Share

Chapter 49

Penulis: Lauren
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-01-03 12:13:51

Knoxx’s Point of View

The door creaks open, and I’m jolted awake. For a split second, I think it’s Caroline, maybe coming back to bed after a restless moment. But instead, I see Dolly standing there, her silhouette framed by the dim hallway light. My stomach tightens with a mix of frustration and alarm. What the hell is she doing here?

I quickly rise from the bed, glancing back at Caroline. She’s still asleep, her breathing steady, her features soft in the moonlight. I don’t want her waking up to this.

“What are you doing?” I whisper harshly, stepping toward Dolly and shutting the door behind me as quietly as possible. “Have you lost your mind?”

Dolly’s face is flushed, her eyes glistening as though she’s been crying. But I’ve seen this act before—the carefully calculated vulnerability designed to chip away at my defenses.

“Knoxx,” she breathes, her voice low and pleading. “We need to talk.”

I drag her further down the hall, away from the bedroom until we reach outside the house, nea
Lanjutkan membaca buku ini secara gratis
Pindai kode untuk mengunduh Aplikasi
Bab Terkunci

Bab terkait

  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 50

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe sun dips low on the horizon as the car weaves through the familiar roads back to the city. One month. It feels like both a lifetime and a fleeting moment. I glance at Knoxx, who’s focused on the road, his profile calm yet determined. The man who once felt like a stranger has been trying, in his own way, to close the chasm between us.But is it enough?I can’t say for certain. What I do know is that the one-month trial is over, and I’m still here. The papers remain unsigned, folded neatly in the back of my drawer, where I hid them after we arrived at the beach house.“You’re awfully quiet,” Knoxx says, his voice breaking the silence. His gaze flicks toward me briefly, concern etched into his features.I force a small smile. “Just tired.”His brows furrow slightly, but he doesn’t press. I can tell he wants to. The Knoxx from a month ago would’ve brushed it off, uninterested in prying deeper into my feelings. But now, he hesitates, as if weighing his words ca

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-04
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 51

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe sunlight streams through the windows of the living room as I sip my tea, savoring the fleeting calmness. It’s the kind of peace that feels too fragile to last, especially after everything we’ve been through.But then I hear the sound of heels clacking against the floor, loud and intrusive. My brows knit together as I set my cup down. The front door opens, and a familiar figure steps inside like she owns the place. Dolly. Again.I rise from the couch, my heart thudding with irritation. “What are you doing here?” My voice is sharp, cutting through the air like a blade.Dolly pauses, a fake smile plastered across her face as she adjusts her designer bag on her shoulder. Her hand rests lightly on her stomach, the calculated gesture meant to draw attention to her pregnancy.“Good morning, Caroline,” she says, her tone dripping with saccharine sweetness. “Didn’t Knoxx tell you? I’ll be staying here for a while.”My jaw tightens. “He most certainly did not. And w

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-05
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 52

    Caroline’s Point of ViewTime sit still when Dolly's presence is all over the house. I sit on the couch, flipping through a book, attempting to ignore the rising tension in the house. She’s been oddly quiet today, which is more unsettling than her usual antics.Then, as if on cue, her heels clack against the floor, a deliberate announcement of her arrival. She steps into the room with a smug smile, her hand resting lightly on her ever-growing belly.“Oh, Caroline,” she says in that overly sweet voice of hers, “you’ll never believe what I found while organizing my things.”I glance up from my book, already dreading whatever nonsense she’s about to spew. “What is it this time, Dolly?”She holds up an old, slightly worn photograph. “Look at this!” she exclaims, walking closer to shove it in my face. “It’s from homecoming. Do you remember, Knoxx? You took me to prom that year. It was such a magical night.”Knoxx, who’s sitting in the adjacent chair, barely looks up from his laptop. “Hmm,”

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-06
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 53

