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Chapter thirteen
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THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter one
Dahlia's POV“…I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride,” the priest announces, a teasing glint in his eyes as if he’s done this a hundred times before.I stare at the man in front of me, my legal husband. I wait, heart pounding, for him to lean in and kiss me, but he doesn’t. He refuses to follow the priest's command. My heart sinks, not in disappointment, but in anger.How dare he disrespect me in front of all these people his father invited to our wedding? Does he not respect his father enough to at least keep up the facade for the guests? I didn’t expect much from this cold, stoic man, but I thought he’d at least pretend.Instead, he rushes down the steps of the altar and vanishes from the church, leaving my face burning with humiliation. He could’ve at least leaned in, touched my cheek, or something.Embarrassed, I slowly followed him outside, my head bent, unable to withstand the eyes watching our every move. As soon as I step out, a black Aston Martin zooms o
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter two
Dahlia's POVIt's been three months since I married Ethan Caine, and I haven't seen him once in this house. The last time I saw him was on our wedding day, when I walked in and heard him in his room with another woman. After that, it was as if he disappeared from the face of the earth.I’ve gotten used to the housemaids here. Mrs. Austin and the others have been welcoming, and I’ve spent most of my free time bonding with them. I need all the company I can get for the next year; it shouldn't be that bad.I remember the contract Mr. Caine had me sign in the VIP section of the café where I used to work. He told me I wouldn’t have to work for the entire time I was married to his son. He promised me a large sum of money in exchange, and I was grateful for that. Since I left the orphanage, I’ve worked nonstop, moving from one café to the next, then from a restaurant to a diner, just to feed and clothe myself. My parents decided they didn’t want me and dumped me at some random orphanage, an
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter three
Ethan's POV:I stood frozen, my sister's hand still in midair, the sting of her slap echoing around the room. My wife’s cheek was red, and her eyes filled with tears… tears of anger, hurt, and confusion. Those damned eyes, so wide, so trusting, and they were staring right into mine. Did she think I did it? Did she really believe I’d lay a hand on her like that? She is not as important as she thinks she is. Maxine continued to scream at her, accusing her of some ridiculous crime against our father, as if the old man didn’t have a brain in his head. I knew she was innocent in all this mess, but why did she have to accept his money and marry me? Doesn't she understand how dangerous I can be? Just because I haven’t acknowledged her existence doesn’t mean I don’t have a plan brewing in the back of my mind. She should be lucky I’m avoiding her. She’s small, too innocent, and that makes something in me want to shield her. But since that damned wedding day, I’ve felt things I shouldn’t. Wh
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter four
Dahlia’s POVMy hands shook as I gripped the edge of the bathroom sink, the cool porcelain biting into my palms. Another wave of nausea crashed over me, and I heaved into the toilet, my stomach clenching until there was nothing left but bile and tears. My body felt weak, as if it were made of paper, fragile and ready to tear at the slightest touch. This was the fifth time I’d thrown up today, and it was barely past noon. Eleven months and two weeks. That’s how long I’ve been living under Ethan’s roof. Or perhaps “existing” was a better word for it. Every day felt like an eternity, a slow march through a nightmare I could never wake up from. I barely slept anymore, the panic attacks always found me in the dark. When I did manage to close my eyes, I’d wake up screaming, choking on air, my heart pounding in my chest as if trying to escape.In those eleven months, Ethan and I had barely exchanged more than ten sentences. Each one felt like pulling teeth, sharp and painful, and I was usu
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter five
Dahlia's POVI awoke to a loud noise from downstairs and immediately knew something was going on. Standing up from the bed, I quietly walked to the door and peeked outside, only to find nothing. With tentative steps, I headed to the stairs, my heart pounding in my chest.For some reason, I felt like whatever was happening had everything to do with me, even though I didn't know what it was. A chill settled deep in my bones as I moved, a terrible feeling gnawing at me.I could make out two voices; one of them was unmistakably Alice's, and the other belonged to Ethan’s younger sister, Maxine. She’d been terrorizing me all year, but only once or twice a month. She was just here a few days ago, so what was she doing back already?I wasn’t curious. I already knew that whatever chaos was unfolding downstairs would end up being dumped on my head. A sigh escaped me, but I continued down the stairs, the sound of blood rushing in my ears as my heart hammered in my chest. I knew I wouldn’t like t
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter six
Dahlia's POVI shrug off my coat, hanging it with calculated precision on the rack beside the door, and stride into my office with measured steps. The sharp, deliberate click of my five-inch pumps against the marble floor echoes through the room, a reminder of the control I wield in every space I occupy. My gaze sweeps across the spacious office, the glass wall behind me framing a panoramic view of the city skyline. I make my way to the executive chair, my hands brushing over the smooth leather as I settle in. The hum of my laptop fills the silence as it powers on. Numbers flash across the screen—revenues, projections, margins—all meticulously aligned, all but one. I narrow my eyes, scrutinizing the screen. A line of data is missing. A deliberate omission, or a grave mistake. Either way, whoever is responsible will pay dearly.I press the intercom button. My voice is clipped, direct. “To my office. Now.” The line goes dead before a response can come through. I have no time for dela
