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CHAPTER NINE

last update Huling Na-update: 2024-08-03 16:22:10
“ I don't think so.” I replied almost immediately, not turning to her and continuing splashing water on my hands.

“ Really? But I ….”

Ashley was cut short by another voice that chimed in and I released the breath that I didn't know I was holding in.

“Right, Ashley! Why didn’t you and your husband arrive together?” the woman asked, her tone both casual and probing.

I could feel her gaze shifted back to the mirror as she continued her business. With a dismissive chuckle, she replied, “I had a late shoot and couldn’t make it home in time, so I told him to go ahead. I’ll catch up, as I always do.” Her smile was a practiced mask, perfectly concealing whatever emotions lay beneath.

“Oh, I see,” the woman replied, nodding knowingly. “To be honest, I thought something might have happened between the two of you. You know...there are rumors you two might be getting di….”

But before she could finish the sentence, another woman beside her gently elbowed her, trying to signal her to stop, bu
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  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER TEN

    ****LANCE POV**** "I'm very sorry, but i’ve changed my mind. I won't settle for anything less than 80%." I said, after finding out that the contract has been finalized with Marcus Roderigo. It was true that he recommended me for the contract but demanding for fifty percent was a bit much and since I have me own plan back then, I decided to agree with him but now that everything had been sorted out, I changed my mind. He leaned forward, eyes darkening as he hissed under his breath."What?! You…" he started, his voice sharp and heated. But he quickly lower his volume when he remembers that was are in public setting. "Are you trying to be ungrateful right now?" His tone was a low, dangerous growl. "Don’t forget Lance, you wouldn’t even have the chance if it weren't for me. I pulled the strings, I opened the doors for you. And this is how you repay me? Demanding 80%?” He growl. I forced myself to remain calm, hiding the anger simmering within. This is exactly why I hate accepting favor

    Huling Na-update : 2024-08-08
  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER ELEVEN

    Everyone looked at me, confused. “Is something wrong?”My wife asked but I'm struggling to form anywords, my thoughts was a chaotic mess. Wait, did he just say that Maya… no Ariel Roderigo… my ex-wife? Is going to be the one in charge now? If she was the new representative for A&R, that meant our entire contract was in her hands. The very woman I’d walked away from was now the gatekeeper to my company’s future. But how could I explain any of this to anyone? How could I admit that the poised, powerful woman on stage was once my wife whom I abandoned for their daughter? No matters how i put it, I think it will be a letting insane. I managed to stammer, “No, it’s… it’s nothing.” I turned back to Henry, desperation lacing my voice. “This isn’t confirmed, right? I mean, Marcus… he can’t really be putting her in charge of everything.”Henry gave me a look that was both grave and resigned. “It’s already a done deal. Marcus approved it himself, so there is nothing for her to do about it

    Huling Na-update : 2024-08-08
  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER TWELVE

    Pacing to and fro with my hands in my pockets, I patiently waited for her to come out to come out of the female restroom. Minutes later, the door opened and Maya came out of the restroom, turning towards the hall again. “Maya!” I called out and she stopped in her tracks and slowly turned around to me. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. “Are you referring to me?” she asked in a cold and distant tone as she pointed to herself. “Yes, of course. How can I not recognize you when we spent four years together? You have changed a lot, but…” I tried to move closer to her, but she stepped back, and I could see fear on her face as she seemed scared of me. “What do you think you are doing? Are you trying to harass me?” “Hell no! Why the fuck would I do that?” “I don’t know who you think I am, but you must be mistaken. I am Ariel Roderigo.” She denied bluntly and then turned to leave. “Maya Wells.” I called her full name, which she lived by for the four years she had been married t

    Huling Na-update : 2024-08-08
  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER THIRTEEN

