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CHAPTER 5
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-27 17:20:55OLIVIA'S POV
How could father be so insensitive? How could he set me up with the very man he knew betrayed me? My pulse quickened, and for a brief moment, it was like time had rewound. The memories of betrayal, of heartbreak, came rushing back, leaving me momentarily frozen in my seat. “Keep it together,” Ethan’s voice hissed next to me. He leaned in, his tone low and sharp. “You’re the CEO now. Don’t let him rattle you.” I couldn’t respond. My gaze was locked on Lucas as he sauntered into the room, exuding the same infuriating confidence he always had. His tailored navy suit fit him perfectly, the silver cufflinks catching the light as he adjusted his tie. He barely glanced around the room. He didn’t even acknowledge me. That, more than anything, sent a spike of anger through me. After everything, he dared to act as if I didn’t exist? My fingers tightened around the pen I was holding, and I forced myself to inhale deeply, to calm the storm brewing within me. Lucas set down his briefcase with deliberate precision. He took his time, arranging his materials and setting up his laptop. The silence was deafening, the board members exchanging curious glances, clearly aware of the tension but unsure of its source. “Good morning,” Lucas finally spoke up, his voice commanding and smooth. “Shall we begin?” The board members looked at me, waiting for my nod to proceed. I opened my mouth to speak, but the words stuck. My throat felt dry, as if every ounce of confidence I’d built over the weekend had evaporated the moment Lucas walked in. Ethan, ever the protector, stepped in. “Go ahead, Mr. Preston,” he said firmly, his tone betraying none of the irritation I knew he felt. “You may proceed.” Lucas inclined his head in acknowledgment, his expression unreadable. He turned to the projector, and within moments, his presentation was up on the screen. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Lucas started, his voice steady and authoritative. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I’m here to discuss an opportunity that I believe will be mutually beneficial for Nexus Global and Preston Investments.” I barely heard the rest. My focus was on him—the way he commanded the room, the way his confidence filled every corner, and the way he seemed completely unaffected by my presence. How could he be so composed, so unbothered, when I was barely holding it together? As Lucas spoke, outlining his proposal with precision and clarity, I forced myself to listen. His pitch was strong, annoyingly so. He spoke of market trends, projected growth, and the unparalleled returns Nexus Global could expect if they partnered with him. The board members were hooked. I could see it in their expressions—the subtle nods, the way they leaned forward in their seats. Lucas had them eating out of his hand, and it grated on me. For the next hour, he answered their questions with ease, deflecting concerns and offering solutions with the finesse of someone who had done this a thousand times before. His confidence was maddening, and yet I couldn’t deny that he was good at what he did. Finally, as the discussion began to wind down, I raised my hand. My pulse quickened as I did, but I was determined not to let him walk out of here without facing me directly. Lucas’s gaze flicked to me briefly before he sighed, clearly annoyed. “Since there are no more questions,” he said, addressing the board, “I’ll leave you to deliberate and make your decision.” Ethan scoffed loudly, drawing Lucas’s attention. “Actually, Mr. Preston,” he said, his tone laced with sarcasm, “There is another question. Mrs. Smith here has her hands raised.” Lucas stiffened, his jaw tightening as he turned his gaze back to me. For a moment, his composure faltered. He hesitated before stepping away from the projector and walking over to Ethan. He leaned in, his voice low but sharp enough for me to hear. “Don’t you think you’ve gone far enough, Richards?” he said, his tone icy. "Making my wife cheat on me, bringing her to this meeting. And now letting her question me?” Ethan didn’t flinch. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. “She wasn't just your wife, Preston. And if you’d done your homework, you’d have know that.” Lucas pulled back, his gaze narrowing as he looked between the two of us. The tension in the room was palpable, the board members watching the exchange with thinly veiled curiosity. Slowly, I stood. The chair scraped against the polished floor as I pushed it back, the sound sharp and deliberate. All eyes turned to me as I straightened my blazer, willing my voice to remain steady. “I’m more than just your ex-wife, Lucas Preston,” I said, meeting his gaze head-on. “I’m the CEO of Nexus Global.”