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter seven
Ethan's POVI stride down the narrow corridor to my office, glancing at my wristwatch as I go. I’ve got about an hour until my meeting with George Crowe, and although I've got more pressing issues that demand my attention, there's something about this meeting I can't ignore. An inexplicable pull that’s been gnawing at me since the invitation came through. Instinct has always been my guide, and it's rarely steered me wrong, so I decided to see it through.Settling into my leather executive chair, I unbutton my onyx Armani suit and feel the familiar weight of the fabric drape around my shoulders. My secretary, Miranda, slips in without knocking, her hips swaying a little too intentionally, a flirtatious smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She’s angling for attention, just like every other woman used to. But things have changed; I’ve changed. Even she’s noticed. They all have. No one knows why, and I intend to keep it that way. She prattles on about my schedule, her voice lilting
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter eight
Dahlia’s POV "Yeah, make sure things are done properly. I’ve got the jewelry's backup on my other Mac," I say into the phone, my voice cool and commanding, cutting through any room for error. My assistant, who I've left back at the office, listens attentively as I lay out instructions, every word crisp and decisive. I'm aware of my chauffeur standing by the open door, waiting for me to step out, but I take my time. Two cars are stalled behind us, their drivers likely impatient, but I don't care. I won't be rushed by anyone, not even by the ticking clock of this meeting. I finish my call, my tone sharp, not even waiting for a reply before hanging up. A quick glance in the mirror, and I swipe on a fresh coat of red lipstick. It's time to get this over with. Today, I’m finally going to meet Ethan Caine after years of deliberately keeping my distance. I don’t know what to feel about it—anger, indifference, or maybe a hint of satisfaction. Whatever it is, I'll bury it deep. Nothin
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THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter thirteen
As I stepped out of the small cottage I had been sharing with Aiden for the past three days, I made sure to check the clearing ahead of me. I couldn't risk another run-in with Ethan, not after what had happened the first night here. He had insisted on leaving the cottage with me a few times since then, suggesting we could "have some fun" together. But I knew better. I needed to keep things simple for Aiden's sake. I scanned the area once more, ensuring the beach was deserted. I kept Aiden close as we snuck out and made our way to the rented car. The whole time, he was smiling, his little face glowing with excitement, and my heart swelled with affection. He was the exact image of his father, down to the mischievous gleam in his blue eyes. We drove to a park not far from the cottage, where I had planned a picnic just for us. I wanted Aiden to enjoy every moment of this vacation, like I promised him. I had prepared a feast: sandwiches, apple slices, grapes, watermelon, baby carrot
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter twelve
Ethan’s POV I found myself lying in bed, caught in a relentless cycle of tossing and turning. Sleep had eluded me for several nights, my body unable to relax, my mind too full of thoughts that I stubbornly refused to confront. For days, I hadn't managed more than two hours of rest in a full twenty-four hours, and frustration gnawed at my nerves like a dull ache that wouldn't quit. I knew exactly why sleep was so hard to come by, but admitting it felt like surrender. After what felt like hours of staring at the ceiling, I finally gave up. I pushed myself out of bed, threw on some clothes, and headed out to the private beach that had drawn me to this secluded cottage in the first place. Earlier today, I had signed a business deal worth millions, the kind of deal that should’ve made me feel like I was on top of the world. But instead, I felt… nothing. Just empty. The ocean stretched out before me, endless and vast, but tonight, even its beauty couldn’t stir the excitement or peac
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter eleven
Dahlia’s POV As I settled everything into place, I extended my arms wide, letting myself be wrapped up in the sun's warmth. I hadn’t taken a vacation since I began my business journey all those years ago, but here I was, finally giving in to Aiden's relentless begging for a trip to Bali. I reclined on the secluded shore of the cottage I’d booked for the week, wearing a tasteful two-piece bikini. I’d made a firm decision: no phones, no work, nothing but time for Aiden. This week was just for us, a chance to be fully present, something I’d denied myself for far too long. Aiden maneuvered his way over to me, his head coming to rest gently against my chest. A soft smile tugged at my lips. I stroked my fingers through his dark brow hair—he had inherited that from his father—then kissed his forehead. Ethan had burned away any chance of romantic notions in me, leaving my heart scarred. My capacity for affection was nearly extinguished for everyone but my son. With Aiden, it was eff
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter ten
