Share

CHAPTER 012

Author: Ammund
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-15 08:21:18

ALEX'S POV

I walked into the conference room, my gaze moving over the woman seated across from me.

It was a familiar sight. Corporate companies often sent their most attractive female employees to try to win me over with charm in hopes of securing investments or partnerships. It had become routine, almost predictable.

But it never worked on me. I wasn’t here for distractions or flattery. I was here for one thing—business.

She was striking, of course—dark hair, confident posture, and those eyes, sharp and focused.

But that was irrelevant. I wasn’t here to make friends. I was here to assess if her pitch was worth my time.

When I entered, she stood to greet me, offering a smile that was friendly but not overly eager. That was good. A professional.

“Mr. Grey, thank you for taking the time to meet with me,” she said, her voice calm but sure.

I nodded and took a seat. “Let’s get started, Ms.…,” I glanced at the file in front of me. “Taylor, right?”

“Yes, Ava Taylor,” she confirmed
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 013

    AVA'S POV I sat in the conference room, absentmindedly scrolling through my emails as I waited for Alex. My mind was far from work, though—it was tangled up in thoughts of Jason, and everything that seemed to be falling apart between us. The ache in my chest was constant, but I did my best to ignore it. The door opened, and there was Alex with a slight smile. “Hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long, Ava.” I shook my head, managing a small smile back. “Not at all. Thanks for making time tonight.” “Of course,” he said, holding the door as we headed out. “It’s my pleasure.” The drive to Nino’s Bistro was peaceful. Alex kept the conversation light, mostly work-related, not pushing too much, which I was grateful for. It was nice to step away from everything, even if I knew it wouldn’t last long. When we arrived, the restaurant had the same cozy elegance I remembered. Jason and I had been here before. The dim lighting, the jazz in the background—it was like a small

    Last Updated : 2024-11-16
  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 014

    AVA'S POV Finally, it was Alex who broke the intense eye contact between me and Jason “Ava, are you enjoying your meal?” he asked, looking up from his plate and glancing at me. The simplicity of his question startled me, and for a brief second, my gaze faltered. I blinked, trying to shake off the tension that had settled in my chest, but I couldn’t deny the unease that still lingered in the air. I gave a quick, forced smile. “Yes,” I answered, pushing my plate aside a little. “I’ve always had a weakness for Italian food.” Alex smiled back, his posture relaxed as he picked up his wine glass, "Good to hear,” he said, his eyes glancing down at his plate before returning to mine. Before I could gather my thoughts, the sound of footsteps drew my attention, and I looked over to see Jason approaching from across the room. My heartbeat pace kept increasing with each step he stood. “Hey,” Jason said casually as he reached our table, his eyes flicking between me and Alex.

    Last Updated : 2024-11-16
  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 015

    ALEX'S POV I sat across from Laura, watching her reaction to my greeting. Silence filled the space, thick and charged. Ava’s gaze darted between Laura and me, sharp and discerning as if she could sense there was something off about the greeting. Jason, on the other hand, sat there, unaware of the growing tension between us, his expression one of confusion. Laura’s hands trembled, and I could see her struggling to keep a calm facade. Her gaze flickered from me to Jason. “Hi, Alex, same here, it’s been a while,” she muttered, acting as if everything was fine. She then sat down, fixing her eyes on the wine glass in front of her, but I wasn’t about to let her off the hook that easily. “It’s been a while since I last spoke to my brother,” I said, letting my words hang heavily in the air. Laura’s face went pale, as if drained of blood. A flash of panic crossed her face before she could mask it, and she forced a tight, uneasy smile. "Oh?” she said, her voice barely audibl

    Last Updated : 2024-11-17
  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 016

