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Chapter two.
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-02-18 04:04:21DIANA
How long must a house burn before it becomes ashes and smoke?
It’s been 3 weeks, 2 days and 4hours since he left me. And I am still burning, still hurting – an end no where in sight.
And it’s been exactly 3 weeks, 2days and 4hours since I left my apartment, I have now become a stranger to sunlight. It’s been a mixture of fear and despair with a sprinkle of depression – I have never experienced such anguish for all the 26 years I have lived.
It still feels so unreal.
Ive sent him voice notes every day since he left, begging and pleading for him to come back; voice notes that almost always ended in a hysterical emotional breakdown that lasts for hours-I’m used to it now.
It’s now part of my daily routine, along with wailing anytime I see something that reminds me of us, which is practically everything in my apartment.
Every where I look I see him, I remember every moment we spent together on the couch, the nights we spent making love – he was my first, in every sense of the word.
He was the first man to ever have me in such a way, the only man I ever wanted to have me… the only love I’ve ever known.
Where did I go wrong? What did I not do?
I gave all of me and more, just to make him happy. I risked my life for him.
And yet, he left.
Why wouldn’t he? I mean look at me! I’m a monster! An eyesore!
It’s been exactly 3 weeks, 2 days and 3 hours since I saw my reflection. I don’t ever want to see it again. It repulses me.
I close my eyes when I shower so I don’t have to look at it. But no matter how hard I scrub and bleed, it doesn’t go away.
It still feels so unreal. Like he’s going to show up any moment with a bouquet of tulips and chocolates, saying how much he missed me, and we’d have the best sex- that was how he was. This is nothing new.
He would come back. He’s done this before, ghost for a couple of weeks then reappears and showers me with so much love.
That’s the man I love. The man I want to spend the rest of my life with.
The door bell rings, and for the first time in weeks, I’m filled with hope. I jump out of bed and sprint to the door.
I knew he’d come back to me, I knew he loved-
Something in me died when I opened the door. My heart broke into a million pieces once more. I forced a small smile
“were you expecting someone else?” Lilly frowned as she made her way to the couch
“Yes I was” I quickly wipe the tears threatening to escape from my eyes, and sit on the other side of the couch.
“Why are you doing this to yourself? Look at you Dee! You’ve been holed up in this apartment for weeks, probably crying everyday and he’s definitely out there, screwing another woman –“
“Don’t. Don’t you even go there.” I could not bear the thought of him loving and fucking another woman that wasn’t me.
Is that another reason he left? Did he find someone else? Someone more beautiful? Less problematic? Someone way better in bed ?
“Just let him go already and move on with your life. Stop wasting your days crying over him”
I should just let go ?
Just let go?
Did she think it was that easy ??
How do I let go of everything we have been through?
All the plans we made together
All the promises he made to me
“5 whole years. And I should just let go? We were so in love Lilly, there must be something he’s going through, something he’s not telling me. Maybe he just needs his space, maybe he- “
“You have to stop doing this to yourself and accept it Dee. If that man truly loved you, he would never have left you. For fuck sakes you almost died for him, and he still left you! What makes you think he’d come back? Especially now that you look – “ she paused, like she realized what was about to burst out of her mouth
“ now that I look like a monster.” I place my face in my palms and breakdown again, for what seemed to be the hundredth time today.
“You’re not a monster Dee, he is. One day I hope you realize that.” She held me as I sobbed. What I would have done without her, I can’t even imagine. She is my rock, literally my life support at this point.
“How can I possibly let go of him Lilly? He was everything to me. I planned my whole life around him, how do I just let go? I don’t…” my voice broke into an uncontrollable sob. I felt her embrace get tighter
“You just need to give yourself time Dee, and one day, you won’t feel anything for him anymore. Nothing”
I didn’t believe her.
And if she felt what I was feeling now, she wouldn’t believe herself either.
It hurts too much. Like my heart has been stabbed over and over and over again, and my soul has torn apart, left on the cold floor to bleed out, suffer and die.
“Cmon now, stop crying. Let’s go out for dinner-“
I opened my mouth to resist “-No buts. You’re going.” She said with a smile there was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, one that I know all too well.
