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CHAPTER THREE

Penulis: Treyl
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-02-07 09:01:09

003

JOANA’S POV

“Welcome madam.” The valet at the hotel entrance greeted me as I entered the premises. Today was the official banquet of the Gates Group. They were celebrating their new milestone.

“Mrs Gates, congratulations. You indeed made the right choice. Your husband is full of surprises.” A woman who was trying to make small talk said, rushing to me with a glass of wine.

Her words which were aimed at flattery landed like Thor's hammer on my chest, making me feel suffocated. And I couldn't blame her for being ironic since everyone else thought that Clinton and I were still the perfect couple.

I forced an insincere smile to my face and made my way into the party with the woman following behind me, her face filled with flattery. Soon, another woman joined.

“Ah! Mrs Gates, you're glowing. Your husband is taking good care of you. You keep getting more beautiful by the day.”

“Of course, Mr Clinton loves his wife the most. Can't you see how in love they are?”

“You must be so proud of your husband, he brought the Gates group this far. When are you going to join him at the company?”

“Don't talk like a child. Mr Clinton Pampers his wife too much. Do you think he would let her do something as stressful as working?”

“That's true. I wish I were in her shoes. A perfect billionaire housewife, with a doting husband who worships her. The last time he bought Star of the Sea at the auction, I immediately knew that his love for her was unlimited.”

My feet stopped of their own accord. Star of the sea? How come I can't remember him giving it to me? I wanted that necklace so much, but before I could acquire it, I was told someone else already bought it for twice the price I offered.

The culprit was Clinton after all, but who did he give it to?

Cold sweat covered my skin, and I felt a fire burning in my chest, probably the flames of fury or maybe jealousy. I gritted my teeth, unable to force a smile.

Their flattering words were all sarcastic and ironic to me, saturating my mind with pain. I bit my tongue and forced a smile that looked uglier than a crying face and continued on my way with the trove of bootlickers following me.

“Mrs Gates, please help me. My husband really needs this contract from the Gates group. I guarantee that my husband is honest and will supply the items satisfactorily. Please put in a good word for us, our lives depend on it.” A desperate voice suddenly said, same time I felt a soft hand grab my arm.

The tearful voice seemed to coming from a long tunnel, snapping me out of my daze.

I looked up to see a young woman of my age, her eyes filled with desperation and love for her man.

“Please, help my husband secure the deal. I guarantee that you won't regret it.” She hurriedly whispered the moment I turned to look at her.

She looked pretty and sincere, and I couldn't help but smile at her. Her silly actions seem exactly like what I would do.

“I'm sorry dear, I'm not in a position to make decisions at Gates Group. I don't work with the management or the sales department. I don't work there at all, nor do I have leverage that could help me pull strings. How can I help your husband secure a contract?” I whispered, forcing myself to speak calmly and not let my emotions get the better of me.

“Mrs Gates, are you pulling our legs? Your husband owns the group. Just mention it to him tonight when he's in a good mood. He loves you a lot, how could he bear to say no? As long as their proposal is good, and you chip in a few words, it can be done. He's your husband after all.” One of the women said, winking suggestively. She probably thought that Clinton would agree to anything I said after sex. Should I tell her I can't even remember what his naked self looks like?

A self-deprecating smile crawled to my lips as I mocked myself. These people seem to severely overestimate my position in Clinton's heart. However, I knew that if I ever talk to Clinton about them, he will blacklist them out of spite. He hates me that much.

“I'm sorry dear. Clinton doesn't let me make decisions about the company, he won't listen to me. I'm just a housewife. If you talk to his secretary and get no response, you can go to the Henshaw group and find my brother. As long as you call my name, he will make some time to see you.” I whispered as gently as I could and removed her hand from mine.

“Eish! How could that be? Everyone knows Clinton values his wife.” One of the women said as I left. It was obvious that no one believed my words that I had no power in the Gates group.

“Don't mind her, she doesn't want to help you. She probably looks down on us below her class. How can she be bothered to help us put in a good word? It's just to mention a few people to your husband and let him check the proposals. No one is telling her to give the contract to someone unworthy or force her husband to sign all of it. Just put in a good word and let him make the final decisions. What's so hard about it?”

