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168: Uninvited Guests
Last Updated:
2025-03-19 23:59:02
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The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 169: So Much Warmth
[Arella]Ryder drags me along deeper into another section of the ballroom, where my family members are waiting. The chandeliers above cast a golden glow, making everything look grand and elegant, but all I can think about is the familiar warmth ahead.Family members... It’s a strange, comforting thought. A real, solid kind of warmth that wraps around me like a favorite childhood blanket. And suddenly, I wish Ava was with me. She’d love this—being surrounded by all these people who actually feel like home.“Hey, don’t rush a pregnant woman like this!” I snap playfully at Ryder, shooting him a glare as I struggle to keep up in my heels. My feet are killing me, my back aches, and this man is dragging me around like I’m luggage.Ryder rolls his eyes like the dramatic little gremlin he is. “Oh, please, you’re only, like, what, two, three months gone?”I scoff, flipping my hair for dramatic effect. “I’m seven months gone, Ry.”Ryder stops so suddenly that I nearly slam into him, my stomach
Last Updated : 2025-03-20The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 170: Waiter In Disguise
[Deric]Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I frown at the waiter's outfit clinging to my frame. The stiff white shirt feels like a straitjacket, the black vest squeezing my ribs like it's mocking me. The whole thing smells like starch and cheap detergent.Ames’ finances wasn't enough to get me an invitation. Or maybe no one actually wanted me here. Not even as a footnote in this perfect, glittering night.Well, too bad for them.I adjust the fake mustache and beard, scrutinizing my reflection under the dim, flickering restroom light. I look unrecognizable, just another faceless server blending into the background noise. Exactly the way I need to be.I force my shoulders back, inhale sharply, and step out.The hallways are buzzing with champagne-drenched laughter, women in shimmering gowns clinging to men with expensive watches and empty smiles. Golden chandeliers throw soft light over the polished floors, the air thick with the scent of jubilation, wine, and wealth.I move with p
Last Updated : 2025-03-21The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 171: Tension At The Table
[Arella] The dining hall glows with warmth, a golden ambiance settling over the long, elegantly set table. Laughter hums through the air, weaving into the clinking of glasses and the soft murmur of conversation. For a moment, just a fleeting moment, everything feels perfect. Lincoln’s family joins seamlessly, blending into the flow of my own—like they were always meant to be here. No tension. No awkward pauses. Just good food, good company, and an almost surreal sense of ease. It should put me at peace. It does actually. But then, as the wine flows and lighthearted discussions turn toward the Big Merge, something shifts. “Arella,” Grandpa chuckles, swirling the amber liquid in his glass, “we keep hearing about this ‘surprise’ of yours. Should we be worried?” I smirk, resting my chin on my palm as I glance at Lincoln. He’s stiff. Oh? The way his fingers tighten slightly around his fork doesn’t go unnoticed. The subtle shift in his expression—cool, composed, but defin
Last Updated : 2025-03-22The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 172: The Proposal
[Arella]I don’t even bother sparing Lisa or Mr. Thompson another glance. They don’t deserve it.We move on with our conversations, ignoring them so thoroughly it must sting. But they still try to wedge their way in, their voices lingering like an unwanted aftertaste.Utterly pathetic. But something feels off. My gaze flickers across the room. Where the hell is Vivian?She’s nowhere in sight, and that sends a cold, uneasy ripple through my spine. She’s not the type to disappear quietly.Whatever.Eventually, we’re all guided back into the grand ballroom for gift presentations.This room screams old money—the crystal chandeliers dripping gold, the marble floors reflecting the warm glow of candlelight, the air thick with the scent of vintage cologne and wealth. A true battleground where status is the only weapon that matters.Lincoln leans in as we walk. His voice brushes against my ear, low and teasing.“So, a surprise, huh?”I smirk, locking eyes with him as I make an exaggerated mot
Last Updated : 2025-03-23The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 173: Thompson's Fury
[Lincoln]How did she know?My chest tightens, a slow, suffocating coil of tension wrapping around my ribs as I try to comprehend how Arella knows about the secret my father has been trying to keep from me for years.It makes no sense.Before I can even fully register her last statement, the sharp shatter of glass pierces the ballroom.Mr. Thompson’s champagne flute crashes to the ground, splintering into a thousand jagged pieces."You have got to be kidding me!" he bellows.Fuck.Everything’s ruined.He strides forward, his eyes blazing with venomous intent, and then—he points a rigid, accusing finger straight at Arella."You!"A guttural sound, low and primal, rumbles from my throat before I even realize it. Instinct. Possession. Protection.Before Thompson can get any closer, I grab Arella’s wrist, pulling her behind me, my stance rigid, muscles coiled, ready for whatever the hell comes next."Watch it, Thompson," I growl, my voice dipping into something dangerous, something that w
Last Updated : 2025-03-24The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 174: Change Of Plans
