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Chapter 43: Painful Exchange
Last Updated:
2025-02-20 22:01:56
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Divorcing The Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 44: Small Win
Was I really thankful? I probably only said that to fake composure— so he’d know that even if it affected me, it wouldn’t be enough to break me down which would be quite a stretch to comprehend considering I had been playing dumb for two whole years just so Damian wouldn’t leave me, and my family could keep being my family.Now, when I thought of that, it always reminded me how much of a big decision confronting them was. Yet, even if I turn back time, I knew with certainty that I would done the same. Not just because of Elon, but because of the personal growth, lesson, and courage I earned along the way. I had to stand up for myself, and making that choice helped me alter my course from a more heart-wrenching dilemma. I just knew it would be more worse as time went by and it would probably keep going until nothing was left of me. Not even Elon.After that talk, I buried myself in work. I forced to kept my mind occupied with something more valuable, something that I knew didn't have
Last Updated : 2025-02-21Divorcing The Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 45: Almost
The bar was dim. Neon lights in blues and purples were flickering across the walls, whilst the bass of the music vibrating through my chest. A steady thrum was setting the atmosphere, loud enough to drown out thoughts, probably emotions and other unlikable activities, too.I had been eyeing the whole bar, and I had seen people moving against each other on the dance floor, their laughter and voices merging with the music. I was more distracted with my surroundings than Abby and Alicia’s conversation.“Guess where the contract signing’s gonna be…”“Where? Omg! This is next week, right? Have you booked your tickets? I wanna come with you!”“In Dubai!”“Dubai? I have never been to dubai! Oh! Eleanor, let me come!”Abby held me by my arm, which disrupted my thoughts. I looked at her, completely clueless.“Yes?” I asked her, my brows slightly meeting.“Alicia and I are talking about where your contract’s signing gonna be, and I want to come!” Abby was smiling from ears to ears, her eyes goi
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I woke up to the cheerful voice of a little kid calling my name. Then I felt a small hand nudging my arm. When I tried to open my eyes, my head throbbed— which forced me to recall what happened last night. I groaned.The alcohol’s dull and heavy in my skull. I squeezed my eyes back shut to ease it. But the voice was persistent—gentle. I wouldn’t say patient since he kept dugging his fingers softly at my arm. "Mommy, wake up. Your food’s gonna go warm."I breathed and fluttered my eyes open. Blinded by the rays of the sun coming from the left window, I raised my hand to block it. Then my sight started to adjust.My eyes landed on Elon who was sitting beside me. His round face filled with boredom. I couldn’t help but notice at that brief moment how his dark eyes looked so much like his father. “Mom?”I was going to ask, what food? But turning my head in front, I saw a breakfast tray placed at my feet, standing in balance on the mattress. As if on cue, the scent of warm toast and eggs
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“Elizabeth is pregnant, Eleanor..”The burden in Damian's tone was given justice as it came down like a boulder in my chest, weighing against my ribs, making my every breath difficult. No wonder he looked like that— troubled. Exhausted. Downright bad. I was guessing before he came home, he met up with Elizabeth. Elizabeth probably insisted that she wanted to live here with him, and they probably argued along the way because Damian knew he wouldn’t ever get my approval.I held my breath, but I was a pro to be able to keep my face the same. I didn’t even flinch, probably a perk I gained for being a regular in these kind of situations. I’ve had it worst— hearing that Elizabeth was pregnant was no more than a shock, after I had been through.. different kind of a hell in a single lifetime."I… I wasn’t planning to, Eleanor. We weren’t expecting it," he added, this time more slowly, careful. That statement went well with his loose tie around his neck, crisp white shirt creased in one small
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The scorching heat of Dubai generously welcomed me. It was thick and golden, and it pressed against my skin the moment I stepped out of the airport. The sky was stretching in an straight sheet of blue— completely in agreement with the the sun’s blazing, and sleek skyscrapers that gleamed like sharp glass.We rode a minivan taxi to get into our hotel. On our way, I was too excited about the view outside the window car. It was indeed the city of with wealth and movement. It had this quiet of grandeur that demanded to be admired. It didn’t feel like a show-off and felt naturally attractive instead.Abby and Alicia were talking loud on our way back. They talked about their dresses, shoes, this famous Dubai chocolate they squealed over just thinking about it, whilst I stayed silent in the back with Mike, listening with music as I dream about the place we where in.And by the time we arrived at the hotel, exhaustion was already beginning to tug at my limbs, but there was no time to rest. Ou
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The morning sun poured golden rays across the city as we exited the hotel, Dubai's heat already radiating against my skin. The second day of our adventure had arrived, and with a hint of tiredness remaining from the previous night, excitement swelled in my chest. Today wasn't just work—it was living the city, the energy running through its streets, the loveliness hidden within every corner."Where to go first?" Mike said, readjusting his shades as he shot a glance at Alicia and Abby. He appeared to be thrown together effortlessly—relaxed yet refined in a white button-down shirt, rolled-up sleeves resting on his elbows, and tight linen pants."Burj Khalifa?" Alicia proposed. "It's a sin not to visit Dubai and view the world's tallest building."I chuckled as I threw her a look. "I think we'll be standing in line longer than we'll be actually getting to enjoy it.""Not if we bought VIP tickets," Abby replied, winking as she flipped up the tickets. "You can thank me later."The drive to