“Tch! Her arrogance is justified. Her family is the richest in the city, and her husband ranks second, closely behind. How can she be bothered with people from second and third-rate families like us?”

Their accusing words were too much for me to take. I walked faster till I came to a quiet corner and grabbed a drink. Without much thought, I swallowed the entire content of the glass cup, breathing heavily. I felt a pounding headache, and my chest felt tight. However, breaking down while everyone was watching me was a humiliation I would never subject myself to.

“How does it feel to get divorced from the man you love? Why didn't you tell those silly women the truth— that you're nothing to Clinton? You're just trash not worth mentioning.”

I looked up the moment I heard divorce. Clinton has not told our family yet, and even ordered me to keep it a secret. How did she know? My eyes met a smug Louisa, her smile filled with disdain for me.

She was Clinton’s childhood sweetheart who left him when their family had issues and went abroad. I heard she returned a few months ago but never took it seriously. Now, it seems the gossip vines were right.

“Mrs Gates? What a joke! You're just sitting on an empty shell. His heart, his body, his wealth, his company, they all belong to me. You have nothing, except the name. No, you no longer even have the name, you're already divorced. Why do you still strut around with that title?” She whispered to me, staring down at me.

“When was the last time he slept in your arms? But just last night, he knelt between my legs, sucking and licking all over my pu*sy, while telling me how much he hates you. He was quite fiery. His long dick was very active, and wouldn't stop pounding in. Do you even know what he likes in bed?” Her voice was dripping with sarcasm, infuriating me.

“Shut up!” I growled, unable to stand it anymore.

“You're already angry when I have not started.” She whispered with a playful smile and stylishly moved her gown to show me the hickeys on her neck and boobs.

My heart sank, and I felt a searing pain I had never experienced before. Her eyes suddenly hardened.

“Pack your bags and get lost immediately. If you wait till I arrive, I will throw you out naked. The title of Mrs Gates can only be mine, you loser.”

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  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER FOUR

    004JOANA’S POVI caught sight of the bone of contention and pushed her aside, stomping towards him. “Clinton! You asked me to keep our divorce a secret while you already…” I didn't finish my words before I heard Louisa's soft yelp. My hand which was holding his arm, as I tried to turn Clinton around, slipped off, and wine splashed all over my body, same time I lost my footing and crashed to the floor.I blinked in shock; my surprise overshadowed the pain I felt at colliding with the hard floor. Clinton had caught Louisa and was fervently wiping off the little smudge of wine from her gown, totally ignoring me. “Clinton,” I whispered, my voice filled with pain and disbelief. “You bitch! You can't wait a day without causing trouble, is that it? Apologize to Louisa immediately!” Clinton growled, giving me a deadly stare. I caught sight of Louisa's smug smile and immediately realized what happened. She noticed that I wanted to confront Clinton about the things she told me and rushed

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-07
  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER FIVE

    005SIX YEARS LATERJOANA’S POV“Mom, this is where you grew up?” My son, Japheth, asked, making me smile. After the drama with Clinton, I decided to open a fashion company with my family's support. To my greatest surprise, Caleb decided to help me, and even became my partner, even though he had his own companies to manage. In the early years of serendipity fashion, Caleb and I encountered dating rumors due to the fact that he was always with me. Some people accused me of dating my brother-in-law while playing the victim to make my ex-husband get bashed. The jealous Clinton who once came to make a scene at the studio made it even worse. So, we decided to move the head office abroad and finally returned today. The kids recognize Caleb as their dad since he's the one who has been there from the beginning.I felt someone pulling at my sleeves, making my attention return to the present. “Mom, what do you think?” I immediately felt confused because I had not been listening to them. B

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-07
  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER SIX