Before I could even blink she drags me from the couch straight to the bedroom, and pushes me on the bed
“I’m your prisoner, I don’t really have a choice” I resign to my fate and then she begins to rummage through my closet.
“I can’t wear anything there.”
“But why? They all look so beautiful and-“ then she realized.
All the clothes I had would show my scars one way or another. I would be doing the masses a favor by staying indoors.
“I’m sure there’s something here that would work-“ she said focused on digging through my clothes “viola!”
She managed to find a brown turtleneck with black suit pants.
“It’s not my best work, but it’ll do” she shrugged
After getting dressed, we enter the elevator, and for the first time in weeks, I saw myself. I was a mess.
My eyes sank and were rimmed with dark circles, the bags underneath them were prominent.
My face was the only part of my body that was spared. I didn’t feel any disgust, maybe because every other part of my body was covered.
The flames do not consume everything- They leave you with an everlasting reminder of their touch.
When we got to the restaurant, as we were about to enter, I paused – I should have just stayed home.
“Whats wrong?” Lilly asked concerned
“I can’t believe she’s here.”
“Who?”
“Natalie, the office bitch; she’ll give me an earful.” I rolled my eyes.
“Just act like she isn’t here alright? we’re here to have a good time, not be frustrated by bitches” Lilly snickered.
I chuckled and we walked into the restaurant, and then I saw it.
Time seemed to slow down at that point; and all I could se
e was Kevin kissing Natalie passionately with his hand on her baby bump.
Bab terkait
Ex-fiance's regret Chapter three.
DIANA When does the line between reality and dreams begin to blur? How broken must the fragments of your reality be before you start to question it?I hoped and prayed in my heart that this wasn’t real; that any moment now, lily would scream my name and I’d wake up in my bedroom. “Diana, I think we should go” Lilly said quickly as she dragged my arm. I jerked my arm away immediately, not taking my eyes off the abomination playing out before me. The way held her and kissed her, it made my blood boil.“Diana, wait!” Against reason, I clenched my fists and marched towards them, ignoring Lilly’s call. When Natalie caught my eye, she smirked, holding Kevin’s hand tightly “Diana, I didn’t expect to see you here, I thought you’d spend the rest of your days in hiding”“Kevin, what is this ?” My voice shivered as I struggled to hold back my tears. Maybe the baby was someone else’s. Maybe she was just a one night stand he used to forget me“This is his life now, I and his baby, it’s a g
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-18Ex-fiance's regret Chapter four.
DIANACan beauty be born from ashes?How wasted do you have to be to see a rainbow in a casket?Thankfully the bar wasn’t crowded. It was dimly lit, setting an ambiance I loved. There was a life band playing some soul music, faint chattering echoed in the atmosphere.“What would you like to drink?” The bartender asked with a smile “something strong that can cause temporary amnesia” he laughed. I wasn’t even joking.“Coming right up” and he starts mixing different poisons. This is going to be a long night.“Make that two” his voice was so deep and smooth, I immediately had goosebumps- the good kind.I turn to face him, and for a moment, I blacked out. I have never met a man so beautiful. His face was a divine work of art, and his eyes- lord those eyes, I would die in them if he let me.“Here you go, I call it ‘One night stand’ just for you” the bartender handed us our drinks.What kind of a name was that ?“Are you planning on actually getting a one night stand?” His eyes gleamed“Hel
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-18Ex-fiance's regret Chapter five.
DIANAIt doesn’t hurt as much anymore.After burning all our pictures and anything that reminded me of him. I was a bit better.I renovated the apartment, changed all the furniture- I have completely detached myself from him; well I’d like to believe I have. I don’t cry that much anymore, just once or twice a week. And I don’t call him anymore, Infact I’m this close to deleting his number – little progress is progress none the less.Ive started going out more, mostly to hang out with Lilly. I quit my job the day after that embarrassing encounter with Natalie, I couldn’t stand seeing her everyday and her bump grow.. I’d run insane. I started a business of my own, an event planning company, and so far, it’s been going great.I don’t feel that anxious anymore when people glance at me. I tell myself everyday – only you can see those scars. No one else.I still don’t look at my reflection, and even if I catch it in the elevator, or a mirror in the hallway, or a window, I do not indulge f
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-18Ex-fiance's regret Chapter 6.
