--- Chapter Nineteen: A Choice Between Love and Revenge I am inside when the doorbell rings. I didn't expect anyone by this time of the day, it's late at night and I am not expecting a visitor either Simeon is in the living room playing with his toys when I heard it. But only one person can come looking for me and that's Nolan . I glance at the time: 8:45 PM. He normally calls first. I wipe off my palms on my apron as I take a deep breath. I open the door and there he stands, tall and composed. My Nolan. “Nolan” I say softly. “It's late, what are you doing?” I ask worriedly. He steps inside without uttering a word. He looks at Simeon for a second before his gaze locks onto mine. “I miss you Marie” he says, his voice low but steadfast, “I just can't keep this again, I think it's time I talk” I nod, gesturing to the couch for him to sit. Simeon looks up from his toys, gives Nolan a big grin, completely insensitive to the tension filling the room. "Hope there's no
Chapter Twenty Nolan's face darkens as he takes a deep breath, taking this in. His jaw clenches then, and the air in the room grows just a bit thicker. "I didn't just know Leo," Nolan says, his voice low and controlled. "We used to be close. Very close." My heart sinks because the connection between Leo and Nolan had been a connection that I never knew existed. How could I have missed this? My mind is swimming as I try to put it all together now. "Why didn't you tell me?" Nolan goes on, irritation lacing into his voice. "Why didn't you say anything about your ex-husband being him?" I feel like I'm standing on shaky ground. "I didn't know it would matter, Nolan. Leo and I… we don't talk anymore. I didn't think it was relevant anymore." Nolan runs his hand through his hair, he keeps on pacing back and forth, “Marie, it matters. You don't know about him, you don't know about everything he has done. I really can't take this in, Leo is your husband?” He stops glaring at the fam
Chapter Twenty-One:I left my house to the address James sent to me.I step out of the car when I grtt there and I immediately feels the cold nipping at me as I pulls my coat tighter. I stare at the small café in front of me-my heart pounds inside my chest. I can see James Carter already seated inside, his face hidden behind a newspaper as he said he would be.I take a deep breath and push the door open. The bell above chimes softly, but it seems to echo inside my head like a warning. No turning back now.James lift his head to look at me as I approach, he unfolds the paper and set it aside His expression is blank but that doesn't matter to me, what I need right now is answer and I think he's the only one who can provide the information I want.“Marie” he says as I move closer to him.I sit taking a seat opposite him. “James” I say, my voice barely a whisper, “You know I am here right? I need you to tell me everything you know. Everything you know that includes Nolan and Leo, please
Marie's POVI can't hold my tears anymore. They spill down to my cheeks.“Is it true? I say, asking, “Everything on the phone, is it true?The heavy weight of a moment hangs between us as Nolan just stands there. His eyes, in pure shock, lock with mine. His mouth opens and his lips form my name, but nothing initially comes out."Marie," he finally says, his voice low, almost imploring.I wipe my cheeks roughly, my heart heavy with the sting of betrayal, not just by Leo but also Nolan. I choke on my words, pain and anger welling up inside me. "You let me think it was all my fault," I say, my voice barely audible. "That I wasn't enough for Léo, that somehow I was the reason he left me… and now I find out it was all because of you? You and him?But he steps closer, and I step back, unable to stand the proximity. It hurts too much, it's all so fresh, raw."I didn't want to hurt you, Marie," he says, and his voice is tight with regret. "I never meant for it to be like this.""But it is!" I
Chapter Twenty Three"This is a war I am scared of middling into. Leo is fighting you because of a case you know nothing about..your father actually made him go bankrupt. I can't tell how but that was what I heard from James"Nolan's face suddenly hardens, his eyes widen in shock. “My father? I do not understand, what does my father has dto do with this” he says, “My father doesn't even know I am friend with bim. What does my father have to do with Leo's father going bankrupt? I don't understand”I take a deep breath, steady myself for what I'm about to reveal. “That's what James told me. He told me that Leo's hatred for you isn't just some personal things. It was when you visited him at his house and when the mother saw you he explained everything to Leo. Your father and his father are once business partner and one thing or the other leads to his father bankrupt”Nolan glares at me, his jaws set tight and tension buzzing in his body. "That doesn't make sense. My father never said a
Chapter Twenty-FourChapter Twenty Four "Nolan, we can't keep doing this. Stand up, let's go," I say, clear with my voice, yet calm. It's obvious as I watch him plead with Leo, the cold refusal shining bright in Leo's eyes, he won't forgive him At first, Nolan doesn't budge. Shoulders tense, his head bowed slightly, he says in a murmur, "Marie, wait," without so much as turning toward me. The tone is low, still clinging to hope. "Leo, please-just listen to me one more time. This isn't going to fix anything. Revenge won't bring back what your family lost."Leo chuckles darkly, folding his arms as he leans against his desk, his posture casual, but his eyes gleaming with malice. "Fix? Who said anything about fixing? I don't want to fix anything, Nolan. I want you to break. Feel what I felt. And seeing you here, on your knees, begging-just the start."My stomach churns at his words. I really don't like seeing Nolan like this-pleading with a person who so enjoys this upper hand he's work
