Bonus chapter. Also, I just found out that every chapter I edit here don't get saved. Not sure why, but it seems like the content reverts to its original form, just like when I pasted it, and all my edits are lost once I hit the publish button. Big thanks to K.C. for pointing out the ongoing confusion about Don's age in "Ruthless Billionaire's Ex-Husband's Regret." I realize my latest chapters might be full of errors, and I'm really sorry about that. Please feel free to point out any mistakes you find while reading my books. It'll help me fix them. :)
Just when Emmeline started to regret bringing it up, he finally spoke in a toneless voice. "Abortion!"“What?” Emmeline was certain she must have misheard.Zavian turned to face her, his expression utterly blank. "She got pregnant again but got rid of it."Emmeline instantly recoiled, pulling her arm free from his and brought her fingers up to cover her mouth in shock. "I can't believe Yuna would do something so heinous as to...to kill her own child!" she exclaimed."You don't know her very well then." Zavian's voice remained frighteningly calm though his eyes flashed with anger.Emmeline quickly drained the last of her wine, trying to process this horrific revelation. Setting the empty glass down on the table, she met his gaze with pity. "Can you tell me exactly what happened?"Zavian closed the photo album and set it aside on the couch with a weary sigh. Then he crossed his muscular forearms over his chest as he began to recount the painful memory."Three years after I lost my daught
Zavian immediately stilled, freezing in place as if turned to stone. Then he jerked back just far enough to meet Emmeline's eyes, his expression one of utter shock and disbelief as though her unexpected confession had simultaneously doused his burning ardor with a bucket of ice water while also inflaming it to unbearable new heights."What?" The single word escaped his lips in a hoarse rasp, disbelief written all over his chiseled features.His broad chest was still heaving with labored breaths from their heated make-out session just moments before. However, the crease between his furrowed brows was one of utter confusion and something akin to denial.Emmeline's mouth went completely dry from the sudden, dramatic shift in atmosphere between them. Her tongue suddenly felt like lead, unable to find any saliva to moisten her parched throat.An uncomfortable lump formed in her chest, making it difficult to breathe.She kept silent for a few long, agonizing moments while they simply stared
Zavian's hands found their way to Emmeline's waist, his touch as soft as a lover's caress. His breath, however, was anything but tender. It hit her face like a gust of wind on a stormy night.He moved closer, brushing his nose against hers in an intimate gesture that make her body tingle."Do you have any idea how many sleepless nights I've spent?" he murmured. "How I couldn’t ignore what could be happening between you and your worthless excuse for a husband?"His arm tightened around her waist, pulling her body flush against his with his lips hovering dangerously close to her skin but refrained from making contact."I've told you time and again about the rage your situation stirs within me," Zavian whispered into the shell of her ear - words that set her heart pounding. "You should have done something to ease my mind."Emmeline’s hands instinctively fell on his chest, surrendering completely to him… under his breath playing havoc with her senses, causing her heart to falter erraticall
"Divorce that scumbag!" Zavian stated without preamble.His words sent shock waves ricocheting through Emmeline’s body.Her eyes widened until she felt they would surely pull out of their sockets with her mouth falling open in a soundless gasp of disbelief as she struggled to process what he'd just said."What?" she finally managed to choke out, shaking her head in stunned denial as if to clear her ears.Emmeline opened her mouth again, fully intending to unleash a torrent of questions, of demands for clarification and explanation. But Zavian silenced her by pressing his index finger to her lips in a commanding gesture, his expression one of deadly seriousness that brooked no argument or interruption."If you can provide the court with documentation proving the marriage was never consummated despite all this time, the ruling will undoubtedly be in your favor,” he explained in a low, intense tone that seemed to reverberate through her very bones with the weight of his conviction. “You w
Zavian traced a gentle path along her lips, sending a wave of numbness radiating through her body as heat pooled low in her belly.The hardness of him pressed against her softness stirred a whirlwind of anticipation within."You've dressed yourself up for me tonight and it's been pure torture since the moment I laid eyes on you." He paused, drawing in a breath as if he were fighting off an insatiable hunger. "It's like seeing a feast laid out before you when you're starving."Zavian leaned closer until their faces were mere inches apart. His lips brushed against her cheek, planting moist kisses that tasted of sin and decadence. "I can't let your efforts go to waste," he said with a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "That wouldn't be very gentlemanly of me now, would it?"Emmeline traced her hand over the hard planes of his chest, causing him to pause mid-kiss and look into her eyes with an intensity that made her heart flutter wildly in her chest."Who told you I'm still waitin
