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Chapter 32: Unexpected Guest
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2024-12-04 12:01:02First Rachel Took, and now this? How does someone just waltz in after eight freaking years to drop a bomb like, “Oh, by the way, you have a kid”?
Athena Winters knew exactly what she was doing. She couldn’t not know about Valerian and me. What was she trying to pull?Whatever beauty she owned on her skin brought nothing but headache in me."Massaging the sides of my head, I let out a soft sigh as I listened to the faint sound coming from the radio, breaking the silence that had settled in the air.""Ellie," Valerian said softly, his hands gripping the steering wheel, eyes darting toward me. He was trying to gauge my mood, but his voice betrayed him—he was nervous.I get it, his past was a mess. But can I really blame those women when it’s Valerian Blackwood who was willing to bring them heaven?If I were one of those women who had him, I'm pretty sure I'd do whatever it takes to keep him in my pocket. But the point is, I was theRelated chapters
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"ONCE YOU sign that paper, it's all over for us, Ellie."My soon-to-be ex-husband, Valerian Blackwood, sat across from me, legs crossed, a scotch in his hand. He didn't seem to care about our separation at all.Two years of marriage, and all I was fed up with were the endless scandals about him and his mega-ton amount of women chasing his round and soft ass. Who was I to question it when my husband was Valerian Blackwood? A drop-dead gorgeous billionaire. He was smart, sophisticated, and just perfect in every way. What else could I even ask for?But the life I was looking for was far away from what he'd given me. After all, we were nothing but a couple for a cause."Isn't that the purpose of divorce, Val?" I retorted, unsure whether I should let the ink stain the paper or take my time.On his side sat Attorney Eglin, tapping his thumb on his knee, his fat ass plopped on the chair. His eyes were bored, and he didn't seem to be in a hurry to witness a couple breaking up.Behind Valerian
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THREE YEARS LATER..."I thought you said you were managing the resort well? Then what the hell is this?" Bree, my older sister, asked as soon as I stepped into the villa lobby.Exhausted, both physically and emotionally, I let my heels hit the carpeted floor and sighed heavily. I'd just come back from a board meeting my dad had set up in D.C., and I was greeted by Bree's less-than-welcoming words."Lose more guests, and you'll find your business sailing out to sea and away from you," she added.Bree's my sister, but she's also my advisor. I take her ideas, opinions, the spits coming out of her mouth, and even her snarky comments seriously. But sometimes, I just want to shove a mouthful of sand down her throat.I stood by the grand piano, placed my baguette on top of it, and took the glass of orange juice offered by the staff."Bree, summer season is just approaching, okay? We've already received a lot of reservations. Give it time, we'll have the resort full. Just relax," I told her,
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MY HEART was pounding so loud it drowned out the chatter around me. I was hyperventilating, needing a breather. I was about to turn back to the elevator, but I thought, wouldn't that make me look like a coward? Lifting my chin, I met his gaze and even offered a small smile as I approached the table. I saw the way he studied me from head to toe. Then, a spiral of emotions began to take over my body. Suddenly, all the memories of his touch came flooding back. "Ellie," he called my name, and I thought my knees were going to give out. He stood up from his chair, and boy, oh boy, the jerk hadn't changed a bit. He was still yummy as fuck. "Pleasure to have you here," he said as he pulled out a chair for me and held out his hand. I think I had been holding my breath for too long. "It is a pleasure to have 'you' here, Mr. Blackwood. I didn't know you were willing to discuss this proposal with me." His hand was still outstretched, and I was awkwardly standing by the chair. "Shake my ha
