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Chapter 3

Penulis: emmz
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-11-11 04:54:07

Elizabeth

I drag myself through the front door, each step weighed down with exhaustion, bitterness, and anger that’s simmering just below the surface.

The night’s events play over and over in my mind, each memory igniting fresh resentment. Christopher, the man I once trusted with my life, had crossed every line and left me feeling like nothing more than a dirty pawn.

I move slowly through the darkened hallway. I reach the bedroom, my heart pounding. Maybe it’s the whisky still swirling in my veins, or maybe it’s the realisation that I have nothing left to lose. Today is the day.

I will leave him. Christopher Bell's over. no matter what it takes.

As I push the door open quietly, my eyes fall on the bed, and I have to suppress the urge to laugh.

There he is, sprawled out and sleeping soundly, and he’s not alone. Curled up next to him, her blonde hair spilling over his shoulder, is a woman—a slim, young figure, her arm draped possessively around his waist.

I don’t even blink. Of course, he’d bring her here. Of course, he’d think he could do this right under my nose, no consequences.

He used me to settle his gambling debts and then had the audacity to bring home one of his little flings with our son under the same roof.

This is the last straw. I can’t keep pretending. I need to get him out of my life, once and for all.

I hold my breath and step quietly, moving across the room, careful to avoid any creaks in the floor.

This is my chance.

I need to gather what I can and get out, leave him behind in his wreck of a life. How dare he? How dare he do this to me?

I gave up my family for him.

I gave up my life for him.

But I barely make it two steps before I hear him stir. My stomach clenches as I hear him groan, his voice thick with sleep.

“You’re home…” He mumbles, his eyes half-closed, and then, lazily, “Lizzy?”

I freeze, waiting, but he doesn’t seem the least bit concerned, not even a hint of guilt as he sits up.

He stretches, running a hand through his hair as if I’ve just walked in from a normal night out.

He doesn’t care that I spent the evening in the arms of another man; he doesn’t even flinch at the thought of it.

I say nothing; just keep walking toward the closet; my mind is already planning my escape. But I hear him getting out of bed, his footsteps padding softly across the room until I feel his hands on my shoulders.

“Come on, baby,” he says, his tone low and coaxing.

“Don’t be mad. We’re a team, right? Sebastian’s a very important guy. You know that.”

I can barely process his words; I can barely believe what I’m hearing.

I turn slowly, looking into his face, searching for the man I once loved so fiercely, the man who once promised me everything.

But he’s gone.

In his place is someone cold, indifferent, twisted beyond recognition.

I shake my head, fighting back the anger and disappointment threatening to spill out.

Before I can say anything, another voice interrupts us.

“Hey.”

Her voice is soft, and I see Christopher’s attention shift over his shoulder.

Standing there, wrapped in a bedsheet, is the blonde woman—the one who had the nerve to look me in the eye last night and tell me how lucky I am to have him.

My hands clench into fists, the words dying on my lips.

I can’t do this. I can’t play this game anymore.

“I can’t believe this,” I manage, my voice tight.

I turn, yanking open the closet door, reaching for a bag. I’m done waiting around.

“I’m going to see Edward.”

Christopher doesn’t even blink. “He’s not here,” he says simply, as if it’s no big deal.

I turn, my heart pounding as the words sink in.

My voice drops to a low, dangerous tone.

“Where is he?” I ask, barely keeping my voice steady.

“My mother took him for the weekend,” he replies, his tone casual, indifferent.

I feel my legs weaken, my breath catching in my throat.

He knew. He knew I’d come back furious and that I’d want to take Edward with me.

He’s thought of everything—every move, every reaction. He’s already steps ahead of me.

Without another word, I storm out of the room, unable to stand the sight of him any longer, unable to believe how calculated and cruel he’s become.

My steps carry me outside, away from the suffocating walls of that house, until I’m alone with nothing but my own thoughts, my anger burning like fire in my chest.

Hours pass, but the rage stays with me, gnawing away, hollowing me out. By the time evening falls, I feel exhausted and drained.

My mind wanders back to Sebastian, the mysterious man Christopher had traded me off to.

Despite the awful circumstances, despite everything I’d been through, I can’t deny that Sebastian has stirred something in me.

He was different—strangely calm, with those piercing dark eyes and that serious expression that rarely gave away a thought.

