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As it was

Penulis: Author INA
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-08 23:38:04

Bethany stood there, staring at the Lexus parked neatly before her.

The gleaming vehicle was everything she knew Fred would offer—grandiose, flashy, and entirely unnecessary.

Did he think she could be bought like some favor? Her stomach twisted at the thought.

Fred broke the silence with a casual grin, gesturing toward the car. "Drive this to the company tomorrow. Let the staff who laughed at you eat their words."

She cut him off, her voice firm. "Stop it, Fred. Just stop."

Her expression was stoic as she stretched out her hand toward him, holding the car keys.

Fred raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. "The panda?" he asked, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

Her resolve didn’t waver. "I don’t need it. And, Fred, you need to leave. Now."

The playful gleam in his eyes dimmed slightly.

His hands found their way into his pockets as he studied her, his gaze lingering. His hand briefly touched her chin, but she flinched away instinctively.

Something flickered in his eyes—hurt, maybe,
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  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Do it now!

    FRED'S COMPANY12 PMAfter hours of fun at the park, Dean drove them both to the company. The plan had been to spend the whole day together, but Bethany insisted on returning early. Three hours at the park felt like an eternity. Once parked, Jason quickly opened the car door, still wrapped in Bethany’s coat, and flung himself out.“Oh my God! Jason, wait up!” Bethany exclaimed, getting down from the car.She turned to Dean, who was giving her a warm smile.“Thank you so much. Bye!” she said, hesitantly blowing him a kiss.Dean pretended to catch the kiss, placing it on his chest dramatically, and waved her off before driving away.Bethany chuckled to herself before noticing Jason standing still in one spot, staring at something intently.“What’s that, Jason?” she asked, walking over.Jason raised his head, his eyes gleaming as he held up the small panda plushie he found in her coat. “Baby Panda!” he yelled.A smile curled on her lips. She crouched to his level, reaching out to touc

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-09
  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    You stole again!

    Bethany felt the piercing stares of everyone in the room, their judgment crawling under her skin. Were their glares meant for her—or Chantel?“I…” she began, her voice faltering. She wanted to refuse Chantel's demand, to reclaim her dignity, but the sight of Jason shattered her resolve.He was her weakness. One look at him could make her abandon all sense of reason. Her fingers trembled as she fidgeted with her dress, hoping—praying—that Fred would change his mind and spare her this humiliation.But before she could kneel, a voice boomed from the doorway.“She’s not kneeling to anyone!” The furious tone cut through the tension like a knife.Heads turned as Dean stormed into the room. His eyes locked onto Bethany, noticing her shattered expression. Without hesitation, he stormed toward her.“Have you no shame?” Dean yelled at Chantel. “Trading your son for influence—”“Step-son,” Chantel corrected with a venomous smirk.Dean ignored her and reached for Bethany. In a single swift motio

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-09
  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Prove your love

    A DAY AGO (AT THE PARK)Dean narrowed his eyes, waiting for a response, but she just stared at him. He sighed.“It’s okay, I understand.”Bethany smiled faintly and held his hand. “No, it’s not like that. We’ve had this conversation before. You’re my partner in the company, and we…we…”She gestured helplessly, but he simply raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. Frustrated, she threw her hands down.“Dean, really? We can’t be in a relationship. We barely hold normal conversations—it’s always awkward!”Dean clicked his tongue, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Is that all?”Her eyebrows shot up as she threw the ice cream in the nearest trash bin. “What do you mean, is that all? Why the tone?”“I thought part of you didn’t want to be with me because you still want Fred back.”Bethany gasped and palmed her chest. “What? Are you insane? There’s no way I’m even thinking about him!”“Really? Then why did you accept the offer to work in his office? You..”She cut off, “ There was probable cause! "

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-10
  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Natalie Deck

    6 PM - DEAN'S HOMEThe car came to a stop in front of Dean's house. He opened the door for Bethany with a polite gesture.“Thank you!” she exclaimed, stepping out of the car.She looked up at the mansion before her. It was all white, different from the one she had seen before. It looked grand, but there was an air of unfamiliarity."You're late!" a voice yelled, cutting through the evening air.Bethany squinted and turned to see who had spoken. As the light flickered on, she saw Avery standing in front of the house, dressed in pajamas.“What are you doing here?” Bethany asked, exchanging glance with Dean. She added, “In your pajamas? What about your husband?”Avery scoffed, her eyes narrowing. “You really have a lot to learn.”Bethany stood there, confused. When had Dean and Avery become so chummy? When had they formed a plan together? The whole situation felt off.Dean gently took Bethany’s arm, guiding her inside. He sat her down on a plush couch while Avery poured a glass of wine f