    ******MAYA / ARIEL'S POV***** “Ariel, there you are," Mom called out as I entered the dining, while everyone turned their attention back to me. "Come and join us." I smiled politely and walked over to the table. Kingsley and I exchanged smiles as he quickly stood up from his seat and pulled out a chair for me. "You look beautiful," he whispered behind me as I sat down. "Thanks" I replied, a warmth feeling spreading through me. I glanced around the table at my parents, Richard Bane, Abigail Bane, who was Kingsley's mother, and Nora Bane, who was Kingsley's sister. The all smile kindly at me, which I returned. Kingsley's family was here today to talk about our engagement and wedding. I already insisted that there was no need for an engagement ceremony once the wedding date was set, but both my parents and his parents refused, claiming they wanted this to be a grand affair, a world wedding that everyone would talk about. That was what brought me here, to this gathering. Nora co

    Huling Na-update : 2024-08-08
  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER FOURTEEN

    Everyone at the table smiled and nodded and the mood lightened once more. They continued discussing the engagement party, and I tried to push the incident out of my mind. But I couldn't help feeling a sense of unease. What if the truth came out? What if my secret was revealed? But I knew one thing: before the truth came out, I would have ruined Lance's life. After dinner, Kingsley and I excused ourselves from the table. The evening air embraced us as we made our way to the balcony, the stars twinkling above us and casting a soft glow over the garden. "Are you okay?" Kingsley asked gently, leaning against the railing with concern evident in his voice. I sighed, looking up at the night sky. "I'm fine. Just... thinking about everything." "Like you're not comfortable with the wedding?" "No. Of course, I am. It's just that everything is moving so fast as I just returned yesterday, and now this," I said, lowering my gaze and fidgeting with my fingers. Kingsley reached out, gently

    Huling Na-update : 2024-08-08
  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER FIFTEEN

    I increased my pace and hurried to the living room. Getting there, I was shocked to see Mom slapping Mia hard across the face. Each slap sent Mia back, and she would quickly regain her composure and rush to the front of my mom again, standing in the same spot, and Mom would slap her again. My heart ached at the sight of this, and even Bella was on her knees begging Mom with tears streaming down her face. How could Mom be this cruel to do this right in front of her own granddaughter? "Please, Mrs. Roderigo, let my mother go," Bella cried, her face wet with tears. "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have gone outside. Mummy told me to stay inside, but I didn't listen. I promise I'll never leave my room again, I promise." I felt my heart shatter into a thousand pieces as I watched them get punished all because Bella stepped outside and met Kingsley. Rage boiled inside me as I watched my mother continue to strike Mia without even considering poor Bella, who was begging her. I couldn't st

    Huling Na-update : 2024-08-19
  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER SIXTEEN

    M-Mom," I whispered, holding my stinging cheek, my voice barely audible over the sharp, painful throb radiating across my skin. "How dare you say that to me after everything I’ve done for you? How dare you!" Her voice thundered. I couldn’t look at her, lowering my gaze as tears slipped down my cheeks. "I don’t care if you wed her father or whatever foolish choices you’ve made," she hissed, her words laced with venom. "But mark my words—nothing good will come if you continue defying me. I forgave you once; don’t think I’ll do it again. Choose your words and actions wisely, or you’ll regret it." With that, she turned on her heel, her footsteps echoing as she stormed out of the room. I stood there, rooted in place, unable to move, my heart pounding. I wasn’t sure how I finally managed to make my way to my bedroom, but before I knew it, I was slamming the door shut behind me. I stumbled over to the bed and collapsed onto it, burying my face in the pillows as a fresh wave of tears overt

    Huling Na-update : 2024-08-19
  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

    ~~ASHLEY~~I adjusted the collar of my blouse, trying to keep my composure as I sat across from Nora Bane who was on the phone, talking with someone. With the bright smile on her face, I could guess she's a close friend of hers. “ Oh you mean that? Of course it is.” As they were talking, Nora suddenly glanced at me, clicking her tongue and then smiled, to which I quickly returned.I was actually called this morning to take on the modeling job for their new project called mEgan3 which they wanted to launch soon. They had moved up the date due to the reason which I didn't know about. On getting the call from her secretary, I didn't even think of having breakfast before rushing here.I waited for her to finish the call so that she could hand over the contract she was holding to me.We had both signed it, and she was just about to give it to me when her phone rang. Getting this contract was a huge opportunity— the best I’d ever had in my years in this industry. It was a modeling gig fo