He didn’t laugh, didn’t smile, but somehow he treated me with a kind of respect, even kindness.

For a moment, I let myself remember the night—the way he’d poured a glass of wine for me, the way he’d watched me without judgement, without expectation.

He didn’t touch me. He barely spoke, yet somehow he made me feel less alone than I had in years.

I hadn’t expected him to be a gentleman, but he’d surprised me, and I’d left that room with a small shred of dignity still intact.

I laugh bitterly to myself, realising how ridiculous it is that I’m even thinking of him now.

What am I doing? He’s Christopher’s friend, or at least some kind of business associate.

I’ll probably never see him again. All I need to focus on now is finding a way out, leaving this toxic life behind me once and for all.

The evening air chills as I make my way back to the house, each step feeling like a step back into the cage I’m so desperate to escape. I know I can’t stay here, not another day. I’ll do whatever it takes. If I have to beg my family for help, if I have to start over from nothing—I’ll do it.

But as I walk inside, my gaze drifts to Edward’s toys scattered on the floor, his tiny shoes by the door. He’s my world, my reason for everything. My little miracle. And Christopher knows it.

Just then, I hear a voice behind me, and I turn, my heart skipping a beat. Christopher is standing there, watching me with a smirk, a look that sends a chill down my spine.

“You did good last night,” he asks, his tone mocking. “Sebastian called me. He is ready to invest in the company.”

I lift my chin, meeting his gaze, my voice steady. “Is that why you handed me to him? Chris.”

For a moment, he looks taken aback, his eyes narrowing as he studies me. Then he laughs, low and cold. “Oh, Lizzy,” he says, shaking his head. “That’s all you are good for.”

“What is wrong with you?” I scream at him, devastated by his words. “What happened to you, Chris?”

I can see his eyes flaring with anger. I had hit a nerve.

“You think you can just walk away? We’re a family, remember? We’re in this together.” He mutters as if reading my mind.

“We stopped being a family a long time ago,” I spit out, the words tasting bitter and sharp.

His expression darkens.

“Maybe if you stopped losing the pregnancies,!” I can hear the anger in his voice.

I turn and walk away, leaving him standing there. I cannot face him anymore. His words are cruel, and he was right. Maybe all this is my fault. That’s what the doctor had said.

Christopher has never forgiven me for losing the pregnancies. Now he reminds me every day.

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Roguenie
He should be happy he has at least a son.
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  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 4

    ElizabethIts Monday morning. I sit on the edge of the couch, watching Christopher play with Edward on the floor. I can’t tear my eyes away as I watch him lift our son into the air, spinning him around until Edward is giggling uncontrollably.It’s these rare moments that mess with my mind and make me second-guess everything.This gentle, loving version of him is the man I fell in love with, the father I want Edward to have.When Christopher glances up at me, a softness in his blue eyes, he gives me a kind smile—the kind that used to melt me.For a split second, I feel a flicker of hope, a glimpse of the man he used to be.“Get ready, Elizabeth,” he says, his voice breaking the moment.“You’re coming with me to the office today.”I blink, completely thrown.“What? Why?” My voice comes out sharper than I intended, laced with suspicion.I don’t trust this. I don’t trust him.He chuckles, shaking his head like I’m overreacting.“I thought maybe you should go back to work. Get your old job

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-11
  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 5

    ElizabethThe office has made me feel alive again. The buzzing of hushed voices and the busy bodies takes me back to my passion.As I walk past the rows of desks, I can feel eyes on me and hear the whispers that follow me wherever I go. The name *Celeste* is on everyone’s lips—Christopher’s new fling.I should feel hurt or betrayed, but all I feel is relief.It’s been a month since Christopher last laid a hand on me. A month since I had to force a smile and pretend to care. If Celeste keeps him distracted, that’s fine by me. Maybe she’ll keep him away long enough for me to make my escape.I keep my head high, my heels clicking sharply against the floor, and step into Sebastian’s office.The air shifts as soon as I enter, the tension between us like an unspoken third presence in the room. He’s standing behind his desk, flipping through a folder, his dark eyes scanning the pages with a focus that makes my stomach tighten.He doesn’t look up right away, but when he does, it’s like the en

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-17
  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 6

