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Chapter 82: White lie
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
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Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife Chapter 83: Stay away
FRANCO’S POVIn the evening, I sat on the veranda, nursing a glass of whiskey. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the garden. The conversation with Celine from earlier today at the restaurant replayed in my mind, her words haunting me.Connor. The little boy who I treated like my own son. The boy who didn’t know that her mother is my ex wife. My heart ached with longing. I wanted to see him, to hold him, to hear his laugh and see his smile. But I knew I couldn't just waltz back into Celine’s life, not without causing a mess. Being near Connor, visiting him at Celine’s mansion—it would only complicate things further.God knows how much I wanted to be with Connor. But what could I do? I had to do what was right. Especially now that Harvey was in the picture, pursuing Celine. And then there was Athena. My wife, pregnant with a child I wasn’t sure was mine. We hadn’t been intimate for months, and yet here she was, carrying a baby.I took another sip of my drink,
Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife Chapter 84: Harvey's invitation
Months had passed, and Franco chose to focus on his wife, Athena, who was pregnant despite doubting the baby was his. All he wanted was a divorce, but he had to stand by the child because Athena was still his wife, even though his heart held no love for her anymore.Franco stood in the dimly lit kitchen, stirring a pot of soup. The steam rose, fogging his glasses. He wiped them off, his mind far from the task at hand. Athena sat at the table, her hands resting on her rounded belly, her eyes following Franco’s every move. "Franco, can we talk?"Athena asked.Franco didn't turn to face her, his voice clipped. "What is it, Athena?""It's about the baby. We need to discuss what happens after it's born."Franco sighed, turning off the stove and setting the ladle down. He finally faced her, his expression stern. "There's nothing to discuss. I'll provide for the baby, but that's it."Athena's eyes filled with tears. "Why are you so cold, Franco? We used to love each other."Franco clenched h
Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife Chapter 85: The Party
As Harvey exited the office, Franco felt a subtle strength swell within him. Maybe there was a chance yet to reclaim the threads of friendship, however his heart raced when he heard the name of Celine. Celine is coming too.In the evening, Franco bid goodbye to Athena, hoping his tone concealed the storm brewing inside him. “I’ll head to Harvey’s casino opening tonight.”Athena paused, her brow slightly furrowing as she dumped the remains of her dinner into the trash can. “Are you sure you want to go? You know how these parties can be…”“Sure, it’ll be fine.” He offered a careful smile. “I mean, it’s just a casino. I’d like to support him—his new venture and all.”Athena folded her arms, a shade of skepticism shadowing her otherwise bright demeanor. “You don’t look convinced. What’s really bothering you?”Franco inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of the secrets he carried. “Harvey… he’s courting Celine Winston now.”Athena’s eyes narrowed as she absorbed his words. “Your ex-wife? Huh?
Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife Chapter 86: Still into her
They stood in silence for a while longer, the tension slowly dissipating. Eventually, Harvey excused himself and went back inside, leaving Franco alone with his thoughts once more.As he stared out at the city lights, Franco couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him. He knew he needed to let go of his feelings for Celine, but it was easier said than done. The past had a way of clinging to him, no matter how hard he tried to move forward.When he finally stepped back into the party, the noise and laughter washed over him, though it felt distant, like an echo. Athena was waiting for him, her expression a blend of relief and frustration that made his heart twist painfully.Athena was waiting for him, her expression a mix of relief and frustration.“There you are. Where have you been?,” she said, her voice piercing through his bubble of introspection.“Sorry,” Franco replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Just needed a moment to clear my head.”He
Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife Chapter 87: Confession
“The way you look at her! The way you obviously jealous!” Athena whispered, her voice barely a breath. “You’re still hung up on her despite the fact that we are already married!”Franco's anger boiled at the edges of his awareness, yet the admission felt unavoidable. “Yes! Yes, I still love her, and I can’t help but feel that I’m betraying you while I try to make this work!”Suddenly, the weight of his words crashed down upon him like a tidal wave. Athena’s face fell, the color draining as she took a step back. “Is that honestly how you feel? Don’t you care what that does to me?”Franco’s frustration morphed into guilt, but the storm inside him wouldn’t let up. “I care, Athena, but I’m so damn confused! I feel like I’m being torn apart.”Athena’s eyes filled with tears, but her voice remained steady. “Franco, I can’t be in a marriage where I’m second best. You need to figure this out.”Without another word, Franco turned and stormed out of the house. The cool night air hit him like a
Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife Chapter 88: His Mess
Franco woke up in the hotel bed, his head pounding and his mouth dry. He blinked against the harsh light filtering through the curtains, his mind struggling to piece together the events of the previous night. Slowly, the memories came back: the bar, the drinks, and then Celine. He remembered her stern face, her voice commanding him to stay put as she went to arrange the room.Shame washed over him. What the hell had he done? Why had Celine found him in such a state? He sat up slowly, the room spinning slightly, and buried his face in his hands. He felt an overwhelming sense of embarrassment. Celine had seen him at his lowest, and he had allowed her to help him when he should have been the one in control.He got up and splashed water on his face, staring at his reflection in the mirror. The man looking back at him was a shadow of his former self. He needed to pull himself together, but the weight of his problems was crushing him.Why had Celine been at the bar? Had she been looking for
Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife Chapter 89: Pursuing her
Why was Celine suddenly asking for payment? Was she mad about what happened last week when she picked him up from the bar and checked him into the hotel to keep him safe? Franco sighed and tried to call Celine. She didn’t answer, so he texted her to meet at Delvis Resto. He wanted to talk and clarify the one-year contract to pay his debt to her. But why was Celine suddenly breaching the contract agreement by asking for payment immediately?The next evening, Franco arrived at Delvis Resto, a quiet restaurant and the nearest. He found a secluded table in the corner and waited, his mind racing with questions and worries. When Celine finally walked in, she looked composed but distant. She spotted Franco and made her way over, sitting down across from him without a word.“Thank you for meeting me,” Franco began, his voice strained.“I got the demand letter. I thought we had an agreement, Celine. Why the sudden change?”Celine took a deep breath, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of deter
Ascension of Billionaire's Ex-wife Chapter 90:Open her heart
Her conversation with Harvey earlier that evening had left her with a sense of both comfort and unease. Harvey’s commitment and support had been reassuring, but the reality of her past with Franco loomed large. The emotional weight of her previous relationship was still heavy on her shoulders, and the thought of navigating a future with Harvey while untangling the complexities of her past was daunting.Sleep came fitfully, slipping in and out like an elusive dream. Celine’s dreams were a confusing mix of familiar faces and new beginnings.Franco’s stern, troubled face appeared first, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and anger. Then, Harvey’s face would emerge, gentle and encouraging, offering her a hand in the darkness. The dreams left her feeling disoriented and restless, the emotions they stirred a chaotic blend of hope and anxiety.She woke early the next morning, the dawn light filtering through the curtains in soft, golden hues. Despite the fitful sleep, she felt a sense
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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
