further as he slammed the door shut, the sound echoing in the hollow space of our home. I followed him, knocking softly, begging him to let me in.“Connor, please listen to me. I’m sorry. Let me in!” My pleas murmured through the door, but I could hear him sobbing on the other side.“Go away!” he shouted, his voice raw with anger and pain. “You don’t understand!”The sting of his words pierced through me, and I pressed my forehead against the coolness of the door.“I do understand, sweetheart. I know it hurts. I’m hurting too.” It was a half-truth, a web of fragile truths that I spun in the muted light of the hallway. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to find some comfort in my own words.I could hear the muffled sounds of Connor as he thrashed around in his room. In my mind, I replayed all the moments lead

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 76: Pregnant?

    FRANCO'S POVWhile I’m signing all the bill papers that I get from my secretary to process the payments, the rhythmic scratching of the pen against the paper creates a white noise that fills my office. It’s just another typical Thursday in my life as a businessman, signifying the beginning of yet another mundane day. The fluorescent lights flicker above, illuminating the stark lines of my desk cluttered with paperwork, and my mind is only half-focused on the numbers in front of me. My world is a careful balance of spreadsheets, meetings and my desire to see Connor again.As I’m lost in thought, my phone suddenly buzzes against the polished wood of my desk. I glance at the screen, and my heart sinks. It’s a call from my in-laws. I can already feel a knot tightening in my stomach, and instinctively, I know that this call is not going to offer me good news."Hello?" I answer, trying to keep my voice steady, but I can hear the tremor beneath it.“Franco! It’s your mother-in-law! You need

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 77: No choice

    The weight of my words hung heavy in the air. When the doctor closed his file and excused himself, I could almost feel the collective breath holding, and the unsaid words sitting as a choking lump in my throat.Moments later, Athena's father approached me, his face a mixture of challenge and paternal duty. “Congratulations, Franco,” he said, his tone less celebratory than it should have been. “But let me make it clear. You need to take care of my daughter and this child.”His words hit me like a slap, igniting something cold and defensive within. “Of course,” I said, forcing a nod. But the truth clawed its way to the surface, and I couldn’t stop it. “But… how? She hasn’t… we haven't… not in months." My voice quivered, and I hated how weak I sounded.The blood drained from his face, and for a moment, the air crackled between us. I could see him collecting himself, the protective father instinct kicking into overdrive. “What are you saying, Franco?”I placed my hands on my hips, pacing

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 78: Ice cream

    CELINE'S POVI froze, my heart racing at the sound of that name.Franco stood at the counter, deep in conversation with the barista.Connor dashed forward, and I felt something cold grip my insides. Why was I feeling this way? My heart raced as he glanced at me.“Hey there!” Franco turned, his eyes alighting on Connor, and an easy smile broke across his face. “Look who it is! My favorite little guy!”Connor beamed as he bounded up to him, wrapping his arms around Franco’s waist. I felt a pang in my chest, something resembling jealousy, despite knowing that he was now with someone else—Athena, the woman with whom he had rebuilt his life, and the reason our marriage crumbled.“Franco,” I managed to say, forcing a smile. “What a surprise.”“Celine,” he greeted me warmly, as if we had seen each other just yesterday.“I’m just picking up some mango ice cream for Athena. How have you been?”I swallowed hard. So casual, so easy. I had expected discomfort, perhaps even a hint of guilt on his p

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 79: His Patience

    FRANCO'S POVI pulled up to the mansion just as the sun was starting to set, casting a golden hue over the expansive lawn. The house loomed large and imposing, its windows reflecting the last light of the day. I had taken longer than expected to get the ice cream and still thinking of Connor.As I walked up the driveway, I could already feel the tension in the air. Athena had been on edge lately, her emotions swinging wildly as the pregnancy progressed. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever mood she might be in. I pushed open the heavy front door and called out, "Athena, I'm home!"No answer. The house was eerily quiet. I made my way to the kitchen, where I found her sitting at the island, her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. I smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "I got your favorite ice cream," I said, holding up the bag.Her eyes narrowed as she looked at me, and I could see the anger simmering just beneath the surface. "You took so long," she snapped. "I don't wan

Latest chapter

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 175: Happy together

    Connor burst into the room, his laughter infectious. “Mom! Can we have a picnic in the backyard later?”Celine smiled, her heart swelling at his enthusiasm. “Absolutely! We’ll make it special.”Franco appeared in the doorway, a soft smile on his face. “I can help with the picnic,” he said, stepping into the kitchen. The warmth between them had been growing, and she could feel the connection rekindling after all they had endured.As they prepared for their little picnic, Celine felt a flutter of anticipation. She caught Franco glancing at her, his eyes filled with admiration. The memories of their past—the hurt, the struggles—began to fade, replaced by a shared understanding and a desire to move forward together.Once they were outside, they spread out a blanket beneath the shade of a large oak tree. The afternoon was bright, and the world felt vibrant around them. Celine watched as Connor played,

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 174: Stick together

    The sun peeked through the curtains of Celine's small living room, casting a warm glow over the room. It had been a week since they had escaped the warehouse, and the world felt a little brighter. The shadows of Harvey and his men still loomed large, but justice had been served. Harvey was behind bars, facing serious charges, and Celine felt a weight lift from her shoulders.As she watched Connor play with his toys, Celine couldn’t help but smile. He was starting to heal, laughter returning to his voice. Franco had been a steady presence since their ordeal, never leaving their side, supporting them both as they adjusted to a new sense of normalcy.“Can I help you with anything?” Franco asked, entering the room with a freshly brewed cup of coffee for Celine. His gaze was steady and sincere, filled with the determination to mend the fractures in their relationship.“Just keeping an eye on him,” Celine replied, motioning to Connor, who