Emmeline found herself lost in Zavian's burning gaze. "Make me forget who I am and remember only you." She whispered.His strong hands met the small of her back, guiding her towards the bed.She fell back on the plush pillows. She watched him straddle her legs through half-lidded eyes before claiming her mouth in a fierce and all tongue exploring kiss.A shiver ran through Emmeline when she felt his hand creep under her back to unclasp her bra.Zavian slid the straps off her shoulders while never breaking the passionate kiss.He finally pulled away for a moment to admire her bare form except for the necklace he'd gifted her that nestled between her breasts. "You are exquisite," he murmured huskily, "I can't wait to taste your forbidden fruit again."That said, his gaze flicked over to a string of Christmas lights on a nearby table. Picking them up, he looked at Emmeline with an excited gleam. "Let me adorn you with these," he suggested softly."Your hands," he commanded.Obediently, Em
"Z-Zavian..." Emmeline whimpered his name breathlessly, writhing beneath him… pleasure driving all coherent thoughts away.Zavian’s tongue skillfully navigated her body, driving her to the brink of insanity until she shattered under his wicked mouth with a loud cry of his name."You... you were incredible," she managed to gasp out moments later.Zavian pulled away abruptly and discarded his remaining clothes to reveal his erect shaft with veins pulsating around it in anticipation."I know you enjoy my tongue, but tonight I'm going to pleasure you in a different way that doesn’t necessarily need me to open you up," he said with a smirk before crawling back up her body.His erection brushed against her, causing her center to clench in response.Zavian’s eyes held hers captive as he whispered, "You won't be able to think straight when I'm done!"Emmeline stared at him, anticipation making her pulse race.As he hovered above her, hands resting on either side of her head, she reached up and
Zavian was locked in an agonizing internal war, his primal instincts raging to claim his mate while his disciplined mind fought viciously to maintain control over his baser urges.The mate pull was a scorching, relentless force, clawing at his insides and inflaming every fiber of his being with an overwhelming, feral need to take Emmeline and complete their bond.'Mate wants us. Needs us to fill her, breed her,' Aetherion growled hungrily in Zavian's mind, dripping with lust. 'She can take our size, our strength. She's our mate for a reason - built to handle and crave our brutal claiming.'A guttural groan rumbled from Zavian's chest as lurid images of pinning Emmeline down and driving into her ruthlessly, claiming her in the most primitive way flashed rapidly through his mind.Her sweet cries of ecstasy and pleas for more echoed in his ears as if she were right there, writhing wantonly beneath him.'Yeah, it's the perfect time - the ideal day to finally make her ours,' Draeven snarled
Taehyung’s eyes twinkled mischievously. "Something tells me you won't be single for long, though."Understanding his hint about Zavian, Emmeline ducked her head as heat flooded her cheeks. "Maybe."She turned toward her brother Emile, who waited with the patience of someone used to family obligations. His expression revealed nothing."Congratulations, Emmeline," he offered, his tone measured.Emmeline responded with a small smile.Emile placed his hands on her shoulders, his voice taking on that big-brother seriousness she'd known all her life."A dark chapter of your life is over. Every door is open to you now. Choose the right path. Our family made a terrible mistake pushing you toward Richard. I hope you'll be smarter going forward."His pointed reference to Zavian made Emmeline's jaw clench, but she forced herself to appear agreeable. This wasn't the time or place."I've had enough pain to last a lifetime, Emile. I won't walk into more."Her brother studied her face, clearly suspi
Emmeline closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the sweetness of liberation. When she opened them again, she found Zavian watching her with an expression that contained unmistakable tenderness.She sat motionless, letting the words wash over her like warm sunlight after an endless storm.Her heart thundered in her chest, each beat a celebration of newfound freedom.The courtroom around her blurred into insignificance. Only Zavian remained in sharp focus, whose distinguished features softened by something deeper than satisfaction.Their eyes remained locked across the formal expanse of the courtroom, defying the crowd of spectators, attorneys, and court officials surrounding them.Zavian gazed at her with such intensity that Emmeline felt heat rise to her cheeks. The subtle curve of his lips spoke of personal triumph, of a private victory shared between them alone.She finally snapped out of their spellbound when the courtroom erupted into a cacophony of reactions.The chaos provided E
The courtroom hummed with tension as everyone returned to their seats.Emmeline’s hands clasped tightly in her lap to hide their trembling. However, felt a strange calm beneath her nervousness. Today might finally mark her freedom from Richard.Brody rose from his seat with confidence. His tailored suit and commanding presence gave Emmeline a small measure of reassurance as he buttoned his jacket and addressed the court."I am Attorney Brody Park, representing the plaintiff, Emmeline Lawson," he announced.While Brody spoke with unwavering authority, Emmeline found her attention drifting to Zavian.The man commanded respect without effort. With penetrating eyes that seemed to see through pretense and his expression remained neutral as he listened to the proceedings."My client has filed for divorce and is seeking damages against her husband, Richard Maine," Brody continued. "The grounds for this petition are irreconcilable differences and, more significantly, the pattern of physical vi