Chapter Twenty-Five As we get home, I really do not want to engage in NY conversation for now I just want to rest and sleep. Probably, when I wake up then I can start processing everything that's happening from the start. But for now, I need to cool my brain.I am in the bedroom while Nolan comes inside. “You aren't sleeping yet” he says when he sees my eyes open a little, “I want to talk to you.His voice is gentle and that makes me very curious about what he has to say I nod, even when I am unsure of what he wants to say.I sit right, wanting to pay attentions to what he has to say. “I have actually been thinking about everything, about Leo and about us. I don't want to feel like you are being used or being played. I don't want you to think that I don't love you because I knew I have hurt you, hurt you by lying”I raise an eyebrow, I am very confused, “Nolan, I know you are trying to protect me, I know….He interrupts, stepping closer. “But it’s not just about protection, Marie. I
Chapter Twenty SixI stand at the window, watching the sky fade from orange to a deep blue as dusk starts to fall. It's too quiet in the house, that sort of silence that feels wrong, like it's holding its breath in preparation for something terrible. Tomorrow, I am getting married, a time that really should fill me with excitement. Instead, my chest has just settled in with this cold weight. I should be thinking of flowers and vows, the life I'm about to lead with Nolan. But the only thing that grips me is this feeling of unease that I cannot shake off.Simeon sits on the couch beside me, concentrating on his books.He's my son but I won't lie, sometimes he reminds me of Leo. The resemblance with him and some other things. But that wouldn't make me love him less, he's my son.I shake my head from the thought as I turn away from the window and try to focus on the present. Then I hear it-footsteps. Slow, deliberate, closing in on the front door. My heart pounds. I hadn't expected anybod
Chapter 132She balled her fists into the material of her dress as the confrontation's weight settled firmly onto her shoulders. She kept staring at the door, her heart clutched in her chest. The accusations and disdain from Nolan's family reverberated loudly in her ears, louder than the silence that greeted them after their dramatic exit.Nolan's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "Don't let them get to you," he said, his tone softer now, though a residual edge of anger lingered. He stepped closer to her, his hand brushing against her arm, but Elena pulled back instinctively, the tension still too raw."How can I not?" she replied, her voice trembling. "They practically blamed me for everything—for Marie, for Marcus, for… for you not being the son or brother they want anymore.""They don't know what they're talking about," Nolan said firmly, his expression hardening again. "Marie is my past. You're my present. They'll just have to deal with it."Elena shook her head. Her throa
Chapter 131Nolan and Elena share a brief, weighted glance; then he turns to head back to the living room. Elena hesitates, her heart still racing from the tension, but she follows him, her footsteps quieter than usual.As they re-enter the room, Marcus is lounging exactly as they left him, eyes still half-closed as if he's genuinely relaxed, but the edge in his smirk is unmistakable. He's playing a dangerous game, and Nolan's not sure if he's the pawn or the one pulling the strings."Enjoying yourself?" Nolan asks, voice cold and sharp as he stands at the threshold.Marcus raises an eyebrow, makes a languid rise to sitting, tossing the magazine aside. "Just getting comfortable," he says-casually enough, but the challenge in his eyes is undiminished. "Isn't that what guests are supposed to do?"Don't mistake me for one who plays by the rules of hospitality," Nolan responds, not batting an eyelash. He steps closer to him, standing right in front of Marcus. "You're here on borrowed time
Chapter 130“You'll regret it. And trust me, Marcus, I don't make idle threats."The room seems to grow colder as Nolan's words hang in the air. Marcus holds his hands up in mock surrender, though the defiance in his smirk doesn't quite fade. "Alright, alright," he says lightly. "Message received, loud and clear. I'll be on my best behavior, promise."Good," Nolan snaps; there is no room for an argument. He steps back, his body a wall of silent warning, as he moves to stand beside Elena. She shifts uncomfortably under the weight of the tension, her fingers curling around the hem of her sweater.Marcus throws a glance between them, the corners of his lips twitching as if to hold back a comment. Finally, he leans against the couch and picks up the magazine again, an act of pretend indolence. "Three days it is, then," he murmurs, flipping a page. "Should be plenty of time.Nolan narrows his eyes but says nothing, turning to Elena instead. "Let's go," he says softly, his voice low enough
