Share

CHAPTER 10

Author: Vivi Anne
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-12 08:40:05

OLIVIA’S POV

The knock on my office door was sharp, deliberate, and far too familiar. I didn’t have to look up to know who it was.

“Come in,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

The door opened, and Lucas stepped in, his presence dominating the room. His jaw was set, and his dark eyes burned with intensity.

“We need to talk,” he said, closing the door behind him.

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “I thought we said everything we needed to say. What else do you want, Lucas Preston?.”

“Now Austin?” he asked, cutting straight to the point.

I blinked, caught off guard by his directness. “Austin is none of your business.”

His brows furrowed, and he crossed the room, stopping just short of my desk. “The way he hugged you this morning didn’t look like nothing. Are you with him now?”

“Seriously?” I scoffed, folding my arms. “You’re interrogating me about who I spend time with? You have no right, Lucas.”

His jaw tightened, and his fists clenched at his sides. “First Ethan, now Austin. What’s ne
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   CHAPTER 11

    OLIVIA’S POVThe moment my eyes locked with Lucas’, I knew the night was over even if I told Austin I was fine. I tried to focus on Austin, his laughter, the dessert in front of me—but none of it could drown out the storm brewing inside. I’d been doing fine until Lucas walked in, his presence a stark reminder of the life I’d left behind. And then, seeing her, Amelia, by his side—it felt like someone had ripped open an old wound.“Liv?” Austin’s voice broke through my thoughts.I blinked and forced a weak smile. “I’m fine.”“You don’t look fine.” His green eyes were full of concern, his hand reaching across the table to touch mine gently. “Do you want to leave?”I hesitated, glancing toward Lucas. He was still standing near the entrance, his gaze fixed on me like he was trying to figure out my next move. My stomach churned.“Yes,” I said softly, pushing my chair back. “Let’s go.”Austin stood immediately, ever the gentleman, and reached for my coat. But just as I was slipping it on, I

    Last Updated : 2025-01-14
  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   CHAPTER 12

    OLIVIA’S POVThe buzzing sound of my alarm woke me, but I didn’t rush to get out of bed. It was Saturday, and for once, I didn’t have anywhere to be. I let out a sigh of relief, stretching lazily before grabbing my phone from the nightstand. No missed calls, no urgent emails. Good.I decided to spend the day at home, catching up on some reading and finishing the project I’d been working on all week. After a quick shower, I made myself a cup of coffee and curled up on the couch with a book, losing myself in its pages.The hours slipped by, and by the time I finished my work, the sun was dipping low in the sky. My stomach growled, reminding me that I’d barely eaten all day. Remembering that Father had invited me to dinner, I headed upstairs to freshen up.After a long bath, I chose a simple yet elegant dress and let my hair fall loosely around my shoulders. I didn’t bother with much makeup—Father didn’t care about appearances as long as I showed up on time.When I entered the dining roo

    Last Updated : 2025-01-14
  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 13

    Lucas’ POVEarlier That Day“You better not bail out on us tonight, Lucas,” James said, his voice firm through the video call. He was sitting at his desk, adjusting his tie like the ever-serious older cousin he was.“I won’t,” I replied, leaning back in my chair.“You’ve been avoiding us for weeks,” Matt chimed in. My younger brother, perpetually laid-back, was sprawled across his couch, sipping a soda. “It’s not just about hanging out. We’re celebrating tonight—Dad’s big deal, remember?“I know,” I said, exhaling.“You should be proud,” James added, his tone softening. “It’s not every day our family secures a deal like this. We’re going to toast to the company, to Dad, and to you, Lucas. You played a big role in this.”Matt grinned. “Exactly. No sulking. We’re meeting at the bar downtown. Nine sharp. Be there.”“I’ll be there,” I said, more firmly this time.Matt raised an eyebrow. “Good. We’re not taking excuses tonight. It’s time to celebrate, man.”“See you there,” James said befo

    Last Updated : 2025-01-16
  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 14

