Mag-log inShare
Chapter 21
Kaugnay na kabanata
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 22
"Why can't you look for the reasons within yourself?"You're lucky that Larry was still willing to marry you back then. You should be grateful instead of blaming him.""Without Larry, who would pay for my treatment and your brother's? Even though he hates you because of Linda, he still cares about me and James. He's already a very good man."Don't keep making a fuss over small things and damage your marriage. If your relationship ends, who will take care of me and James?”Rachel spoke each word deliberately, every sentence like a blade cutting straight to Aria's core."Mom, I've explained about Linda. It had nothing to do with me. I was innocent."Before Aria could finish, Rachel cut in, "But it was your birthday dinner that day. If it weren't for your birthday, Linda wouldn't have died."She seemed to place all the blame squarely on Aria's shoulders.Aria was momentarily stunned, her eyes darkening.This was exactly why she hadn't wanted Archer to come in.Her mother surely
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 23
James had grown up alongside Aria, always following in her footsteps since childhood. The siblings shared a deep bond—in other words, James was the ideal brother.Aria never bullied her brother, but James would challenge himself. Even as a small boy, before he could walk steadily, he would proudly save his allowance money in a Hallmark card each year, saying he would support his sister.When Aria was in her early teens, she was afraid of insects. James, at five or six years old, was afraid too, but he would still rush out with his small sand castle shovel to kill bugs, reassuring her, "Don't be scared, sis."As he grew older, he started cooking for Aria. He knew exactly what she liked and disliked. He would even fuss when she wore a slightly shorter skirt on a cool autumn day. Aria often joked that her brother was like a little grandfather, always nagging her.But James only acted this way with her. He was simply a brother protecting his sister.Back then, Aria was somewhat willfu
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 24
"If your sister marries me, I won't restrict her personal freedom, work freedom, or social freedom. She can choose to join Duncan Industries, or she can start her own business."We will sign a prenuptial agreement. I will provide her with sufficient guarantees in all aspects."Archer's words made Aria turn to look at him, visibly moved.James fell unusually silent.He looked at Archer—nearly 6'3" tall, with long legs, broad powerful shoulders, and strikingly handsome features that would impress anyone at first glance.Moreover, he was the designated heir to the Duncan family. With his family background, looks, education, and character all evident, along with such promises, even James couldn't find fault.Because Archer's meaning was very clear.If something went wrong in the future, he would divorce Aria with compensation—property and financial security were all part of his guarantee.James wouldn't believe promises from others, but coming from Archer, he did.Still, he remain
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 25
After seeing James and knowing he wasn't depressed about his legs, Aria felt relieved.Mentally exhausted from the past few days, she fell into a deep sleep against the car window as soon as she got in. The driver wasn't going particularly slowly, and occasionally her head would hit the window with a "thud" sound."Drive more carefully," Archer frowned, reaching out to pull her closer, letting her head rest on his shoulder.The driver immediately slowed down.Seeing how deeply she was sleeping, Archer slightly narrowed his eyes. "Go to the apartment."The driver was surprised, "Mr. Duncan, weren't we supposed to take Miss Jackson home?""That can wait."The driver swallowed his words and silently raised the partition behind the front seats.The car changed direction, and Archer's gaze fell on her fair profile. His expression seemed to carry a hint of tenderness that was difficult to detect.His phone rang. Archer frowned, intending to hang up, but when he saw it was his grandm
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 26
Archer's eyes suddenly darkened.But at least, she would soon leave the prison that the Spencer family built around her.In the future, she would be his wife....When Aria opened her eyes, she heard a "pitter-patter" sound, like raindrops hitting the window—the kind of sound that makes one feel lazy and want to take a nap.She made a soft sound, finding her position uncomfortable, and simply changed her posture.And so Archer watched as Aria nuzzled against him and lay down on his lap, using his thigh as a comfortable pillow."Aria."Archer called her name with what seemed like a hint of resignation.She made a small humming sound, ignoring him."You're just going to stay like this?"She indeed continued to stay put, paying him no attention."It seems you want me to carry you inside?" Archer said coolly. "That can be arranged."Aria, still half-asleep, suddenly shivered and woke up.Her eyes flew open, looking up to meet the man's dark eyes. His eyes were slightly upturn
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 27
"I'm not picky, anything is fine," Aria hesitated before shaking her head in response.Archer nodded and went into the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator to take out some vegetables, moving with apparent skill—clearly a man who had lived abroad.Aria walked over somewhat awkwardly to ask, "Do you need any help?"It was her first visit to Archer's home, and he was already cooking for her. Since they weren't very familiar yet, she genuinely felt embarrassed.Archer was already washing the vegetables."Perhaps you could help me tie the apron strings."Aria, who had been waiting to eat, approached with flushed cheeks. Her hands trembled slightly as she picked up the strings, but this action nearly required her to embrace the man's firm waist, causing both her ears and face to redden.Her mind flashed back to Archer's mention of six-pack abs that day in the car, making her face grow even hotter.She couldn't help taking a deep breath as her fingertips trembled while tying the strin