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We left the camp as early as four am to get back to our hotel. With a long day ahead of us, we didn’t get back to sleep when we arrived, and instead indulge ourselves on the buffet included on the package we paid for. Afterwards, we all got ready.What happened yesterday was extreme. A lot had happened— I was guessing today too… probably tomorrow too as we thought of extending our stay for two more days— which I honestly wanted to agree to.The problem was I haven’t told anyone about it, and if I did, I knew he wouldn’t like it.“You coming? Or still looking for that perfect dress?” I heard Mike asked from outside the door.I chuckled and didn’t respond. I put on the outfit I have decided to wear, then pair it with jewelries I thought it would look best with. When I went out of the door, Mike was there waiting for me, and I learned that Abby and Alicia were already in the lobby.“They get each other so much…” I commented, shaking my head a little.“Hmm,” Mike nodded his head. “They’re
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THIRD PERSON POVWhen night time came, Eleanor and the others found themselves strolling through the wealthy avenues of the night-owl Dubai Mall. They knew it would be a shame to missed the first not by sleeping on their beds. Besides, Dubai night life was everything. They couldn’t let it passed— especially Abby, and Alicia, who had grown closer ever since Eleanor’s birthday.As they walked, the air was tinged with a mixture of delicious pastries, fresh coffee, crisp, strong scent of air conditioning flowing from the countless luxury boutiques. They noticed the number of people doubled than when it was morning.Just like New York.“I still can’t believe how big this place is,” Jade mumbled, looking around with both her hands on her coat pocket. She even spinned around to take in the sheer scale of the mall.“It has an ice rink, an aquarium, and even a theme park inside,” Eleanor added in agreement.“Oh, let’s not forget the boutiques stores. I guess, now I see why they say Dubai is wh
Last Updated : 2025-02-25
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Divorcing The Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 75: Spark
The apartment was quiet when I stepped inside. I closed the door behind me, took off my shoes, and coat, draping it over the chair by the door instead of hanging it up. I had to go to bed. It was late and I was tired, but my mind would not relax.I went into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of water because I wanted to keep my hands occupied. The lights of the city shone outside the window, distant and static. I drank slowly and leaned against the counter.My phone was vibrating on the table.Mike.You alright?I exhaled rapidly and shook my head. I didn't know why I was surprised. He always listened. Even when I didn't want him to.Yes. You?He responded after a few seconds.You know me. Always okay.I stared at the screen. I could imagine him saying it, that small smile in his voice, the way he always evaded answering without technically lying.I didn't respond. I had no idea what to say.I put my phone on the counter, had another sip of water, and shut off the kitchen light.
Divorcing The Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 74: Something
After dinner, the gallery quieted down to a comfortable hush. The takeout containers from leftovers were on the desk, and Alicia was scrolling through her phone, most likely reading the emails she'd put off eating. Mike settled back into his chair, his eyes straying in my direction every so often but not speaking much.Abby had already caught on.She always caught on."You're working late again?" she asked, putting on her coat.I shrugged. "Might as well. Got some things to wrap up."She looked at me knowingly but didn't push. "Alright. Don't burn yourself out."Alicia yawned, stretching her arms above her head before standing. "I should get going, too. Text if you need anything.""Will do."One by one, they left, their goodbyes soft in the quiet space. The gallery always felt different at night—still, untouched, like it existed in its own pocket of time.Mike hadn’t left yet.He was still in his chair, watching me. Not in an expectant way, not like he was waiting for me to say someth
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I didn't want to continue argue with him. I didn't want to stay standing here, gawking at him, judging for whatever he would say because we both knew I'll never be able to believe him. There was no point.So, I gave him a once-over, before I slowly trudged in. But just as I was supposed to walked away from him, I felt a hand on my wrist."Are you not going to ask what happened to me? Aren't you curious?""Why would I be?" I asked, jiggling my wrist for release. "You're dead to me."Those words will hunt him. He probably didn't expect I'd say those after all these years we hadn't seen each other, but I couldn't care less.I was able to took back my arm from him, and when I did, I continued walking and didn't look back. He didn't pursue me any longer either— which was better for the both of us.We were nothing beside strangers now, and a conversation wouldn't do us any good.I headed back to my gallery after that, where Mike and Alicia were waiting for me. They were at the main office,
Divorcing The Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 72: Damian