Uninvited GuestNolan and Elena back into the living room, their hands briefly touching, as if for reassurance. The tension between them in the air is palpable, but the look smoldering in Nolan's eyes indicates that he wasn't done with this just yet.Marcus is sprawled out on the couch, crossing his legs, an arm cast indolently over the back of the couch as he seems to exude superiority. He looks up; the smirk widens across his face, for all intents and purposes, he has just won some silent battle.Nolan's jaw clenches, but then, in one swift movement, a sly spreads across his face. He strides forward, his voice dripping with mock politeness. "Ah, my in-law," he says, articulating the words as if Elena's eyes must roll out of her head. "I hope you're feeling right at home?"Marcus' eyebrow lifts, partially taken aback by Nolan's tone, still smug, nonetheless. "I'm doing just fine, thanks."Nolan nods, pacing languidly in front of the couch. "That's great. My in-law, can I get you some
Chapter 128: Uninvited GuestMorning sun peeks through the apartment, casting a golden glimmer in the cozy living room as Elena and Nolan sat with the rare peace that finally rested between them. For the first time in weeks, the air felt light, the tension that had once gripped them now a distant memory. Nolan leans in, a playful smile on his face, and steals a kiss from Elena, who laughs softly and dodges, teasing him with a mischievous look."You missed," she teases, her voice lilting with false arrogance.Nolan chuckles, tugging her closer. "Did I? Let me try again."Their lips meet this time in a long, languorous kiss, and for a moment, everything is just right with the world. The world outside doesn't matter.Elena pulls back an inch, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "I missed this," she whispers. "Us. Without all the chaos."Nolan brushes a strand of hair from her face, his gaze tender. "It's not over yet, but I promise you-nothing will ever come between us again.They
Chapter 127 :The Breaking PointThere is an almost palpable sense of tension in the apartment. Nolan sits at the dining table, his head in his hands, while Marie stands across the room, watching him like a predator stalking its prey. A knowing smile curls her lips, as if she's already won.Marie steps closer, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. "You can't keep ignoring me forever, Nolan," she says softly, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "We both know you still have a soft spot for me. Why else would you let me stay here?Nolan's head jerks up, his jaw clenched. "Don't flatter yourself, Marie. You're only here because my mother forced this on me. If it were up to me, you'd already be gone."Marie pouts dramatically, her eyes shimmering with crocodile tears. "Oh, Nolan. Is it really that hard for you to admit that we had something special? Something worth saving?Nolan bangs his fist onto the table and jolts her. "We had something, Marie. Past tense. You destroyed it
Chapter 126The soft creak of the front door echoes faintly through the quiet house, signaling Elena's return. She had only been gone an hour, a quick trip to pick up groceries. As she steps into the hallway, the faint murmur of voices carries to her ears and stops her in her tracks. She recognizes Nolan's voice, low and steady, but there's another one, softer and pleading-Marie.Elena's heart clutches. What could they be talking about now? She sets the grocery bags on the kitchen counter and pads silently down the hall, the carpet muffling her footsteps.In the living room, Marie stiffens at the faint noise of the door opening. Her ears perk up, and her sharp gaze darts to Nolan, who is seated a few feet away from her on the couch, his expression unreadable. Instinct takes over. She rises swiftly and moves toward him, feigning vulnerability as she practically throws herself onto the couch beside him.Her hands claw at his arm, and she presses herself close, her voice shaking. "Nolan,
Chapter 125: A Plea for the PastThe door latched shut behind Elena and, with that, everything seemed to come to rest in a pool of discomfort. Nolan stood by the window and watched her figure descend the street. The strain didn't let go of his shoulders even after she turned and vanished out of his line of vision into quiet suburban anonymity.He turned around, ready to plunge into something—anything—that would take his mind off the growing unease in the house. But he couldn't escape it. Marie was leaning against the counter, her arms folded across her chest, standing in the kitchen with an unreadable expression on her face."Nolan," she said softly, breaking the silence. The edge was off her voice, and for a moment, he almost didn't recognize it.He stiffened, already sensing the direction this conversation might take. "What is it, Marie?" he asked, his tone curt as he walked past her toward the dining table."I want to talk," she replied, stepping away from the counter.Nolan sighed
Chapter 124As Nolan's mother and sister leave, Nolan and Elena are left standing in the living room, looking at each other in shock."Well, that was fun," Elena says sarcastically, breaking the silence.Nolan shakes his head. "I'm so sorry, Elena. I had no idea they were going to do that."Elena takes a step closer to him. "It's not your fault, Nolan. We'll figure this out together."Nolan nods, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Elena. "We will. I promise."As they hug, Nolan can't help but feel a sense of unease. He knows that his family is not going to give up easily, and he's worried about what they might do next.But for now, he's just grateful to have Elena by his side."What do you say we order some pizza and try to forget about this for a while?" Nolan suggests.Elena smiles. "Sounds like a plan to me."As they sit down on the couch, Nolan can't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they can make this work.But as they're waiting for the pizza to arrive, Nolan's