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CHAPTER 5
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2024-11-13 21:48:36MEETING
ROWAN'S POV The sun glaring through the windows when I wake up, Bella curled up next to me with her hand on my chest. She reminds me so much of Ivy sometimes. It's been seven years since Ivy left, seven years since I got Bella back, but I still feel this emptiness inside. Like Ivy's still here, haunting me. I know I messed up, treating her the way I did. But part of me just can't let it go, can't believe she didn't love me for my money. "You love her," a little voice in my head whispers. "Shut up," I growl back. "I could never love her." But even as I say it, I know it's a lie. Ivy got under my skin in a way no one else ever has. After I divorced her, I thought she'd come crawling back in a year, tops, begging me to take her back. But she didn't. Last I heard, she was in Europe, chasing that fashion designer dream of hers. I hate it, hate the thought of her out there, building a life without me. Even if she's not mine anymore, I don't want anyone else to have her. She's supposed to be mine, only mine. When I heard about her dad, it hit me hard. He and I, we had this secret business deal going on, even before my accident. It's why the whole marriage thing threw me so bad. I knew the danger Ivy would be in if the people we screwed over came looking for payback. They wouldn't hesitate to use her to get to me. I sent my guy Jack to look into her dad's death. He found out the old man was shot, but they made it look like a random attack. I told him to keep digging, to let me know if he found anything else. But I couldn't stop thinking about Ivy. The way she touched me, kissed me... Bella's got nothing on her. Even when I'm with Bella, it's Ivy I'm picturing. Now that Bella's back, I can hardly stand to kiss her. It's like Ivy took a piece of me with her when she left. "Good morning, sunshine," Bella purrs, snapping me out of my thoughts. I'd almost forgotten she was here. "Morning," I mutter, rolling out of bed. Bella's trying her best to get me going, chattering away, but I'm miles away. I smile and nod, but I'm not really hearing her. "I was hoping you could take me and the girls shopping today," she says, slipping into her clothes. We had this wild, angry sex last night, and I hate myself for what I did. What kind of man screams his ex's name when he's in bed with his girlfriend? Bella was pissed, and I don't blame her. I gave her my black card, promised to take her shopping, just to smooth things over. "I've got somewhere to be," I tell her, yanking on my shirt. "But Rowan, you promised!" she whines, giving me those puppy dog eyes I can't stand. "Like I said, I've got a meeting. You've got my card, buy whatever you want." I don't give her a chance to argue, just head downstairs and out the door for my morning run. Fifteen minutes later, I'm still pounding the pavement, but I can't outrun my thoughts. Ivy's face just keeps flashing through my mind. By the time I get back, Bella's long gone, my card with her. I'm just finishing my coffee when my alarm goes off. I'm supposed to head over to the Sharps' place, pay my respects to Ivy's mom. It doesn't take me long to get ready. I throw on my Tom Ford suit, the one I wore the day I picked Ivy up all those years ago. Black shoes, black tie, black mood. Feels fitting. I take the Rolls, pulling up to their house ten minutes later. I'm climbing out of the car, heading for the front door, when it swings open and I freeze. It's Ivy, standing there looking more beautiful than I remembered, more put together. And there's a kid peeking out from behind her, a boy who can't be more than five or six. "Ivy," I choke out, my eyes glued to the boy. "Rowan? What are you doing here?" she asks, and I can tell she's not happy to see me. I clear my throat, trying to get my bearings. "I came to give your mom my condolences. Wait, is that... is that your son?" Her eyes flash with something I can't read. "Don't you dare ask me about him. It's none of your damn business." I hold up my hands, stunned by the venom in her voice. This isn't the Ivy I remember. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I'm just surprised, that's all." But I can't take my eyes off the boy. He looks so much like I did at that age. I thought no one would want to settle down with her after me. Thought she wasn't good enough for anyone else. But I was wrong. So wrong. She's trying to leave, but I can't let her go. Not yet. "Ivy, wait. We need to talk about this." But she just shakes her head, her face hard. "There's nothing to talk about, Rowan. I'm here to bury my father, not dig up the past." And then she's walking away, the boy's hand in hers, and all I can do is watch her go. I feel like I've been punched in the gut. She's moved on, started a family with someone else. And it's all my fault. I screwed up, let my pride and my ego get in the way, and now I've lost her for good. But as I stand there, watching her disappear down the street, I know one thing for sure. I'm not ready to let her go. Not again. Not without a fight. I don't know how, but I'm going to find a way to make this right. To prove to her that I've changed, that I'm not the same selfish bastard I was back then. Even if it takes me the rest of my life, I'm going to earn her forgiveness. Her trust.
