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Chapter 34

Penulis: Lauren
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-17 10:27:29
Caroline’s Point of View

The 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.
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Nikki
Why does she keep putting herself in these positions with him Leopards don’t change their spots
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  • 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 42

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe buzz of the store fills the air, faint murmurs of other shoppers blending with the soft classical music playing overhead. Knoxx walks beside me, pushing the cart filled with everything we’ve chosen. Despite myself, I feel a small sense of accomplishment looking at it—a reminder that we’re doing something normal, something together.As we approach the checkout, a sales assistant glances up and freezes. Her face lights up with recognition, and she strides over, her smile wide and eager.“Mr. Wayne! It’s been such a long time!” she says brightly, her tone dripping with familiarity.Knoxx acknowledges her with a polite nod. “Hello.”Her gaze flits over to me, briefly curious but dismissive as her smile tightens. “And who might this be? Your sister? Or...?”I blink, momentarily stunned by her assumption. Knoxx frowns slightly but doesn’t answer immediately.“She’s my wife,” he says firmly, his tone making it clear there’s no room for argument.The sales assista

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27

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  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 160

    Caroline's Point of ViewI sit on the couch, my fingers touch the edge of my glass creating a soft clink that breaks the quiet between Adrian and me. My brain can't stop, ideas colliding as I look at Adrian, who sits across from me. His face gives nothing away, his body seems at ease, but I know better. I understand him more deeply. Something always hides under the surface with him.The impact of this revelation hits me hard making breathing tough. For years, I clung to that memory—gripped it like a lifeline during my marriage's worst times, as if it proved Knoxx could do something good, something unselfish. But it wasn't him. It was Adrian.I let out a slow breath before I break the quiet. "Adrian," I begin, my voice gentler than I meant it to be. "The watch... that day... you saved me, didn't you?"Adrian looks at me, his dark eyes calm hard to read. He doesn't answer right away, which makes my heart race with suspense.After what seems like forever, he sits back on the couch drummi

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 159

    Caroline’s Point of ViewI hesitate for a moment before knocking on Liam’s bedroom door, the soft sound barely audible in the quiet hallway. My fingers tighten slightly against the wood as I wait for a response. When none comes, I push the door open gently, peeking inside.Liam is curled up on his bed, his small frame illuminated by the glow of his nightlight. The soft, star-shaped light casts a faint pattern against the walls, a comforting presence in an otherwise heavy atmosphere.He doesn’t look at me when I enter.Instead, he stares at the ceiling, his brows furrowed in deep thought, his little hands gripping the blanket tightly. The sight makes my chest ache. I know that look—I’ve worn it too many times myself.Something is eating at him.I take a slow step forward, keeping my voice gentle. “Hey, buddy,” I say, sitting on the edge of his bed. “Uncle Adrian said you came home upset today. Want to talk about it?”Liam’s reaction is immediate. His small shoulders tense, and he shake

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 158

    Caroline’s Point of ViewAs expected, Adrian’s entire demeanor shifts the moment his gaze lands on Alessandro. His usual cool confidence falters just enough for me to notice—the sharp furrow of his brows, the slight clench of his jaw, the way his shoulders stiffen like he’s bracing himself for something.Jealousy.It hums in the air between us, subtle but unmistakable.He steps forward, his movements controlled but laced with something tense, something taut and restrained. “Who’s this?” His voice is steady, but there’s a bite to it, a careful edge that makes my stomach flutter for reasons I don’t want to analyze too deeply.Alessandro, ever the charming one, doesn’t seem the least bit fazed. He offers a small smile, tilting his head as he introduces himself. “Alessandro Luca Romano,” he says smoothly, his Italian accent thick and effortless. “Caroline’s newest employee.”I can practically feel the heat of Adrian’s gaze as he shifts his attention to me, questioning, searching for somet

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 157

    Dolly’s Point of ViewThe moment Knoxx mentions that our stay in Italy is only temporary, a sharp pang slices through my chest. I have always known this wasn’t permanent, but hearing it so plainly from his lips makes my stomach churn. It isn’t just about me anymore. My daughter loves it here.And I can’t say no to her.“Mommy, please,” she whines, tugging on the hem of my designer dress with her tiny hands. Her big, pleading eyes glisten as she looks up at me, her bottom lip jutting out in an almost perfect pout. “I don’t want to go back. I love it here. Italy is so much prettier than home! The people talk funny, but I like it!”I stroke her soft curls, my heart squeezing. She is my world, my perfect little angel. How can I deny her anything?I kneel in front of her, smoothing out the frills of her dress as I speak softly. “I know, sweetheart. Mommy loves it here too. But Daddy—” I hesitate, my lips pressing together. The words feel heavy, like they don’t belong in my mouth. “Daddy th