Bab terkait
DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 6
LUCAS’ POV"I'm more than just your ex-wife, Lucas Preston," Olivia said, her voice steady and proud. "I'm the CEO of Nexus."I froze, my mind struggling to process what she had just said. CEO? Olivia? The woman I thought I knew so well? The same woman who used to dream about opening a cozy bakery someday? How in the world did she end up here—leading one of the most powerful companies in the city?She tilted her head slightly, her sharp gaze slicing right through me. "Surprised, huh?" she asked, her tone laced with pride and something else—defiance. Maybe even a touch of satisfaction.For a moment, I forgot where I was. The boardroom, the presentation, the curious stares of the other members—none of it mattered. All I could focus on was her, standing there like a completely different person from the woman I once knew.She wasn’t just different—she was unrecognizable.But before I could say anything, she took control. She straightened her blazer, looked me dead in the eye, and asked,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-03DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 7
OLIVIA’S POVAs I pushed open the door to my office, my breath caught in my throat. There he was, sitting in one of the chairs across from my desk, his posture casual but his eyes anything but Lucas Preston.I stopped in my tracks, gripping the edge of the door tightly for a moment before forcing myself to exhale. I would not let him rattle me. Not again.Straightening my blazer, I walked past him without a word and made my way to my desk. The weight of his gaze bore into me, but I refused to acknowledge it.I had barely reached my chair when he picked up my nameplate, running his fingers across the engraved letters as if testing their authenticity.“Olivia Smith,” he said, his voice low and deliberate. He turned the nameplate over in his hands before placing it back on the desk in front of me. “We need to talk.”I sat down, leaning back in my chair, and crossed my arms over my chest. “We have nothing to talk about, Mr Preston."His jaw tightened, and his eyes flashed with something I
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-03DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 8
OLIVIA’S POVThe moment Lucas left, the weight I’d been holding on my shoulders crashed down, and I sank back into my chair. My breath came in shaky bursts as I stared blankly at the nameplate on my desk. His words played over and over in my mind, cutting deeper with each repetition."Are you really the gold digger everyone thinks you are?"I didn’t even realize when the tears started falling. They were hot and fast, slipping down my cheeks despite my best efforts to hold them back. My hands trembled as I covered my face, letting the sobs escape quietly.It was just my first day at work, and already it felt like I was drowning. It wasn’t the pressure of the job—that I could handle. It was him. Lucas. Seeing him again, hearing his voice, and feeling his judgment.And the worst part? I still loved him.I hated myself for it, for the way my heart betrayed me every time I looked at him. After everything he’d done, after all the pain, I should have moved on. But deep down, I hadn
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 9
OLIVIA’S POVThe sunlight streaming through my window woke me before my alarm could. For a moment, I lay there, staring at the ceiling, gathering my thoughts. Another day, another chance to prove Father wrong.With that determination surging through me, I sprang out of bed and headed straight for the shower. The warm water cascading over my skin was invigorating, washing away the lingering exhaustion from yesterday.I chose a black pair of tailored pants and a floral blouse—something professional yet elegant. Pulling my hair into a sleek ponytail, I applied light makeup, just enough to highlight my features. I looked at myself in the mirror, and my lips curled in a smile.You’ve got this, Olivia.I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs. As I descended the grand staircase, the sound of laughter echoed through the hall. Father’s deep chuckle, Ethan’s familiar laugh, and a third voice—warm yet unfamiliar—floated up to me. I frowned slightly, curiosity piqued.When I entered the dining roo
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-10DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 10
OLIVIA’S POVThe 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-12DEAR 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-14DEAR 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-14DEAR 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-16
Bab terbaru
DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 125