    SebastianThe gala is alive with music, laughter, and the hum of conversation. I walk through the grand hall, my steps deliberate, my posture commanding. I am happy with myself. Not for the party but for my plan coming to fruition.I smile to myself, satisfaction curling at the edges of my thoughts.My revenge on Christopher Bell is taking shape. He has no idea what’s coming, and that’s exactly how I want it.Christopher has spent years destroying lives. He destroyed mine. He destroyed my wife's. He thought he had gotten away without consequence.But when I heard his company was faltering, teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, I saw my opportunity. I’d been patient, biding my time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Now, here I am, the "savior" swooping in as an investor, offering him a lifeline he can’t refuse.It’s almost poetic.I make my way through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and shaking hands with key players.Every interaction is another move in this game of chess

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-17
  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 7

    ElizabethThe car ride home is long and confusing. My fingers still tingle from where Sebastian held my hand before he kissed me. A kiss I hadn’t expected—a kiss that set my entire world on fire.The interview was so reveling. His answers playing over and over in my mind, each one pressing against the walls of my heart. Tonight, I learnt so much about him—his pain, his struggles—but that kiss... That kiss lingers, warm and sweet, leaving me questioning my future plans.When I pull into the driveway, the house looms large, its dark windows staring back at me. This prison I call a home. My stomach twists. The thrill of the evening fades, replaced by the suffocating reminder of where I belong—or rather, where I’m trapped.I kill the engine and sit in the silence for a moment longer, pressing my forehead to the steering wheel. “Get it together,” I whisper, though my hands tremble as I reach for the door handle.I close the door behind me with a soft click, a smile still tugging at my lip

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-19
  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 8

    ElizabethI hold Edward close, his little body warm against mine. He’s asleep, his tiny fingers wrapped around mine like he never wants to let go. I don’t want to let go either. I sit on the couch, pulling the blanket tighter around us. The house is quiet, but my thoughts are loud.I couldn’t go to the office today. Not with the bruises on my face and hands. They feel like a mark of shame, even though I know they aren’t my fault. The bruise on my cheek stings if I touch it. My wrist aches where he grabbed me.I’m scared. For the first time in a long time, I feel truly frightened.Not just for myself, but for Edward. How long can I protect him from this?Maybe it’s time to call my father.The thought makes my chest tighten.I haven’t spoken to him in years. The last time I tried, he didn’t even want to talk to me.He’d said I made my choice when I married Christopher, and that was that. If I called him now, he’d probably say, “I told you so.”The doorbell rings, startling me. Edward st

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  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 9

    ElizabethThe air feels heavier as I glance at the screen. The name on the display sends a wave of dread washing over me.Christopher.Did he know where I was? Is Christopher watching me?My hand freezes, the phone trembling between my fingers. I don’t know what to do. Should I answer? Should I ignore it? But ignoring him always makes things worse.“It’s Christopher,” I whisper to Sebastian, my voice shaky.“Don’t pick up,” he says firmly, stepping closer. His hand rests lightly on my arm, grounding me.“I have to,” I reply, swallowing hard.“No, you don’t,” he insists, his eyes searching mine. “You don’t owe him anything, Elizabeth. Not after everything he’s done.”“But I do,” I say softly, more to myself than to him. I swipe the screen, pressing the phone to my ear.“Where the fuck are you, Lizzy?” Christopher’s voice is sharp and demanding, slicing through the quiet.My throat tightens, but I manage to keep my voice steady. “I… I took a cab to the park. I needed some air. I needed

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-23
  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 10

    SebastainI sit in my office, leaning back in my chair, the city skyline sprawling out in front of me through the floor-to-ceiling windows.The room is quiet, but my thoughts are anything but calm. My fingers drum against the polished wood of my desk as I replay yesterday's events in my mind.I can’t help but smile, a small, almost triumphant curve of my lips.My plan is falling together perfectly.It’s almost laughable how easy it was to get Christopher out of the picture, at least temporarily.One strategic phone call to a friend—a perfect fake investor—a perfectly timed opportunity dangled in front of him like bait, and he was gone.Off to New York, chasing what he thinks is the deal of a lifetime.“Fool,” I mutter to myself.But my thoughts drift from Christopher almost immediately.Yesterday.Elizabeth.My God, I can still feel the taste of her lips on mine, the gentleness of her touch, and the way her breath hitched when I pulled her close.It wasn’t supposed to feel like this.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-23
  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 11

