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Chapter 40: Hugh’s POV - The Fire Five Years Ago
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 41: Shelia's POV - An Apology Five Years Late
If there's anything in my life I truly regret, it's agreeing to that bonfire party proposal five years ago.Esther's contemptuous gaze felt like a thousand needles piercing my skin. Hugh didn't scold me, but his silence made me feel even more ashamed.Back then, to protect us from online harassment, the media didn't reveal our real names or photos in any of the news reports. The boy who started the fire was sentenced to one year in prison for arson. The other six of us and I were punished with three months of community service. After the fire, even though we attended the same school, we became strangers, never contacting each other again, all of us too ashamed to recall the incident.After leaving the hospital and returning to the office, I was distracted all afternoon.I searched online for the name of the firefighter called "Jackson". I found some old photos of him. He wasn't particularly tall, but he looked spirited, with a strong square jaw, and when he smiled, he showed eight
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 42: Esther's POV - Cat and Mouse Game
After learning about Hugh's car accident, I rushed to the hospital. But when I opened the door and saw Hugh and Shelia chatting intimately, anger welled up inside me.They didn't look like they'd just gotten divorced at all!I struggled to control my emotions, not wanting to lose composure in front of Hugh. Since Travis questioned Hugh and me again last week, Hugh's suspicions of me have deepened. I thought what happened in Dekka would stay buried there forever. But those people aren't planning to let me off the hook.These past few days, I've been trying to fix my relationship with Hugh - having lunch with him, listening to his work problems, actively participating in medical events.Just when things were finally improving between Hugh and me, Shelia shows up to stir up trouble. She's like a queen bee, shaking her butt at a swarm of men, but she's still not satisfied! She has to come and seduce Hugh too!Fine! I've prepared a knife that can wound you as well.I learned about the
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 43: Hugh's POV - Mango Street
I spent the day alone in the hospital. But solitude didn't bring peace to my mind.I asked Henry and Esther to keep the cause of the accident secret. I didn't want my grandmother to worry, nor did I want David and Susan involved. If David knew his son or future daughter-in-law was being followed or targeted for assassination, he'd turn the whole city upside down. That would alert the culprit behind this.Around 3 PM, Henry had found a lead on the black Volvo."The license plate is fake, sold by a gang member who specializes in forged documents. I'm heading there now to question him," Henry said over the phone."What's the exact address?""12 Mango Street.""Come to the hospital to see me first."I didn't want Henry to go alone because that street was notorious for gang activity. Henry was just an office secretary, not skilled in dealing with such people."Didn't the doctor say you need to stay for observation?" Henry hesitated when he arrived and learned I wanted to go with him
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 44: Hugh's POV - Is She a Painter?
The next morning, after a head examination confirmed I was fine, I was discharged from the hospital.Henry and Esther came to pick me up together."It's Grandma's birthday today. Have you prepared a gift?" Esther reminded me in the car."Grandma likes painting. I bought a watercolor by the artist Lian Yang."I remembered Grandma saying at an exhibition that she liked this artist's work, praising her bold use of color that gave watercolors an intensity rivaling oil paintings.Upon returning home, I realized Grandma's birthday celebration was more grand than I'd imagined. The servants had already set up a flower-adorned corridor on the lawn outside the mansion and arranged a nearly ten-meter-long white dining table.I had thought it would just be a family dinner, but some group shareholders and company partners had also come. This was probably David's arrangement, hoping to use this opportunity to improve business relationships.Shelia's entrance caught everyone's attention at the
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 45: Hugh's POV - The Most Familiar Stranger
As Shelia finished speaking, I gradually loosened my grip on her hand.Her expression was serious, which scared me. I feared she had truly let go, that she genuinely didn't care anymore.The party's noise irritated me. I went alone to my study and took out the sketchbook from the drawer. I counted 72 drawings inside. Yes, she had been drawing all along, but I never cared to notice.During those two years of marriage, I seemed to know nothing about what she did every day. I even secretly compared her to Esther in my mind, looking down on her value because she didn't work after marriage. I often felt annoyed by her excessive care.But was it true, as Shelia just said, that I didn't like her?No, she was wrong. I did like her. The ease she gave me was something I rarely felt from others in my 27 years of life.But I did undervalue her. Perhaps because I got used to her admiration and generosity from the start. Things too easily obtained often seem weightless.Flipping through the s
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 46: Hugh’s POV - Let's Cancel the Engagement Ceremony
Back at the birthday party, Grandma asked the photographer to take a family photo."Shelia, come join us for the photo," Grandma waved to Shelia."That's not appropriate given my current status," Shelia politely declined.I suddenly realized that in our three years of marriage, Shelia and I never had a single photo together. I gripped the sketchbook tighter. Besides these drawings, nothing remained of our marriage, as if it had flowed into the river of time.That night, I drank a lot. It was the second time I broke my three-year sobriety.The next morning, I woke up with a splitting headache. David and Susan had already gone to play tennis, and Carol rarely stayed home on weekends, always off to endless parties. The estate was unusually quiet.I opened my phone to see Henry had sent me several surveillance videos from Mango Street. The woman in the video wore a baseball cap and mask, but the pixel quality was too low to make out her real appearance. I sent the videos to Travis; t