    OLIVIA’S POV“Olivia! Look who decided to finally grace us with her presence!” James called out as soon as he saw me walking toward them. His grin stretched from ear to ear, his voice loud enough to turn a few heads in the bar.“Hey, James,” I greeted, managing a small smile.Before I could say more, he pulled me into a tight hug, his familiar cologne instantly bringing back memories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners.“You’ve been avoiding us,” he said lightly, though his tone held a hint of accusation.“Not intentionally,” I lied, stepping back as Matt, Lucas’s younger brother, approached with his own welcoming hug.“We’ve missed you, Liv,” Matt said softly. His expression was more subdued than James's, his voice tinged with a quiet sadness. “We couldn’t believe it when Lucas told us about the divorce.”I stiffened slightly but forced another smile. “It’s nice to see you both,” I said, hoping to steer the conversation to safer ground.Lucas stood a few steps away, leaning casua

    Last Updated : 2025-01-16
  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 15

    OLIVIA’S POVThe glow of the morning light wavered through my curtains, stirring me awake. I stretched lazily, savoring the quiet before my day officially began. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, and I reached for it, squinting at the screen. It was a text message from Austin. “Hey, I’m so sorry, Liv. I had to travel back urgently for business. I hate that I’ll miss Nexus Global’s anniversary celebration. Promise I’ll make it up to you.’I sighed, staring at the message for a moment before typing a quick reply.“No worries, Austin. Safe travels.”Austin always seemed to have something pulling him away. I understood, of course—his work demanded a lot of him, just as mine did of me—but it didn’t stop the sting of disappointment from settling in my chest. Nexus Global’s third anniversary was a big milestone. It felt strange to think he wouldn’t be there.A sharp knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, sitting up in bed.One of the housemaids stepped in, a smal

    Last Updated : 2025-01-18
  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 16

    Olivia’s POV“Everything’s set for tomorrow, ma’am,” my secretary, Clara, said as she stood by my desk. Her clipboard was clutched tightly in her hands, her brow furrowed with concentration.“Run me through the details one more time,” I said, glancing up from my laptop. I’d been working nonstop the last two days, determined to keep my focus entirely on Nexus Global’s anniversary and, more importantly, away from Lucas.Clara nodded, flipping through her notes. “The event will start at 7 p.m. sharp. The ballroom is fully prepped—decorations, seating arrangements, and catering are finalized. The media has been briefed, and our PR team has confirmed attendance from key stakeholders and partners. The guest list is double-checked, and the commemorative speeches are scheduled for 8 p.m.”“And the presentation slides?” I asked, leaning back in my chair.“They’re ready,” Clara said confidently. “I’ve already sent them to the AV team for testing.”“Perfect,” I said with a nod. “And the staff un

    Last Updated : 2025-01-18
  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 17

    Olivia’s POVI gripped the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned white, the tension in my chest refusing to ease. The confrontation with Lucas replayed in my mind, each word cutting deeper than I wanted to admit. How could he accuse me of something like that? After everything…I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the road. By the time I pulled into the driveway, the sky had shifted to a soft orange hue, the sun setting behind the sprawling estate. I parked the car and stepped out, the cool evening air brushing against my skin as I walked towards the house.Ethan was standing by the main door, scrolling through his phone. His head lifted as he heard my footsteps, a warm smile breaking across his face. “Hey, Liv.”“Hi,” I said curtly, brushing past him.Before I could make it inside, he grabbed my arm gently but firmly, pulling me back to face him. “Don’t let Lucas get to you,” he said, his voice calm yet resolute. “It’s obvious you guys got into an argument or s

    Last Updated : 2025-01-20
  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 18

    Olivia’s POVThe day had finally arrived—Nexus Global’s third anniversary. This milestone wasn’t just about celebrating the company’s success; it was also a moment of personal triumph for me. Every ounce of my little effort, every sleepless night within the past few days, and every challenge I overcame had led to this day.Standing in front of my mirror, I took a deep breath as I admired my reflection. The navy-blue gown I had chosen hugged my figure perfectly. It was elegant and sophisticated without being overly flashy—just how I liked it. My curls fell naturally around my shoulders, soft and bouncy, and the heels I had been eagerly waiting to wear completed the look. I felt ready to face whatever came my way today.Descending the stairs, I found Ethan waiting for me in the living room, scrolling through his phone. He looked dashing in a sleek black tuxedo, his tie impeccably knotted. The moment he saw me, he put his phone down and stood up, a playful grin spreading across his face.