    Huling Na-update : 2024-08-19

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  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN

    ~~~LANCE'S POV~~~I stood from my seat and gently pulled the bedsheet up, tucking it around Bella’s small frame. She looked so small on the hospital bed with a thick bandage wrapped around her head.I should have been more careful. If I had been, she wouldn’t be lying here like this.As she lay there, her face was pale but peaceful, and I could see the steady rise and fall of her chest as she breathed.It was good to see her getting better, but she had just not woken up yet. The doctor just left and said she's now much better and that we should be expecting her to wake up soon.But I was a little tense. How would I even begin to explain myself when she woke up? What words could possibly justify the years I had not been by her side? No matter what I said, no matter how I tried to rationalize it, the truth remained the same; I had failed her.I lowered myself back onto the chair beside her bed, my heart aching as I gazed at her. After all these months of knowing I had a child, I had no

  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIX

    As the words left my mouth, time seemed to stop for a moment. Lance didn’t move nor blink. He just had his eyes locked onto mine, and I saw them filled with emotions I couldn’t name. Was it anger? Or shock? Or maybe disbelief?I didn’t really know. His lips parted slightly, and a small, shaky breath escaped. “What?”“ So you will donate. And I own you one and nothing more.”His lips trembled like he wanted to say something, like he wanted to yell or ask questions. But no words came out of his mouth. Was he too shocked or maybe he was holding them back?I looked away because I couldn’t take it anymore.Lance didn’t say another word to me. He just turned to the doctor. “Where do I donate?” His actions surprised me as I expected him to explode or to question me about how it is possible as he even had a DNA done or even get angry that I had kept this from him. But I was a little surprised as I had imagined this moment so many times but in every version, Lance never reacted like this.Wa

  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE

    ~~~MAYA'S POV~~~I run through the hospital doors like a madwoman. The shoes I am wearing feel a little uncomfortable, which means I must be wearing them wrong, but I don't really care.Right now, I am not in my right mind. No mother would be.When Lance was rushed here last time, I had prayed to never experience this again—to never have someone I love lying in a hospital bed.But it has happened again. And to Bella.We were celebrating Betsy’s success, as she had successfully opened her resort, when Lance's call came in. In fact, right now, I'm managing to stay upright as I am still under the influence of alcohol."Bella… where is Bella?" I demanded as soon as we reached the reception. My voice was shaking, my breath uneven, as I really can't even imagine the condition my poor baby is in.Mia, Betsy, and I stood there, eagerly waiting for the nurse to say something—anything.“The patient?” she asked.“No, a fucking goat! Do you treat those here?” I snapped, frustration and fear twist

  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR

    ~~~LANCE'S POV~~~ “We’ve been sitting here for six damn hours,” Bryan muttered, rubbing his temple. “Not a single damn fly has walked out of that place. I think it’s time we give up and try another method.” I didn’t look at him. My eyes stayed on the entrance of The Haven Lounge. “No, I'm sure this is the best way to catch him. If we go in there, he’ll see us coming and slip out before we even know where to look.”Bryan groaned, sinking further into his seat. “I get that, but I actually have real work to do. Unlike you, I can’t afford to waste my whole day on a wild goose chase.” I turned my head slightly, catching the frustration etched all over his face. His jaw was clenched, brows drawn together and his fingers were tapping impatiently against the steering wheel. I could clearly see that he’s at his limit. “Relax, I’m damn sure he’s in there and my gut is telling me that he’ll show his face soon. So just chill. And besides, aren’t lawyers supposed to fight for justice? I got in

