MasukShare
Chapter 37: Liam
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-01-06 18:04:30
Bab terkait
It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 38: Testosterone
"Liam... thinks you two are still together."Suddenly, from behind Silas, Valerian's loving eyes turned into laser beams. He must have picked up on what Silas said last."What's going on?" he asked. His voice wasn't just curious or demanding an answer—it thundered through the hallway, but there was worry in it too.Silas glanced at me as if he's asking for my consent, shifting on his feet like a kid caught red-handed stealing peaches from the pantry. Eventually, he faced Valerian with his professional face.I took a slow, deep breath as I peeked from behind Silas and found Valerian's demanding eyes, frankly, glaring at his innocent cousin."Don't you think it would be best for you to sit down? Your knees might not take it," he slightly mocked, gesturing at the floor.Arching his eyebrows, Valerian exhaled sharply and took the space beside me as if I needed guarding. "I don't do weak shit. Spill it."Silas delivered the l
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-01It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 39: Breathless
It wasn’t the clouds that told me a storm was coming—it was Dad’s silence. The criticism in his eyes was burning me, and I had no idea why. Well… maybe a bit?"I heard what happened to Liam," he said, slicing his lunch into a perfect diamond cut before taking a bite. "That was a terrible accident."Nodding, I straightened my spine, careful not to let it touch the backrest of the chair. "Yes, it was very... unfortunate. But he was already stable and awake when we left the hospital," I said, not really having an appetite.After I explained everything to Liam, I gave him a headache—a massive one. The doctors had to give him painkillers and a sedative. They reminded us about his situation, but Valerian was too eager to slap Liam with reality.Just as I joined my father for lunch, Valerian had to take his own road to put a halt to another problem we had. Athena Winters.Valerian promised me that whatever the result, nothing would change. I cou
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-02It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 40: Daddy
"One line, negative. Two lines, positive," I read out loud from the box. "Fifth time, okay..."Biting my lower lip, I stared at the result, waiting for it to show up. Tapping my heel on the tiled floor repeatedly, I counted the ticking of the clock as I listened to the loud pounding of my heart."Oh, shit..." I muttered, staring at the two lines on the PT. "I'm really pregnant," I murmured, covering my mouth.I looked at myself in the mirror, checking for the changes I had been feeling in my body.My breasts were full and raw. I cupped them with my hands and felt their sensitivity. Then, I caressed my flat stomach over the silvery dress I wore. My own flesh and blood is growing inside of me."Oh my gosh, Val. You're going to be a freaking father," I whispered, sighing in both tension and excitement."Ellie, are you good in there?" Valerian's voice came from outside the bathroom door. "What's taking you so long? Are you okay?"Panic rushed through me. I didn’t know which item to toss a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-03It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 41: Mine
"Bitch!" Bree groaned, grabbing a couple of glasses of champagne for herself as we sat at a table in the corner. "And when are you planning to make a news flash to our family?"Clutching my head, I felt myself sinking to the floor. I didn’t know if it was from stress or the smell of alcohol from Bree’s breath slapping me in the face.I groaned silently, partly regretting that I chose to leave Valerian’s side to stay with my sister, who has a twenty-four-hour open mouth—like a freaking convenience store."You found out, and I’m pretty sure Dad will know the moment your mouth reaches his ear," I said in a low tone, shifting my weight to my other leg as I grew tired of standing there for barely a few minutes.Maybe it was because having Bree around just naturally drained me. It wasn’t exactly a compliment, but it wasn’t much of an insult either, because—sometimes—her company could help.I wasn’t worried about her or Dad figuring that part out. It was Valerian I was getting antsy about. I
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-05It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 42: Exposed
A sharp sting shot across my scalp as I tumbled, grasping onto the fabric of someone's dress. I barely had time to absorb what was happening when a familiar, disgusted scoff filled my ears.From the floor, I lifted my head just to find Athena dusting off her hands as she stood tall next to—who I assumed was—her father, who had just served Valerian a fist to the jaw.Francisco Lewes.Judgment settled in me. Athena's father had silver-streaked hair combed back with precision. Just like his daughter, his face was nothing like a devil’s, yet dark in intentions. But unlike his daughter, he held the expression of a man bearing authority, while Athena… well, she was just her.By the way the staff and guests hesitated to react, I could conclude that he held weight.I immediately clutched my stomach, fearing for what was inside it.Valerian didn't waste time pushing himself up as he wiped the side of his lips. He gave me a hand and even helped me brush my hair away from my face.Relief flooded
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-07It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 43: Marry Me