JEROME When do the lines between reality and fantasy begin to blur?How deep do you have to go for it to become so difficult to tell them apart?I see her in my dreams. I imagine her in my arms on most nights, skin to skin, entangled in my sheets.She has haunted me now for three months three weeks and a day. She is persistent in her torment.I went to the bar four more times hoping I’d see her.I lurked around the neighborhood just to see if she’d reappear.Those eyes torture me in my sleep, those round brown eyes, they touched my soul, sparked something in me that I’ve never felt before.I don’t even know her name. But she’s all I think about, how she felt so close to me, how soft her skin was, her lips reminded my of the gates of heaven- her body was a divine work of art.I have never craved someone this badly. I have tried to forget her- nothing is working.I’m on the brink of insanity. I spend every waking moment wondering who she is, where she could be.How could someone have a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-06Ex-fiance's regret chapter 7.
DIANA When the heart speaks, do you listen? Or do you lock it in a coffin? I chose the latter. And the words left my mouth before I could even register it. His brows creased in confusion, “What?” “I don’t think we’ve met.” I say feigning ignorance, my voice steady. “Four months ago, we had a drink at Wiko bar. One night stand?” He eyed me carefully. “Sorry I don’t recall. If it did happen, then I was probably too drunk to remember anything.” I shrug, wearing a mask of composure. He searched my eyes for a sign, something that betrayed my words. If I stared into his eyes any longer, my resolve would break. If I wasn’t careful, those eyes would be my undoing.I clear my throat nervously “Sir, this is the first time we’re meeting. I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.” I reiterated firmly.His eyes lingered, igniting sparks in parts of me that had gone dark - parts that I wished so hard to forget. Then he leaned in, his hot breath against my ear made my breath hitch. “I
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-06Ex-fiance's regret chapter eight.
DIANA How long must you drown an emotion in denial to be forgotten? It seems this emotion is refusing to drown. I stared at the flowers before me - they were over 30 bouquets! “Are you sure you have the right address?” I asked skeptically. “Yes, you’re Miss Diana, correct?” “Yes I am.” “Then it’s for you, can you please sign here?” He offered me the book and I signed absentmindedly, just overwhelmed in awe. As he turned away, I called out “Excuse me, who are these from?” “He didn't disclose his name ma’am.” He replied. “Hm, thank you.” I murmured, my brows furrowed. Where in the world was I going to put all these flowers? “What are you still doing at the - oh my god!” She gasped when she saw the flowers. “You didn’t tell me you were seeing someone!!” She teased, nudging me with her elbow as her eyes twinkled. “Because I’m not.” I stated firmly. “So why would someone send you over 20 bouquets of flowers when you’re not even…” her voice trailed off and her eyes widened i
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-20Ex-fiance's regret chapter nine.
DIANA Is there ever a moment of absolute healing? Or is it nothing but a myth?He called me 2 times last night. I could only stare at it as it rang. What was there to say? What was he calling for? To rub more salt in my wound? Remind me of how undeserving I am of him? Of his love? Or did he call to apologize? Don’t be delusional. The heavens must have collapsed before Kevin apologizes. “Diana, any suggestions?” A voice called me out of my thoughts I clear my throat lightly, “On?” “The design theme for the 30th year anniversary of the company.” “Oh yes, I was thinking we’d go more futuristic. The decor should depict times ahead of the present, a way of showing the world Leota Industries is innovative and ahead of the times.” I suggested, regaining my focus. Nods of approval were given by the members of the PR committee framing the light brown mahogany table. “I’ll contact some artists and designers that specialize in this theme, and I’ll send the samples to you, so we can w
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-20Ex-fiance's regret chapter ten.
JEROME “We should merge with Golde Empire - it’s the best course of action for the company.” He mentioned, his voice laced with certainty.“I see no reason to do that,” I responded resolutely, my voice staunch. “We need to expand to other states, and signing this deal with Golde Empire would make that happen.” He argued. “We can expand on our own. Collaborating with them would only sink my company, and I will not have that.” I declared. “I believe you should reconsider.” He suggested, “I truly do not care what you believe.” I retorted coldly, my tone dismissive. He scoffed, “You're just as stubborn as your father.”“And he built an empire alone.” I stated. “Alone?? I was there in the shadows lifting him when no one else did.” He exclaimed “Well I’m not aware of that, and I couldn’t care less. What I do know is that if you truly cared about the company, you wouldn’t suggest such.” I replied sharply “If this company crumbles, I go down too. This is our legacy and - “ “Our?” I
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-20
Bab terbaru
Ex-fiance's regret chapter 43.