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 28
The pasta sauce was rich and flavorful, the fettuccine had the soft texture she preferred, the egg was silky smooth, and the asparagus carried a hint of red pepper flakes. Though these were simple home-cooked dishes, she felt an indescribable sense of happiness while eating them.Suddenly, her phone chimed.She took out her phone and looked at it. It was a message from her troublemaker brother, James.She wondered what outrageous things he might say this time.[James]: Aria, I've been thinking about this for a while, and something still doesn't feel right.[James]: Although my sister is beautiful enough to be a Hollywood A-lister, this Mr. Duncan is equally good-looking! He has the physique, the looks, the family fortune—everything! If he's being so accommodating to you, there must be a catch![James]: He must have issues![James]: He must have some physical condition which is why he's being so careful. That's why he chose you—you're beautiful but previously married, so he think
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 29
Aria watched the man's tall, imposing figure and unconsciously rubbed her fingertips. She walked step by step into the kitchen, her gaze falling on his long, elegant hands.His palms were broad yet slender, with prominent knuckles. The veins on the back of his hands appeared and disappeared with his movements.They were hands with a powerful presence—full of strength and beauty."Mr. Duncan's hands are too beautiful for washing dishes as well."Archer looked down at her, "You make a good point, which is why there's a dishwasher." He pointed to the dishwasher on the other side.Why didn't he say so earlier...Aria's cheeks puffed up slightly, looking exactly like an angry chipmunk.Archer couldn't help but smile, but then heard Aria say dryly, with her head lowered. "The rain has stopped. I should go home."It was still early, but she felt awkward and didn't want to stay any longer.The man dried his hands, his gaze slowly settling on Aria's face. "Weren't you interested in the
Pinakabagong kabanata
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 100
"Today you officially became my wife, so I'm finding it hard to hold back." He leaned forward slightly, brushing the corner of her lips, gently grazing them. "So, Mrs. Duncan, may I kiss you?"His lips were already touching hers, yet he still asked this question—wasn't that question a little redundant?Aria felt her first impression of Archer hadn't been wrong."Wolf in sheep's clothing" or "gentleman on the outside, beast on the inside" would definitely describe him accurately.Her face grew even redder, her breathing uneven, her eyes closed as she dared not look at the man before her."So may I kiss you, Mrs. Duncan?"He was still asking.As if waiting for her answer before truly kissing her."We're married..." Her voice was soft, but this was clearly an answer.He smiled. "So that's a yes?"A barely audible "mm" escaped her throat, and the man smiled as he moved closer, finally kissing her.At last his lips met hers. Aria was stunned for a moment, then slowly relaxed.H
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 99
He wore only a white shirt, perhaps because of the summer heat. His tie was loosened slightly, and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a glimpse of his collarbone and attractive Adam's apple.His sleeves were casually rolled up to his elbows, his hands gripping the steering wheel, making his forearms look even more solid.When he turned the wheel, his arms moved, causing the shirt to stretch across his upper arms. The fabric clung tightly to his muscles, revealing his elegant, powerful contours.Her gaze moved upward to his handsome, refined profile. This was the first time she had observed him so carefully and from such close proximity. She realized his features were truly exceptional.His eyes were as beautiful as expensive obsidian, his nose as perfectly sculpted as a work of art. She had often heard people mention how handsome Larry was, but now she saw that compared to Archer, Larry's appearance seemed rather ordinary.Archer was mature and dignified, with
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 98
He was very clear about certain things and never gave these women any reason to think they were special....In the car, Aria sat in the passenger seat, still looking somewhat dazed at the ring on her finger.She had been married to Larry for three years and naturally had a wedding ring.But Larry never wore his wedding ring in public, so she hadn't worn hers either. Her ring finger didn't even have that circular mark from wearing a ring. Now, though, things seemed different."What are you thinking about?"Suddenly, she felt warmth at her ear as hot breath caressed her earlobe and neck, carrying the man's cool, fresh scent.Aria quickly turned her head, surprised and stunned.Archer's face was just inches away. When she had turned, his lips had nearly brushed her cheek and the corner of her mouth.Now his warm breath fell on her face, making her ears burn and her entire face flush.They were so close that for the first time, she looked directly into his eyes through his glasse
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 97