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I knew I had told myself that I would never follow wherever he went after the dinner we shared, but looking back, I'm grateful for accepting his invitation to visit his resort. The place felt like stepping into the Garden of Eden.As we entered the lobby, a few staff members were present. His secretary offered his services, but this jerk immediately dismissed him, raising my eyebrows.He led me to the beachfront, which didn't seem much different from mine, except for the surfboard decors and the name of his resort, 'BB Beach Haven'. Whatever that stood for."It's very... natural," I commented, my eyes taking in the surroundings with a glimmer.There was no doubt that business would thrive under Valerian Blackwood's leadership. He excelled at decision-making, managing his company with precision and equality.The design of the place was a stark contrast to my own resort. Everything exuded a natural vibe, from the wood-dominated interiors to the dark varnish reflecting his surname."Like
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That kiss had my knees trembling. He still has that effect on me, and I curse it to hell!I have no idea if my stomach had butterflies or if my central nervous system was frying because I've been shaking since I woke up this morning.Memories flooded my head. Those quirky, adventurous nights—damn! He taught me things I never thought I'd learn about intimacy. He washed away my innocence, and now I'm dirty-minded as fuck.Cuffs, chains, and blindfolds. They were just ordinary things until I realized how to use those unholy tools to satisfy his fetishes.I almost forgot everything about some of the dirtier kinks I developed back then, but the man who woke up the woman in me came back and decided to knock down the wall I built."If he thinks I'm going to welcome him with my legs wide open—I mean, with my arms wide open—he's wrong. Absolutely wrong!" I exclaimed, slamming the car door behind me.Still in the depths of frustration, my morning couldn't be fixed by a cup of hot coffee.Last n
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The air crackled with a vibrant energy that only New York City at night could offer, a complete opposite of the coast, and for the first time in years, I found myself missing the city's noise.Three years ago, I'd traded the honking horns and the smell of exhaust fumes for the calming scent of salt air and the endless expanse of the beach. I'd buried myself in the sand, trying to escape the noise and the pressure of my life. Now, I was back, standing in the heart of the concrete jungle, feeling a strange sense of homecoming."Still a mystery to me why you suddenly decided to grace us with your presence," my father uttered in confusion, his voice a low rumble as he poured himself a golden drink in the back of his limo. "Last I heard, you swore off these 'boring' events." He air-quoted the word 'boring,' a mischievous glint in his eye.It had been three days since I'd fled the coast like a runaway bride, ever since Valerian...My sister informed me that the contract was still pending, V
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"Stop," I panted, shoving him away after our make-out session. My heart was hammering like a woodpecker on a tin roof."What's the matter, baby?" he murmured, his voice still husky from our kiss. His eyes, still hazy with desire, held me captive.I shook my head, pulling away from his touch. "This is wrong," I whispered, my voice barely a squeak. "I... I have to go." My feet felt like they were glued to the floor, like I was stuck in quicksand.He gently guided my head back towards him, his lips brushing against my neck. I bit my lip as he buried his face in my hair, inhaling my scent. "Wrong?" he chuckled, his breath tickling my skin. "There's nothing wrong if we both want this.""W--why would I want this? I'm over you."Valerian pulled back, his emerald eyes burning into mine. "Oh, really?" His lips curled into a smirk.I know that tone. He's challenging me. And that smirk he has tells me that he's excited to prove me wrong."Then why are you here with me?" His hand, which had been
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"Leaving?" Dad's voice was a mix of confusion and disbelief. "But you just got here." My ass landed precariously on the edge of his visitor's chair, my butt barely touching the seat. "Yeah, well, I had to see a doctor this morning. Turns out, last night's… mishap might have done some damage." I winced, remembering the throbbing pain in my hip and my butthole. "Mishap?" Dad raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Just a little… accident," I mumbled, trying to avoid eye contact. "You know, I'm not a fan of my daughters lying to me, Elodie," he said, his voice low and serious. "I know, I know," I sighed, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "But Bree called last night. Emergency at the resort, you know how it is." "And here I thought you were going to stay for a week, like you promised," he said, his voice laced with disappointment. "Oh, right," I groaned, slapping my forehead. "I completely forgot I told you th