    AVA'S POV The dinner with Alex Grey lingered in my thoughts the next day, but it wasn’t the food that stayed with me. It was the moment—the silence between Alex and Laura. Something was strange and suspicious about the way they interacted, it was as if an unspoken secret hung between them. The thought nagged at me, leaving a knot in my stomach. I wanted to question Alex again, to get to the truth, but I couldn’t let myself get distracted—not right now. Work had to come first, and besides, Alex was just a business partner, I didn’t have the right to ask him about his personal life. As I entered the office, I pushed the thoughts aside and decided to focus on the designs for Alex’s upcoming jewelry show. Models would be showcasing my work alongside Alex's soon, and this was my shot to leave a lasting impression. Still, Laura’s pale face and guarded expression intruded on my thoughts, like a weight I couldn’t shake. I tried to push it away, but the questions remained,

    Last Updated : 2024-11-17
  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 017

    AVA’S POVI knew what I had to do, but that didn’t make it easier. Every part of me screamed to leave, to stand up for myself, to stop being Jason's second choice. But I couldn’t. Not with everything at stake—the designs, the show, everything I’d worked hard for. I had to keep going. For the work I’d put in, even though I still didn’t know where I stood with Jason. I promised myself that after this project, after Grey’s jewelry launch, I’d file for a divorce. I would walk away and let Jason be with Laura. I’d stop pretending this marriage was anything but a lie. But for now, I had to play along. I had to finish the job. So, I agreed to meet Marcus. When I walked into the restaurant, my stomach twisted. The last place I wanted to be was here with Marcus Hale, but I couldn’t back out. Marcus was known for not respecting women, but since we were meeting in a public place, I didn’t think anything would happen. The waiter led me through the dining room, down a hallway, an

    Last Updated : 2024-11-18
  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 018

    ALEX'S POVI stormed out of the private dining room, my chest heaving with anger. Seeing Ava lying helpless in my arms, looking vulnerable and defenseless, had ignited something deep within me that I didn't expect. I assumed it was Laura who would attend the meeting. That was why I sent a representative instead of going myself. I couldn’t stand the sight of her again. But then, my representative informed me that it was Ava who had shown up. He detailed how the meeting unfolded, and I could sense the unease in his voice. For Laura to let her subordinate handle such a high-stakes meeting in her place, there had to be an ulterior motive. And knowing Marcus’s reputation and his ties to Laura, I immediately knew something was off and rushed over here. If I had been just a minute late, I didn't want to think about what might have happened to Ava. Jason was the one who should have been protecting her, not me. But now, I couldn’t bring myself to leave her side. “Max,” I said

    Last Updated : 2024-11-18
  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 019

    AVA'S POV I slowly regained consciousness, a pounding headache clouding my thoughts. I blinked, realizing I wasn’t at home. My eyes darted around, and then I saw him, Alex, sitting by the window. I quickly sat up, the blanket slipping off me. “Mr. Grey?” My voice was weak, barely more than a whisper. He immediately stood, his expression a mix of relief and something I couldn’t quite place. “You’re awake,” he said, stepping closer to the bed. “Why… why are you here?” I stammered, flashes of the previous night returning in pieces. “You don’t remember?” His voice was calm. I frowned, trying to recall everything. I remembered the dinner with Marcus, the strange feeling after I’d drunk the wine he offered, and then everything going hazy. The last thing I remembered clearly was being scooped up and carried out by Jason. “Jason…” I blurted out. “Why isn’t he…” Alex’s jaw tightened. He didn’t answer right away, and the silence stung more than words could. It wasn't Jason who had com

    Last Updated : 2024-11-19
  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 020

    AVA'S POV My hands trembled as I sat there in the car. Watching him answer the phone felt like a slap on the face. How could he take her call? After everything I had been through, after I was nearly raped, how could he just sit there and act like it didn’t matter? His wife was almost violated, and yet he answered Laura's call, knowing exactly how I felt about her.” He was accusing me of cheating, speaking to me with an angry tone but here he was speaking to Laura with a soft voice. Tears threatened to spill, but I held them back. I was tired of crying because of him, yet I couldn’t stop myself whenever they welled up in my eyes. He should have been consoling me, comforting me, helping me forget the horrible experience I had just endured. Instead, he was here, answering the call of the woman who had turned us into strangers. Did this mean he didn’t have even an ounce of feeling for me anymore? The fact that he doesn’t trust me and assumed I was cheating with Alex—cou