    ElizabethI stand in front of the mirror, carefully dragging the eyeliner pencil along my lash line.I let out a soft giggle.Why am I so excited? I quietly ask myself.My hand trembles slightly, but I steady it.It’s been so long since I’ve done this—applied my makeup with this much care. Since I applied my make excited to go somewhere, not to cover up my bruises. The soft golden light from the vanity bathes my reflection, making my pale skin glow. I press my lips together to smooth out the crimson lipstick, tilting my head to examine my work.I look... different. It’s strange, almost foreign, but tonight I feel the need to see myself this way. I don’t know if it’s for Sebastian or for me.The faint scent of my perfume lingers in the air.It reminds me of who I used to be before Christopher—before his words, his fists, and his suffocating control stripped me down to something small, something invisible.The house is so quiet. Too quiet. My chest tightens as my thoughts shift to Edwar

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-24

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  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 117

    ElizabethThe air is warm, and the whispers in the wind carry a gentle melody that wraps around me like a soft embrace.It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the world stopped spinning so fast.A year of peace, happiness, and love. I take a deep breath, letting the warmth fill my lungs, and I can almost forget the pain that once consumed me.My father finally let me leave, and Sebastian had bought us a beautiful manor.He said it was the last thing Sarah had requested before she vanished.So far, she has kept her word and hasn’t returned. I glance around the garden, where flowers bloom in vibrant colors, a stark contrast to the darkness that once surrounded my life.We finally named our son Michael James Valdez, and Edward is more than happy to have two more siblings.The Bell name is nothing but a bad memory now, a shadow that lingers in the corners of my mind.But as I stand here, reading Christopher’s name out loud, I can still feel the pain and anger just below the surface.

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 116

    Sebastian“Sarah!” I exclaim, the name escaping my lips like a breath I didn’t know I was holding. “So you came here, the last place I saw you before you pretended to be dead.” My voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of tension. “I did. You’re the only person who knows it, and I knew you would come searching at some point,” she explains, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.I walk over and sit opposite her, the familiar surroundings of the manor bringing back a flood of memories—some good, some painful. “The last time we were here…” she begins, her voice trailing off as she looks around, lost in thought.“You were cheating on me throughout,” I interject, the bitterness rising in my throat.“I was,” Sarah confirms, her gaze unwavering.“Why?” I ask, my heart pounding in my chest.“I don’t know, Sebastian. I loved Christopher, and I thought you could make me forget him. Turned out I was wrong,” she admits, her voice softening.“You co

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 115

    SebastianThe sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the ranch as Elizabeth and I sit on the porch. The wooden boards creak softly beneath us, and a gentle breeze rustles the leaves of the nearby trees.I glance at her, taking in the way the light dances in her hair, and I can’t help but feel a sense of peace, even amidst the chaos that has surrounded us.“I don’t think my father will ever let me leave this ranch again,” Elizabeth says, her voice tinged with frustration.“I know I wouldn’t,” I reply, releasing a long sigh.The weight of everything hangs heavy in the air between us. Things are awkward; the last time we were together, I didn’t know I had a son.When I asked her to marry me, she didn’t give me an answer. Everything has been a roller coaster since then—me being kidnapped, ending up shot and in a coma, and then her being kidnapped and almost dying. It’s been a whirlwind, and I can’t shake the feeling that we’re still caught in the storm.“So, I have a so

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 114

    ElizabethThe dirt is cold beneath me. My body aches, every breath dragging fire through my chest. But I keep moving. I drag myself forward, inch by inch, the rough ground scraping against my skin. Smoke curls through the air ahead, thick and choking. I can see the commotion now—shadows moving, voices raised. I am so close. My lips part to call out, but the effort is too much. My body gives out. Darkness crashes over me like a wave. And then, through the void, I hear him. “Elizabeth!” Sebastian’s voice cuts through the silence. Desperate. Terrified. A weak smile tugs at my lips. He’s here. They all made it. And Sarah… Sarah actually saved them. The voices grow distant, fading like whispers in the wind. Everything gets lighter, quieter, until there is nothing at all. ……..Warmth surrounds me. Softness cradles my aching body. There is no pain here, only a strange sense of peace. Is this heaven? I inhale slowly, my chest rising with ease. The air smells familiar—clean linen, fr

