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Chapter 30
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2024-11-29 11:30:57
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Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 31
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe stack of divorce papers stares at me from across the room. Every time I look at it, I feel the weight pressing down on my chest. It should be simple. Just sign my name, walk away, and finally free myself from the mess of being Mrs. Wayne. I’ve already made up my mind not to take a single penny from Knoxx or his family—not that I want anything from them.But it isn’t that simple.I’ve been telling myself for weeks that I’m ready to move on. That I deserve better. That I’ve had enough of Knoxx’s lies, his betrayals, and the toxic web his family has spun around me. And yet, here I am, frozen in place, unable to sign those damn papers.Knoxx sits on the opposite side of the room, his face unreadable as he scrolls through his phone. He’s been like this since I brought up the divorce—calm, detached, and frustratingly silent. It’s like he’s waiting for me to make the first move, to give up and walk away without forcing him to face any consequences.I glance at th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-17Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 32
Caroline’s Point of View“If you’re so desperate to end thismarriage,” Knoxx says, his voice steady but with a faint edge of challenge,“then sell the beach house.”The words hit me like a slap. I freeze,feeling my chest tighten with something I can’t quite describe—anger,frustration, and an ache that cuts deep. Sell the beach house? The very thoughtof it feels like a betrayal to everything we once were. That house wasn’t justa place; it was where I had believed, even for a brief moment, that we could behappy.But now, standing here, I know that Knoxxdoesn’t understand what it means to me. But I can’t just walk away from it. Ican’t make it that easy.I swallow hard, my fingers gripping theedge of the table as I force myself to look at him. “I’m not selling it,” Isay, my voice quieter than I mean it to be. But I stand by it. That house isthe last piece of something real, something I’m not ready to give up.Knoxx’s expression shifts just slightly,amusement flickering in his
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-17Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 33
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe morning sunlight filters through thecar window as we approach the beach house. My chest tightens with anticipation,the waves of nostalgia already lapping at my thoughts. This house held so many memories—momentsI had carefully buried but now seem intent on resurfacing.As Knoxx parks the car, I take in thefamiliar sight of the house. Its pale blue shutters and wraparound porch lookjust as they did when we first arrived here after our wedding. The salty breezecarries the faint cries of seagulls, and the rhythmic sound of the wavescrashing against the shore fills the silence between us.Knoxx steps out of the car and moves to thetrunk to retrieve our bags. I stay seated for a moment, letting the memorieswash over me. Our honeymoon. I thought it would be the start of everythingperfect between us. Back then, I believed this house symbolized a dream—apromise of the life we would build together.“Caroline,” Knoxx calls gently, pulling meout of my thou
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-17Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 34
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe morning sunlight streams through the large windows of the beach house, painting the room in warm gold. I’m sitting on the edge of the bed, the soft breeze from the ocean brushing against my skin. Knoxx stands across from me, his gaze intent. There’s a vulnerability in his eyes that I haven’t seen before, and it disarms me just enough to let him speak.“Caroline,” he begins, his voice steady but filled with an undertone of desperation. “Before we go any further, I need to ask for something… something I know I don’t deserve.”I cross my arms, my guard firmly in place despite the lingering warmth of our shared memories from the day before. “What is it, Knoxx?”He exhales deeply, running a hand through his hair. “One last chance.”I blink, stunned. “What?”He steps closer, closing the distance between us, but I don’t move. My heart pounds in my chest, each beat like a warning bell.“I know I’ve made mistakes—more than I can count,” he says, his voice softening.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-17Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 35
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe following morning, I wake up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The warmth of the sunlight filters through the curtains, casting golden streaks across the room. The events of the previous night replay in my mind—Knoxx’s promises, his touch, and my momentary surrender. A strange mix of regret and hope weighs heavily on my chest as I pull myself out of bed and head downstairs.The scent of coffee greets me before I reach the kitchen, and for a brief second, I assume Knoxx has made it. But as I step into the room, I freeze. Sitting at the counter, her back perfectly straight, is Dolly.“Good morning,” she says, her voice dripping with smugness. Her perfectly manicured nails tap lightly against the ceramic mug in her hand as she sips her coffee.“What are you doing here?” My words come out harsher than intended, the shock and unease coursing through me.She sets her cup down, her lips curling into a smile. “I was in the area and thought I’d drop
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-18Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 36