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 47: Esther’s POV - Making a Deal
”What?" I could hardly believe my ears."Let's cancel the engagement ceremony. I don't think it's appropriate right now. We need some time to reconsider.""So, is it because of Shelia? You've fallen in love with her, haven't you? At Grandma's birthday party yesterday, your eyes never left her. I saw it all."I looked at Hugh. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, sighed, then said to me, "Esther, what's between us isn't Shelia, it's your lies. You're the one pushing me away.""I don't know what you're talking about. The one who lied to you was Shelia, not me." I tried desperately to defend myself."Do you realize you're in a very dangerous situation right now? I took the hit for you in the car accident two days ago. But whoever's hiding in the shadows will surely come after you again. Next time, you might not be so lucky. Please trust me. No matter what you've done in the past, I'll try to understand and forgive you. But if you won't tell me anything, I really can't help you."H
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 48: Hugh's POV - Unable to Cancel
My relationship with Esther hadn't improved.She was trying hard. She came to see me immediately after my accident, accompanied me for lunch while I worked, and today she even took me to that restaurant full of our memories... For any normal man, she would be the perfect wife candidate.But I just couldn't bring myself to give in.It was like the protagonist in "The Matrix" being asked to choose between the "red pill" and the "blue pill". The red pill represents the harsh truth, leading to an uncertain future. The blue pill represents turning a blind eye and continuing to live in a beautiful illusion.I chose red.If a person is filled with lies from childhood, the first thing they do when they grow up is to vomit, expelling all those lies and starting anew.I hate lies. As a child, when my classmates called me a bastard from Mango Street, a fatherless child, I would always clench my fists and argue back, "I'm not. My father is a hero." Because that's what my mother told me:"Yo
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Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 100: Shelia’s POV - Throwing Money Around
Hugh’s actions made me want to laugh. Did he really think throwing money around could make up for all the hurt he caused me? What did he take me for? A cheap decoration he could put on display when it suited him and toss aside when he didn’t need me? I looked at him coldly, as if he were nothing but a pathetic clown—ridiculous and pitiful.Carol’s face turned green with jealousy when she saw Hugh "defending" me. She clung to his arm, her voice dripping with bitterness. "Hugh, why are you bidding on that worthless thing?"Before she could finish, Hugh cut her off, his voice calm but firm: "It’s just an auction, Carol. Stop talking."Carol was furious but swallowed her words, glaring at me like she wanted to tear me apart. I smirked inwardly but pretended not to notice, casually watching the next auction item on stage.Just then, Ada gracefully walked onto the platform, dressed in an elegant white gown and with flawless makeup. She took the microphone from one of the staff and began
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 99: Shelia's POV - Hugh's Fury
*The charity gala began with the clinking of glasses and the buzz of polite conversation.Susanne was dressed in an elegant light blue gown, adorned with expensive jewelry worth millions, giving off an air of sophistication and grace. But I instantly recognized her necklace—it was an old piece, the same one she wore when she got married. Carol, on the other hand, was dressed in a perfectly tailored red gown, showing off half of her large chest, exuding a bold, radiant beauty. She clung to Hugh’s arm like a proud peacock, flaunting her charms for everyone to see. She whispered sweet nothings to every man who passed by, always on the hunt for new admirers.I looked at Hugh, unsure how to feel. There was a time when I used to attend events like this on his arm, foolishly believing that was what love looked like. Now, we were strangers.Carol had become the center of attention lately, thanks to all the media coverage.Zachary couldn’t come because his back injury was too severe, an
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 98: Shelia's POV - Hugh Lost Control
In the past, I would have apologized to him out of habit, a natural sense of submission. But things are different now.“What does it have to do with you?” I snapped back at him.Furious, Hugh threw the cake to the ground. Cream and fruit splattered across my shoes, but I barely noticed. I just stood there, staring at him in disbelief. Hugh, how could you do this?“Hugh, what’s wrong with you?” I tried to keep my anger in check, but my voice trembled despite myself.“You have the nerve to ask me that?” he growled through clenched teeth. “Shelia, how many times do you expect me to stand by and watch? Huh?”His hot breath, laced with the smell of alcohol, hit my face as he leaned closer. The rage in his eyes was like sharp knives cutting into my heart. I could feel the sting deep inside.“What did I do?” I lifted my chin stubbornly, refusing to back down. “Zachary is just a friend. He was hurt, and I helped him bandage his wound. What’s the problem?”“Friend?” He laughed bitterly,
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 97: Shelia's POV - Perfect Timing