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 32: Unexpected Guest
First Rachel Took, and now this? How does someone just waltz in after eight freaking years to drop a bomb like, “Oh, by the way, you have a kid”?Athena Winters knew exactly what she was doing. She couldn’t not know about Valerian and me. What was she trying to pull?Whatever beauty she owned on her skin brought nothing but headache in me."Massaging the sides of my head, I let out a soft sigh as I listened to the faint sound coming from the radio, breaking the silence that had settled in the air.""Ellie," Valerian said softly, his hands gripping the steering wheel, eyes darting toward me. He was trying to gauge my mood, but his voice betrayed him—he was nervous.I get it, his past was a mess. But can I really blame those women when it’s Valerian Blackwood who was willing to bring them heaven?If I were one of those women who had him, I'm pretty sure I'd do whatever it takes to keep him in my pocket. But the point is, I was the
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"Yes?" Valerian asked, catching me gawking at him while he worked at his desk.He’d been frowning at his laptop screen since I walked in. I’d been bored at home and decided to visit him, avoiding my sister’s calls because I knew she’d pester me for updates about Valerian and me, like some paparazzo desperate for a scoop.Honestly, I don’t know what spell this man has on me, but he’s been in my head all day. I swear, I’d probably drop dead if I didn’t get to stare at his gorgeous face for a few hours.Every morning, I wake up in his arms, warm and safe. There’s nothing more I could ask for.Valerian doesn’t just love me; he respects me, trusts me, and treats me like a delicate child more than the queen I think I am. And somehow, I love it.Biting my lip, I tried to contain my excitement as I watched him.The earthy green of his eyes was mesmerizing enough to suck me into his world. And those lips? Always hungry for me—but does he know I’m just as greedy?Mornings are quite... eventful
It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 30: Lose
Can you review it by Character introduction, are they interesting? What about the stakes and conflict, mystery and suspense, my writing style, and the clarity of the chapter? Also review my pace, the plot of the chapter, and the cliffhanger. Is it funny and sensual? Standing on the balcony, I waited for my call to go through. One ring. Two rings. “Hello?” His voice came through, slightly groggy, followed by the sound of him clearing his throat. “Elodie?” I smiled to myself, leaning on the railing as my eyes roamed the glowing city below. “Hey, Silas. How are you doing?” “Uh…” He cleared his throat again, and I heard a faint shuffle on his end. “I’m fine. Still at the coast, enjoying the sea and some much-needed ‘me time.’ You?” Biting my lip, I thought about how to phrase things without sounding like an ass. “I’m… good,” I said, glancing over my shoulder at the reason I wasn’t on the coast. Valerian sprawled across the bed,
It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 29: Countdown
“Elodie?” Dad raised an eyebrow as he opened the door. Clad in a silky robe and comfy slippers, he looked like he’d just strolled out of the spa instead of the bathroom.“Hey, Dad,” I greeted awkwardly, shifting on my feet. “Uh… I need to talk to you about something. It’s kind of important.”“I don’t even have to guess. Valerian, right?” He confidently "guessed. I just stared, and he nodded like he’d solved a world crisis. “Alright, come inside. Take a seat.” He stepped aside, gesturing me into his hotel room.My watch told me it was just a few minutes left to five in the afternoon. Time ticks like a countdown. Valerian had said he’d wait, but I wasn’t sure how long his patience would hold out.“I’d offer you a drink, but I don’t think you’re here for small talk,” Dad said, settling into the single-seater couch. He crossed his legs like he was hosting a late-night show. “So, what’s the problem?”I bit my lip, careful not to smudge my lipstick. “You already know why I divorced Valerian
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Both of my legs hurt. My knees wobbled with every step, and the heels I wore weren’t helping. I should’ve just gone with my trusty flip-flops. "You walk like you shit your pants," Bree said, catching up to me as I awkwardly shuffled past rows of fermented wine shelves. Frowning, I tried to straighten up. "No, I don’t," I denied, attempting to salvage my dignity. But Bree just giggled like someone was tickling her feet. "Oh, yeah, you do. And I heard from Dad you were with Valerian the hottie last night. No wonder you didn’t come back after your so-called 'moment of unwinding.'" She even air-quoted, nudging me lightly. That light nudge? Yeah, it was enough to topple me. My legs gave out, and I started panicking as I tipped forward, bracing for impact. But then—like some knight out of a rom-com—Valerian swooped in and caught me before I could plant my face on the ground. "I got you," he said, arms wrapping around my waist as he steadied me. His voice was calm, but he held the smug