[Vivian] “Fuck, this is taking forever.” Deric is restless beside me, his jaw tight, hands clenching and unclenching like he’s trying not to lose his shit. "When is Arella coming up?!" His voice is sharp, low, impatient. We’re tucked into a small corner upstairs, near the bathroom, hidden just enough to watch without being noticed. Well, he's watching. I'm not. I can’t stop looking at him. The way his beautiful brown hair is a total mess, disheveled and wild, nothing like the usual sleek, controlled way he keeps it. Stress has taken its toll on him, and somehow, it makes him look even better. His side is pressed against mine, the heat of his body sinking into me like a slow burn, and for a moment, I let myself remember. I want it back. The way things were before. The way he used to look at me, used to touch me, used to— "I can’t wait for everything to go back the way it was between us." The words slip out. I don’t even realize I said them out loud until Deric snaps his he
Last Updated : 2025-03-25The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 175: Everything Is Ruined
[Deric]This is fucking crazy. No—this is batshit insane.What the hell am I doing? If we get caught, Harold Walcott will make sure neither of us walks out of this alive. The only sliver of comfort I have is that security seems to be lax. No guards in sight. No cameras that I can see. If we pull this off, I can grab Arella, get her out of here, and we’ll start over—somewhere far, somewhere safe.But the empty hallways around me don’t feel empty. They feel like they’re watching. The dim lighting flickers slightly, the walls are too still, the air is too damn thick—like the entire house knows what we’re about to do and is waiting to expose us.I'm so lost in my thoughts, drowning in the weight of what I’m about to do, that I don’t realize when I collide with someone. Hard. My body jerks, and a startled squeak escapes my lips before I can stop it.Shit.Panic claws at my throat, making it impossible to breathe. My stomach drops, twisting into something violent and gut-wrenching."Are you
Last Updated : 2025-03-26The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 176: Locked In
[Arella]"Are you okay, Arella? I heard voices."Mila’s voice startles me as I turn around to see her standing at the top of the stairs. My chest is still heaving, my breathing erratic from Deric’s antics, but my heart warms at the thought of Lincoln keeping me safe—even at a party like this.I force a breath, shaking my head. "It's nothing, don't worry. Just some random stranger."Mila doesn’t look convinced. Her brows furrow in skepticism, but she lets it go."Oh… okay," she says slowly. "What are you doing up here anyway? Looking for Lincoln?" She smirks, throwing in a cheeky wink.I palm my face, shaking my head. "I came to pee, and I didn't want to use the guest restroom downstairs. Could you point me to the one here?""I mean, I could follow you. I just peed now myself," she offers after pointing the way.I roll my eyes. Why is everyone trying to babysit me?"Don’t act like my husband, Mila. You look like you could explode any minute. Go sit down," I tease, shoving her playfully
Last Updated : 2025-03-27
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The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife Author’s Note
Wow. What a journey it’s been, right? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me through this wild, emotional journey. Arella and Lincoln's story has been so close to my heart, and I hope it’s touched yours too. Your support means more than words can say, and I’m so grateful for every single one of you, you guys are the real MVPs. ❤️ P.S. If you loved this story, I’d be over the moon if you gave my future books a read. Trust me, more heart-tugging, exciting stories are coming your way!Until next time, Tarina (◠‿◠)—☆
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife Epilogue II
[Arella]I whip around, eyes widening as I practically leap off Lincoln's lap in surprise."You're here!" I blurt, caught off guard but grinning. "I thought you said you couldn’t make it."Standing there, looking sheepish and a little road-worn, is Deric. He scratches the back of his head, wearing that same awkward, harmless smile he has these days."I wouldn’t have made it," he admits, voice a little raspy from travel, "but my flight was delayed... so I thought, what the hell, why not crash the party anyway?""Deric," Lincoln says, stepping up beside me, his hand still resting easy at my waist."Lincoln," Deric replies with a short nod, his voice even.There's a brief pause—more out of old habits than real tension—before Deric extends his hand. Lincoln studies him for a beat, then accepts the handshake without hesitation, the corners of his mouth lifting in a faint, civil smile.The tightness I hadn't even realized was clenching my chest slowly eases."This is, uh, for your son," Der
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife Epilogue
3 MONTHS LATER[Arella]"Grandpa really outdid himself this time, Mila," I laugh under my breath, wide-eyed as I take in the mansion decked out like something straight out of a storybook. I should’ve known better when he said he’d ‘take care of everything.’ With Grandpa, that’s just secret code for ‘go big enough to make even fairy tales jealous.’Mila giggles, but then her face goes pale. "Well, we all know how–"She cuts herself off, rushing to her son, who’s happily stuffing his face with edible flowers."Oh my God, Wayne! Spit that out!" she yells, running after him."No no! Cakeee!" he laughs, trying to run away.I roll my eyes and snatch the small board of tasks from her hands. "Looks like you’ve got your hands full already with this little turd," I mutter, pinching Wayne’s chubby cheeks. He sticks his tongue out at me, playful as ever. I shake my head and take the board from her, walking around the room, coordinating with the staff to make sure everything’s perfect.****"Why a
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 213: Final Verdict