Olivia's povAmelia’s departure left a hollow echo in the corridors my office, her heels clicking away into the distance, her silence a victory I hadn’t expected but didn’t fully trust. My words—“I’ll marry him again… fight for full custody”—hung in the air like smoke, bold and reckless, their weight settling into my chest with a mix of triumph and dread. My heart pounded, my hands trembling as I stood there, the morning air sharp against my flushed skin. I’d faced her down, held my ground, but the fire of my defiance was already fading, replaced by a gnawing guilt that twisted my stomach. What had I done? Threatening to take Lucas back, to tear apart their family—it wasn’t me, not really, but the words had spilled out, fueled by her venom and my own tangled longing for a past I couldn’t reclaim. I took a shaky breath, my legs unsteady, and forced myself toward my desk, desperate to bury the encounter in work, to escape the storm of emotions threatening to drown me.I settled at
DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 124
Olivia's POV The morning sun was barely cresting the horizon as I pulled into the company parking lot, the engine’s hum fading into a heavy silence that matched the turmoil churning inside me. My hands lingered on the steering wheel, knuckles pale from gripping it too tightly, as if holding on could steady the storm of emotions still raging from last night. Austin’s words—“I didn’t ask you to care for me”—echoed in my head, each syllable a fresh wound, laced with guilt and regret that burned hotter with every replay. My eyes stung, gritty from tears and sleeplessness, my chest a tight knot of anger, shame, and a longing for Lucas I couldn’t shake, no matter how hard I tried. I took a shaky breath, willing myself to focus, to bury it all and face the day, but the weight of it clung to me, heavy and unrelenting.I pushed open the car door, the cool morning air hitting my face like a slap, and stepped out, my heels clicking against the asphalt. That’s when I saw her—Amelia, standin
DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 123
Olivia's povAustin’s words hit me like a slap, sharp and searing, cutting through the quiet of the kitchen with a force that stole my breath. “Did you think anyone believed that silly lie you told?” he asked, his voice low, thick with anger, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that made my heart lurch. I froze, my hands gripping a damp dish towel, the air suddenly too heavy, too tight. Shock rippled through me, cold and electric, my pulse hammering in my ears as I registered the accusation in his tone. He knew—or at least suspected—and the realization sent a wave of panic crashing over me, my chest constricting with guilt and fear.“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice trembling, a weak attempt to feign ignorance despite the truth clawing at my throat. My fingers tightened around the towel, twisting it until my knuckles ached, as if the pain could ground me, keep me from unraveling.I knew exactly what he meant—the lie I’d told Ethan, the flimsy excuse about a business f
DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 122
Oliva's POV The night air was cool against my skin as Lucas walked me back to my car, his footsteps quiet beside mine, the silence between us heavy with the weight of everything unspoken. I clutched my purse tighter, my fingers digging into the leather as I tried to anchor myself, to quell the storm of emotions swirling inside—longing, guilt, fear, and a fragile hope I didn’t dare name. The parking lot was dim, the streetlights casting long shadows that danced across his face, and I stole glances at him, my breath catching at the familiar lines of his jaw, the exhaustion etched into his eyes. My chest ached with a love I couldn’t shake, a pull that threatened to unravel me every time he was near.He stopped by my car, his hands shoved into his pockets, his gaze flickering to the ground before meeting mine. “I wish you hadn’t come with your car,” he said, his voice low, rough with a wistfulness that twisted my heart. “I could’ve dropped you off.”The words hung there, soft and int
DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 121
Olivia's pov The kiss hung between us like a storm cloud, electric and untamed, its aftershock trembling through my lips, my veins, my very soul. We stood in Lucas’s office, the dim light casting jagged shadows across his face, his breath ragged, mirroring the frantic thudding of my heart. My hands lingered on his chest, pressed against the fabric of his shirt, feeling the wild, desperate beat beneath—alive, real, a rhythm that echoed the chaos tearing through me. My knees weakened, my breath shallow, as I drowned in his eyes—those hazel depths I’d once known better than my own, now stormy with guilt, longing, and a rawness that pierced me to my core. My chest ached, a hollow, searing pain, as every buried feeling I’d fought to suppress clawed its way back, overwhelming and unstoppable.He broke the silence first, his voice a jagged whisper, thick with regret and something deeper, something that cracked my heart open wider. “I’m sorry,” he said, his gaze dropping to the floor, h
DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 120
Olivia's POVThe backyard was filled with the scent of grilled meat and charcoal. I stood near the picnic table, a glass of lemonade in my hand, the cool condensation slick against my fingers as I tried to anchor myself in the moment. The glow of string lights cast a warm haze over everything, softening the edges of the day’s chaos, but my mind was still a tangled mess, replaying Ryan’s father’s threats, the police, and literally everything that had gone wrong in my life.Ethan was across the lawn, chasing Aiden around in a game of tag, the little boy’s squeals of delight piercing the evening air. It was a scene so normal, so peaceful, that it almost felt like a lie—like I’d stepped into someone else’s life instead of my own.Vivian sidled up beside me, her shoulder brushing mine, her presence a quiet comfort I’d missed more than I’d realized. She held a plate of ribs, picking at them absently, her eyes soft as she watched Ethan scoop Aiden up and spin him around. “He’s missed you,
DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 119
My heart stopped, then slammed back to life, pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. I spun around, staring at Amelia, her words—“I have evidence”—ringing in my ears like a gunshot. Shock ripped through me, cold and electric, freezing me in place as my mind scrambled to catch up. Evidence? What evidence? My hands trembled, my breath hitching, and I felt the world tilt beneath me.“What evidence?” I demanded, my voice rough, cracking with a mix of disbelief and rising panic. I took a step toward her, my eyes locked on hers, searching for some hint, some crack in her smug facade. “What the hell are you talking about, Amelia?”She stood there, her arms crossed, her lips curled into a tight, defiant smirk, her eyes gleaming with a menace that made my skin crawl. She didn’t answer—just stared at me, her silence a weapon sharper than any words. My chest tightened, frustration boiling up, hot and suffocating. “Answer me!” I snapped, my voice louder now, raw with the fear I couldn’t
DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 118
Lucas’s POV I stood at the airport, the buzz of travelers and rolling suitcases a dull roar in my ears, my stomach knotted with a dread I couldn’t shake. Amelia was next to me, her perfume sharp and overpowering, her voice was a relentless drone as she prattled on about the honeymoon she’d orchestrated—some tropical getaway I’d never wanted. My suitcase sat heavy in my hand, a physical reminder of the prison I’d locked myself into by marrying her. The ring on my finger felt like a shackle, cold and tight, a constant itch I couldn’t scratch. I didn’t want this—not the trip, not her, not the forced smiles I’d have to plaster on for days on end. My chest burned with the urge to run, to ditch the whole damn thing and vanish into the crowd, but I was stuck, tethered by the child she carried and the guilt that came with it.That was when they appeared—two police officers, their uniforms crisp, their faces hard, cutting through the sea of people with a purpose that made my heart stutt
DEAR EX-HUSBAND, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ME BACK CHAPTER 117
Olivia’s POVAs Ryan's father stormed out of my office, I stood there, frozen, my hands still gripping the edge of my desk as if it were the only thing keeping me upright. His words—“You murderer! You killed my son!”—echoed in my head, a relentless assault that left my chest tight and my breaths shallow. The room felt smaller, the air heavier, and my legs trembled beneath me, threatening to give out entirely. I was shaken, more than I wanted to admit, the raw fury in his eyes searing into me like a brand. My heart pounded, a frantic rhythm that drowned out the hum of the office beyond my door, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure I could pull myself back together.But I had to. I couldn’t let this unravel me—not here, not now. With a shaky breath, I straightened, forcing my hands to release the desk, though my fingers ached from the strain. My mind raced, searching for a lifeline, something to anchor me in the chaos. Ryan’s father was a problem I couldn’t handle alone—not with his rag