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THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 6
A FAMILIAR FACE Ivy’s POV The effect that Rowan’s presence had on me lingered long after I left the funeral. His voice, his eyes—everything about him ripped open wounds I thought had long since healed. I pressed my fingers to my temples as I walked, trying to push away the memories clawing at me. I shouldn’t have come. I should have stayed home, and kept my head down like I have done for the past seven years. Now, I was falling apart, and I hated it. The cemetery was mostly empty now, the last of the mourners leaving in small groups. My heels crunched against the gravel path as I made my way toward the exit, my heart still hammering from seeing Rowan again. But just as I reached the iron gates, a quick movement caught my eye. A black sedan stood a few yards away. The tinted windows made it impossible to see inside, but something about it made my stomach tighten with dread. I picked up my pace. Then, a sharp crack split the air. Gunfire. Instinct took over. I dropped to
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-04THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 7
The Unanswered Question Rowan’s POV I couldn’t get the image out of my head. Ivy, standing outside gripping that little boy’s hand like her life depended on it. The funeral had already been a disaster from the moment I laid eyes on her. Seeing her again after all these years had been enough of a punch to the gut, but the kid? That was something else. Something else I didn't expect. Could it be…? Because if my math was right—if the timeline made any damn sense at all— No. I couldn’t go there. Not yet. I slammed the car door shut and sat behind the wheel, gripping it tighter than necessary. My mind kept circling back, trying to fill in the blanks. Ivy had disappeared after our breakup, cutting all ties. I’d searched for her, reached out more times than I cared to admit, but she’d vanished like smoke. No trace. And now she was back. With a kid who looked— No. Focus. I needed answers, and I needed them now. If it's possible that, that kid is mine, there's a lot I ne
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-04THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 8
The Unexpected News Ivy's POV As I unlocked the door to my apartment, I wondered what I was going to tell Noah. Since he was born, I have never brought a man to my house, choosing not to deal with anything called relationship after my last fall out. But now, Gabe was in the house and I had not really come up with an explanation for Noah's little mind. Though there was a possibility that he won't be around. I was just coming back from the sitter’s house where I kept him before heading off to the cemetery where everything had gone nuts. Taking a deep breath, I took Noah's hand and pushed the door open. To my satisfaction, Gabe was still there. He was sitting on the coach where he spent the night, holding a cup of smoking liquid. Upon our entrance, he turned on the spot, his eyes sharp until he saw us and the frown on his face straightened out replaced by a smile. “Hope you don't mind? I needed a cup of coffee. Can't do much in the morning without it.” He said holding up
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-04THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 9
Father's Keepsake Ivy's POV It was just yesterday that Gabe told me I had a better chance of surviving here in Los Angeles than traveling back to Europe and it had since destabilized me. I didn't want it to be real. I tried my hardest to call the shots I knew I had to so that I can keep the business still going, but it only made the whole situation more real. If anyone had told me that I will be spending more time than necessary in this state, I’d have laughed that person to scorn, yet here I am. All because of some crazy attack that I couldn't just pinpoint who gave the order. After a long night thinking of the next step, wondering whether to just condemn everything to hell and make the drastic choice of secretly leaving L.A, but then Gab’s words echoed in my head. Taking a deep breath, I sighed. I would never forgive myself if anything was to happen to Noah. I decided instead to make the necessary calls. Thank goodness Sarah chose to keep her apartment if not thi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-04THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 10