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-11
  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    One more move

    OUTSIDE FRED'S COMPANYNatalie stepped out of her sleek Benz with a confident air, adjusting her coat as a smug smile curled on her lips. She took a deep breath, surveying the grand building in front of her."Home sweet home, Freddie," she muttered to herself, a quiet triumph in her voice.Her heels clicked sharply against the pavement as she approached the entrance, each step deliberate, echoing in the cool air. The sound of her heels reverberated off the walls, sending a ripple of unease through the workers nearby."Go to work, morons!" she shouted, her voice laced with authority. The employees froze, flinching at her harsh tone, quickly returning to their tasks as she passed by, not daring to make eye contact.As she moved toward the elevator, she passed Stacy, who offered a sly smile. Stacy was aware—this was Bethany's downfall, the moment she had been waiting for. She had been waiting for this opportunity her whole life, and now, it was finally within reach."Well, well, well,"

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-11
  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Unfazed

    FRED'S HOMEThe moment Fred heard the news about Avery, panic surged through him like a tidal wave. His chest tightened, and he stormed out of his room, rushing towards the living room. His hand trembled as he reached for his car keys. He had to see Avery. He had to make sure she was okay.But before he could leave, a voice called out from behind him, sharp and mocking.“Where are you off to, Fred?”Fred froze, a sick feeling crawling up his spine. He turned slowly, his eyes narrowing when he saw Chantel sitting casually in the chair, holding a picture frame in her hand. The frame dangled from her fingers as if it were something she didn’t care about—something disposable.His eyes darted to the frame, then back to Chantel. “Where did you get that?” His voice was low, laced with frustration. “I told you to stop snooping around my things.”Chantel put on a mockingly sweet expression, her voice suddenly soft, “Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Fred. Just curious. Where are you off to in such a hurry?”

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-11
  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Chaos

    OUTSIDE THE HOSPITALFred noticed the glint of a gun emerging from a car window. Without hesitation, he shoved Bethany aside and shielded her with his body.The gunshot shot out, and Fred grunted in pain as the bullet tore into his shoulder. The car screeched away, leaving chaos in its wake.“Fred!” Bethany screamed, her voice trembling as she turned to see him collapse onto the pavement. Blood seeped through his shirt, staining the ground beneath him.“Argh!” he groaned, clutching his wounded shoulder with trembling fingers.Bethany knelt beside him, her hands shaking uncontrollably. “Help! Somebody, help us!” she cried out desperately, pressing her palms gently to his cheek. “Fred, stay with me! Don’t you dare close your eyes!”Dean appeared, rushing to their side. Without a word, he hooked Fred's arm over his shoulder and hoisted him up.“We’re getting him to the hospital!” Dean barked.Bethany, tears streaming down her face, followed close behind.AVERY'S WARDAfter a quick glanc

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-12
  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Marriage

    NATALIE'S HOMEBethany froze at the sight before her. Natalie stood in the doorway, her face emotionless but her clothes drenched in what looked like blood.“Oh my God! What happened?” Bethany stammered, her voice quivering.Natalie tilted her head, her expression unreadable. “What does it look like I’ve been doing?” she asked, a wicked grin spreading across her face. “Killing people, of course.”Bethany gasped, taking an involuntary step back.Natalie’s laugh was loud and piercing, the sound echoing in the quiet street. “Relax, Bethany. I’m kidding!” She paused, then added with a mock whisper, “Mostly.”Bethany shook her head. “This isn’t funny. You’re covered in blood!”“Come on in,” Natalie said, tugging her arm.Bethany resisted. “No. I shouldn’t—”Natalie’s grip tightened, her nails digging into Bethany’s wrist. Her eyes gleamed with a strange light. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re already here. Come inside.”Bethany hesitated, her heart pounding, but she allowed herself to be pulle

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-12

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  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Another one in the picture

