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Chapter 23- Gratitude
Last Updated:
2025-02-02 12:51:25
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Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 24 - Undercurrents
Stephanie‘s POVWe return to the house in silence, the tension from earlier still crackling faintly in the air. Henry’s arm brushes against mine as he pushes open the door, and I can’t help but notice how his jaw tightens when he moves.“You’re hurt worse than you let on,” I say, my voice soft but firm as I follow him inside.He shrugs, feigning indifference. “It’s nothing serious. I’ve had worse.”I roll my eyes, grabbing his arm to stop him from retreating to his study. “You’re not invincible, Henry. Sit down and let me take a look.”For once, he doesn’t argue. Instead, he sighs and settles onto the edge of the couch. His shirt is torn near his shoulder, exposing a shallow but angry scrape. The faint smear of blood on his skin makes my stomach tighten.“I’ll grab the first-aid kit,” I say quickly, retreating to the bathroom to find it. My hands are steady as I gather supplies, but my heart feels like it’s hammering against my ribs.When I return, Henry is leaning back, one arm drape
Last Updated : 2025-02-02Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 25 - Discord
Vince‘s POVThe office feels colder these days. Not physically—no, the temperature is the same—but there’s a void that lingers, making everything sharper, harsher. Stephanie’s absence hangs over the company like a shadow, and no matter how much I try to ignore it, the consequences are glaring.Darci has taken over Stephanie’s responsibilities, but things have not gone as smoothly as I’d hoped. Orders have fallen through, projects delayed, and long-term clients—ones Stephanie had nurtured with care and finesse—are slipping away. Darci insists she’s doing her best, but her best is nowhere near enough."Sir, I just got off the phone with McAllister & Co. They’re pulling out of the deal," my assistant says nervously, standing in the doorway with a tablet clutched to her chest.I rub my temples, irritation rising. "Another one. What was the excuse this time?""They said the new team wasn’t meeting their expectations." She hesitates, shifting uncomfortably. "They mentioned… they mentioned
Last Updated : 2025-02-03Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 26 - Bitterness
Darci‘s POVI sit across from my father in his dimly lit study, my hands clasped tightly in my lap. The thick scent of his cigar smoke makes my stomach churn, but I don’t dare complain. His eyes bore into me, sharp and unyielding, and the weight of his displeasure presses down on my chest like a heavy stone.“So,” he says, his voice low and calculating, “you’re telling me that despite everything I’ve done to position you with Vince, you still haven’t locked him down properly?”I flinch, though I try not to let it show. My father’s words always cut deep, slicing through the façade of confidence I wear so carefully around everyone else. “I’ve been doing everything I can,” I say, keeping my tone measured. “Vince trusts me. He listens to me.”“Trusts you?” He snorts, leaning back in his leather chair. “If he trusted you, he wouldn’t be questioning your abilities. And don’t think I haven’t heard about the clients dropping left and right. They don’t think you’re competent, Darci. They thi
Last Updated : 2025-02-03Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 27 - Assurance
Stephanie‘s POVThe scent of freshly brewed coffee lingers in the air as I take a seat across from Henry at the kitchen table. He’s already dressed sharply, as always, his tailored shirt pressed to perfection. I’m still in my comfortable sweater and leggings, feeling starkly underdressed next to him.“Stephanie,” Henry says, breaking the companionable silence. His tone is measured, almost too casual, which immediately sets me on edge. “We need to talk.”I set down my mug, the warmth of the ceramic doing little to quell the sudden flutter of nerves in my stomach. “That sounds ominous,” I say lightly, though I’m bracing myself for whatever he’s about to drop on me.“It’s not bad,” he reassures, though his expression remains unreadable. “My grandfather is back in town.”I blink, momentarily thrown. Henry’s family has been a mystery to me, an enigma he rarely discusses. “Okay…?”“He wants to meet us,” Henry continues, his gaze fixed on me. “Specifically, he wants to meet you.”The mug ne
Last Updated : 2025-02-04Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 28 - Uncertainty