  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THREE

    Walking toward Betsy, she gave me a disdainful look. “You know you’re such a bad person, Ariel.”“Am I?”“Like… How could you not tell me about this beforehand? Do you know how shocked I was? I nearly fainted!”I laughed, shaking my head as I finally got what she was saying. “Oh, sweetheart, I'm really sorry. I wanted to, but I don't really think it's such a big deal.”Betsy sighed dramatically before shaking her head. “You really have no idea what you made me do. I literally blew up all his lines with messages and insults when you went missing after the ruined wedding day. I was so mad at him that I thought he was the one taking you for granted.”I raised a brow, curious. “What did you say to him?”She bit her lip before groaning. “Let’s just say I gave him a piece of my mind.”That’s not good.But looking at Kingsley, I don't really think he still remembers that.“I’m sure he didn’t take it to heart.”She pouted. “I still feel bad, though.”I waved my hand dismissively before taking

  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWO

    ~~~MAYA'S POV~~~A smile tucked at the corner of my lips as I pictured Ashley’s entire expression. When she entered at first, she had no idea that she wasn't the only one here, as everywhere was dark, with light only focused on the table, which was set for Kingsley and Lysol, and also on the piano.I watched her as she played the piano well, pouring all her soul into it, and even the tone moved me. But when there was a loud burst of confetti and she snapped her eyes open, I could not help but burst into laughter when she first saw the proposal banner with Lysol's name on it.Poor Ashley.She had truly believed he was going to propose to her and had held onto that belief so tightly, probably imagining herself in a white dress, standing beside him in front of a crowd.Like, I really couldn’t deny that seeing her crushed expression gave me some satisfaction. Well, after everything she had done, after all the pain she had caused me, wasn’t it fair that she got a taste of her own medicine?

  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ONE

    When I arrived at Ambrosia Hall, my heart was beating so fast that I felt like it would burst st any moment. A waiter led me to a private room, and when the door opened, I froze on sight.The room was dim, and a single beam of light illuminated a beautifully set table. There was a bouquet of roses in the center and the sight was so romantic that I felt tears prick my eyes.But as I stood there, I couldn’t stop the small voice in my head. “You worked hard for this. Every humiliation, every pain, every tear…you really deserve this.” And then I saw him—Kingsley, standing tall in a black tuxedo suit with his hair perfectly styled. He looked so handsome that I couldn’t help but stare, my heart racing with every step he took toward me. “You’re here.”“Yeah,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady even though I was trembling inside. “I came as fast as I could. Your message sounded urgent.”“Thanks,” he said, his lips curling into a warm smile. “And you look beautiful tonight.”I could f

  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED

    ~~~ASHLEY'S POV~~~The aura in the air was already screaming that there was something serious she wanted to say to me. And the way her arms were crossed and her lips were pressed together in that tight line I hated, proved my right. Mom called me earlier this morning saying she wanted to see me but I was busy, so I showed up now and the way she was looking at me told me this conversation wasn’t going to go well.“How long, Ashley,” she said after a moment of silence.“How long what?”“How long will you keep living like this?”“Living like what, Mom? I'm totally living my best life.” She let out a long sigh and shook her head like I was some hopeless child who didn’t understand the world. “This isn't your best life, neither is it the kind of life I wanted for you. I thought you're smarter than these but you keep disappointing me. Look at yourself, Ashley. You have no job and no money and nothing to your name except being Kingsley Bane’s girlfriend. Is that all you want to be? A gir

  • THE RETURN OF THE DIVORCED BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS   CHAPTER NINETY-NINE

    As Lance was wheeled into the emergency center, my eyes stayed glued to him. My feet felt like they were rooted to the floor, and I just couldn’t stop shaking. I glanced down at my hand and then my dress, which was now soaked with his blood, and the scene kept replaying in my head.How he ran towards me, shouting my name. The fear in his eyes and voice as he tried to save me from danger. How the chandelier had come crashing down, but I just couldn't move at that moment because of the shock. And then he’d shoved me out of the way, making it fall on him.I sank into one of the chairs outside the emergency ward. My legs felt like jelly and were also too weak to hold me up any longer. Wrapping my arms around myself, I tried to stop the trembling.I could sense people bustling around me and voices blending into a blur. But I just couldn't look up to identify them as I wasn't in my right state of mind.Why was it at that moment that the chandelier had to fall? Why?A coat draped over my sh

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