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe evening air in the room feels heavy, suffocating almost, as I lie on the bed, my back turned to the door. The dim light from the bedside lamp casts long shadows on the wall, and I focus on the faint patterns, trying to block out the turmoil in my mind. Dolly’s smug face, her incessant need to dig into our past, still plays in my head like a taunting melody.Knoxx’s muffled footsteps outside the door grow louder. My heart clenches when I hear the knob turn, but I’m determined not to let him know how much I’m stewing over the events of the day. I close my eyes, pretending to sleep, my breaths slow and even.The door clicks shut behind him, and his presence fills the room. Even without looking, I can feel his eyes on me, assessing, calculating. The bed dips slightly under his weight as he sits beside me. The silence between us is palpable, broken only by the faint rustle of his shirt as he shifts.“Caroline,” he murmurs, his voice soft but insistent.I don’t

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-08
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 54

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe morning sun casts a soft glow across the house as I grab my bag and step into the hallway, ready for work. My phone buzzes in my hand, a gentle reminder from my calendar about the meetings I have scheduled for the day. I’m preoccupied, mentally running through my tasks, when a voice stops me in my tracks.“Knoxx, are you ready?” Dolly’s voice echoes from the living room.I pause, my brow furrowing. What is she up to now?I step toward the room, and there she is, sitting on the couch with an air of practiced innocence. Her hand rests lightly on her baby bump as she looks up at Knoxx, who’s standing a few feet away.“Take me to my pregnancy check-up today,” she says sweetly, tilting her head as if she’s just made the most reasonable request in the world.Knoxx’s expression tightens slightly, but he nods. “Alright. Let me get my keys.”My

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 55

    Caroline’s Point of ViewThe cool evening air prickles against my skin as I take in the sight before me. Adrian and Knoxx, two men who couldn’t be more different, yet here they are, standing side by side, waiting for me. Their presence is magnetic, drawing the attention of every passerby.Adrian leans against his sleek black car, exuding effortless confidence. His tailored suit fits him like a glove, and the bouquet of vibrant lilies in his hand seems to be an extension of his polished demeanor. His smile is relaxed, as though he doesn’t have a care in the world.Knoxx, on the other hand, is the embodiment of barely-contained tension. He stands stiffly by his silver car, his dark suit crisp and sharp, his bouquet of white roses clutched tightly in one hand. His intense gaze locks onto mine, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.A small crowd has gathered, whispering and pointing. It’s not every day you see two devastatingly handsome men, each with a luxury car and a bouquet, vy

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-10
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 56

    Knoxx’s Point of View“Join us.”Adrian’s invitation rings in my head, smug and deliberate. The way he says it—like Caroline and he are some exclusive pair inviting an outsider—sets my teeth on edge. But the idea of leaving Caroline alone with him for dinner? That’s not happening.The words leave my mouth before I’ve fully thought them through. “Fine. I’ll join you.”The shift in their expressions is immediate. Caroline’s eyes widen, and Adrian’s smirk falters just enough to fuel my satisfaction. Clearly, they didn’t see that coming.“You will?” Adrian recovers quickly, raising an eyebrow.“I will,” I reply, crossing my arms over my chest. “Why not? It’s dinner. And it's my wife who you are with.”Caroline glances between us, visibly uncomfortable. “Um... are you sure, Knoxx?”I meet her gaze

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-11
  • Secret Billionaire Divorcee   Chapter 57

    The soft buzz of notifications on my phone feels almost surreal. Each chime brings a new order, a new message, or another follower on our studio’s Instagram page. I sit at my desk in the corner of the studio, my laptop open to a sea of congratulatory emails and order confirmations. The energy in the room is electric, buzzing with the excitement of a thriving business.“Caroline, you have to see this!” Lisa exclaims, practically running over to my desk. She’s holding her phone, her grin so wide it’s infectious. “Another celebrity just posted about your designs! Look!”She thrusts her phone into my hands, and there it is: a photo of a stunning actress wearing one of my necklaces, the caption praising the craftsmanship and uniqueness. The comments section is exploding with admiration and inquiries about where to buy it.“This is amazing,” I whisper, feeling a rush of pride and disbelief.Lisa nods vigorously, her excitement matching my own. “Amazing? Caroline, this is huge! Do you realiz

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-12

Bab terbaru

  • 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

Jelajahi dan baca novel bagus secara gratis
Akses gratis ke berbagai novel bagus di aplikasi GoodNovel. Unduh buku yang kamu suka dan baca di mana saja & kapan saja.
Baca buku gratis di Aplikasi
Pindai kode untuk membaca di Aplikasi
DMCA.com Protection Status