    Last Updated : 2024-11-19

Latest chapter

  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 063

    AVA’S POVJason’s question echoed in my ears, leaving me momentarily stunned and frozen in place. “What are you doing at the hospital, Ava?” he asked again, staring deep into my eyes. I opened my mouth to respond, but the words caught in my throat. How was I supposed to explain? Should I tell him the truth that I was here because of the stress he and his precious Laura had caused me? That our unborn baby he wasn't aware of was at risk because of him? I felt my grip tighten on the paper behind my back, my knuckles whitening. My heart pounded, and I could barely steady my breathing. A mixture of anger, pain, and betrayal swirled inside me, making it hard to find the right words or even think of a good lie that would sound believable in his ears. But before I could utter a word, a sickly sweet voice cut through the tension. “Babe,” Laura called out, her tone dripping with affection as she approached. I clenched my teeth at the sound of the name she used. “Babe”? We have

  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 062

    AVA’S POVThe moment Jason stepped out and I shut the door, the tears came. I didn’t even notice when they started streaming down my face, hot and endless. No matter how many times I used the back of my hands to wipe my face the tears kept pouring down. The pain in my chest felt unbearable, like my heart was being ripped apart and I clutched my chest tightly hoping to suppress it.But it didn't work. I leaned against the door, sliding down until I sat on the cold floor, wrapping my arms around my knees, sobbing quietly. Jason’s face kept flashing in my mind – his desperation, his pleas – but I couldn’t let myself give in. He had crossed too many lines and hurt me too deeply time and time again. I knew I shouldn’t be crying, not after all the pain he caused me by always putting Laura first. But the truth is, I still haven’t gotten over Jason, and I don’t know if I ever will. I don’t know how long I stayed like that. Minutes passed, maybe hours, before I felt a dull ache in my bel

  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 061

    JASON'S POVAva’s words hit me like a slap across the face. I stared at her, my eyes slightly wide hoping she didn’t mean it, but her expression was firm. She wasn’t bluffing and my heart sank. I couldn't sleep last night after returning home from the club because I didn't find Ava anywhere in the house. I tried calling both her and Alex and neither of them answered my call. I was restless the whole night, my thoughts running wild as I waited for the day to break.It's not that I didn't trust Ava – I do. It's Alex I don't trust. Early this morning, I rushed out of the house like a madman to confirm Ava’s whereabouts, without even taking a proper shower so I couldn’t just give up. Not yet! “Ava, please,” I pleaded again, my voice breaking slightly. Her eyes stayed cold. “Don’t make me do it, Jason.” I felt like I was standing on the edge of a cliff, and Ava was the one pushing me off. I wanted to argue, to plead with her to listen, but something about her tone told me it would

  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 060

    AVA'S POV I could feel my heart racing as the tension in the room rose. Sally and Kevin kept glancing between Jason and Alex not knowing what to say. I looked at Alex and then at Jason. I was done with the drama with Jason. “Okay, Alex…let's go,” I said, trying to stay calm but my heart hammered in my chest. Jason's fist clenched tightly and his eyes flashed with anger but he didn't say anything. “Ava…” he said finally. “I've made my decision,” I interrupted, keeping my voice steady. Sally gave me a proud wink. “Call me when you get home, okay?” I nodded, giving her a small smile. “I will.” “Let’s go,” Alex said gently, his hand resting lightly on my back as he guided me toward the exit. Behind us, Jason’s jaw clenched, and I could almost feel the fury radiating off him. I didn’t look back. Alex looked surprised when I told him I wasn’t going to Jason’s villa but to Sally’s apartment. However, he didn’t ask why, and I felt relieved. The ride there was quiet at first, but