[Arella]TWO MONTHS LATERThe courtroom is cold, Not physically—but emotionally. It's almost too quiet.My hands sit frozen in my lap, unmoving for the past five minutes. A dull, anxious ache hums beneath my skin, but I can’t bring myself to shift. Lincoln sits beside me, our fingers tightly laced, grounding me. His other hand works swiftly over his phone, typing out what I’m sure are urgent work emails.Work had only gotten busier since he resumed.You’d think having two CEOs would make things easier. It only doubled our workload.I had tried to argue my way into stepping down, maybe becoming his VP or something less suffocating—but Lincoln wasn’t having any of it.Apex Conglomerate was clawing its way into the world’s elite, growing bigger, louder, more powerful by the day—and Lincoln made it crystal clear he wouldn’t let me miss a second of it.I blink myself back to the present as the judge adjusts his glasses, his stern gaze dropping down to the man standing trial.The man who a
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 212: Finally Home II
[Lincoln]The car pulls up to Witmoore Gardens, a private area owned by the Sawyers for intimate family events, tucked away from the noisy chaos of the outside world. The afternoon sun kisses the neatly trimmed hedges and the white blossoms that line the entrance sway gently in the breeze.I can't help the heavy thump of my heart at the thought of seeing my family again. A real, physical ache throbs inside my chest as the driver cuts the engine and we step out.We exist the car and take a slow walk down the stone-cobbled path, the soft crunch of gravel beneath our shoes filling the warm, floral-scented air. Arella’s hand is securely locked in mine, her presence grounding me even as my nerves threaten to tangle my steps."Your palms are sweaty, Linc. Are you nervous?" she teases softly, giving me a look so warm and tender it makes my heart trip in my chest like a reckless drum."Maybe," I reply, my voice coming out lower and raspier than intended.Her grin only grows. "Aww, they don't
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 211: Finally Home
[Lincoln]I mean, sure, Arella and I appeared on TV a few days ago when the Mayor of Chicago wanted to publicly appreciate our efforts, and I knew—rationally—that everyone must know I'm alive now. But I didn't expect this.I didn't expect the entire airport to already be flooded like a damn concert just to catch a glimpse of us. The jet had barely touched the runway, the tires still hissing from contact, and yet-it’s like the whole damn city of San Diego decided to show up for a party.From the distance, the sharp staccato of camera shutters echoes through the thick, humid air, flashes popping like fireworks across the runway. The chaotic chorus of reporters shouting questions and calling our names roars louder with every step we descend.A cheeky, loopsided grin spreads across Arella’s face as we start down the stairs of the jet, her hand still tightly locked with mine, her spirit practically buzzing with unbothered amusement. Her entire energy screams: I own this moment."You're lov
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 210: Mile–High Confessions
[Lincoln]I never thought I’d be lucky enough to marry a superheroine, but here I am, with the most incredible woman by my side.The night wraps around us like a soft, comforting robe. The jet hums beneath us, its quiet rhythm like a lullaby carrying us away from the chaos. We’d spent another three, exhausting days in Chicago, collaborating with the police and drug enforcement agencies to dismantle one of the city’s most dangerous syndicates, ensuring every production of that deadly injection was stopped in its tracks. But now, as I watch my wife sleeping peacefully-her face bathed in the gentle glow of the cabin lights—a rush of emotions fills me. It’s more than warmth. It's something deeper, something that settles in my soul and touches every fractured part of me. It feels like a healing, like a light that’s always been missing inside me, now shining so brightly it threatens to overflow. Heaven knows, if the roles were reversed, if I’d been the one forced to raise a child alone f
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 209: The End Of It All
[Arella]“Fuck you, Lincoln Sawyer!” Thompson’s voice tears through the air, cracked and furious, soaked in desperation as he launches backwards with one final burst of rage. His boot slams into Lincoln, sending him staggering back a few steps and before I can even think, he’s charging at me—wild-eyed, unhinged, like something that’s crawled straight out of hell and decided it wants to drag me back with it.But Lincoln doesn’t go down easy.He moves like something deep inside him just snapped back into place. One moment he’s stumbling, breathless, the next he’s lunging like a damn freight train, grabbing Thompson mid-sprint and twisting with enough force to rattle the concrete under our feet. Thompson’s body slams into the ground with a sickening thud, the gun flying from his hand and skittering across the floor with a metallic scream as the punches from Lincoln connects with his face.“Arella!” Lincoln’s voice cuts through the chaos, raw and real.With thinking anymore I run to him,
The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife 208: Violence And Vengeance
[Arella]“No no no!” Lisa screeches, stumbling back like the floor beneath her just cracked open. “H-how did you find us?!”Her voice pierces the air like shattered glass, high-pitched and filled with the kind of desperation only obsession can birth. She's shaking now, her wild eyes darting from me to the little vial still pinched between my fingers.“You conniving bitch!!” Thompson barks, his neck veins bulging as his gaze swings to Vivian.His hand trembles violently as he points between us, rage bleeding into fear. Then he sees Deric. And he pales.“It was only a matter of time before I found you, Thompson,” I say, calm, steady, like the reaper arriving with a smirk. “I’m sure you knew that too.”He begins to back away, every inch of arrogance fleeing his body like air from a punctured balloon. He stumbles until his back hits Lincoln’s bed—and that’s when everything freezes. My blood stops in my veins as he suddenly swings a gun out of his pocket, his hand shaking but deadly, and p