I've decided to say it—or rather, I'm trying to make myself spill it—but the moment doesn’t feel right yet."I'm pregnant." That’s what I wanted to say. Straightforward, no dilly-dallying, just those two words.Easy to say, but too hard for me to do.I gathered a bit of courage a few minutes ago, but it feels like I used up all my gallantry and ran out of juice to speak up.Oh, myself. When am I going to change?"Baby..." he pleaded for my lips. "My cheek hurts. Kiss me," he begged, almost pouting like a kid asking for something sweet.Maybe that revelation should be kept for later. Not after what just happened. I’ll find the right time.His hand massaged the back of my head, soothing where I felt Athena’s nails almost dig my brains out. He leaned his forehead against mine as he gave quick but continuous pecks on my lips.My smile widened at his actions. "I brought us here to keep your cheek from swelling up, not to smooch around," I chided, putting some distance between us again."So
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-09It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 44: Devour
I woke up alone in bed, comfortably snuggling in the blanket, wearing Valerian's shirt underneath. His warmth had vanished into the sheets, but not from inside me.The clock stated that it was past eleven in the morning—barely morning, actually. The thick curtains were still closed.Last night was both the most dramatic moment of my life and a piece of heaven, as well as the most ecstatic night I’d ever had. We had slept at four in the morning.Biting my lower lip, I lifted my left hand and found myself wearing the engagement ring on my finger.Was it the best decision I had ever made in my whole life? Definitely—no doubt.When I gave him my sweetest answer, I witnessed the genuine happiness in his eyes. He was so excited that we forgot about the event we were supposed to continue attending, the time, and—on my part—the things I had to say and the questions I had to ask.The night was just the two of us, in bed, as one.I could feel my legs weak, my lips numb and thick, and I was stil
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-11It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 45: Drive You Crazy
Her hair was in a messy ponytail, her face painted in deep colors, matching her black get-up, making her seem like she came from the dark world.She’d been gone for a while and came back with a dark motive. But that friendly smile she’s giving doesn’t exactly help me accept her lightly.I gave Valerian a glance. He’s composed, as always. Am I the only one getting antsy in this situation?Now I hope Bree didn’t leave."Don't look at me like that," Rachel snorted, snatching Valerian's drink and taking a gulp.The sommelier Bree was flirting with earlier approached us, but Valerian showed his palm."I'm not here to ruin anything, if that's what you think this is." She rolled her eyes and pulled out her recorder. "I'm just here to make a story. I promise to be a nice girl."She meant no harm? Then why do I feel like she does?The way she flicked her hand, the way she beamed at me—it gives me trauma. And should I even mention her recklessness that almost cost Liam his life?I can't help bu
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-12
Bab terbaru
It All Started with a Divorce Epilogue
"Sign it, Ellie."Valerian’s words rang in my ears. I lost count of how many times he had tried to convince me, but my hand still refused to move, hovering over the stupid paper like it weighed a ton.I wanted this. I was the one who suggested it. So why the hell am I hesitating now?"I know what to do, don’t rush me," I snapped, shooting a glare at the man sitting across from me as I sat on the floor, he's far too comfortable and confident for someone who’d been nagging me.His man spread was almost right in my face. And had I—out of curiosity—glanced at what sinful thing he hid under those pants? I think more than a dozen times in the past few minutes already.Sighing, I picked up the pen, my lips twisting in disapproval."Time ticks, baby."I was on the edge of a cliff, and this man was shoving me right off. Was he for real?I threw him another glance. Those same green orbs that had swallowed me whole for years were still watching me like I was the only person he could ever fall fo
It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 59: The Real Pain
I take it back. I regret it. I regret it!!The pain I feel is the worst of all. Never in my entire life have I felt this way. And it's all Valerian's fault."Aah!" I screamed, tears welling in my eyes.I gripped his already wrinkled shirt—one he had barely worn by now. Some of his buttons had flown everywhere from my pulling."Damn you, Val! I swear I'm going to kill you!" I shouted at him as the nurses transferred me from the ambulance to the stretcher.My water just broke!I have an indefinite words to explain what I feel right now, but it just doubled up whenever I senses Valerian's loud panic. He acts like he's the one who would give birth."Hang in there, baby," he comforted me. "Everything will be just fine. I'll be here, okay? Just—just hold my hand, okay?"Sweat formed in bullets on his forehead. My whole body hurt, and I felt like I was about to explode.I expected the pain, but I didn’t know it would feel "this" bad! Is my body splitting to two? I gripped his shirt tighter
It All Started with a Divorce Chaptee 58: Man on Fire
I stood frozen while I watched him walk in with confidence, his hands in his pockets. He gazed at me like I had committed a crime.Actually, I did.Ute sherpishly chuckled to lighten the mood. "I’ll join the others. I'll leave you two to talk, okay?" She excused herself and patted Valerian’s chest twice, silently telling him to be careful before blending into the crowd.A lump formed in my throat. Is he mad at me for not telling him sooner?"Val..." I called, my voice fragile and guilty.He shuffled the sole of his shoe as he slid closer to me, searching for my eyes.Lifting his hand, he tucked my hair behind my ear and guided my head to meet the calmness of his gaze.Instead of showing betrayal, he looked at me with even more intense love."I'm sorry," I whispered. "I—I should've told you the moment I figured it out. I was just—" I began to babble, but he placed his forefinger on my lips and hushed me."I'm not mad. Just surprised that we're going to have twins," he clarified, showin
It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 57: No One But Us
