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Not My Mother
Last Updated:
2025-01-16 21:28:42
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Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Glass Beads
Alex's POVI watched Maya's reflection in the office window until it disappeared around the corner. The professional mask I'd worn slipped, just slightly, as I pressed my forehead against the cool glass. Below, the city sprawled like a glittering promise - the same view I'd fought so hard to earn.My fingers found the small scar at my temple, usually hidden by my hair. A souvenir from my stepmother's diamond ring, from a time when I'd dared to speak at dinner without permission. Strange, how certain memories stayed fresh no matter how many years passed.The pendant Maya wore today had caught the light during the lobby confrontation. Those beads - so similar to the ones I'd been turning over in my mind since our first meeting. The same intricate patterns, the same way of catching light...The memory rose unbidden, as it often did in quiet moments.I'd been twelve, though I looked younger - all knees and elbows and hunger that went deeper than missed meals. The mountain resort had been
Last Updated : 2025-01-16Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Sweet Victory
Maya's POVI couldn't help but laugh at the memory of Daniel stumbling through Grandfather's mansion last night, all scotch-soaked bravado and empty threats. It was the kind of laugh that caught in your throat - not quite bitter, not quite amused. Just real.The morning commute was oddly peaceful. Traffic flowed smoothly for once, giving me too much time to think about everything and nothing. About how his threats didn't land the same way anymore. About the competition piece I'd submitted last week - "Eden" - and how the name had just felt right.At my desk, I lost myself in current projects. The design for Emma's spring collection needed tweaking, and there was something not quite right about the stone setting in the latest prototype. Normal problems. Safe problems."Ms. Russo?"I jumped, nearly knocking over my coffee. Alex's assistant stood there, apologetic."Sorry to startle you. Mr. Thorne would like a word."My stomach did an odd little flip. Probably about the prototype revisi
Last Updated : 2025-01-16Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging The Price of Truth
Maya's POV"DESIGNER EXPOSES SISTER'S BETRAYAL: The Truth Behind 'Eden'"The words blurred as I stared at James' phone screen. Behind Fiona's perfectly orchestrated tears, I could see my sketches - the raw, unfinished versions of what would become "Eden." Drafts I'd left scattered across my bed that day, right before everything went dark."You okay?" James' voice seemed to come from far away. "You look like you've seen a ghost.""I need to make a call." My voice sounded steadier than I felt. "Would you excuse me for a moment?"I barely registered his concerned nod as I stepped into what could have been my new kitchen. My fingers shook slightly as I dialed Olivia."Please tell me you're seeing this." The words tumbled out before she could speak."I am. Maya, listen - Fiona's name isn't anywhere in the competition records. I've checked three times. She never even submitted an entry."Something cold settled in my stomach. "She doesn't want to win. She wants to make sure I lose.""Maya-"
Last Updated : 2025-01-16Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Evidence
Maya's POVIt's funny how spaces can change overnight. The same office that had buzzed with competition excitement yesterday now felt like a minefield of whispers. Every conversation died as I passed, replaced by the heavy silence of people trying too hard to look busy."...can't believe they're sisters...""...guess that explains the interview...""...heard she and the CEO..."The fragments followed me down the corridor. I kept my steps measured, my spine straight. The morning light caught on my design tablet, and I held it like a shield as I made my way to my desk."Did you see the livestream?" Sarah from marketing didn't even try to lower her voice. "The poor sister, crying like that. Makes you wonder what really happened.""Well, you know how she got this job." Claire's response carried just far enough. "The CEO personally-""Stop." I hadn't meant to speak, but suddenly the words were there, cutting through the whispers. Heads turned - some guilty, some curious, some already deci
Last Updated : 2025-01-16Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Control
The scotch glass trembled slightly in Daniel's hand as he watched the press conference footage again. His own empty chair in the background spoke volumes - the space where he should have been standing behind Fiona, maintaining the image they'd crafted so carefully.Instead, he'd walked out. Left her there to crumble under the weight of her own lies. Amateur mistake."What were you thinking?" His voice stayed measured, professional. The same tone he used in board meetings when someone had spectacularly failed. "Did you even consider the implications before staging this little performance?"Fiona perched on the edge of his office sofa, her designer dress wrinkled from hours of damage control meetings. "Danny, I was just trying to-""To what?" The ice clinked against glass as he set it down. "If it had been any other designer, we could have handled this. Money talks. NDAs exist for a reason." He studied her tear-streaked face, seeing it clearly for the first time. "But Maya? You chose to
Last Updated : 2025-01-16Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Stolen Design, Stolen Life