    Last Updated : 2025-01-20

Latest chapter

  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 36

    OliviaThe boardroom was silent as everyone took their seats. The air was thick with anticipation, the kind of tension you could almost feel physically. I sat at the head of the table, my gaze fixed on Lucas as he prepared to present the figures. The chart he was about to show us would give us all a glimpse into how well Nexus had been doing with its recent investments. It was supposed to be a victory, a moment of pride for the company, especially for Lucas.The projector hummed to life, and the numbers appeared on the screen. Lucas's voice filled the room as he explained how Nexus's little investment had grown. The graph was steady, showing a positive trend. The board members leaned forward, their eyes widening as they saw the results. It was impressive—there was no denying that.But as I watched them react, something inside me stirred. This wasn’t about numbers or growth anymore. It was about me, about Lucas. It was about what I had learned over the past few weeks, what had becom

  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 36

    Lucas"How? Just how did it happen?" Vivian asked again, her voice filled with disbelief.I exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of my neck. I didn’t know how to answer that question—not in a way that made sense, not in a way that didn’t make my chest tighten."Vivian, it’s… complicated."She raised an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with that answer, but she didn’t push me further. Instead, she reached down and grabbed Aiden’s hand. "Come on, sweetheart, we need to get going."I nodded, turning back toward the shelves. "Give me a minute. I just need to grab a few more things."I walked a few aisles down, picking up a head of cabbage, though my mind was barely on what I was buying. My thoughts were still tangled in the unexpected reunion, in the way Vivian had looked at me—so full of shock and questions I wasn’t ready to answer.I returned to them at the checkout line, setting my items on the counter. Aiden stood beside his mother, swinging his little legs, humming some tune under

  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 35

    LucasThe past week had been a slow kind of torture.I had thrown myself into work, hoping it would drown out the thoughts that kept creeping in—thoughts of Olivia, of our last conversation, of the way she had looked at me like she had finally given up on us. I told myself that I had accepted it, that I was moving on, but even as I pulled into the parking lot of Nexus Mall, I knew I was lying to myself.The moment I stepped out of the car, I inhaled deeply, trying to shake the heaviness that had settled in my chest. I was here to restock on essentials—coffee, cereal, and water. Just the basics. Nothing more.As I walked into the mall, the buzz of people moving around barely registered in my mind. I grabbed a shopping cart and started moving down the aisles, picking things up without much thought. Everything felt mechanical—grab, toss, move on. I wasn’t even paying attention to where I was going until—Thud.Something small and fast slammed into me, catching me off guard. Before

  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 33

    OliviaThe past week had been relentless.I threw myself into work the moment I woke up, filling every spare second with reports, calls, and planning sessions. It was the only way I knew how to cope. If I stopped, even for a second, my thoughts would spiral in directions I didn’t want to go.So I didn’t stop.I focused on Nexus, on regaining control, on proving that I could handle everything that had been thrown my way. I worked late into the nights, reviewing projections, updating strategies, and ensuring that no detail went unnoticed.And yet, no matter how hard I tried, no matter how much I buried myself in my responsibilities, one thought kept creeping in.Had I made the right choice?I clenched my jaw, shaking my head. I didn’t have time for doubts.Letting go of Amelia’s betrayal had been easy in comparison—she wasn’t worth the effort, and the necklace was just an object. But Lucas… Lucas had been harder. Cutting him off completely, refusing to let him back in, had taken