DIANA A fire blazed in the pits of my belly as his lips touched mine. It burned in ways I had never felt before… it was a flame I would willingly give my soul on a platter to be consumed by, completely. The taste of his lips had an undertone of the sweetness from the champagne, somehow the champagne tasted better on his lips, like a new mixture had been created… something divine, not of this earth. And I would devour that mixture like it was the potion to heal this painful hunger inside me… because it was. I gave into his touch as my body melted into his arms, obeying his every command. His hand rested on the small of my back pulling me closer to him, incinerating the little distance between us, till all that separated us was the fabric on our bodies, begging to be ripped off.His grip on my neck tightened and a gasp escaped my lips as they part, giving way for his warm tongue to break through and intertwine with mine. My hands wandered to his broad back, my nails digging throu
Ex-fiance's regret chapter 52.
DIANA “What are we doing here?” I gaped, my brows drawn as I stared at him.“You’ll see.” He stepped out of the car with a smirk, walking over and opening my door smoothly, his hand reaching out to me.What was this man planning? I eyed him carefully as I took his hand and stepped out of the car, my eyes scanning my environment.Why on earth were we at an airport?? He walked to the back, opening the trunk of his car and bringing out a bag, slinging it over his shoulder.Suddenly, a man walked up to us with a professional smile, bowing slightly, and then Mr Leota threw the car key key at him.“Why are we at an airport?” I felt like I was watching everything through a screen. Like I wasn’t even present.What in the world was happening…?“Has anyone told you you ask so many questions?” He cocked his head to the side with a teasing smile, before reaching out and holding my hand, leading me across the open lane-And straight to a private jet.There were three people lined up next to the
Ex-fiance's regret chapter 51
DIANA“My what??” I gasped turning to the man standing across the street with wide eyes. “Your bodyguard.” He repeated like it wasn’t something out of the world.“You hired a bodyguard?” I turned back, and my mouth parted. “Why?” “To ensure you’re safe when I’m not there to protect you.” He said plainly.“I don’t need protection!” I scoffed, my brows drawing together.“You have people stalking you.” He stated. “You In fact do need protection.”“It was just one person, and he was just a journalist.” I shook my head, rubbing my forehead as I leaned back in my seat.“And what if he wasn’t?” He retorted. I rolled my eyes glancing out the window again - he was still there, staring.“But he was,” I stressed, looking away from him. “Having a bodyguard isn’t necessary.”“It is.” His voice was firm.“You’re overreacting.” I purse my lips.“Until you get hurt?” He scoffed through the line. “I won’t let that happen.”“One day, all this talk about us will die down, and people will lose interes
Ex-fiance's regret chapter 50.
DIANA I turned away almost immediately, my grip tightening on the mug in my hands. I thought with the shades and the hat, no one would recognize me. How did he even know I would be here??Did he trail me from my apartment?? From the way he looked, he didn’t seem like a harmless reporter. He towered over everyone that walked by, and his face didn’t scream anything remotely close to friendly. He looked like he could pin to the ground and crush me beneath his feet in a second. What did he want with me? Mr Leota’s warnings rang in my ear - what if he’s armed? What if he wanted to kidnap me? Or worse? “Someone’s watching me.” I whispered, my eyes fixed on Lilly, laced with fear. “What?” She asked, her brows creased in confusion. “Across the street,” I said, my voice low. She turned to the window pane, her eyes glancing only for a moment before turning back to me, “There are several people on the street, Dee.”“The tall guy, the one leaning on the lamp post.” I said, my voice fi
Ex-fiance's regret chapter 49.
