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CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Last Updated:
2024-10-30 19:43:55
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Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Isabella's head was pounding when she dragged herself to the kitchen. Between yesterday's coffee marathon at work and the wine she had with Seth's pasta last night, her body was staging a full-scale rebellion. She was looking like she'd gone ten rounds with a tornado. Her hair was sticking up in ways that defied gravity, and her usually crisp blouse looked like it had lost a fight with the dryer. "Coffee," she mumbled, making a zombie-like beeline for the coffee maker. "Need coffee." "Whoa there." Seth appeared out of nowhere, blocking her path. Unlike her, he looked annoyingly perfect in his suit, like he'd stepped straight out of a magazine cover. She swayed slightly, and his hand instinctively reached out to steady her. "Morning," she managed, aiming for normal and missing by a mile. “You look..." "Like death warmed over?" Isabella squinted at him. "Trust me, I know." "I was going to say 'in need of fresh air,' but..." His lips twitched. "Don't." She pressed her f
Last Updated : 2024-10-30Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
After work that evening, Isabella and Seth were lounging at home. Isabella was sprawled out on the couch, looking over some design concept for their latest projectLooking up from his book. Seth broke the silence after a moment of watching her, "So," he remarked nonchalantly, although his voice had a trace of anxiety. "What are your plans for the weekend?"Isabella looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Plans? For the weekend?" She tapped her pen against her lip, thinking. "Nothing really. Why?" She could tell he was up to something by the way he was trying to act casually.Seth's lips curved into a hopeful smile. "Well, I was thinking maybe we could go somewhere together. What do you say?""Hmm, go somewhere?" Isabella's eyes sparkled mischievously. "You know," she drawled, "I am a very busy person. My weekends are precious to me." She was enjoying watching him squirm a little. "But...I might be persuaded. If you ask properly, that is."Seth's whole face lit up. He moved closer, his knee br
Last Updated : 2024-10-31Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
Isabella sat cross-legged on her bed, her phone propped against her knees as she scrolled through Catherine Fox's Instagram. Each photo was more flawless than the last - Catherine at premieres, Catherine at charity galas, Catherine on vacation in the Maldives. Her figure was perfect in every shot, all elegant lines and graceful poses.“God, even her casual photos look like magazine covers," Isabella muttered, clicking through more pictures. "Look at that waistline...and those legs..." She flopped back against her pillows with a groan. "Who even looks like that at breakfast? She is so perfect.”Isabella glanced down at herself, then back at the phone. "What am I even doing?" she muttered, tossing her phone aside. She got up and stood in front of her closet mirror, really looking at herself. Her reflection stared back - the same face she had seen every morning, but somehow different now. Her wardrobe suddenly seemed...lacking"This is ridiculous," she told her reflection. "I am not doin
Last Updated : 2024-11-01Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
CHAPTER 27Seth stood in his office, studying the certificate on his desk. He'd waited for this moment - planned it, even. His fingers traced the embossed seal as his assistant hovered in the doorway."The papers arrived at 3:47 PM, sir," he said. "Would you like me to have them messengered to Miss Rivera?""No." Seth slipped the documents into a leather portfolio. "Clear my evening meetings."Walking into his house later, Seth found Isabella exactly where he expected - curled up on his couch with her laptop, immersed in her latest design project. She didn't look up immediately, focused on adjusting the structural elements on her screen. Nobody takes their job more seriously than someone who has a lot to prove. You're home early," she said, fingers still across the keyboard."I am." He set his briefcase down carefully, keeping the portfolio behind his back. "Could you take a break?"Something in his tone made her look up. "Seth? Is everything okay?""More than okay." He approached sl
Last Updated : 2024-11-01Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
Isabella sat still, her mother's words still ringing in her ears. The phone slipped from her shaking hands and hit the table. Three days. They expected her to survive three days of their poison."Here." Seth's voice was gentle as he pressed a glass of water into her hands. She had not even noticed him move to the kitchen."They want me there for the whole weekend." Her laugh was hollow.So..." Seth's voice was gentle. "Are you going?"Isabella took a shaky sip of water. "I have to go.""No, you don't." Seth knelt in front of her, his eyes fierce. "These people threw you to the wolves once. They will do it again.""That is exactly why I have to go." Isabella set the glass down with a sharp click. "If I skip this family event, they would paint me as the evil ex-wife who can not handle seeing them happy. The poor, bitter woman who lost everything." Her voice cracked. "I am tired of being their cautionary tale."Seth’s expression softened. “I understand wanting to reclaim your narrative,
Last Updated : 2024-11-02Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
Once they reached their room, Isabella waited until Seth unlocked the door before whispering, "I'll pay you back for the room.""Absolutely not." Seth's voice was firm but kind as they stepped inside. "Consider this my thank-you for rescuing me from another weekend of work files. I needed a break, even if it's an... unconventional one.""Seth—""Isabella." He turned to face her, his expression gentle but determined. "You're doing me a favor. When was the last time I actually took a weekend off?"She gave a small laugh. "Fair point. You're basically a workaholic.""See? You're saving me from myself." His eyes crinkled with amusement. "Though I have to admit, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind for my first vacation in months."“I'm sorry," she whispered, looking down. "About all of this. About dragging you into my mess. About the room situation."Seth's arms came around her, solid and steady. "Stop apologizing. I'm exactly where I choose to be." He pulled back slightly, meeting her