    "Natalie! Natalie!!!" Natalie blinked multiple times, realizing she had been daydreaming about what she planned to do. But something didn’t feel right. She knew she had to do this, but she didn’t want to see her best friend taken away. "Are you okay, Natalie?" Fred asked for the umpteenth time. She pursed her lips and gazed at him, giving a slight nod. "Yeah… I'm fine." "Are you thinking about Bethany? If you are… don’t worry. She’ll be fine, back to her senses, and hopefully not all—" At the mention of Bethany, Natalie clenched her fists. "Really? I feel like you don’t want her to remember me… what we had as best friends!" Shaking his head violently, Fred scoffed. "Are you crazy?" He laughed. "I’m going crazy for my best friend! All I want to know is why you wouldn’t want her to remember her past!" Shocked, Fred leaned in. "Are we supposed to have this conversation?! Don’t you remember when Bethany wanted to kill herself because of her past? Or have you forgotten her

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    You stole her

    Fred's eyes softened as he processed Bethany’s words. Who are you?His brows furrowed, and he stepped closer. “You don’t know me?” he asked softly.Bethany gazed into his eyes, tilting her head. “No… Are you the doctor?”Jill let out an awkward laugh while tucking Bethany in. “Oh yes, honey, he’s the doctor. But you ought to know me! High school… your home… your parent figure?”Bethany responded without hesitation, leaving both of them stunned. “I… really don’t know who you are. Can… can I see Maria?” she asked weakly.Jill and Fred exchanged glances before Fred exhaled slowly, palming his forehead.“We’ll be back, honey!” Jill forced a smile before dragging Fred out of the ward.Once outside, Fred yanked his arm away. “Stop controlling me!” he snapped.“I am not controlling you! But you had better fix this mess. What the hell is wrong with you?” She stomped her foot, her eyes blazing. “I knew you were no good—juggling two sisters like they were a pair of juggling balls. Do you have a

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Carefree

    **AT THE HOSPITAL** Fred tapped his foot impatiently, waiting for two things—Dean to be caught and Bethany’s condition to stabilize. He stood up from his chair and glanced over at Jill, who was busy applying makeup. She hadn’t changed one bit. How could she be so carefree when her daughter was in the hospital? Suddenly, the doctor approached. “Mr. Fred?” Fred tilted his head, his voice laced with worry. “Doctor! How is she? Is she okay?” The doctor sighed. “She’s stable, but her memories are groggy. The last thing you should do right now is remind her of her past, present, or future.” “Can I see her?” Jill interjected, taking what felt like ages to get to her feet. “Yes… yes, you can. But remember, follow the rules if you want her to recover properly.” “Okay… thank you, doctor.” Fred gave a warm smile, then walked toward the ward without sparing Jill a glance. Inside, Bethany lay on the hospital bed, IV drips attached to her fragile frame. Taking a deep breath, Fred

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Darkness

    FLASHBACKFifteen-year-old Bethany was washing clothes, occasionally glancing at her mother, Jill, who was playing the role of a philanthropist—helping other women. They would come to their house, and Jill would hand them good clothes and money. But despite her mother's generosity, Bethany couldn't help but wonder why they still lived in near-poverty. Her mother wore expensive outfits, yet her father and she barely had enough to get by."Do a good job and come back for more. Don't you dare make me look bad. I trust you, sweetie!" Jill called out, waving goodbye to the women before turning toward Bethany.Bethany set the clothes aside, crossing her arms over her chest. She watched her mother approach, admiring the confidence she exuded."My pretty baby... You're going to inherit everything I have, and I couldn't be happier!" Jill beamed.A smile formed on Bethany's face. "Mom! Can I try on one of your dresses? I love how they feel on my body!"Jill arched a brow, her expression unread

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Another hero is born

    OUTSIDE THE HOSPITALJohn was dragging Sarah’s hand outside as he came to a halt and pulled out his phone.Tired and frustrated, Sarah yanked her hand away and growled, “What the hell is wrong with you? What do you think you’re doing? And did you see that woman inside? Who wears a green shawl over a red dress? That’s a crime on its own.”Ignoring her, he fidgeted with his phone and kept dialing. His hands were shaking.“Why isn’t he picking up? Call him on your phone.”Sarah groaned and tried calling Dean, but the line wouldn’t go through. John was clearly panicking now. He ran a hand down his face and muttered, “We have to warn Dean. He shouldn’t be anywhere near the streets.”Frustrated, Sarah grabbed his collar and yelled, “For Bethany’s sake, tell me what’s going on! I thought Dean was scared of you. So why are you afraid of him?”John hesitated before answering, “Because… I’ve seen this before. Ten years ago, when he was in high school, he took my phone and connected himself to e