I woke up to the gentle hum of the just city beyond my window, the sun's first light filtering through the drapes. It was a quiet morning, free of the weights of workloads. I stretched, breathed deeply, and reveled in the smell of fresh linens and paint in the air—a home aroma that I had missed.It had been weeks since Mike and I returned. The transition had been smoother than I had imagined. The city was the same, the streets still throbbed the same, but I was different. I was no longer the fractured woman who had leave to heal. I had healed. I had crossed seas, strolled through ruins, and walked beneath skies Elon never had the chance to wander. And in going through it all, I wrote in his journal. Each letter, each dip of my pen, connecting me to him. My travels became his, my memories akin to what could have been his if only he lived.And somehow, it was as though he was present with me in every break of dawn and every foreign street.Mike accompanied me during those times— for mor
Divorcing The Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 71: Back Home
What Mike had said stuck with me. I stewed over it for days and let the words occupy the vacant space I didn't realize existed.It was a peaceful morning. Sun streamed through the blinds of our tiny rental apartment in a city I enjoyed but would eventually abandon. That was when I made a choice and half-heartedly told Mike that it was time to head back home.I did not want to go, really. I had learned something special this year—something good and freeing. But it was not going to last. I knew that the entire time. Maybe, in a sense, the trip had already done what it was supposed to: heal me from all the pain and trauma.At some point, we couldn't keep doing this—traveling. And I knew that. So, we booked our tickets home, packed our bags, bought souvenirs.The city did not shift when we returned. That was the first thing I noticed, and perhaps the most strange. It was as if it had waited for us, as if nothing had been disturbed. People still walked the streets, the same coffee houses s
Divorcing The Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 70: A Beginning of Something
The next day, I really left.The first night out of the town was strange to me—like freedom and something I couldn't quite comprehend myself. We rode a plane that soared through the air in silence as we departed, and when we arrived, the air gave me a different feeling. It was thicker and foreign. It was as if I had entered someone's dream. It was as if I had entered Elon's.We didn't really have a plan. We had a list of places that Elon had written in. Cities he circled in travel guides, underlined in the newspaper, and spoke of as if he knew he'd never live to see. So, I wrote for him. I started writing in his journal—first, just scribbles. Dates. Places. How the sidewalk felt beneath my feet, how the ocean echoed in a city he never visited. Then it became more. I wrote to him, as if he could read my words, as if he could follow me in the pages. By taking his journal and making it mine, I hoped to allow him to travel through me.The months went by like that. The ink from my pen tra
Divorcing The Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 69: Leaving
Morning came slowly, and sunlight dragged through the windows as an afterthought. And then my head throbbed, but not like grief did. Too many drinks, too much laughter, and just too much life for the first time in what seemed like forever left a dull ache.My body weight felt different. So I guess it was just not like the air was settling into my mattress and destroying me with images of a life that never happened.And then he appeared—Mike.Jacket and boots were tossed over the couch. His chair across from me was crossed with arms and a head tilted back—he was asleep. Peaceful. Thinking of him in that way made me feel something weird in my chest that I had not felt in a while. Comfort. Safety.Sitting up too quickly made me feel sick—nausea turned my stomach. That motion probably got him awake because he cracked an eye open and smiled lazily."You look like hell.""Thanks." The sleep and dehydration made my voice rough. I swallowed, rubbing my eyes. "What time is it?""Little past te
Divorcing The Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 68: To Want To Heal
The night air was cold against my skin on the porch as I wrapped my fingers around a pot of tea. Distant cars hummed, leaves rubbed against each other, and it was the silence I had grown accustomed to. The last few weeks, I had been locked in this state, crying in a house that was more mausoleum than home.Yet somehow, tonight felt different. Perhaps it was the pain of carrying so much suffering for so long, or maybe the silver moonlight bathing the street lit something I had gone blind to. Whatever the reason, the words flew off my lips before I could stop them."I can't do this again."That realization settled in my chest—heavy, liberating. But it never felt complete—yet. As if drawn by something unseen, I stood and walked inside slowly but deliberately. My feet carried me up the steps, through the hall, and to the attic door. I hesitated before pushing it open, the musty scent of old wood and forgotten things greeting me.My fingers searched against dusty shelves for something—anyt
Divorcing The Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 67: Empty
"You really want to pick yourself up, Eleanor?"I stared at him, my fingers floppy around the edge of the blanket, my mind sluggish from days of barely moving, barely eating. The weight of his question sat between us. Did I? Did I want to be better, or was I just pretending because I was tired of seeing his disappointment? My lips parted, but I hesitated. And then, slowly, I nodded.Mike studied me, unreadable. He took a deep breath and leaned back slightly, his gaze moving toward the ceiling as if debating something. When he finally spoke, his words were unexpected."Run away with me. Leave this town."I saw him blink. I scoffed—a weak, breathy sound barely above a laugh. "Don't be ridiculous, Mike."He didn't correct me. He just watched as I shook my head and brushed it away like it was nothing. Perhaps, to him, it wasn't nothing. But to me, it was absurd. Leaving the place that held every shattered piece of me was never an option. I could barely dream.This was my punishment. Stayi