Stephanie‘s POVThe café is warm and bustling, with the faint aroma of roasted beans mingling with the soft hum of conversation. I push the door open, and my eyes immediately land on Anna sitting by the window. She waves me over with an eager smile, her auburn hair catching the sunlight streaming in.“Stephanie!” she exclaims as I slide into the chair opposite her. “Look at you! You look amazing!”I laugh, shaking my head. “It’s just the lighting in here.”She narrows her eyes playfully. “Don’t even try to downplay it. There’s a glow about you I haven’t seen in years. Divorce suits you.”I let out a small chuckle, though her words linger. “I guess getting out of a toxic situation does wonders.”“Exactly,” she says, stirring her latte. “I’m so proud of you. You’ve been through hell, but now look at you—thriving. So,” her voice drops conspiratorially, “how’s Henry?”My stomach twists at the question, though I keep my expression neutral. “He’s... good. Supportive.”Anna leans in, her ex
Last Updated : 2025-02-05Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 29 - Worry
Stephanie‘s POVHenry’s family sitting room is a picture of understated opulence, all muted golds and creamy whites with polished wood accents. The tea service on the table gleams under the soft light, but the atmosphere in the room is icy, and no amount of sophistication can mask the tension threading through the air.I sit primly on the edge of a plush armchair, hands folded neatly over my lap to keep from fidgeting. Across from me, Henry’s mother, an elegant woman with flawless makeup and an aura of practiced authority, holds her teacup like a weapon. Her piercing gaze flickers over me, dissecting every detail of my appearance. Beside her, Henry’s father, with his stern face and a sharpness in his posture that screams military discipline, watches me like I’m a suspect in an interrogation.Henry had excused himself a few minutes earlier to meet his grandfather in the study, leaving me alone with his family. I had prepared for this moment, told myself to stay calm, but nothing coul
Last Updated : 2025-02-06Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 30 - Inheritance
Stephanie‘s POVThe competition for inheritance? It seems Henry's parents care even less about him than I originally thought. They are clearly more supportive of their other son, Ryan.I try not to let my frustration show, but the words hit like a slap. The undercurrent is clear: they think I’m a mistake. That somehow, by choosing me, Henry has lost ground, especially against Ryan.They—being Henry's parents—seemed oddly satisfied with the situation. For some reason, I began to feel a surge of anger.I swallow, forcing my voice to stay steady. “Henry is well aware of the consequences. But I’m confident in his choices.”Her smile widens, but this time it feels like a victory she’s already claimed. “Well, then, I suppose we’ll see, won’t we?”I fight the urge to grit my teeth, to respond with something sharp and cutting. But I can’t. I can't mess this meeting up. Not here. Not with them.I grit my teeth but manage a tight smile. “Henry is a remarkable person, and I’m fortunate to have
Last Updated : 2025-02-06Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 31 - Scrutiny
Stephanie‘s POVThe study is warm and inviting, with a large mahogany desk and walls lined with bookshelves brimming with well-worn volumes. Henry’s grandfather sits behind the desk, a distinguished man with silver hair and piercing eyes that seem to see right through me. His presence is commanding, and I feel the weight of his scrutiny the moment I step into the room.Henry places a steadying hand on my lower back as we approach the desk. It’s a small gesture, but the warmth of his touch sends a ripple of unease and something else—something I’m not ready to name—through me.“Grandfather,” Henry says, his tone respectful yet confident. “This is Stephanie. Stephanie, this is my grandfather; Joseph.”Joseph’s sharp eyes flick to me, and I force a polite smile, extending my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”He shakes my hand briefly, his grip firm but not overbearing. “The pleasure is mine, Stephanie,” he says, though there’s a hint of skepticism in his voice. “Please, have a s
Last Updated : 2025-02-07
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Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 48 — Commitment