Maya's POV I stared at the screen, my fingers digging into the worn fabric of the couch. The leather was cool against my skin, a stark contrast to the terrible heat rising in my chest. Three years of marriage, and this is what it had come to. There he was, my husband Daniel, his arm wrapped around Fiona's waist like she was his prized possession. The camera loved them, capturing every detail of their picture-perfect smiles. The studio lights gleamed off their teeth, their eyes, the jewelry adorning Fiona's neck. That was mine, she was flaunting my design as hers. I could still remember the day Daniel and I met. It was an arranged marriage, set up by our parents to unite our families. I had been so naive then, thinking love would naturally follow. How wrong I'd been. "I'm the luckiest man alive," Daniel gushed, his eyes never leaving Fiona. "To have this beautiful woman by my side." My stomach churned, a nauseating mix of anger and despair. The necklace glittering around
Last Updated : 2024-09-14Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Caught in the Act
Maya's POV "Maya, what did you do?" Daniel's voice cut through the room, sharp and accusatory."Daniel, please, let me explain—" The words tumbled from my mouth, desperate and clumsy.But Daniel's eyes were fixed on Fiona, his hands roaming over her arms, her back, checking for injuries. "Are you hurt? Did she harm you?"Fiona pressed herself against him a little too much, her breasts heaving and bouncing with exaggerated sobs. The torn dress gaped open, leaving view of a soft tantalizing mound of flesh. I watched as Daniel's gaze flickered downward for a moment before he pulled her closer, enveloping her in his arms."It's okay, you're safe now," he murmured into her hair, his tone sickeningly gentle.I stood there, frozen, as Daniel comforted Fiona. The familiar ache of betrayal settled in my chest, heavy and cold.Finally, Daniel turned to me, his eyes hard. "Well? Are you going to explain yourself?"I swallowed hard. "I didn't do anything. Fiona, tell him—""Oh, Daniel," Fiona int
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Maya's POV The silence that followed my outburst was deafening. I could almost hear the gears turning in their heads, processing what I'd just said. Then, all at once, the room exploded."Have you lost your mind?" My mother's shrill voice cut through the air like a knife. Her face, usually carefully composed, was contorted with rage. "After everything we've done for you?" My father's response was quieter, but no less cutting. "Ungrateful," he spat, his eyes cold and hard. "We gave you everything. A home, a family, a future. And this is how you repay us?" Their words hit me physically, each one chipping away at the resolve I'd built up. I opened my mouth to respond, but my mother wasn't finished. "You know what? Maybe we made a mistake bringing you back," she hissed. "Our real daughter wouldn't be this stupid, this selfish." I flinched, her words cutting deeper than I wanted to admit. Real daughter. As if I was some cheap imitation, a knockoff they'd accidentally brought home. "If
Last Updated : 2024-09-14
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Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Control
The scotch glass trembled slightly in Daniel's hand as he watched the press conference footage again. His own empty chair in the background spoke volumes - the space where he should have been standing behind Fiona, maintaining the image they'd crafted so carefully.Instead, he'd walked out. Left her there to crumble under the weight of her own lies. Amateur mistake."What were you thinking?" His voice stayed measured, professional. The same tone he used in board meetings when someone had spectacularly failed. "Did you even consider the implications before staging this little performance?"Fiona perched on the edge of his office sofa, her designer dress wrinkled from hours of damage control meetings. "Danny, I was just trying to-""To what?" The ice clinked against glass as he set it down. "If it had been any other designer, we could have handled this. Money talks. NDAs exist for a reason." He studied her tear-streaked face, seeing it clearly for the first time. "But Maya? You chose to
Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Evidence
Maya's POVIt's funny how spaces can change overnight. The same office that had buzzed with competition excitement yesterday now felt like a minefield of whispers. Every conversation died as I passed, replaced by the heavy silence of people trying too hard to look busy."...can't believe they're sisters...""...guess that explains the interview...""...heard she and the CEO..."The fragments followed me down the corridor. I kept my steps measured, my spine straight. The morning light caught on my design tablet, and I held it like a shield as I made my way to my desk."Did you see the livestream?" Sarah from marketing didn't even try to lower her voice. "The poor sister, crying like that. Makes you wonder what really happened.""Well, you know how she got this job." Claire's response carried just far enough. "The CEO personally-""Stop." I hadn't meant to speak, but suddenly the words were there, cutting through the whispers. Heads turned - some guilty, some curious, some already deci
Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging The Price of Truth
Maya's POV"DESIGNER EXPOSES SISTER'S BETRAYAL: The Truth Behind 'Eden'"The words blurred as I stared at James' phone screen. Behind Fiona's perfectly orchestrated tears, I could see my sketches - the raw, unfinished versions of what would become "Eden." Drafts I'd left scattered across my bed that day, right before everything went dark."You okay?" James' voice seemed to come from far away. "You look like you've seen a ghost.""I need to make a call." My voice sounded steadier than I felt. "Would you excuse me for a moment?"I barely registered his concerned nod as I stepped into what could have been my new kitchen. My fingers shook slightly as I dialed Olivia."Please tell me you're seeing this." The words tumbled out before she could speak."I am. Maya, listen - Fiona's name isn't anywhere in the competition records. I've checked three times. She never even submitted an entry."Something cold settled in my stomach. "She doesn't want to win. She wants to make sure I lose.""Maya-"
Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Sweet Victory