Ethan’s POV I rake a hand through my hair, pacing the length of my office with an intensity that sends my employees scattering. They know better than to cross my path when I'm like this, when I'm barely keeping the fury in check. My nostrils flare as I wrestle with the questions spinning in my mind. Finally, I drop into my chair, the leather creaking under my weight as I replay the events of the morning. I can still see her, the woman from the elevator, the one who walked into that boardroom and fought for that contract until she won. That sickly sweet smile, those bland eyes, the negotiation skills that had me rooted in place. Dahlia. She would’ve been easy to defeat if I hadn’t wanted to watch her in action, if I hadn’t been so damn curious about how far she’s come, how she operates. I was turned on, completely fucking captivated. But that wasn’t the worst part. No, the worst part was realizing that the woman I’d been watching was my ex-wife. The woman who vanished five years
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter nine
Dahlia’s POV Mr. Crowe looks completely bewildered, clearly unsure how to handle the situation unfolding before him. What does one say when two powerful forces collide over the future of your company? He takes a moment to regain his composure, then stands up and adjusts his suit with a nervous smile, clearly aware of the tension filling the room. I watch him closely, noting the slight quiver in his hand as he licks his lips. He's just realized he's holding a golden opportunity. I see it in his eyes: the gleam of a man who smells money and senses a rivalry he can exploit. Ethan and I have a history, and Crowe is clever enough to see it. He’s going to use it against us. Classic businessman… seize the advantage. “I’ve heard all your proposals,” Crowe begins, his voice settling into a more confident tone, “and they’re both compelling. I wouldn’t mind selling to either of you—your strategies are impressive.” He pauses, his eyes darting between us as the board members nod in agreeme
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter eight
Dahlia’s POV "Yeah, make sure things are done properly. I’ve got the jewelry's backup on my other Mac," I say into the phone, my voice cool and commanding, cutting through any room for error. My assistant, who I've left back at the office, listens attentively as I lay out instructions, every word crisp and decisive. I'm aware of my chauffeur standing by the open door, waiting for me to step out, but I take my time. Two cars are stalled behind us, their drivers likely impatient, but I don't care. I won't be rushed by anyone, not even by the ticking clock of this meeting. I finish my call, my tone sharp, not even waiting for a reply before hanging up. A quick glance in the mirror, and I swipe on a fresh coat of red lipstick. It's time to get this over with. Today, I’m finally going to meet Ethan Caine after years of deliberately keeping my distance. I don’t know what to feel about it—anger, indifference, or maybe a hint of satisfaction. Whatever it is, I'll bury it deep. Nothin
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter seven
Ethan's POVI stride down the narrow corridor to my office, glancing at my wristwatch as I go. I’ve got about an hour until my meeting with George Crowe, and although I've got more pressing issues that demand my attention, there's something about this meeting I can't ignore. An inexplicable pull that’s been gnawing at me since the invitation came through. Instinct has always been my guide, and it's rarely steered me wrong, so I decided to see it through.Settling into my leather executive chair, I unbutton my onyx Armani suit and feel the familiar weight of the fabric drape around my shoulders. My secretary, Miranda, slips in without knocking, her hips swaying a little too intentionally, a flirtatious smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She’s angling for attention, just like every other woman used to. But things have changed; I’ve changed. Even she’s noticed. They all have. No one knows why, and I intend to keep it that way. She prattles on about my schedule, her voice lilting
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter six
Dahlia's POVI shrug off my coat, hanging it with calculated precision on the rack beside the door, and stride into my office with measured steps. The sharp, deliberate click of my five-inch pumps against the marble floor echoes through the room, a reminder of the control I wield in every space I occupy. My gaze sweeps across the spacious office, the glass wall behind me framing a panoramic view of the city skyline. I make my way to the executive chair, my hands brushing over the smooth leather as I settle in. The hum of my laptop fills the silence as it powers on. Numbers flash across the screen—revenues, projections, margins—all meticulously aligned, all but one. I narrow my eyes, scrutinizing the screen. A line of data is missing. A deliberate omission, or a grave mistake. Either way, whoever is responsible will pay dearly.I press the intercom button. My voice is clipped, direct. “To my office. Now.” The line goes dead before a response can come through. I have no time for dela
THE RUTHLESS CEO IS THE BILLIONAIRE’S EX WIFE Chapter five
Dahlia's POVI awoke to a loud noise from downstairs and immediately knew something was going on. Standing up from the bed, I quietly walked to the door and peeked outside, only to find nothing. With tentative steps, I headed to the stairs, my heart pounding in my chest.For some reason, I felt like whatever was happening had everything to do with me, even though I didn't know what it was. A chill settled deep in my bones as I moved, a terrible feeling gnawing at me.I could make out two voices; one of them was unmistakably Alice's, and the other belonged to Ethan’s younger sister, Maxine. She’d been terrorizing me all year, but only once or twice a month. She was just here a few days ago, so what was she doing back already?I wasn’t curious. I already knew that whatever chaos was unfolding downstairs would end up being dumped on my head. A sigh escaped me, but I continued down the stairs, the sound of blood rushing in my ears as my heart hammered in my chest. I knew I wouldn’t like t