Secrets in Plain Sight Ivy’s POV I wanted to walk away the moment I saw her. When my mother opened the door, I couldn't help but feel suffocated straight to my bones as memories from the past threatened to pull me under making me watery eye. It was hard to forgive when the people you put so much faith and trust in decide to abandon at your lowest moment. But I had to do this. For my father. Though we had no good relationship seeing as he is the instigator of all the harsh treatment the rest of the family meted on me. I clutched the small wooden box in my hands, my fingers pressing against the engraved initials. A keepsake. One of the few things he had left behind that mattered at least when he still treated me like a daughter. "Ivy." Her voice wavered, eyes widening as she took me in. I guess she was surprised to see me right now. I too was surprised by myself. Especially after the attack at the cemetery, I didn't even know who to trust anymore. I wonder what would'v
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-04THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 11
An Updated List Rowan's POV It had been a long day and all I wanted was to rush home and rest. But I had a feeling I was going to end up meeting a certain someone I was trying my possible best to dodge. Bella. So, instead of heading home, I opted for something else. A drive around town. It was kind of relaxing for me. A way to wind down and forget about my stress. As I was driving, lost in my thoughts, my gaze fell on a figure I didn't expect to see. Ivy. Without thinking twice, I drove straight towards her. Blowing my horn to get her attention, she turned in an instant. I was shocked to see the look of misery on her face. She looked like she was about to cry. When she recognized me, she quickly masked her expression and walked faster. Not turned off by her behavior, I followed her. “Hi Ivy,” “What do you want Rowan?” “Nothing really. I saw you walking and I thought you should get a ride instead. So here I am.” I stated driving alongside her. “I'm not interested.”
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-05THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 12
Ivy’s Independence Rowan’s POV I had spent years convincing myself that she had been a chapter in my life that had closed. But then I saw her again. And I saw him. Noah. The name she called him. I barely slept that night, my mind racing with questions I had no answers to. The resemblance had been undeniable, but I needed proof. I needed the truth. And Ivy sure as hell wasn’t going to hand it to me willingly. So, I did what I did best. I dug. By morning, my assistant, Daniel, had compiled a full report on Ivy’s life since we’d been apart. As I scrolled through the files on my tablet, an uneasy feeling settled in my chest. She had done well for herself. Really well. Ivy Sharp wasn’t just surviving—she was thriving. Her fashion brand, Ivy's Atelier, had taken the industry by storm, dressing celebrities, socialites, and even royalty. She had built an empire from the ground up, and she’d done it all without me. The realization hit harder than I expected. I had spent
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-05THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 13
The Gala Rowan’s POV I wasn’t leaving tonight without the answers I needed. From the moment I saw her name on the guest list, I knew this was my chance. Ivy had disappeared for the past seven years to God knows where avoiding me. Now that due to some twist, I was able to finally see her again, she is shutting down every attempt I’d made to reach her. But she won't get away tonight. Because, she’d have nowhere to run. This was the perfect location. I had decided to avoid any social circles tonight because I had a target. I scanned the crowd, my fingers tightening around the glass in my hand. The gala was in full swing—elegant dresses, expensive suits, champagne bubbling in crystal flutes. The sound of polite conversation and laughter filled the grand hall, but I didn’t hear any of it. I only had eyes for her. And no one else. Then I saw her. Ivy. She stood near the center of the room, wearing a sleek black dress that hugged her curves, her blonde hair falling in
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-05
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THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 30