Last Updated : 2024-11-03Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER THIRTY
The sound of shattering glass echoed through Eliza and Richard's hotel room. "Are you even listening to what I am saying?" Eliza's voice trembled. "Or are you too busy thinking about how cozy and loved up they looked in the elevator?" Richard stood by the window, his jaw tight. "Do not start." "Start? Start what? Tell me Richard. I saw how you looked at her. Like you are dying of thirst and she is the last drop of water on earth." Eliza's laugh was bitter. "And here I am, carrying your child, watching you pine over a woman who could not—" "Enough!" Richard spun around. "You are being—" "What? Paranoid? Hormonal?" She cradled her belly protectively. "I saw you flinch every time she laughed at his jokes. The great Richard Stone, reduced to watching his ex-wife move on while his pregnant lady is right beside him.“ "I do not want to have this conversation." "Of course you do not! Because God forbid we talk about how you are still hung up on her while I am growing your baby inside m
Last Updated : 2024-11-04Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
"Hey," James caught them just outside the bar, glancing between Isabella and Seth. "Before you head up – there's a breakfast thing tomorrow. For Dad. Eight AM sharp."Isabella nodded. "Thanks for letting us know.""Well, someone had to," James shrugged, already walking away. "Since you're not exactly in the family group chat anymore."Seth waited until James was out of earshot. "You okay?"Isabella turned to him, a genuine smile breaking through her exhaustion. "More than I could have imagined." Her voice softened. "Thank you. For being here.""Always."The next morning, the private dining room buzzed with forced cheer as servers arranged platters of fresh fruit and pastries. Isabella's father sat at the head of the table, looking uncomfortable with all the attention."A toast," Isabella's mother announced, raising her glass. "To my darling husband, and all our loved ones gathered here." Her eyes pointedly skipped over Isabella. "Especially those bringing new life into our family."El
Last Updated : 2024-11-05
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Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWELVE
"You have loads of nerve, don't you?" As Eliza's figure vanished beyond Zenith's glass doors.Isabella's mother muttered something under her breath. James Sr. responded, "Calm down," but there was little conviction in his voice. He stirred his coffee absently. "There is nothing to be gained by creating a scene here."“Calm down?” She snapped, throwing her napkin onto the table. “That ungrateful little—” She caught herself, looking at the surrounding tables where diners were beginning to take notice. She lowered her voice to a harsh whisper. “We brought her up! Took her into the fold like she was one of ours. And this is the thanks we get?”With an astonished look on his lips, James Jr, who had been drinking an expensive gin and tonic, sat back in his chair. "You didn't exactly act with good intentions when you did that, Mother, and I hate to tell you that. Let’s not rewrite history.”She shot him a warning look. “Don’t you dare speak to me like that?”James Sr. pinched the bridge of h
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN
Eliza couldn't sleep.How could she, when Jackson's entire apartment looked like some crazy rich person had exploded all over it? Not that she wasn't used to his place by now - God knows she'd spent enough time here while Richard thought she was at "pregnancy yoga." The thought made her smile as she snuggled deeper into Jackson's chest, his steady breathing usually enough to lull her to sleep.But not tonight.Maybe it was the millions in stolen goods scattered around them. Or maybe it was just that their son was at Maria's place. Although, JJ always slept better with Jackson around - probably because he was actually his father, not that Richard had ever figured that out, but they needed alone time."You're thinking too loud," Jackson mumbled against her hair, pulling her closer. Even half-asleep, he knew exactly how to hold her."Sorry, baby." She turned in his arms, pressing a kiss to his jaw. "Just worried about JJ.""He's fine. Maria's got him." His hands slid under her (his) t-sh
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TEN
Louis couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu as he walked through the precinct door. It all felt like yesterday and a lifetime ago at the same time.The first person to spot him was Robin from records. Then Paul. Then Angela. One by one, they started clapping. Louis felt his ears grow hot as more officers joined in, some whistling, others calling out. "Welcome back, Detective.""Alright, alright, save some noise for the actual criminals!" The captain's voice cut through the applause. He stood in his office doorway, arms crossed, trying and failing to hide a smile. "Detective Louis. My office."Louis made his way through the crowd, accepting handshakes and back pats. Inside the captain's office, he couldn't help but smile at the memories that kept flooding his mind - back-to-back countless briefings and debriefing"Something funny, Louis?" Captain asked."Just thinking, Cap. Happy to be back." "Sit down, son," He said, closing the door. "It's nice to officially have you back. Not like
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINE