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 173:Rescued

    The adrenaline from their escape quickly faded as Celine, Franco, and Connor found themselves stumbling through the dark woods. Each crunch of leaves beneath their feet felt like a reminder of the danger still lurking behind them. They needed to find safety, but every shadow seemed to whisper of Harvey’s reach.“Are we far enough?” Connor’s small voice broke the tense silence, his eyes wide with fear.Celine glanced back, her heart heavy. “We need to keep moving, sweetheart,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt. “We can’t stop until we’re sure we’re safe.”Franco led the way, his expression grim. “We should find a place to hide,” he suggested, scanning their surroundings. “If Harvey’s men are still after us, we need to stay off the main paths.”Just as they pushed deeper into the trees, a chilling sound echoed through the night—a distant shout that

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 172: Warehouse

    Celine's world spun as she fought against the hands gripping her arms, but she was outnumbered. The chaos of the struggle turned into a blur, voices merging into a cacophony of shouts and grunts. Connor’s terrified face was imprinted in her mind as she was dragged away from him, but there was no time to think; they were all in danger.“Franco!” she cried, her voice strained as she was pulled further away. Despair flooded her as she caught a glimpse of him grappling with one of Harvey's men. The chaos twisted in her gut as she was shoved into a waiting van, the cold metal biting into her skin.Franco’s eyes met hers for just a moment, a fierce determination in his gaze. “Celine! Connor!” he shouted, but another man lunged at him, blocking his way. The last thing she saw was his struggle as the van doors slammed shut.The van jostled as it sped away, the sound of tires crunching on gravel filling the air. Celine sat in the darkn

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 171: Hunted

    Celine’s heart raced as she and Connor dashed deeper into the woods, the shadows closing in around them. Each step felt like a lifeline, but the distant shouts of Harvey’s men echoed through the trees, a haunting reminder of the danger that lurked behind them.“Mom, I’m so tired!” Connor panted, his little legs struggling to keep up.“I know, sweetheart. Just a little further,” she urged, fighting to keep her own panic at bay. They needed to find a safe place to hide. Her mind raced through options, each one fraught with uncertainty.As they rounded a thick cluster of trees, Celine suddenly spotted an old hollowed-out log. “There!” she whispered, pointing it out to Connor. “Get inside!”He climbed in quickly, and she crouched beside him, holding her breath as she listened for the sounds of their pursuers. The shouts grew louder, closer, and she felt the weight of dread settle over her.

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 170: Stay Close

    The sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple as Celine, Franco, and Connor settled into their makeshift hideout. Laughter and lighthearted chatter filled the air, pushing aside the worries that had weighed on them for so long. Celine felt a warmth in her chest, a sense of belonging that had been missing for too long.But as the shadows grew longer, a heavy tension settled over the clearing. Celine’s instincts kicked in, her earlier happiness slipping away. She glanced at Franco, who seemed to feel it too; his smile faded as he scanned the woods around them.“Let’s head back,” he suggested, his voice low. “It’s getting dark, and we don’t want to be out here when we can’t see.”“Can we play for a little longer?” Connor pleaded, his eyes bright with excitement.“Just for a few minutes,” Celine said, hoping to ease her son’s disappoin

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 169: Secret Fort

    The sun peeked through the gaps in the wooden slats of the cabin, casting warm stripes of light across the room. Celine stirred awake, the comforting weight of Connor’s small body pressed against her side. Franco was still asleep in the chair nearby, his face softened in repose. For a moment, Celine simply watched them, her heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. The memories of their past—the pain, the distance—haunted her, but the warmth of the present was undeniable. They were together, fighting for their family. As she shifted, Connor stirred, blinking sleepily up at her. “Morning, Mom,” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. “Morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?” He nodded, stretching like a cat. “Can we play again today?”Celine smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. “Of course. Maybe we can explore the area a bit. There’s a whole forest out there.”“Can we find a secret fort?” he asked, eyes bright with excitement.“Definitely,” she replied, her hea

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 168: Hide and seek

    The car bumped along the rough dirt road, the trees closing in around them like a protective barrier against the world. Celine glanced at Franco, who sat in the front passenger seat, his jaw set and eyes alert. She felt an unspoken connection between them growing stronger amidst the chaos, a tether forged in the fire of their shared struggle.“Are we almost there?” Connor asked from the backseat, his voice a mix of exhaustion and anxiety.“Just a few more minutes, buddy,” Franco replied, turning slightly to give their son a reassuring smile. Celine noted the warmth in Franco's eyes, a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.“Can we play a game when we get there?” Connor asked, attempting to lift the mood.Celine couldn’t help but smile, her heart swelling with affection. “Absolutely. What do you want to play?”“I want to play hide and seek!” Connor exclaimed, a bright spark lighting up his face.Franco chuckled softly, glancing back at Celine with a hint of pride. “I think we can manage th

  • Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife   Chapter 167: Safe Place

    The truck rumbled down the uneven logging road, its headlights cutting through the darkness like a beacon of hope. Celine sat beside Connor, her heart still racing as the trees blurred past. The sound of the engine filled the silence, but her mind was a whirlpool of anxiety.“Are we almost there?” Connor asked, his voice small and tired.“Just a little longer,” Celine replied, forcing a smile. She glanced at Franco, who was focused on the road, brow furrowed with concentration. “Keep an eye out for any signs,” Elias said, scanning the sides of the road. “We need to find a place to lay low.”They drove in tense silence, the weight of their situation pressing heavily on all of them. Celine felt the pulse of fear in her veins, a constant reminder that they were being hunted. Suddenly, Franco slowed the truck as they approached a clearing. “There’s the town,” he said, pointing to a cluster of dim lights in the distance. “We should park a little ways out and approach on foot.”“Good idea

DMCA.com Protection Status