Stephanie’s POVThe ceremony is perfect. Almost too perfect.The grand hall is bathed in soft, golden light, casting a warm glow over the sea of elegantly dressed guests. Delicate floral arrangements line the aisle, their fragrant scent filling the air. Everything is pristine, polished—just as it should be for a wedding of this scale.Yet, as I stand at the altar, my hands clutching the bouquet so tightly my knuckles turn white, I can’t seem to shake the weight pressing against my chest.This was supposed to be a contract marriage. A business arrangement. A performance.Somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like an act.I glance up at Henry, my soon-to-be husband. He stands tall, his tailored suit fitting him perfectly, his expression composed yet unreadable. Only his eyes—intense, unwavering—give anything away.He looks at me as if I’m the only person in the world.I swallow hard, my heart hammering.The officiant begins, his voice steady and formal as he speaks of love, of com
Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 47 — Closure
Stephanie’s POVI sit at the dining table, staring at the open planner in front of me, tapping my pen against the pages. Across from me, Henry flips through a thick binder filled with wedding venue options, his expression unreadable.“If I have to look at one more gold-accented ballroom, I might lose my mind,” I mutter, rubbing my temple.Henry chuckles, setting the binder down. “Agreed. Maybe something simpler would suit us better.”I glance up at him, surprised. “You’d actually go for that?”His lips curve into a small smirk. “I’m not as predictable as you think, Stephanie.”I roll my eyes, but my heart does a strange little flip at the way he says my name. Lately, the line between our arrangement and something more has been blurring, and it’s becoming harder to ignore.“So,” I say, shifting focus, “what do we still need to finalize?”Henry leans back in his chair, thoughtful. “Venue, catering, final guest list. And we need to schedule the wedding photoshoot soon.”I groan. “The pho
Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 46 — Doubting
Stephanie’s POVThe café hums with the quiet buzz of conversation, the scent of freshly brewed espresso hanging in the air as I stir my coffee absentmindedly. Across from me, Anna watches me with a knowing expression, her hands wrapped around her cup as she leans forward slightly.“You’re overthinking again,” she says, her tone light but pointed.I blink, snapping out of my thoughts. “I am not.”Anna raises an eyebrow. “You’ve been staring into your coffee like it holds the meaning of life for the past five minutes. Spill it.”I sigh, setting my spoon down and meeting her gaze. “Do you think… marrying Henry is a bad idea?”Her eyes widen slightly before she recovers, tilting her head in thought. “I mean, it depends. Are you asking if he’s a serial killer? Probably not. Are you asking if he’s a good guy? That’s something only you can answer.”I groan. “Anna.”She smirks before turning more serious. “Alright, let’s break this down. Do you even like him?”I hesitate, my fingers tapping
Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 45 — Longing
Stephanie’s POVThe soft glow of candlelight flickers over the elegantly set table, casting warm golden hues across the room. A delicate aroma of freshly prepared dishes fills the air, and I can't help but smile as I take in the effort Henry has put into this evening. The table is arranged with precision—white linen napkins, delicate china, a bouquet of roses at the center. Everything about this is intentional, carefully crafted, and undeniably romantic."You really went all out," I murmur, trailing my fingers along the stem of my wine glass before glancing up at him.Henry leans back in his chair, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "I thought you deserved something nice after everything you've been dealing with."A warmth spreads through my chest at his words, but I push it down. This is Henry—he’s composed, strategic, and always one step ahead. I can’t let myself read into things that aren’t there.Still, I can’t deny that the effort means something to me. Vince never care
Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 44 - Respite
Stephanie’s POVI arrive home, exhaustion settling into my bones after everything that happened with my adoptive mother. My mind is a tangled mess of emotions—anger, betrayal, confusion. I still can’t believe it. She stole me. My whole life, my identity, everything I believed about myself, had been built on a lie. Yet, she begged me for forgiveness, for help.I step inside, sighing heavily, only to be met with an unexpected sight—Henry, standing casually in the living room, watching me with those sharp, knowing eyes. He doesn’t say anything at first, just observes, but I can tell he’s already read my mood before I’ve even opened my mouth.“You’re upset,” he states simply.I sigh, rubbing my temples. “Is it that obvious?”Henry doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he steps forward, his hands slipping into his pockets, his gaze steady. “What happened?” His voice is gentler than usual, lacking its usual teasing edge.For a moment, I debate telling him. This is my business, my mess. The c
Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 43 - Final Betrayal
Stephanie’s POVThe words hang in the air between us, heavy and suffocating. "I... I stole you, Stephanie."I stare at the woman in front of me, my so-called mother—no, my kidnapper—and for the first time in my life, I don’t recognize her. The lines on her face, the familiar curve of her shoulders, even the pleading look in her eyes—it all seems foreign now, like I’m looking at a stranger wearing my mother’s skin.My chest tightens as nausea grips my stomach. My fingers dig into the fabric of my dress, my knuckles going white. “You what?” My voice trembles, but the shock doesn’t dull the sharp edge of anger bleeding into my words.She flinches as if I’ve struck her, tears pooling in her tired eyes. “Please, Stephanie. Let me explain.”“Explain?” A bitter laugh escapes me, unbidden. I shake my head, stepping back as if putting physical distance between us will make this make sense. “How do you explain something like this? How do you justify stealing a child?”Tears spill down her ch
Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 42 - Adoption
Stephanie’s POVThe ride back to the villa is silent. Henry’s hand remains on my back, a comforting weight, but my mind is a whirlwind. Darci’s theatrics, Vince’s blind acceptance, the sheer audacity of their deception – it all boils inside me. I stare out the window, the city lights blurring into streaks of color, mirroring the chaos in my thoughts.I didn't succeed in suing Darci, ultimately.Because Vince reminded me that the most crucial evidence has been destroyed, and that if I sue Darci at this point, there is a high probability that I won't get the result I want. Apparently he was trying to protect her.I know in my gut that he's right, I'm just not reconciled.“Are you alright?” Henry’s voice breaks through my reverie.I turn to him, forcing a small smile. “I will be. I’m just… disappointed.”He nods, understanding. “They underestimated you, Stephanie. And that’s their mistake.”A heavy sigh escapes my lips. “It’s not just about the project, Henry. It’s about the principle. T
Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 41 - Worry
Stephanie’s POVThe tension in the boardroom is suffocating. I can feel my pulse pounding in my ears as Vince and Darci stand across from me, their expressions unreadable. I grip the edge of the table, forcing myself to stay calm even as frustration burns beneath my skin.Darci’s smug smile lingers, and I know she thinks she’s already won. She believes she’s backed me into a corner, that I’ll be forced to relinquish the project and accept their fabricated allegations.Then the boardroom doors burst open.The room collectively turns toward the interruption, and my breath catches in my throat as Henry strides in, his presence commanding and unyielding. He moves with purpose, his sharp eyes scanning the room before landing on me.He’s holding a thick folder in his hand, and I recognize that look in his gaze—the one that says he’s here to end this charade.“I believe we have some unfinished business,” Henry says smoothly, stepping forward and dropping the folder onto the conference table.
Divorce and Revenge: Marrying My Ex's Enemy Chapter 40 - Accusation
Stephanie’s POVThe room is heavy with tension, the weight of accusation thick in the air. I finish speaking, and for a moment, Vince and Darci are speechless. But Darci quickly recovers, her voice laced with disbelief. "Stephanie, darling," she says, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "while we appreciate your efforts on this project, let's be honest. You're a talented designer, no doubt, but you're hardly a name that commands the attention of the Rush family. Surely you don't think you're on their level?"Vince smirks, adding, "Indeed. You're well-known in certain circles, but compared to the Rush empire, you're practically invisible. I'm quite curious, actually. How do you manage to convince them to even consider this collaboration? Do you perhaps... offer them a little something extra to persuade them?"Darci stands in the center, her perfectly manicured fingers curled around a stack of papers—evidence, she claims, of my betrayal. Her lips curl into a smirk as she slowly, deliberate
