Share

Chapter 33

Author: Lauren
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-17 10:26:55

Caroline’s Point of View

The morning sunlight filters through the

car 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—moments

I had carefully buried but now seem intent on resurfacing.

As Knoxx parks the car, I take in the

familiar sight of the house. Its pale blue shutters and wraparound porch look

just as they did when we first arrived here after our wedding. The salty breeze

carries the faint cries of seagulls, and the rhythmic sound of the waves

crashing against the shore fills the silence between us.

Knoxx steps out of the car and moves to the

trunk to retrieve our bags. I stay seated for a moment, letting the memories

wash over me. Our honeymoon. I thought it would be the start of everything

perfect between us. Back then, I believed this house symbolized a dream—a

promise of the life we would build together.

“Caroline,” Knoxx calls gently, pulling me

out of my thou
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • Secret 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.

    Last Updated : 2024-12-17
  • Secret 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

    Last Updated : 2024-12-18
  • Secret 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

    Last Updated : 2024-12-20
  • Secret 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

    Last Updated : 2024-12-20
  • Secret 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

    Last Updated : 2024-12-20
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 39

    Knoxx’s Point of ViewI sit in the quiet of my study, the velvet box still in my hand. The edges of it are smooth and cold, and for a moment, I stare at it like it holds the answers to everything. The quiet is deafening, punctuated only by the faint crashing of the waves outside. Caroline’s words replay in my mind, sharp and relentless.“You think you can buy me off with expensive things? Do you even know what I like, Knoxx?”Her voice had trembled, not with sadness but with anger. The rawness of it cuts deeper than I want to admit.I look down at the box again. The necklace inside is flawless—gold with intricate detailing and a diamond that catches the light like a star. It had cost a small fortune, but when I saw it, I thought of Caroline. Not because she wanted it, but because it was what I knew.When Dolly and I dated all those years ago, gifts were easy. She always made it clear what she wanted. Jewelry, designer handbags, trips to Paris—her tastes were as lavish as they were obv

    Last Updated : 2024-12-20
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 40

    Caroline’s Point of ViewI sit by the window, the ocean breeze whispering through the curtains, as Dolly’s voice carries through the house. Her laughter is light, cheerful, and it grates against my nerves. Every word feels like a carefully aimed dagger, and I can’t shake the irritation bubbling beneath my skin.“You know, Knoxx and I used to play hide-and-seek in that garden when we were kids,” Dolly says, her tone sweet but laced with something sharper. “He was always terrible at hiding.”I force a smile, gripping the edge of my teacup. Her words swirl in my mind, dredging up questions I wish I didn’t care about. Childhood sweethearts. That’s what they were. That’s why Karen adored her so much—why Dolly always seemed to have a claim on parts of Knoxx’s life I could never touch.Knoxx enters the room, his expression cautious. He must sense my discomfort because he approaches slowly, his voice softer than usual. “Caroline, can we talk for a minute?”I set the cup down, followed him out

    Last Updated : 2024-12-24
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 41

    Knoxx’s Point of View“What’s the plan, boss?” I tease, trying to lighten the mood.Caroline smirks, crossing her arms. “The plan is to make that second bedroom livable since someone is monopolizing the master suite.”I raise my hands in a mock surrender. “Point taken. Lead the way.”She rolls her eyes at my sarcasm, but there’s a flicker of amusement on her face. I follow her through the aisles of the upscale furniture store, watching as she examines each piece of décor with a thoughtful gaze. She’s meticulous, pausing at every fabric and color swatch, as though each decision holds the weight of the world.“This one,” she says firmly, stopping in front of a navy-blue sectional sofa. Her eyes light up as she gestures toward it.I lean in, pretending to scrutinize it. “It’s nice, but will it fit in the room?”She narrows her eyes at me. “Knoxx, the measurements are right there. Don’t act like you’re clueless.”Caught, I laugh, holding up my hands. “Fine. We’ll get it. You’re the expert

    Last Updated : 2024-12-27

Latest chapter

  • 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

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 102

    Caroline’s Point of ViewI sit in the principal’s office and clutchthe edge of my chair and listen to her polite but firm refusal. Her expressionis neutral, professional; but I catch the judgement hiding in her meticulouslychosen words.“We thank you for your interest, Miss Hill,” she says with atight-lipped smile. "However, we have very limited spots available, and weprioritize students who come from stable backgrounds. That is morebeneficial for children than providing a quote-unquote stable or consistentenvironment."I stiffen. "My son has a supportiveand consistent environment," I say, keeping my voice calm even though mystomach twists. The principal folds her hands on the deskand nods, though her smile doesn’t meet her eyes. “I’m sure you do your best,but there are some challenges as a single mother that you may not anticipate.We have a very rigorous academic structure here, and we’ve noticed that children from two-parenthouseholds do really well in this kind of env

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 101

    Caroline’s Point of ViewSilence fills the car, thick and heavy like a blanket. My son's question keeps replaying in my mind, over and over, making it hard to think of anything else.“If Uncle Adrian is not my daddy… then who is?”My breath catches. I feel Adrian still beside me, his hands frozen on the steering wheel.I turn to face my son, but no words come out. My heart pounds as I try to find an answer—one that won’t hurt him. And for the first time in a long time, I realize I don’t know what to say.I never thought he would ask this. I wasn’t ready for it. I had hoped he wouldn’t wonder about it, especially not now when things seemed so steady. I thought he was already seeing Adrian as his father. I thought he wouldn’t even ask about the man who should be here but isn’t. I tried to shield him from this difficult truth. Clearly, I was wrong.I take a deep breath, feeling shaky. I turn to look at him. His big, innocent eyes are focused on me, filled with curiosity and expectation

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status