Emile released his grip on Emmeline's arms and exhaled deeply. "That's somewhat comforting."He took a seat in the front row while Emmeline proceeded to the plaintiff's table with Brody at her side.Brody’s expression shifted from contemplation to something sharper and more predatory. "I was looking forward to another round against Yuna," he admitted with a competitive gleam lighting his eyes. "I wanted to outmaneuver her in her own field and prove once and for all that I'm the superior divorce attorney. It's rather disappointing."Emmeline regarded him with barely concealed disapproval. "This divorce represents my entire future," she reminded him sharply. "Your attitude about it being some sort of professional competition is deeply troubling."They settled into their seats behind the prosecution table, and Emmeline added with admonishment, "I don't appreciate you viewing my personal trauma as just another notch in your professional belt."Brody placed his briefcase on the table and fo
The kitchen door slammed shut behind Yuna.The thick tension she'd brought with her lingered for a few seconds, then faded away, leaving Emmeline alone with her ragged breathing and wounded pride.Barely a moment passed before the door swung open again. Noel poked his head in, then stepped fully into the kitchen with worry plastered all over his usually chill face.His eyes darted around before landing on Emmeline."Thank God she's gone.” His shoulders dropped with obvious relief.He ran fingers through his hair and let out a huge breath. "Lucky she didn't show up during lunch rush. Can you imagine the drama with all those customers watching?"Then he really looked at Emmeline and his eyes widened.Her waist-length waves normally her best feature was in a tangled mess around her shoulders. Angry red prints marked her cheek, and her white blouse was rumpled."My God." The words came out barely above a whisper. He rushed over, stopping just short of touching her. "What the hell happened
Emmeline's mind raced back, trying to remember where Zavian had been, what he had told her about that night.Had he actually been with Yuna?"Why are you telling me this?" Emmeline’s voice sounded hollow. "Why not just tell him about the baby and let him make his choice?"Yuna's expression softened slightly. "Because I know my husband," she said quietly. "He has a strong sense of duty. If he knows I'm carrying his child, he'll feel obligated to stay with me, to give our baby a proper family. But if he's torn between that duty and his feelings for you..." She trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air."You want me to make the choice for him," Emmeline realized aloud. "You want me to walk away so he never has to know."Yuna nodded slowly. "It would be better for everyone," she insisted. "He wouldn't have to choose between his child and his... infatuation. You wouldn't have to live with the guilt of separating a father from his child. And I wouldn't have to raise this baby alon
Emmeline blinked rapidly as her mind refused to process the devastating news.The world around her seemed to slow, sounds becoming muffled as though she were underwater. Her chest constricted painfully, making each breath a conscious effort."What?" The single word escaped her lips as a strangled whisper.Yuna's lips curved into a smile that never reached her eyes. With deliberate slowness, she placed her hand over her stomach in a protective, almost reverent gesture."I said I'm pregnant." Each syllable was delivered with precision. Her gaze remained fixed on Emmeline's face, drinking in every flicker of devastation with undisguised satisfaction.The room tilted precariously. Emmeline's hands fell limply to her sides, fingers suddenly numb and disconnected from her body. Blood drained from her face, leaving her skin ashen against the pristine white of her shirt. Her mind raced frantically, desperately searching for any explanation other than the one hammering at her consciousness."By
The morning brought a return to routine. Emmeline resumed her work at the restaurant after a two-week absence, grateful that her manager Noel had kept everything running smoothly in her absence.She dressed casually in a white T-shirt under a wheat-colored cardigan and comfortable jeans. A beige apron was tied around her waist, and she had pulled her hair back into a simple ponytail.The familiar motions of working in the kitchen: chopping vegetables, rolling dough, checking seasonings helped ground her after the emotional turbulence of the previous day.Emmeline was in the middle of preparing a vegetable pie when the kitchen door burst open with unexpected force."Let's talk," demanded a familiar voice, sharp and commanding.Emmeline's eyes widened when she turned to find Yuna standing in the doorway."Yuna?" Emmeline asked, genuinely surprised. "What brings you here?""I'm sorry, Mrs. Lawson. I tried to stop her from entering, but she insisted on seeing you." A flustered waitress app
“Fuck!” Zavian cursed under his breath, seemingly losing his composure.Emmeline bit the inside of her lip to suppress a laugh, not wanting him to realize she was deliberately trying to provoke him."I love hearing what happens inside you," she continued in a seductive purr. "When you express your pleasure with those deep sounds, I feel it too. I never knew men's voices could be so seductive when they're aroused.""Your voice can't be beaten, minx." Zavian’s response came out slightly slurred, as if he were struggling to maintain control.Before he could say another word, Emmeline sighed dramatically."But alas, I can't continue this game right now," she lamented. "If I get too excited, I risk my brother hearing sounds from my room that would be difficult to explain."Zavian's ragged breaths were audible through the phone, making Emmeline's body respond in kind. A warmth spread through her lower abdomen, and she had to consciously keep her hands from wandering."How can I restrain my i