DIANA The silence that radiated in the cafe was a stark contrast to the discord my mind has been subjected to. As I sipped the latte in my hands, I could not savor the smoothness, or the smell, as I usually did. My mind was far from here. It was in my apartment, two days ago, listening to his words. His warnings. He had told me to more careful - why was that? I understood that my Identity had become public, but sooner or later that would have happened anyways, due to the nature of my work. But the worry in his eyes shook me greatly. Like he truly believed there was an impending doom waiting for me. Was it because of his position? His status? Or did he have some crazy ex that would hunt me down and kill me? I scoffed, taking another sip. That wouldn’t surprise me. Right now, I couldnt know for sure what he was talking about, because before I could ask, he received a call and left abruptly.We haven’t spoken since then. To be fair, I haven’t spoken to anyone since, I just
Ex-fiance's regret chapter 48.
DIANA I grabbed his neck, locking his lips in a passionate kiss. His eyes widened slightly at my sudden action, but he closed it slowly, grabbing my waist and pulling me closer in the kiss.I stared at Kevin with the corner of my eye, the shock that was pasted on his face eventually gave way to pure anger, his fist tightened as he watched us, my lips curled up as I deepened the kiss, watching him turn sharply, stomping away.The moment he was out of sight, I pressed my hands to Jeromes chest and pulled away from him gently. He stared down at me with an amused gaze, his brow raised as he watched me.“What?” The corner of my lips twitched as I cleared my throat, taking a step back.“Why the change of heart?” He smirked at me.“It’s just a kiss.” I shook my head, rubbing a hand through my hair. “-and everyone has seen it, apparently.”He stared at me for a moment, and I barely managed to keep his gaze.“Let me take you home.” He said. He didn’t seem bothered enough by my actions to ques
Ex-fiance's regret chapter 47.
DIANA What was he doing here? I turned to the side with fluttering lashes, my gaze catching Annie’s flustered form. She fidgeted as she tried to sit straighter, her eyes resigning to her hand pressed together in the desk, twiddling in fear.“Why are you silent?” Jerome raised a brow at her. “You were very loud a moment ago.” “Sir, it’s not what you think I - “ Annie’s voice quivered as she tried explaining, but he only cut her off.“Who else dared to insult you here?” He swiveled his chair to me, cutting her off sharply.“It’s not necessary, I - “ I shook my head, but he only leaned forward, cutting me off.“Answer my question.” His eyes were sharp as he stared at me.I turned slightly, glancing at the women beside Annie. They were the ones gossiping about me in the bathroom.I could only imagine what they were all thinking right now.I bit the inside of my cheek, blood rising to my face. I turned back to him, surprised that he’d followed my gaze to the women seated, his eyes dar
Ex-fiance's regret chapter 46.
DIANA “I still can’t believe it.” A woman spoke as their steps drew closer to the sink in front my stall.“I know right?” Another woman added “Of all the women he could be with, he chose her??” I stilled at their words, my brows drawing closer as I recognized the second voice.That sounds like Annie. “You should know the type of man he is by now, he probably just wanted to taste something different.” Another woman spoke with a condescending scoff, I leaned back in my seat, blood draining from my face.“Well, he has had his fair share of different kinds of women.” The first woman chuckled.“You mean unfair share-“ the second lady stressed, her voice laced with amusement. “-that man has half of the women in New York swooning over him.” “Including me!” The first voice laughed, heels clicking and the tap rushing when someone turned it open.“Well, It’s not a surprise. Not only is he a billionaire, he has the face that could rival with a Greek god.” The third woman was so close to my st
Ex-fiance's regret chapter 45
DIANA I woke up with a jolt, staring at the darkness of my bedroom ceiling with squinted eyes, I groaned as I turned to the side, staring out the window.The sun wasn’t even out yet.It wasn’t long before nerves took over my every movement, my fingers twisting the edge of my shirt as I sat up.I had to go to work.I bit my lip, reaching for my phone on the side table. I squinted almost immediately as it came on, the light almost blinding me. It was 5:30am.I stood up from the bed with a low sigh, walking out lazily to the living room. I stared at the empty home as I took a sip of water, my brows furrowing as I fingers tightened their hold on the cup. My heart began to hammer in my chest just thinking about it. I couldn’t avoid it. I had to go to work. I couldn’t let the nerves get to me, I needed to get rid of them. I walked back to my room, pulling out joggers from my closet and slipping on a long sleeve turtleneck, my running shoes following after, before walking with determi