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 113

    ElizabethShe looks different. Red hair. Green eyes. Lighter somehow, as if the weight of the past has peeled away all parts that were Celeste. But the anger—oh, the anger—is still there. It simmers beneath her skin, sharp and blistering.Sarah tilts her head, lips curling in amusement."Elizabeth, it seems you are a glutton for punishment." Her voice is the same. Cold. Mocking. A phantom from a life I barely remember. I struggle for breath, my ribs screaming with each inhale. "Well, you look different," I rasp between gasps, my body barely holding itself together. Sarah flicks a strand of red hair over her shoulder, eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Yeah… it felt more like me." She shrugs, as if shedding Celeste—the woman she once pretended to be—was as simple as changing clothes. "Her role was done." She turns her gaze to Christopher, her expression shifting into something darker. "Where have you been, my love?" she asks, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I’ve been looking for y

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 112

    Elizabeth The stars. They spin above me like scattered jewels in the black sky, swirling and shifting, refusing to settle. My head throbs with a sickening pulse, each beat reminding me of the impact. I try to lift my hand to my temple, but the pain is almost too much to bear. My vision is blurry, and I taste metal on my tongue—my blood. Everything hurts. Everything is wrong. I blink rapidly, trying to clear my mind. The wrecked car door hangs open beside me. My body shakes with every breath I take. The world around me is spinning, but I force myself to focus. I need to move. I need to get out of here. Christopher. I twist my neck, forcing my heavy head to turn, and there he is—slumped over the steering wheel, motionless. His chest rises and falls in uneven breaths, but for now, he's still unconscious. Good. I can’t stay here. Not like this. I look around. There’s nothing, just endless darkness around me. But I can’t think about that now. I need to get away. I need to

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 111

    ElizabethI can see the horror in their eyes. Sebastian. Eric. Detective Adams. They stand frozen, their bodies tense, their hands twitching at their sides as Christopher drags me toward the front door. Detective Adams's gun is steadily pointing at Christopher, but he is frozen in place.Their helplessness is written across their faces, burning into my soul like a scar I will carry forever. Sebastian’s eyes lock onto mine, wide and desperate, pleading for me to hold on, to fight.But I can’t fight. Not with Christopher’s bruising grip digging into my arm, not with his breath hot against my ear as he hisses, one wrong move and your children die. I watch, my breath catching in my throat, as Sebastian reaches into his pocket and pulls out a black card. The same card we all know will leave no trace. His hands tremble as he extends it toward Christopher, his fingers curling tightly around it like he wants to crush it into dust instead. "Take it," Sebastian spits, his voice laced with

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 110

    ElizabethI see an opening. The front door. It’s right there, just a few steps away. If I run now, I might make it before Christopher gets up. But my children. I can’t leave them. I won’t leave them. My heart pounds, my body screaming for escape, but my mind is already made up. I turn, my feet dragging against the floor as I push myself toward the staircase. I need to get to them. I need to make sure they’re safe. I take the first step, my legs burning, my ribs aching from Christopher’s last blow. But then I hear it—movement. “Elizabeth!” His furious scream echoes through the house, slamming into my back like a physical force. My entire body seizes with terror, but I don’t stop.I can’t stop.I push forward, every step feeling like a mile, every breath like shards of glass in my lungs. I can hear him behind me. Fast. Too fast. I force my legs to move, digging deep into whatever strength I have left. Just a little more. Just a few more steps. But then— BANG!The front door fl

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 109

    ElizabethThe dining table stands between us. My breath is ragged, my pulse wild. Christopher watches me with a twisted smirk, his dark eyes burning with something cruel. The air in the room is thick, suffocating, pressing against my chest like an iron weight. "Where are you running to, Lizzy?" he asks mockingly, tilting his head like a predator cornering its prey. "I'm not running, Christopher," I say defiantly, my voice steadier than I expect. "Then stop." His tone sharpens into a command. "No, Christopher!" I scream, my hands trembling as I glance around, desperate for anything—a weapon, a way out, anything to put an end to this nightmare. "I will not let you leave my children without a mother. Not because you couldn't do better!" Christopher lets out a low, humorless laugh. His fingers twitch at his sides. "You're a menace to me, Elizabeth," he spits. "I married you to make my life better, to make my legacy stronger. But what did I get?" His voice rises, raw with rage. "You d

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