Jackson left with all that was given to him, and Eliza went back to grabbing whatever else she could find. That's when she saw it - a picture that had fallen behind Richard's desk. The one from that night they'd finally broken Isabella.She picked it up, a smirk playing on her lips as she remembered how Isabella had stood there, clueless about what was coming. Her own cousin, so trusting, so stupid. The glass was cracked now, right through where Isabella should have been standing."How fast things can go wrong?" Eliza traced the crack with her nail, remembering how Isabella had cried and begged her to tell the truth. Like she'd ever admit that getting Richard into bed had been the easiest part of her plan.“The strongest family now a laughing stock."All those family dinners, all those times Isabella had confided in her about her marriage problems. God, it had been almost too easy. And Victoria - she'd played right into Eliza's hands, doing the dirty work of destroying Isabella's repu
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT
The patient's dog eats the fattest bone – or so they say. But sometimes, that patient dog might just starve to death waiting for scraps that never come. But that wasn’t the case for Eliza. Oh, no, Eliza was no ordinary dog. She watched, calculated, and planned. The bone had always been her target, fat and juicy, waiting just out of reach. She had endured Richard Stone's controlling behaviour, his condescension, and his family's thinly veiled disdain. And now? The universe had finally served her dinner on a silver platter, and she was ready to devour every last bite. Eliza lay back on her chaise lounge, her silk robe draped loosely around her. The morning sun streamed through the tall windows, hitting the marble floors in a way that could blind you if you looked directly at it—but that was the charm of having floor-to-ceiling windows in a Bali villa, wasn’t it?She couldn't stop scrolling through her phone, biting back the smile that threatened to take over her whole face. Her lip glo
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN
There was a buzz about the precinct that Louis hadn't experienced in a long time. Officers hurried back and forth, their footsteps resonating against the worn vinyl floors, as phones rang nonstop. Richard Stone's downfall had caused confusion, but it was the correct kind of upheaval, as if justice had finally found its feet.Louis couldn't help but lean forward on the bench near the holding cells, his hands clasped together as he watched the scene unfold. His suspension might have kept him from being in the thick of it, but wild horses couldn't drag him away now. Not when they were this close.The main doors swung open with a bang. Lieutenant Rodriguez strode in, flanked by two officers who had Richard Stone between them. Even in cuffs, Stone carried himself like he owned the place. His expensive suit was only slightly wrinkled, and that insufferable smug smile still played on his lips."Get him processed," Rodriguez ordered, his voice cutting through the noise. "Full intake. I want p
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIX
Tara could not sit anymore. She leaned back from her laptop, her mind was racing a million miles an hour as she paced back and forth across her kitchen floor. Holy shit. Holy. Actual. Shit. Oh my god, she thought. Human trafficking. And all these powerful people involved. They were way over their heads.Louis watched her from his seat, his fingers drumming lightly on the table as he gave her space to process. “What is the problem, Tara?” he finally asked.She spun around to face him, her eyes wild. “What is the problem?” she echoed. “Louis, this could kill us. You know that, right? Come on, let’s be realistic! I know we are happy we have this, but”She ran her hands through her hair for probably the hundredth time, making it look even more of a mess, but she couldn't care less right now. This is bigger than them and they need to face it. She began pacing again and gestured to the screen like it was a bomb about to explode. “This isn’t just a little dirt we can throw at Richard. This
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE
Louis nodded. “How is her dad?”“Pre-op tests all morning. Surgery's scheduled for two." Seth said, leaning against the hallway wall next to Louis. "Man, the chairs here are brutal."The sound of footsteps made them both turn. Tara walked towards them, holding a paper cup of what was probably the world's worst coffee. "Tara.” Louis’s voice cracked slightly, betraying the emotions he was trying to hold backShe froze for half a second, her grip tightening on the flimsy coffee cup. "Louis," she said back, her voice carefully steady, but her eyes told another story. They always did when it came to him.Seth looked between them, then cleared his throat. "I should...check on Isabella. My girl should be starving.” He squeezed Louis’s shoulder. “Text me if you need me.”The silence that followed felt heavy enough to touch. Louis’s eyes stayed on Tara as she lifted the cup to her lips, taking a small sip. Her nose wrinkled at the taste. It was such a small, familiar thing, but it hit him har
Regrets From Ex Won't Win Me Back CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR
No one spoke for what felt like forever. Barry stared at his daughter, his face pale. For a second, it looked like he might actually pass out. "My God," he whispered. "All this time, I thought..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "I was so wrapped up in my own problems, I didn't even notice you were in danger." "That's exactly why I didn't tell you," Tara said softly. "You had enough to worry about." Isabella stepped forward, unable to stay quiet any longer. "Tara, what exactly did you find? While you were investigating?" Tara glanced at her father, then back at Seth. "Remember we found financial records. Massive transfers through shell companies, money disappearing into offshore accounts and we all thought it was just standard corporate fraud, but..." She took a shaky breath. "The deeper I dug, the worse it got. These weren't just cooking the books – there were connections to weapons deals, human trafficking, drug cartels." Seth leaned against the counter, his expression gr