Maya's POVI couldn't help but laugh at the memory of Daniel stumbling through Grandfather's mansion last night, all scotch-soaked bravado and empty threats. It was the kind of laugh that caught in your throat - not quite bitter, not quite amused. Just real.The morning commute was oddly peaceful. Traffic flowed smoothly for once, giving me too much time to think about everything and nothing. About how his threats didn't land the same way anymore. About the competition piece I'd submitted last week - "Eden" - and how the name had just felt right.At my desk, I lost myself in current projects. The design for Emma's spring collection needed tweaking, and there was something not quite right about the stone setting in the latest prototype. Normal problems. Safe problems."Ms. Russo?"I jumped, nearly knocking over my coffee. Alex's assistant stood there, apologetic."Sorry to startle you. Mr. Thorne would like a word."My stomach did an odd little flip. Probably about the prototype revisi
Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Glass Beads
Alex's POVI watched Maya's reflection in the office window until it disappeared around the corner. The professional mask I'd worn slipped, just slightly, as I pressed my forehead against the cool glass. Below, the city sprawled like a glittering promise - the same view I'd fought so hard to earn.My fingers found the small scar at my temple, usually hidden by my hair. A souvenir from my stepmother's diamond ring, from a time when I'd dared to speak at dinner without permission. Strange, how certain memories stayed fresh no matter how many years passed.The pendant Maya wore today had caught the light during the lobby confrontation. Those beads - so similar to the ones I'd been turning over in my mind since our first meeting. The same intricate patterns, the same way of catching light...The memory rose unbidden, as it often did in quiet moments.I'd been twelve, though I looked younger - all knees and elbows and hunger that went deeper than missed meals. The mountain resort had been
Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Not My Mother
Maya's POVThe usual morning bustle of the lobby froze the moment I stepped out of the elevator. My mother stood in the center like a gathering storm, designer handbag clutched like a weapon. Ten years hadn't changed her much - same perfectly coiffed hair, same expensive clothes that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent."So this is where you've been hiding," she announced, voice pitched to carry. "Playing career woman while your poor husband sits at home alone."My stomach turned at the sight of phones being raised, at the eager faces of my coworkers pretending not to stare. First day on the job, and already my past was here to haunt me."We should talk somewhere else." My voice came out quieter than intended, but steady."Don't you dare walk away from me." Her voice rose sharply. "I'm not done-""Either we talk privately," I cut in, heat rising in my cheeks, "or security escorts you out. Your choice."She laughed, that brittle sound I remembered from childhood. "You th
Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Rumors
Maya's POVI'd been staring at my phone since dawn, refreshing the page where the article had been. Now it was gone, like it never existed. If only rumors disappeared that easily.My blouse hung perfectly pressed on the doorframe, exactly as I'd left it last night. Simple, elegant, armor for my first day. In the mirror, I looked different somehow. Maybe it was the way I held myself now, or maybe just the light."Early start?"Martha stood in the doorway with coffee. She'd been the mansion's housekeeper longer than I'd been alive, and nothing got past her."First day," I said, taking the cup. The warmth helped steady my hands.She clicked her tongue, reaching over to fix my collar. "Don't let them see you flinch."I smiled, as her simple words helped reinforce my confidence.The drive to Thorne Designs was too short and too long. I rehearsed my face in the rearview mirror - professional, calm, unbothered. The article might be gone, but people's memories weren't.The lobby looked the sa
Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging I’m Not Playing Anymore
Maya's POVThe silk blouse draped over my ironing board like water. Steam rose in delicate curls as I pressed each seam, remembering the way Janet had smiled during the interview. Tomorrow. My first real day of work in years."You'll wear out the fabric if you keep at it."I jumped at Grandfather's voice. He stood in the doorway of my room, watching me with fond exasperation."I want to look perfect," I admitted, smoothing the fabric one last time."Ah yes, your new job." He settled into the armchair by the window. "Though you didn't mention it was Alex's company at breakfast."Heat crept up my neck. "I didn't want you to think...""That he gave you special treatment?" Grandfather's eyes twinkled. "Maya, my dear, I've known you since you were born. You've never taken the easy path.""Daniel..." I hesitated, the iron hovering over silk. "He didn't want me to work.""And now?"The divorce papers flashed through my mind. I couldn't tell him. Not yet. "Now I'm free to try."Grandfather wa
Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging Sign Them
Daniel's POVThe divorce papers sat on my desk like a personal insult. Late afternoon sun slanted through my office windows, catching on Maya's signature. Each stroke felt like a slap, like she was finally daring to defy me.Ridiculous. Absolutely fucking ridiculous.I took another sip of scotch, letting the liquid burn. Memories of our early days flooded back - how perfectly she'd fit into my world, so talented, so moldable. The way she'd light up when I praised her work, before I taught her to be quiet, to know her place.She'd been an investment, really. Raw talent wrapped in insecurity, just waiting to be shaped. Every design she created under my guidance made me millions. Every time she shrank from my touch, my control grew stronger. Perfect. Profitable.Until now.The celebration party played in my mind - her defiance, that spark in her eyes I thought I'd crushed years ago. Locking her up was supposed to remind her of her place. The fainting? Obviously another attention-seeking