His fingers showed no ring marks, indicating he had never worn rings before.The platinum band fit perfectly on his long, elegant fingers, looking especially graceful.For the first time, Aria felt that a man wearing a ring could be incredibly attractive.His hands were fair and well-defined, slender yet elegant, with veins faintly visible beneath the skin. Now, with a ring on his finger, it was as if she had claimed him.Aria paused, unable to resist touching his refined fingers. They were long and slender, the skin wrapped smoothly around each slightly protruding knuckle, giving his hands a lean, graceful appearance.At this moment, she suddenly realized that this man now belonged to her.Ethan went to pay for the necklace and ring for his companion. As she waited, she turned around and witnessed this scene, her eyes darkening.Seeing how dismissive Ethan was toward her compared to this moment, her face paled slightly.She glared at Aria with hostility, then suddenly stepped t
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 96
"I've got no wedding on the horizon, not even close." Ethan showed no concern for his female companion's paling face.When they first got together, he had made it clear—he would provide money and gifts, and she would only need to offer emotional support. Any deeper feelings were off the table.Theirs wasn't a physical transaction but an emotional one. The two of them were simply in a business arrangement.So she was a companion, not a girlfriend, and there was certainly no "wedding bells" in their future.Archer noticed that Ethan's companion seemed upset, but he just nodded slightly."Feel free to look around. I'll help Aria pick out rings."Ethan clicked his tongue softly as Archer led Aria to the counter displaying matching rings. The styles were relatively simple. Aria didn't like anything too flashy, and she sensed Archer probably didn't either. Simple, understated rings would be perfect."I know it's not a good time for you to wear a wedding ring right now, so let's start w
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 95
Only getting married once in a lifetime…Aria froze for a moment, her eyes slightly dazed.Only once—what did that mean?It meant he had chosen her. It meant there wouldn’t be anyone else. No betrayal. She would be his one and only wife.Was this Archer’s way of making her a promise?She wasn’t a naïve girl anymore, easily swept away by pretty words. But still… she couldn’t help letting herself imagine what it would be like, just for a second.Kent didn’t get in the car this time. Archer was the one driving.Eventually, the car pulled up in front of a high-end jewelry flagship store.“Let’s go,” Archer said as he unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out first.Aria was a little confused—why were they stopping here? But as soon as she got out, Archer took her hand and gently led her toward the store.“Wait,” she said, tugging at his hand just as they reached the entrance.He looked down at her.She stared at his handsome face, suddenly second-guessing herself. What if she misun
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 94
This can’t be real.It has to be a coincidence. Maybe he was just helping her walk in.The clerk at the marriage office was secretly stunned—but still managed to keep a polite, professional smile on her face.“Miss Jackson, did you forget something?” she asked pleasantly.Aria paused in surprise.She hadn’t expected the same clerk from this morning to be the one handling their marriage license too.Her gaze shifted to Archer.Archer looked completely calm. “We’re here to get our marriage license,” he said. “We need the application form.”The clerk froze.Wait… what?Miss Jackson really did get divorced this morning… and now she’s back to get married?Her eyes widened in disbelief, but she kept smiling and professionally handed them the paperwork.Wow. Miss Jackson, you're bold.Of course, the clerk wasn’t clueless—she’d heard all about Larry Spencer and his scandals. The guy had mistresses all over the place. A complete jerk.If he could mess around however he wanted, why
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 93
Aria barely had time to react to his last joking comment—because as soon as Archer said he was taking her to meet his family, her nerves kicked in.She hadn’t expected that when he said he was bringing her home, he meant straight to his grandparents. Meeting the head of the Duncan family right away? That felt like… a lot.She was starting to panic.Even before her family fell apart—and even when she had never been married—she never dared dream of being introduced directly to the elder of a family like the Duncans. And now, after having gone through a marriage and divorce?“Mr. Duncan… I’ve never asked you this before, but… does your family really approve of you marrying me?”The Duncans weren’t just any family—they were old money, a real high-society dynasty. Archer, as the direct heir, could have had his pick of society’s most eligible women. And yet… he chose her.But why?“At the very least, my grandparents definitely approve,” Archer replied with a soft laugh. “Two years ago,
Second Marriage to the Billionaire: Ex-Husband Begs Me Not to Go Chapter 92
A flicker of emotion passed through Archer’s eyes, but he replied calmly, “I just got here.”He placed a dish in front of her—black pepper steak, her favorite.Aria smiled, her eyes curving slightly. This time, she didn’t say thank you. Instead, she picked up the tongs and placed a shrimp onto his plate, then happily dug into the steak on her own.The chef at this restaurant really knew their craft. The steak was tender and fresh, and even as she ate, Aria still remembered to maintain perfect table manners.Archer, seated across from her, simply watched in silence. Just watching her brought a quiet sense of peace.The meal didn’t take long. Aria had never been a big eater, and she finished off the lunch with a glass of sweet fruit juice.As they neared the end of the meal, Archer set down his utensils and asked, “Did anything upset you today? Did Larry or Lucy give you a hard time?”His tone was calm as always, but there was a trace of concern hidden beneath it.Aria gave a soft