  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 059

    AVA'S POVJason’s sudden presence in the room turned the carefree atmosphere tense in an instant. “Jason, you came. I thought you said you weren't coming?” Kevin said in a carefree tone, as he stood up to shake Jason's hand, but he ignored him. Instead, his piercing gaze moved from Alex to me, the anger in his eyes evident and undeniable. Kevin seemed to understand the reason for his attitude and simply sat back down beside Sally without saying another word. “Jason,” Alex greeted, his tone polite but Jason ignored him too. His eyes were locked on me completely. “Ava, I need to talk to you now,” he said coldly. I pretended not to have heard him and quickly stood excusing myself, "I’ll be back Alex." My chest tightened as I made my way to the ladies’ room. I needed space, somewhere far from Jason, somewhere to gather my thoughts and calm my nerves. The cool air of the bathroom was a small relief as I leaned against the sink, staring at my reflection. My heart raced. “He

  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 058

    AVA'S POV The days following the jewelry store incident felt like a blur. I buried myself in work and avoided unnecessary interactions with Jason. Grandpa had already returned to his house, though his doctor warned us to still be mindful of his health and to avoid stressing or saying anything that could trigger him. That was a relief, I couldn’t bear pretending everything was fine and the thought of him witnessing the tension between Jason and me. Today, Sally called, insisting I come to her apartment. “I have something to cheer you up,” she said vaguely. I hesitated at first, but Sally’s energy was contagious. If anyone could brighten my mood, it was definitely her. When I arrived, I didn’t expect to see Kevin Tyler lounging on Sally’s couch, holding a glass of wine like he belonged there. “Kevin?” I froze at the door, my mind struggling to process his presence. Kevin Tyler, the professional basketball player, also happened to be Jason’s old friend and someone I had

  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 057

    JASON'S POV Ava's words hung in the air, hitting Laura like a blow. Laura's smug expression faltered and her face reddened in anger even the sales associate's mouth dropped as they stared at Ava, then glanced back at Laura.Clearly shocked and curious about why Ava said such words. My stomach twisted as I looked into Ava's eyes. She wasn't angry. No, that would have been better and easier to handle. What I saw in her eyes was resignation when someone was done and didn't care anymore. And I got scared. My mind reeled back to last night, the reason I’d missed dinner with Grandpa and Ava. I had planned the dinner myself, thinking it would be a chance to prove to Ava that Laura wasn't my first choice and that my family came first. I even told myself it was time to take a stand and show her that she mattered more than anything or anyone else. But then Laura called on my way to the restaurant. Her voice trembled over the phone, and she cried telling me she couldn't go on anymore

  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 056

    AVA'S POVThe photo on my screen was like a dagger to my chest. Laura's hands were draped over Jason's shoulder, her lips close to his cheek while Jason's hands were resting on her waist. The intimacy of it was undeniable, and it made me feel sick. My hand trembled as I locked my phone and placed it face down on the nightstand. I wanted to cry, to scream, to throw something. But instead, I sat there in silence, my emotions were a mess inside me. I took a deep breath, telling myself to calm down. What was the point of crying when nothing ever changed? The 10% shares he gave me made me think that maybe – just maybe he values me more than Laura but now I felt dejected again. Jason always seemed to find his way back to her, no matter how much it hurt me. He claims Laura wasn't his first choice yet he stood up both Grandpa and I because of her. I wasn't going to cry, and I didn't, but it still felt like a sharp knife kept piercing my heart all through the night, causing me unbeara

  • Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please   CHAPTER 055

    AVA'S POVThe ride home was quiet except for the soft sound of the car engine. Grandpa sat next to me, his lips pressed together, his face dark as he stared out the window. He looked upset, and I felt just as bad. Jason not showing up had ruined what should’ve been a special evening for Grandpa. Why did he make plans when he knew he wouldn't keep them? I wondered what could be so urgent that it kept him from coming. “Grandpa,” I said softly, glancing at him. “I’m sure Jason didn’t mean to miss dinner. He said something came up.” I shouldn't have defended him when I didn't even know the details of why he couldn't make it but I just didn't want to make Grandpa feel down. Grandpa turned to me, his eyes cold. “That boy has responsibilities, Ava. I’m not upset for myself, I’m upset for you. He asked you to set up this dinner, and then he doesn’t even have the decency to show up?” "Why did he make plans that he knew he couldn't keep?" Grandpa asked, lines creasing his forehead.

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status