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe sun dips lower on the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the beach house. The sound of waves fills the silence inside, but it does little to soothe the tension that’s been building since Dolly arrived. I sit on the couch, flipping through a book I’m not actually reading, when I hear her voice from the kitchen.“Knoxx, would you mind making me something to eat?” Dolly’s tone is light, almost playful, but there’s an edge to it—a familiarity that grates on me.I glance toward the kitchen, my grip tightening on the book. Knoxx looks up from his spot near the counter, where he’s leaning against the marble surface with an air of discomfort.“Sure,” he replies after a beat, and I watch as he moves toward the fridge.The book slips from my hands as I watch him open cabinets and pull out ingredients. There’s a practiced ease to his movements, one I’ve never seen before. It dawns on me then—I’ve never actually seen Knoxx cook.I sit frozen, watching him from a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-20Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 37
Caroline’s Point of ViewI stand frozen at the doorway of the main bedroom, my heart sinking like a stone. The door is ajar, just enough for me to see Dolly’s luggage tucked neatly in the corner, her clothes draped over the armchair, and a faint floral scent lingering in the air that isn’t mine.She’s sleeping here.The realization hits me harder than I expect. This room isn’t just any room—it’s our room. The room where Knoxx and I spent our honeymoon. The room where, for a fleeting time, I believed everything between us could be perfect. And now she’s taken that too.I push the door open fully, my footsteps heavy as I step inside. I have to see it for myself, even if it feels like twisting the knife. The bed is made neatly, but there’s no mistaking it—Dolly has made herself at home here.Anger boils inside me, steady and hot. I turn sharply on my heel and march back into the living room, where Dolly sits on the couch, lazily flipping through a magazine. She looks perfectly content, a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-20Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 38
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe living room hums with quiet tension, broken only by the soft clink of a spoon as Dolly stirs her tea. She sits across the room from me, perfectly poised, her smile light and easy as she talks to Knoxx. The way her voice lilts with familiarity, her words slipping effortlessly into shared memories, makes the air feel heavier with every second.“…And remember that time, Knoxx?” Dolly laughs softly, as though reliving the moment in her mind. “You tried to show off on that boat, but you ended up falling into the water. You were so embarrassed you didn’t speak for hours!”Knoxx chuckles lightly, running a hand through his hair. “You remember that?”“How could I not?” Dolly grins. “You looked like a drenched puppy. It’s one of my favorite memories.”I sit stiffly on the couch, my fingers curling into the hem of my dress. I’ve had enough. This has been happening all day—her little anecdotes, her not-so-subtle reminders of the history they share. Good old times, as
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-20
Bab terbaru
Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 111
Caroline’s Point of ViewMy breath catches in my throat as I look at Adrian, my son’s words still ringing in my ears. The weight of Liam’s declaration—his innocent but heartfelt wish—hangs between us like a delicate thread, waiting to be acknowledged, waiting to be addressed.Adrian kneels down so that he’s eye level with Liam, his expression gentle but serious. “Hey, buddy,” he says softly, reaching out to ruffle Liam’s hair. “That’s a really big thing to say.”Liam nods eagerly, his small hands gripping the hem of my coat. “But it’s true! You pick me up from school, you take care of Mommy, and you even buy me ice cream. Isn’t that what daddies do?”I open my mouth to say something—anything—but nothing comes out. My chest tightens. I should tell Liam that it’s not that simple, that calling someone a father isn’t just about ice cream and school pickups. But I can’t bring myself to say it, not when Adrian is looking at Liam with such warmth, not when Liam is looking at him like he’s th
Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 110
Caroline’s Point of ViewI arrive at the studio bright and early next day, filled with resolution to get started on the work at hand. With the competition close by, I need to make each second count.I give myself wholeheartedly to my work-drawing new sketches and adjusting the wonderful details of my latest designs and overseeing the completion of a number of custom pieces. Time slips by unnoticed as I take a deep plunge into work and only become conscious of the way it passes when the sun dips.I think I am going to finish up for the day, but the sanctuary of the studio is abruptly broken by the hurried sounds of small rushing footsteps and the door being swung open."Mommy!" My son calls as he rushes into my room and beam with excitement at my sight. Adrian follow closely behind him and his tall figure blocked the doorway.I couldn't help but be astonished by the very unexpected arrival of Adrian. "Adrian?"He shrugs. "I thought I'd come and pick you up."But there is a slight bite
Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 109
Caroline Point of ViewThe next day, I arrive at my shop early,expecting another day of long hours of cleaning up and fixing the mess of theday before. But when I emerge onto the sidewalk, I am stopped. The walls thathad been defaced with vulgar graffiti just yesterday are spotless. The crudewords spray-painted across my store’s sign are gone, as if they were neverthere. Even the sidewalk, which had been littered with trash, looks freshlycleaned.I blink, confused. Did the city workersclean it up? No, that wouldn’t make sense. There’s no way they’d work that fastfor a single shop.Then, I hear it.“Miss Hill, we are truly sorry!”I turn sharply toward the voice and see thesame group of men from yesterday—the ones who had demanded a protection fee.The same gangsters who had laughed when I told them I wasn’t paying them asingle cent. But now, instead of smug arrogance, they look… terrified.One of them, a burly man with a scarrunning down his cheek, actually bows. “We had no
Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 108
Caroline’s Point of ViewI take a step back and look over the shop,pride swelling to the surface of my chest. The glass display cases, recentlyinstalled, shine with gentle light, and walls boast decorations of equally goodtaste carefully selected to enhance the classy image I had envisioned. My ownjewelry studio at last appears to be coming together. It has not been easy andI know there is more to come, but seeing it all begin to come together fills mewith hope.Tomorrow, I will have a soft opening, alow-key announcement to inform people that my brand is here. I don't want a biglaunch—just a steady, solid beginning. My work will speak for itself, and Ibelieve in it enough to know it will.But my happiness does not last long.The instant the front door is flung open, arough looking of men enter. There are three of them—tough-looking,leathery-clad, and with the odor of smoke about them. There is one, the tallestone, with a scar down the left side of his cheek. He advances fo
Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 107
Dolly’sPoint of ViewIscroll through my phone, tapping my fingers on the screen as I read theannouncement for the jewelry design competition in Italy. A sneer forms on mylips. This company? I've never regarded them highly. They boast about theirtradition and craftsmanship, but they don't stand out to me. Yet, thecompetition is reputable, and the media attention is extensive. It’s the sortof opportunity that could transform someone’s life.Notthat I need them to change mine. I’m already the best. But I need leverage. Ineed a reason for Knoxx to finally take the next step.I turnmy head slightly, stealing a glance at him from across the room. He’s sprawledon the couch, his arm draped casually over the back as he watches my daughterplay with one of her toys. This moment should fill me with warmth, but instead,I feel a surge of frustration.It’sbeen years. Years since Caroline left. Years since I came back. And yet, hestill refuses to marry me. Still refuses to make ‘our’ f
Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 106
Caroline’sPoint of ViewStaringat the laptop, I sit at my desk; the official announcement of the comingjewelry design contest in Italy blinks in front of me. My fingers hover aboutthe keyboard as I read the details for the tenth time.One ofthe most prestigious competitions in the industry, conducted globally by one ofthe oldest and most well-respected jewelry houses, the grand prize ismembership with them. But that is not why I am interested—more so with therecognition, not a position there. My new studio is just starting to find itsfeet, and to win or even just leave a mark in this competition might meangetting my break.Myheart starts racing as I almost lose my breath. Part of me is eager; that's thedrive to be able to prove myself. Another part lingers-a part that remembersthe hurt of last times.Welteringmemories, both unwelcome and painful, down into my mind-I remember back to whenI was last involved in such a competition. The anticipation and all that joylightin
Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 105
Caroline’s Point of ViewI step into my home, feeling the warm comfort wraparound me like a warm blanket. Vanilla and the scent of something sweet bakingin the oven fill the air. It makes me feel welcome, relaxing me and comfortingme like I'm at home. It's the kind of warmth I imagined a family wouldhave, this feeling of being at home and comforted that overcomes me. I drop mybag on the floor and take a moment to soak it all in. In a flash, a tiny shaperuns towards me, breaking my moment of tranquility."Mommy! You're home!" My son launcheshimself into my arms, wrapping them around me. I wrap mine around him,breathing in his scent, feeling the strong beat of his little heart againstmine."I'm home, sweetheart," I whisper,leaving a kiss on the crown of his head.He looks at me, his eyes shining. "Daddy'smaking my birthday cake! It'll be out soon. He'll be out in a minute!"Wait!Daddy?I freeze. The warmth in my chest stutters for abrief second.I glance around. The house
Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 104
Caroline’s Point of ViewI am paralyzed with shock. My breath getsstuck somewhere in the throat and my heart pounds in my chest. This isoverwhelming. I'm not sure what to say or think as thereality of his words sinks in.What?Before I can even process his words, theworld around me blurs, and everything else fades into the background.He said what?I stare at Adrian, my heart pounding, my brainstruggling to process his words."You… what?" I manage to say, my voicetrembling and soft. Did I really hear him correctly? Did he genuinely just tellthe kindergarten that we were engaged? He leans back against the bench, licking his icecream as if he hasn't just dropped a bomb on me and, after a moment, smirks."Relax, I am just kidding."I blink, completely caught off guard."What?" I ask, trying to grasp what just happened. He laughs, obviously getting a kick out of myreaction. "I didn't say we were engaged. I just made a small donation tohelp them build a new playground. They ag
Secret Billionaire Divorcee Chapter 103
Caroline’s Point of ViewI still feel anxious after leaving thekindergarten. Even when I try to ignore it, it sticks in my mind. The best ofeverything should be offered to my son, and I feel that I failed him today.When we walked out, I still remember the look on his little face. It was atthat point his expression changed, his shoulders drooping like they were heavy.Despite being so young, he had to deal with rejection for something he didn'tdo wrong.That burden falls on me alone.I take a sharp breath and shake my head,trying to dispel the thoughts that haunt me. But they cling on, refusing to letgo.Adrian notices, of course. He always picksup on when something is bothering me. Whenever I am bothered by something, heis the first to pick up on it. Leaning against the kitchen counter, he watchesme poke cold food on my plate. "Caroline," he says, his voice amixture of softness and concern. “Stop overthinking.”I look up, surprised by his insight. “I’mnot—”“You are,” he g