Fanning myself, I find it hard to breathe. Was the dress too tight? Did I eat too much? Or was I just hyperventilating because I was minutes away from getting married... for the second time? "Relax, relax, relax. Think of it as just a normal day and then seal this night with a kiss from your prince charming with big guns and a dick." I frowned at Bree’s so-called pep talk while she gave her whole body a once-over in the mirror. But judging by the look on her face, she wasn’t satisfied with how she looked. "Breathe in, breathe out..." she murmured, meeting my gaze in the mirror. "I think I’m better off with your 'encouragements,' Bree. I swear, they're not helping," I cut her off as I adjusted the ribbon of my robe. "It’s not for you, mother. It’s for me," she replied, pouring herself a glass of water before exhaling loudly. My back ached again, and the mix of excitement and anxiousness wasn’t helping at all. Add Bree to that—she had been with me since I started getting my hair a
It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 56: Better
Swallowing my burp, I stared at the view of the resort from the small hill, where I could see the guests enjoying the last weeks of summer.The whole place was enough to give anyone peace—but not me."Stop staring," I chided, noticing how Valerian's eyes had been eating me up since we woke up this morning.It's making me so conscious of how I look.Does he think I look fat? I did gain weight from my pregnancy because of my nonstop cravings, and it was obvious—especially on my arms and cheeks.When I looked in the mirror this morning, I thought I was staring at a steamed bun. I already have a double chin, and it's kind of stressing me out."You look beautiful," he suddenly uttered, looking at me viciously—like he's a wild lion and he wants to eat me.Rolling my eyes, I created some space between us. "Can you say something sincere? I literally look like a pig right now," I snorted."That's not true. It’s like claiming you’re an angel," he retorted, wearing that smug grin on his face.I
It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 55: Deep Dive
Too lazy to work, I stared into the air, replaying what happened that night at the celebration. If I could just go back in time, I'd smack my own head and tell myself to act right. I guess I just got sedated in the moment. There were a lot of eyes on us, high expectations poured onto me—the highlight of the night. And did I give them the right show? Did I give him the answer he was anticipating? I caressed my five-month-old womb. I guess I did the right thing. "Knock, knock?" someone uttered, showing up by the open door of my office with a bouquet of tulips and sunflowers hiding his face. "Earth is closed, Mr. Blackwood. Come back when it's open," I shooed him, leaning back in my chair as I watched his sulky face revealed when he pulled the flowers down. "Mood swings?" Valerian asked, pulling a surprise from behind him—a basket of oranges that made my eyes twinkle. "I think I've got an answer to that." Rolling my eyes, I had to clamp my lips shut to hide my excitement upon see
It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 54: Answer
A ticking bomb. That’s me. If somebody cuts the wrong wire—boom! Everybody? Toasted. Fried.I’m still wondering how Valerian isn’t melting yet. Can’t he feel me blowtorching him since we share the same space?He’s got a lot of things to explain.I should’ve kicked him in the face back when I had the chance.I ate the oranges he gave me. I’m taking care of the flowers he gave me. I "kind of" welcomed him into my house. I let him join me in bed. I even let him kiss me. Hug me.And this? This is the "unfinished business" he was talking about? I thought it was about "us". I thought he was doing something to put us back together. Then why the hell is he with that leech?!"If looks could kill. He. Dead," someone snickered from behind me.When I turned, I thought I’d gone blind. If there was ever a personification of a diamond, it would be only one man I’d met recently—Atticus Lark."Jealousy isn’t good for pregnant ladies," he added, biting the olive from his drink. "Gives you stress." He u
It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 53: Bad News
Rubbing the bottom of my nose, I can smell the approaching change of the season—just like the shift in my mood. "Dad organized the event, and a lot of people are coming tonight. I believe he told me it’s a celebration of the 37th year since the company opened," Bree explained while I pouted, my eyes scanning the names of the invited guests. Ever since Dad landed here on the coast, I haven’t seen him, but Bree said he brought his work with him. I’m neither happy nor upset about it. Technically, it’s not exactly work—just related—but it still makes my bones jitter, whether from annoyance or something else I can’t quite name. "He’s bringing a date with him," she added. "Does going there require bringing a date?" I raised an eyebrow, squinting at a particular name on the list. Valerian Blackwood. It was written in beautiful golden calligraphy, perfectly matching how elegant and powerful he is. But in my eyes, he’s still a bastard. "It’s a must. A ridiculous rule Dad made for tonig
It All Started with a Divorce Chapter 52: Eternal Sunshine
I hadn't considered any day special—until yesterday. I feel like the heavy thing that had been making my heart feel like it was about to explode is suddenly gone, and now there's just peace.But no matter how magical the scene was, I like to take things slow.And when I say slow..."What are you doing here?" I spat as soon as I opened my door and found Valerian holding a bouquet of sunflowers and a jar of... pickles?"Just came here to visit my pregnant Elodie," he said comfortably, lifting what he had in his hands.Arching my eyebrows, I gave him a deadpan glare.Just because we settled one thing doesn’t mean we’re already fine. I still want to play hard to get, and nothing goes fast—aside from his... No, no, no. I’m not going back to that kind of mindset anymore.I've refreshed my mind, and I am no longer a sinner. Or so I assume."This is private property, Mr. Blackwood. I suggest you back off before I call the police," I warned him, but as expected, it didn’t faze him—not even the