It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 27: Breakfast in Bed
We both stopped, eyes locking. Panic shot through me like a caffeine overdose, but that jerk? Calm as a cucumber.“Damn it,” he muttered, clearly not planning on answering the door. He began thrusting inside me, making me moan."Val... Oh... The door," I gasped."Fuck!" The bell rang again, followed by a knock. “Coming!” he yelled, pulling himself out of me, the sudden friction sending goosebumps racing across my skin.“Who’s at the door?” I asked, palms suddenly clammy, pushing myself to stand up straight.With zero concern and maximum annoyance at the interruption, he carried me to the bed.“I’ll find out,” he said, setting me down and tucking the covers over me as though I’d vanish into the bedspread.I watched as he threw on boxers and a robe, his muscular back rippling as he strode out.From where I am, I couldn’t see a thing, but the sound of my dad’s chipper voice hit me like a slap as Valerian opened the door.“Shit!” I hissed, sinking deeper under the blanket, as though it co
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Sitting on a flat rock, my eyes twinkled. Valerian really took me to an unforgettable place.I lost count of how many times I complained about walking along the trail, but as soon as we sat here and just stared at the night view, I had to admit that the dark hike was worth it— even if I had become the mosquitoes' dinner on our way here."Whoa..." I chuckled, biting my lower lip to stifle my enthusiasm about what was in front of me."Since you're a 'sucker' for nature views, feast your eyes on Hudson Valley's beauty," he said, gesturing his hand in the air before joining me—eating up all the space beside me. "Let's appreciate the 'beauty' for a while."My playful mind wandered to what he meant by 'sucker.'Glancing at him from the corner of my eye, I could see how he was looking at me."The view is in front of us, Valerian, not on my face."He only hummed before following my gaze. "I'd like to be the guy I failed to be when we were together. My only question is... how. I want to know h
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"You're going on a bed date with Valerian the hottie, not off to church to play Mother Teresa!" Bree chirped, watching as I checked myself out in the mirror.The minute I walked into the room, her judgmental eyes locked onto me. I had no choice but to give her a bit of the story—well, not everything.Seriously, this woman has eyes everywhere."Look, I’m not actually going to his room. What am I, a bimbo?" I said, wrapping my coat around my waist. "I'm heading out. I need some air.""Because he banged you hard on that yacht?" she shot back, smirking as she poured herself tea."Very decent of you, Bree," I snarked, flipping my hair back and grabbing my purse. "If Dad asks, tell him I went out to date myself.""Yourself, or with your Valerian?" she teased.I shook my head, left the room, and made a beeline for the elevator, low-key terrified Valerian might catch me sneaking out.How did things happen so quickly? I could barely keep up.I ended up down by the dock, staring at rows of yach
It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 24: Pooling Wet
"This dinner looks like my last supper," I remarked, eyeing the lavish treat laid out before me—so many dishes that they practically mocked the ability of my stomach. "Are you planning to kill me tonight?"A low, seductive chuckle slipped from Valerian's lips as he gestured for the sommelier to pour us each a glass of champagne. "I took your energy earlier, didn’t I? Thought you could use some refueling. You’ll need all the strength you can get because, believe me, I’m planning to take it again after dinner."Valerian was true to his word, and he held nothing back. He knew exactly how to make me let my guard down, and it was far too effective.My legs were still trembling, and I felt a delicious soreness between them. He was strong, healthy, and insatiable. And me? Just a poor, enamored girl with a weakness for him."Very considerate of you to give me a forewarning," I said with mock sarcasm, leaning in to whisper, "But don’t you think owning me all over that yacht was enough?"I glan