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 156

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe moment he speaks, I know I’m in trouble."I saw your job posting," he says, his deep, smooth voice laced with something effortlessly charming. "I’d like to apply."Penelope grips my wrist hard under the counter, and I barely suppress a wince.This man—this Italian god—is exactly the type of employee that would drive my customers crazy. And I don’t mean bad crazy. I mean good crazy. The buy-everything-in-the-store-just-to-see-him-smile kind of crazy.He's got a boyish charm, younger but still undeniably handsome. Tall and lean, he carries himself with effortless confidence, the kind that turns heads without trying. His dark brown hair is tousled in that perfect mix of careless and intentional, and his sharp, well-defined features make it impossible to look away.But it's his eyes that truly draw you in.A deep, warm hazel—alive with mischief, edged with something both playful and a little dangerous.He tilts his head, and I realize I’ve been quiet for too l

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 155

    Caroline’s Point of ViewWinning the competition should have been the hardest part.I pour everything into my designs, fighting against sabotage, betrayal, and every possible obstacle thrown my way. Yet, standing in my boutique weeks later, watching the steady stream of customers come and go, I realize something.The real battle has just begun.Success has turned into an exhausting whirlwind. My inbox is constantly flooded with custom orders, my phone never stops buzzing with inquiries, and every time I sit down, another customer walks in needing assistance.At first, the rush of it all is exhilarating. Now? It’s just exhausting.Penelope leans against the counter, arms crossed, watching me struggle to balance three jewelry boxes while answering a customer's question. "You need help," she says, unimpressed."I’ve got it," I insist, shifting my grip.I do not have it.One box slips, and in my panic to catch it, the others follow.With a loud clatter, all three hit the floor.Penelope s

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 154

    Caroline’s Point of ViewI grip my bag so tightly my fingers start to cramp. But I don’t loosen my hold. I don’t dare. Because if I do, I might lose my grip on more than just the bag—I might lose my grip on myself.My mind is still a storm of emotions, a violent whirlwind that refuses to settle, refuses to let me breathe. I replay every word of that kindergarten disaster, every sharp remark Dolly threw at me like knives, aiming straight for the parts of me she knew were already bruised."A child raised without a real father is bound to be unruly.""No wonder Knoxx replaced you."My jaw clenches, my teeth grinding together.How dare she?How dare she stand there, smug and victorious, as if she has some moral high ground over me?Dolly—the woman who stole my designs, my husband, and now wants to act as if she has the right to look down on me?The very thought of it makes my blood boil.I should have said more. Should have ripped her down from that pedestal she’s so desperate to stay on.

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 153

    Caroline’s Point of View The call from the kindergarten comes when I’m in the middle of reviewing some design sketches. "Ms. Hill," the teacher's voice is tight with concern. "I'm sorry to bother you, but there's been… an incident with Liam." My heart stops for a second. I grip the phone tighter. "What happened?" The teacher sighs. "There was a disagreement between the children. Some of the kids… well, they were saying that Liam has no father. Another child defended him, but it escalated into a physical altercation." My breath catches. Liam. They bullied him again. I inhale sharply, trying to control the sharp sting in my chest. "Who defended him?" A pause. "Bryan." I blink, stunned. Bryan? Lorenzo’s son? That… that doesn’t make sense. Bryan had always been distant towards Liam, not outright cruel, but he never stood up for him either. So why now? I shake off the confusion, focusing on what’s important. "Is Liam hurt?" "No, but we need to address this

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 152

    Knoxx’s Point of ViewThe moment Dolly steps into my house, holding our daughter in her arms, I feel nothing.Absolutely nothing.I stand there, watching as she moves past me with her usual bright, expectant smile, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor like she already owns the place. She looks around, her eyes lighting up, as if she’s envisioning the future she’s always wanted—the future she thinks she’s about to have.I should feel something.Satisfaction, maybe.Relief, even.But instead, there’s only this dull, suffocating weight in my chest, this gnawing emptiness that refuses to go away no matter how hard I try to convince myself otherwise.This was supposed to make me feel better.I brought them here for a reason.To prove a point.To show Caroline that I didn’t need her. That I moved on. That I had a family now, a woman who stayed by my side instead of walking away.But the moment I saw her face twist with that cold, indifferent expression, the moment she looked

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