  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 32

    LucasI barely remembered the drive home. My hands were tight on the steering wheel, my mind spinning with everything Olivia had said. The anger in her voice. The finality in her words.She was done with me.That truth hit harder than I wanted to admit. I should have fought harder, should have explained myself better, but instead, I left. Like a coward.When I pulled up to the mansion, the sight of it made my stomach turn. It was the same house I bought when I got married to Olivia, the same place I had always returned to—but now, it felt suffocating, knowing Mother would be there. I sat in the car for a moment, gripping the wheel, trying to steady my breathing.Then, with a deep breath, I got out and walked inside.The moment I stepped through the doors, my mother’s sharp voice cut through the silence.“Where have you been?”I clenched my jaw, not in the mood for this. “Out.”She was sitting on the couch in the grand living room, her posture perfect, a glass of wine in her h

  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 31

    Olivia’s POVThe moment the door shut behind Lucas, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. My hands trembled as I gripped the armrest of my wheelchair, frustration burning beneath my skin. I should have been relieved that he was gone—that I had finally said what needed to be said—but instead, I felt hollow.I told him not to come back. And he left.I stared at the closed door, my thoughts running in circles. Was this really the end? Did I want it to be?A sharp knock interrupted my thoughts. I turned toward the entrance just as the door opened, and Natalya walked in.“I saw Lucas leaving,” she said, closing the door behind her. “You look like you’ve been through hell.”I let out a bitter laugh. “That’s because I have.”Natalya crossed the room and perched on the armrest of the couch, watching me carefully. “Do you want to talk about it?”I hesitated, gripping the wheels of my chair. I wasn’t sure I had the energy to explain everything, but at the same time, I need

  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 30

    Olivia’s POVThe days following the fight with Lucas passed in a haze of frustration and self-doubt. No matter how much I tried to distract myself, his face—the hurt in his eyes, the anger in his voice—kept resurfacing in my mind. I hated that he had this kind of power over me, that he could stir emotions I wasn’t ready to confront.I was in my home office, reviewing a report Natalya had sent over, when the sound of hushed voices drifted up from the hallway. It was the maids. Normally, I would have ignored it, but something about the tone of their conversation caught my attention.“…I’m just saying, if Mr. Preston really cared about her, wouldn’t he have come back by now?”“Maybe he’s too proud,” another voice replied. “Or maybe she scared him off. You know how intimidating she can be.”My grip on the pen tightened. Intimidating? Scared him off? Who were they to speculate about my relationship—or lack thereof—with Lucas?“Either way, it’s a shame,” the first voice continued. “Th

  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 29

    Lucas’ POVThe moment I stepped into the house, I could feel the tension clinging to the air like a heavy fog. My chest was tight, my jaw set. The confrontation I’d been replaying in my head on the drive here felt inevitable now, and I wasn’t sure how much restraint I had left.My mother was in the living room, lounging on the cream sofa with a cup of tea in hand. She looked up as I walked in, her face lighting up in a way that made my stomach churn.“Lucas, sweetheart! What a pleasant surprise,” she said warmly, setting her cup down.I didn’t return her smile. “Where’s Amelia?”Her brow furrowed slightly. “She’s upstairs. Why? Did something happen?”“Yes,” I said curtly. “And I need to talk to her. Now.”“Lucas,” my mother said, her voice taking on that warning tone she used whenever she thought I was being unreasonable, “I don’t know what’s got you so upset, but—”“Don’t,” I snapped, cutting her off. “Not this time, Mom.”She pursed her lips, a flicker of irritation crossin

  • DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK   Chapter 28

    Olivia’s POVThe sun casted thin lines of light across my bedroom walls. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying last night’s argument with Lucas over and over in my head. Each time, the scene ended the same way: with him walking out, furious, and my heart feeling like it was caught in a vice.I rolled onto my side and groaned. Why did I have to accuse him?But the necklace was gone, and he had been the only one here. The logic felt airtight last night when I was caught up in anger and fear. Now, in the harsh light of day, doubt crept in. Lucas might have been a liar, even a cheat, but was he really capable of stealing from me?I couldn’t shake the guilt gnawing at my chest. There was only one way to settle this once and for all.Throwing off the covers, I got out of bed and headed for the kitchen, where Marcy, one of the housemaids, was busy wiping down the countertops.“Good morning, Miss Olivia,” she greeted me with her usual chipper tone.I offered a weak smile. “Mo

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status