    006 JOANA'S POV I felt cold, looking at the man in front of me. Ever since I was told that he was at this event, I have not been myself. " Come here." I took Mirabel from him. I was terrified that he was going to hurt her, and that was not what I wanted for my children. He stood there looking at it; there was a shock in his eyes, and then he turned around and looked at the place. " You are doing well for yourself," he said. It came out like he was shocked that I was doing well for myself, like he never expected me to be like this. " Of course," I said. It came out weak, I was trying so hard to control myself. I never wanted him to see me as someone weak, as someone who was going to go down on my knees for him. " And them?" He looked at my kids. " They are mine, and you have no business with them," I said. I was never going to let him have an opinion on my life. He looked at me for a while. " You should be more careful, or you get someone to

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-26
  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER SEVEN

    007 Clinton's POV I got home and met Louisa at my house. " Hey, I got something for you," She said. There was this anger I suddenly felt towards her, I brushed her aside and went into my room. I was surprised to see Joana that way. She changed so much after the divorce. She had to leave this city after the news of her being with Caleb. I could not believe that they were still very much together, and she was back like she never left. I fell on the bed; there was something about her; she looked different; she looked more beautiful than I ever knew she was. I got into the shower and then made my way to the dining room. The food that was brought to me did not look like the usual food I was used to. "What's this?" I asked. " I made it," Louisa jumped and answered. I felt upset. " You did what?" " I made it for you; you should taste it; you will love it," she said, smiling at me. I was in no mood to smile at her. " I never asked you to cook for me."

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27
  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER EIGHT

    008 JOANA'S POV Life has returned to normal. I was able to control the way I felt whenever I saw Clinton. It has not been easy for me, but I have been able to pull through. I made sure I talked to the school and asked them to protect my kids; I would not take it lightly with them if anything happened to my kids. They promised they were going to do that for me. My business was going well, I had everything I wanted for my life. For some time now, I have not seen Clinton close to me or tried to see what I was doing with my life. Maybe I was the one who was not seeing him; he was trying so hard to make me not see him, which was the best. I did not want to stumble upon him any day. " Are you okay?" Caleb brought me back. I was lost in thoughts. " Of course, I'm okay," I said. It was getting dark, and I had a lot of work to do. There was still so much. I got up and went to the other side of the building. I wanted to check the dresses that were made newly. " I love t

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27
  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER NINE

    009 JOANA'S POV I ran to my kids, they fell into my arms. I held them so close to me that I was never going to let them go or let anyone hurt them. " What happened to you, mum?" Mirabel asked me. I held her close to me; I was not going to let her in what had happened to me; it was not for her to find out about it. " I am fine. I was not able to come home yesterday, but I am here now," I said. The boys were in my arms as well. I held them like someone was trying to take them from me. " Mum," I heard one of my sons say. He was trying to breathe. The way I had held him was hard for him to be free. I released them. I should leave them and let them be free now that they are in the estate. My brothers were at home. " Thank you for looking after them," I said. " You know you can always count on us, right?" " I know, thank you," I said. I walked into the rooms, it has been a while in here. I have avoided coming here because it holds lots of memories for me. This w

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27
  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER TEN

    010 CLINTON'S POV After she would not give me an answer, I grew concerned for her. Maybe she was still interested in me, or she never wanted to see me. It left me confused. There was no way I would go back there and ask her for the second time; I knew she would not want to see me there, so I did not go back there. After I got back to the hospital, I was told she had gone, and I was happy that she was fine. The accident had happened on the day I was stalking her. I had followed her everywhere on that day, and before the accident happened, I suspected a car following her, two cars, actually. It happened right before my eyes, and I could not leave her there. I knew she was going to be mad at me, but it was going to be for a while. I was fast to get into the car, take her from there, and drive her to the hospital. I knew that the accident was planned. I got dressed and was about to leave the house when I saw Louisa at the door. I gasped. What the hell was she doing there?