A CHANCE AT REDEMPTION Ivy’s POV I barely registered Rowan’s words. My entire body went cold, every instinct screaming for me to grab my bag and bolt out the door. But I forced myself to stay still, gripping the edge of my desk like it was the only thing keeping me in control. “Gone?” Rowan’s voice cut through the silence, sharp and urgent. “What do you mean, gone?” My throat tightened as I stared at my phone, my fingers trembling over the screen. “His teacher just texted me. He didn’t get on the bus after school. No one knows where he is.” My pulse pounded in my ears. This couldn’t be happening. Not now. Not Noah. Rowan crossed the room in two strides, his hand settling on my arm with surprising steadiness. “We’ll find him,” he said firmly, his eyes locking onto mine. “I promise. We’ll find him.” The calm in his voice pulled me back from the edge, just enough for me to breathe. I nodded, though my mind was racing with worst-case scenarios. I grabbed my phone and dialed the sch
THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 29
CONFRONTING BELLA Rowan’s POV Bella’s apartment smelled like expensive candles and desperation. She stood by the window, her back to me, arms crossed tightly over her chest. The sunlight spilled across her polished hardwood floor, casting her in a cold, unflattering glow. I closed the door behind me with more force than necessary. “What do you want Rowan Douglas?” “I want to have a word with you.” She didn’t turn around. “A word? Now you want a word?” Her voice was sharp, dripping with sarcasm. “Funny. You’ve been too busy chasing after Ivy to talk to me for weeks.” I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. “Cut the games, Bella. I warned you to stop messing with Ivy. Why did you bother her?” That got her attention. She spun around, her eyes narrowing. “Excuse me?” “Vanguard. The leaked designs. The timing of their knockoff release,” I said, each word biting. “It all points back to you. And I’ve got the emails to prove it.” Her expression flickered—just for a second—b
THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 28
DINNER FOR THREE Rowan’s POV The table was set—casual but thoughtful. A bowl of pasta, fresh salad, and garlic bread sat in the center, steam rising into the warm air of the kitchen. I wiped my hands on a dish towel, glancing at the clock. Ten minutes until they arrived. I couldn’t remember the last time I was this nervous. Business meetings, tough negotiations—I could handle those with ease. But waiting for Ivy and Noah to walk through my door felt like I was preparing for an ambush. I wasn’t even sure how I convinced Ivy to agree to this dinner. Maybe it was pure desperation, or maybe she saw something in my eyes earlier when we talked—something that made her want to give me a chance. Either way, I wasn’t going to waste it. The knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts. Showtime. I opened the door, and there they were. Ivy stood just outside, her hand resting on Noah’s shoulder. She looked hesitant, her eyes flickering past me and into the house. Noah, on the other hand
THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 27
A MOMENT OF TRUTH Ivy’s POV The apartment was unusually quiet, except for the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock. It filled the silence between Sarah and me, almost like it was counting down to something inevitable. She sat across from me on the couch, one leg tucked under her, her sharp eyes studying me like she knew I was about to spill something big. “Alright,” Sarah said, tilting her head. “You’ve been pacing for the last five minutes, and I’ve already watched you open and close your mouth at least three times. Just say it.” I stopped in my tracks, chewing on my bottom lip. My palms felt clammy, and my heart was racing. I had no idea where to begin, but the weight in my chest refused to let me keep quiet any longer. “It’s Rowan,” I finally blurted out, sinking onto the couch beside her. “I can’t stop thinking about him.” Her eyebrows shot up. “Rowan?” she repeated, her voice cautious. “As in the Rowan? The one who—” “Yes,” I cut her off quickly. “That Rowan.” Sarah folded
THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 26
BREAKING POINT IVY’S POV The boardroom buzzed with a nervous energy I couldn’t quite place. My investors sat around the long table, eyes on me, waiting for answers I wasn’t entirely sure I had anymore. I swallowed the lump in my throat and smiled through it. “Thank you all for being here,” I began, clasping my hands together tightly to keep them from shaking. “I know there have been… setbacks recently, but I want to assure you that the launch is still on schedule. The designs are ready, and the marketing team is already preparing the final campaign strategy.” A couple of the investors nodded, but most of them looked skeptical. I could practically hear their thoughts. Another crisis. Another excuse. How long until this business collapses? I couldn’t let that happen. I wouldn’t. I’d worked too damn hard to get here. Just as I was about to continue, the glass door to the boardroom swung open. A woman I vaguely recognized—short hair, sharp suit, and a notebook clutched in her hand—w
THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 25
WARNING GABE’S POV I found him leaning against his car, hands stuffed in his pockets, staring up at the darkened windows of Ivy’s house. There was something about the way he stood—too casual, too comfortable—that set my teeth on edge. He had no right to stand there like he belonged, like he hadn’t left her to pick up the shattered pieces of her life. I took a deep breath, my boots crunching against the gravel as I closed the distance between us. His head lifted at the sound, and when his eyes met mine, I saw the flicker of recognition, then caution. “Gabe,” Rowan said, his voice calm, almost too calm. “Didn’t expect to see you here.” Right back at you asshole. “Yeah, well,” I crossed my arms, standing tall. “Figured it was about time we had a little chat.” Not that it was my plan to talk to him. I came to see Ivy and Noah but his appearance just set me off. His brow arched. “A chat?” Was I supposed to repeat myself? What was it with this rich pricks? “About Ivy,” I said fla
THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 24
NOAH'S BIG QUESTION Ivy’s POV The soft hum of the TV was the only sound in the living room, but I wasn’t paying attention to the cartoon flickering on the screen. My eyes were locked on Noah, who was sprawled out on the couch with his tablet in his lap, his little face furrowed in concentration. He hadn’t said much since we got home earlier, and I couldn’t blame him. After everything that had happened over the past few days—after everything with Rowan—I wasn’t sure how to begin untangling it for him. “Mom?” His voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “Yeah, sweetheart?” He set the tablet aside and sat up, his serious expression catching me off guard. “Can I ask you something?” I smiled, trying to push down the anxiety curling in my chest. “Of course. You can ask me anything.” He hesitated for a second, then looked at me with those wide, honest eyes of his. “Why isn’t Rowan around? Like… in our lives?” The question hit me like a punch to the gut. My breath caught, and for a secon
THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 23
PRESSURES FROM THE PAST Ivy’s POV I sat in my office, glaring at the email on my screen like it might burst into flames. I read it again, hoping I’d misunderstood. Nope. “Vanguard launches new summer collection.” My collection. Their press release was bold, complete with photos of the exact designs I’d planned to release next month. The different shades of soft colors, and unique styles on the dresses—every single detail—identical to my sketches. I clenched my fists. Bella. It had to be her. Only a few people had access to those designs, and one of them included my former employee and mentee, Eric. The son of bitch betrayed me and leaked my other designs to her. It hadn't been too long that I caught wind that he was the one responsible for Vanguard stealing my designs before they even got the chance to see the world. And it had happened again. But by God, this will be the last time. Not if I can help it. My pulse thudded in my ears. I needed to act fast, but legal actio
THE RETURN OF THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX WIFE CHAPTER 22
A BATTLE OF WILLS ROWAN'S POV It's been a few days since I found out that I have a son and all I could think was how I could get to know him. Obviously, I knew that was going to be a new level of difficult seeing how Ivy is trying to make sure that we don't get I stay away from the boy. It's not like I blamed her or anything. It was my fault after all. I was the one that tossed her out for a stupid reason. It was Saturday evening and I didn't have it in me for any social calling. So, I sent the servants away and sat in the living room while flipping through TV stations that barely held my attention. Lost in my thoughts, I barely notice when someone knocks on the door. I was about to call for one of the servants to come get the door but then I remembered there was no one around. With a grunt, I went to get the door. The moment I opened the door, my system was hit with shock that I almost fell to my knees. The usual floral scent of Ivy filled the air, robbing me of the ability