I got breaking news from Gregory—a massive update! Garcie had collapsed in prison, and no one knows why. She’s in a coma now, lying in the ICU. What kind of drama is this?Damn it, just when we were piecing everything together, the trail goes cold! A few days ago, we discovered that Garcie wasn’t just working with Carol—there’s a big boss pulling the strings behind the scenes. Now, with her unconscious, all the evidence she could’ve provided is gone. How could this happen? Did someone try to kill her in prison? Or is she really sick?My head was spinning. I lit a cigarette, something I rarely do, but the nicotine helped calm my nerves a bit. If I could dig into these women’s connections, I’m sure I’d find links to some powerful figures.Just then, I heard a knock at the door. Zachary walked in, looking as handsome and intense as ever. Today, he was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, making him look even taller and stronger. But his deep, brooding eyes always seemed to carry
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 96: Carol’s POV - The Victor
*These past few days, I’ve been on cloud nine! News about my successful deal with Ada is everywhere, headlines like “Business Genius Carol” and “The Youngest Marketing Queen” plastered all over. Every time I see those flattering articles, I can’t help but smile inside, though I keep my signature "elegant" smile on the outside.Hmph, Shelia, did you see that? The Ada deal you tried so hard to get—now she's working with me! Who do you think you are? Just a discarded woman Hugh threw away!To celebrate my victory, I arranged a get-together with Fiona. After all, we landed this project together. I wonder if Lucas will come too. He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever dated. Maybe tonight, we could rekindle some old flames. I told Fiona to bring him along.I took extra care getting ready—slipping into a red backless gown, my hair elegantly pinned up to show off my long, slender neck. My makeup was flawless, and I looked sophisticated, sexy, untouchable. Glancing at myself in the mirror, I th
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 95: Carol’s POV - Terms of Exchange
"Hugh, I’ve already scheduled a meeting with Ada. How about we go to Vienna the day after tomorrow? I heard the pastry chef at that hotel has won several international awards. We could try some of their desserts while we’re there." I put on a sweet, pleading tone, even though, in my heart, I thought Hugh was a total idiot—arrogant, cold, and not very bright.Without even looking up, he coldly responded with just two words: "Not going."“What’s that supposed to mean? I can’t handle Ada alone. She likes you! You have to come with me!” I tried to hold back my anger, raising my voice. How dare this useless man refuse me!He glanced at me with disdain, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Carol, I’ll say this one more time. Figure out Ada on your own. And honestly, you should give up—this was Shelia’s project from the start.""You!" I was trembling with rage, my carefully applied makeup barely concealing the fury twisting my expression. I’d gone through so much trouble to steal this projec
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 94: Shelia’s POV - A Villain Is Still a Villain, Even When Deceived
I sat in the café, gripping a cup of cold latte, my gaze fixed coldly on Marcus, who was sitting across from me. He kept his head down, hands nervously twisting together, looking like a beaten dog with its tail between its legs."Marcus, I really didn’t expect this from you," I scoffed. "I treated you like one of my own, and you..." I let out a cold laugh. "You and Garcie teamed up, scheming behind my back. But your biggest mistake was thinking you could cross me, Shelia!"Marcus jerked his head up, his face pale. "It’s not Garcie’s fault! We didn’t do anything!"“Do you even hear yourself, Marcus? Still defending her? That woman has been cheating on you left and right!"“No way! Don’t slander her! Garcie loves me and only me.”"How pathetic." I sneered. "Let me show you what your precious Garcie is really up to."I called Gregory. "Proceed as planned. Come pick him up."“Got it,” Gregory replied.I hung up, standing over Marcus, my voice cold. "Marcus, I’m giving you one last
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 93: Shelia’s POV - Baiting Them Out
The first step was to root out the traitor. To do that, I needed to find Gregory. He had been pursuing me for a while, but he was much younger than me, and I only saw him as a younger brother. I explained the whole situation to him, and he handed me a thick envelope filled with documents, a confident glint in his eyes."Shelia, it’s all in here. Marcus Leedon and Garcie Milton are working together, betraying the company. This time, they won’t get away with it! But for now, we don’t have enough solid evidence."I took the envelope, flipping through the pages. The evidence of Marcus and Garcie’s scheming was worse than I imagined. If it hadn’t been for this incident, they would’ve continued selling company secrets, and the entire company might have been destroyed in their hands! In a way, I should thank Carol for exposing the traitor early.Gregory handed me a stack of photos. "I dug up something else. Garcie is even more complicated than we thought—she’s been involved with several se
Ex-Husband's Relentless Desire Chapter 92: Shelia’s POV - Gratitude isn’t Love
After leaving Amanda’s room, I rubbed my temples, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. I needed to think carefully about my next move against Carol. This was like a game of chess, and I had to plan my strategy well.I went to the bathroom and soaked in a hot bath, hoping to relax. But just as I started to unwind, the doorbell rang. I barely had time to dry my hair, so I quickly threw on my pajamas and went to answer the door.“Shelia, are you home?” It was Zachary’s voice from outside, deep and gentle.I opened the door and saw Zachary standing there in casual clothes, looking even more fit than usual. He was holding two bags, his usual warm smile on his face.“What brings you here?” I asked, surprised but touched by his visit.“I came to check on you and brought some things,” he said, stepping inside and placing the bags on the table. Inside was a box of freshly picked strawberries and a beautifully packaged raspberry pie.“Wow, raspberry pie!” I lit up with excitement. It