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    They need her

    FLASHBACK: FIVE YEARS AGOBethany set the plate of food down on the dining table, her hands trembling slightly. Spaghetti and meatballs—Fred’s favorite. She knew it wasn’t the best meal for him before work, but she needed something from him.She glanced at the digital clock, tapping her foot impatiently. “Why is he taking forever? Sweetie, are you turning into a woman?” she called out mockingly.Sighing, she sat at the table, waiting. When Fred finally emerged, she blinked in surprise. He was wearing a pristine white suit—one she had never seen him wear before.“So? What do you think? Extravagant, right? I know, I know!” he laughed, twirling in place.Bethany pursed her lips. “Wow! You just pushed the word ‘bride’ right out of my mouth!”“Come on, Bethany. Be serious for once. My dad’s visiting the office today. I need to impress him and be on my best behavior.”Bethany bit her lip and stepped toward him, tugging on his collar. “Yes, baby. You rock that beautiful, sexy suit.”Fred smi

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Finally, the truth.

    Bethany walked slowly, her heels clicking softly against the pavement as she halted, her eyes darting around for Natalie. Funny enough, Natalie had promised to be with her. Yet she was nowhere in sight. A deep sigh escaped Bethany’s lips as she clenched her fingers. *Why does everything feel so wrong?* Fred always handled everything, but if he could lie about their son’s death, then he was capable of lying about anything. “But…I’m his mother. How could I not know the truth?”She was lost in thought when a voice jolted her back to reality. "Are you going to keep standing there?" Dean’s voice was sharp, impatient. "You’re his mother, aren’t you?" Bethany inhaled deeply, forcing herself to stay composed. "That’s not what I asked you to say. Do as you're told." A chuckle slipped past Dean’s lips as he leaned against the hospital wall, folding his arms. "Really? Now that you have my secret, you want to use it against me?" A smirk curled on Bethany’s lips as she turned to fa

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    A game of choice

    Fred creased his brows, worry etched on his face as he yelled, “Natalie got kidnapped?!”Bethany's mouth fell open. “Oh my God! What happened?” she repeated in shock.The voice on the other end hesitated before correcting itself. “Wait… did I say Natalie? I meant to say your wife… Chantel has been kidnapped!”That stutter set off alarm bells. Clicking his tongue, Fred replied coolly, “Really? Are you willing to let her out for five million dollars?”The voice wavered. “Yeah… yeah… that’s already too—Um… I mean, you can send it to her account! I’m sorry… I mean, my account!”A chuckle escaped his lips, but his sneer carried more disdain than amusement. “Why don’t you tell her to go to hell because I would never, in my life, bail her out for a cent?”Disgusted, he hung up and scoffed, “I can’t believe that bitch is trying to get attention. Haven't I already landed in a mess because of her?”Bethany nodded violently. “Yeah… you have!” Then, with an urgent gesture, she pointed toward the

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Natalie, my hero.

    She couldn't believe her eyes. The letter stated:"The blood sample that was given by Miss Bethany is no match to Jason's. She's not the mother of the child. We'd like you to prevent this occurrence from happening because it might damage the hospital's reputation!""Oh my God!!!" Bethany screamed as she staggered back and dropped the letter.Fred's eyes widened as he saw the letter fall to the floor."Bethany... why did you check it?" He breathed and Dean appeared.Bethany's hands trembled as if she had been electrocuted, her words fumbling, "I... what are... are they saying? I'm not his mom?!"Dean's brows creased into a deep frown as he realized Bethany had seen the letter.Fred stepped closer, attempting to reach for her, but Bethany spun around, her voice shaky, "It... says... says I'm not his mom!"Before anyone could react, she collapsed to the floor, unconscious.******WARD 109Natalie adjusted her nurse's mask and cautiously entered the ward where her children lay. It had bee

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