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27
  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER ELEVEN

    011 JOANA'S POV The brakes of my car were not good. I wondered how he knew about that. My head hurts from thinking about how he got to know what was in my car. I called Caleb and told him about it. He said he was coming with someone who would fix the car. The smell from my house the other day was what made me not bring the kids home; I had to leave them at the estate because I felt it was safe there. The chemicals that they had used were choking. I had to call my brothers and tell them about it; they suggested I leave the house, but I was not buying that idea; I called Caleb, and he brought people to the house who helped me clear the place up. I decided to stay there alone and not bring the kids there. Someone was trying so hard to get to me, and it was beginning to scare me. I got into the house after the brakes were fixed. I checked all around the place and then asked the security to be vigilant as well. " If you see anything around my house, let me know; call me imm

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-28

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  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN

    111JOANA'S POVThe soft ding of my phone got my attention. It was text.“Mission complete.”I stared blankly at the screen. Who was this person? My mind quickly went to Jason.“Jason…”Caleb and Clinton both turned to me, “What are you talking about?” Caleb finally spoke out.“The person behind the shadows was Jason,” I let out a small laugh.“How? He's in jail!” Caleb pointed out.I strode to sit on the couch, a victorious grin on my face, “Yeah, he is, but remember the secret agency he's in.”“The same agency that tried to kill him for exposing Anita…” he scoffed, “I highly doubt, maybe it's someone that also wants Anita gone.”I darted my gaze slowly to him, “apart from me, who else wants her gone? Trust me, my guts tell me that Jason did this.”The two men shook their heads and headed into their rooms.Playing with the tip of the pen, I pointed to the huge clock, “tick-tock Anita… this time, your time is up.”__The car ride was silent, a soothing silence enjoying the cool breeze

  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TEN

    110JOANA'S POVThey had no shame.The confrontation had been explosive. Mr. Gates hadn’t denied it. He’d simply claimed that family should protect family—and Anita had sat smugly beside him, like a queen regaining her throne.She barely looked my way, but I felt her satisfaction and tasted it in the air like poison.Clinton finally turned from the desk. “You used your influence to override hard evidence. You know what she did. You saw the recordings. Heard the confession.”Mr. Gates didn’t flinch. “Evidence can be manipulated, Clinton. I don’t trust the words of men like Jason.”“You don’t trust facts,” Caleb spat. “You trust whatever keeps your family name clean. What kind of legacy are you trying to protect when it’s rotting from the inside?”Mr. Gates rose from his chair slowly, placing both hands on his cane. “You may not understand it now, Caleb. But one day, when you have your own family to lead, you’ll realize that loyalty matters more than any public trial.”I had enough. “Lo

  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINE

    109JOANA'S POVSunlight from the arched windows entered the mansion and formed wide bands across the marble floors. I took my place on the living room sofa with a straight posture and crossed legs while I touched my tablet in silence. Instead of reading the screen, my eyes focused on distant mental work. The house stood at peace before violence broke out.The front doors opened.Footsteps echoed.Clinton and Caleb walked in together, dressed in work suits, loosened ties around their necks, carrying the usual exhaustion of a day at the office. But the moment they saw me, they stopped.I didn’t rise to greet them. Didn’t even look up."Joana?" Clinton said, his voice tinged with caution.I slowly looked up. My eyes were expressionless. Not angry. Not hurt. Not welcoming. Just... still. Stone still.Caleb moved forward first. "Is everything okay? Where are the kids?""Asleep. Upstairs. Safe," I replied, my tone flat.Clinton moved towards me from the couch to reach my position, where he

  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT

    108JOANA'S POVThe mansion stood as an unspoken silent question without any reaction. As soon as Jason parked the car, he sped the tyres toward the garage, and before the engine idled, I bolted from my side to rush through the mansion's main entrance.I directed the security staff posted at the gate to inspect the area thoroughly. “Check the east and west wings—every single room. I want the kids found. Now.”The main door flew open under my hand as I stormed inside. “Where are they? Where are my children?”The maids inside froze at the sound of my voice, but one of them stepped forward immediately, wide-eyed. “We—We don’t know, ma’am. We thought they were in the greenhouse—”“Check the gardens, the poolside, the library, everywhere!” I snapped. My voice was cracking under the weight of my panic. “Clinton? Caleb?”One of the male workers appeared at the top of the staircase. “Mr. Clinton left early this morning. He said he had to meet a supplier downtown. And Mr. Caleb hasn’t returned

  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN

    107JOANA'S POVHer statement lingered like a bad taste in the air, “It's only a matter of time.”I didn’t flinch. I didn’t even blink. Instead, I smiled. The smile formed on my face, and it took its time as I quietly flashed my teeth. I moved toward her across the hard table and concentrated my stare in her direction just like a hunter studies its target.“If you think, my dear, that you would be able to come out from this one,” my voice was low and soft.“It's over…” I smacked my lips.Anita's expression shifted from a thoughtful stare to clear confusion. She spoke with pronounced speed instead of interest as she probed deeper into my words.I didn’t respond.Because I didn’t need to.The heavy door creaked open behind me.Her head jerked in the direction of the sound, and in that exact second, I saw it—pure, raw panic. A flicker. Fleeting, but real. Her composure slipped like silk through shaking hands.Jason stepped in first.Dressed in plain clothes, looking more like a man who’d

  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIX

    106JOANA’S POVThe morning air was heavy with silence.After breakfast, I did not talk, although Caleb offered to drive me, and Clinton asked about my plans. I left without saying anything. I made a choice to handle it on my own.The police station sat like a solemn block of stone, grey and indifferent to the lives unravelling inside it. The kind of place that didn’t care if you were a billionaire’s daughter or a nobody from the streets—it held secrets, guilt, and truth in equal measure.I signed in, gave my name, and was guided to the interrogation floor.“She’s been denying everything,” the officer escorting me said with a sigh. “Claims she’s being framed. Typical story.”I wasn’t surprised.Anita always played the victim when cornered. It was her survival tactic. But she’d run out of corners this time.Officials assigned her a space with both a long table and window cameras watched by security officers who guarded the entry. A mirror reflection revealed her corporate-style clothin

  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE

    105JOANA'S POVA few moments passed.“Do the kids know?” he asked, finally looking up.I nodded. “We’ll explain more later. But for now, they know something bad happened, and they’re safe. That’s enough.”He leaned back slowly, exhaustion clinging to every movement. “What happens now?”“Now?” I repeated. “Now we wait for the storm she started to finally pass.”He gazed at me from across the room, showing emotions that fell between regret and remorse. “What will you do?”I looked toward the closed door where Anita had been taken, then toward the grand staircase leading up to where the children were playing.“I’ll protect what matters,” I said. “Always.”Caleb gave a small nod beside me. Clinton glanced at me with something warm in his eyes.And for the first time in weeks, maybe months, I didn’t feel like I was drowning in all of this. I felt grounded. Steady. In control.The silence returned, but it wasn’t heavy now. It was thoughtful. Reflective. A room breathing after holding its b

  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR

    104JOANA'S POV“Joana… what do you mean?”I didn’t bother answering Mr. Gates’ question. Let him stew in the weight of those words. Let him replay them in that calculating mind of his and wonder what I meant by shadows and what I knew that he didn’t. He wanted power and leverage. But then came the real scream—the kind that made the walls of the mansion vibrate and shattered whatever illusion of peace we had managed to hold onto for a single day.It came from the living room.I froze mid-step.Mr. Gates straightened behind me, his frown now sharp and urgent. We converged toward the shock with our steps matching each other like two magnets drawn to face their end.Stepping into the living room, I saw an expected disaster happening, like a show I was used to, though it stirred up my emotions.Two officers stood at the doorpost with straight postures showing their service badges shining under the sunshine. Staring at the officers in shock, Anita's blouse lost its smoothness, and her eye

  • TAKE ME BACK EX WIFE   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THREE

    103JOANA'S POVThe next morning unfolded like any other. We returned to the mansion, and you’d think nothing had happened the night before—the tension, the confrontation, the near brush with tragedy. The mansion seemed too serene for its usual lively atmosphere. Bright sunshine filtered through the glass to enhance the floor's golden shine, and the children's cheerful voices made architectural echoes. They ran to their various rooms to have their own fun.But there was nothing normal about today.Clinton and I walked side by side into the living room, Caleb trailing closely behind with his usual wary eye. The children followed their regular habits by having Mirabel draw at the window seat as Jake and Japheth competed loudly at their game.During this brief moment, I halted all my activities to breathe. To hope that things might start settling.Then, like the devil knew, just when to knock, a deep voice rang out from the hallway."Joana. A word," Mr. Gates said, arms folded as he sto

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