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Chapter 16: The Thin Line
Last Updated:
2024-12-10 23:05:01
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The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 17: Collision
Lucas's POVThe hum of the club hit me the moment I stepped inside—a dim red glow cast long shadows across the room, while the low chatter, and the heavy bass of music thumping through the walls. I shouldn’t have been here. Hell, I knew it was wrong, especially with Mandy always looking at me like I was some kind of monster when it came to my choices. But I couldn’t stop myself. Suddenly, Ethan clapped a hand on my shoulder as we walked toward a table near the back. “You’ve got it bad, man. I’ve never seen you this hung up on someone.” “It’s not like that,” I muttered, my eyes already scanning the room, scoffs. I didn’t even believe my own words. “Sure,” Ethan said with a smirk, sinking into his chair. The truth was, I didn’t know what it was. This woman—the masked dancer—I couldn’t get her out of my head. She was a puzzle I couldn’t solve, and for some reason, that drove me insane. And not long, the lights dimmed suddenly as the music shifted, my attention snapped to the
Last Updated : 2024-12-10The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 18: Shattered Truths
Mandy’s PovAs Lucas forced me into his car, the silence in the air became suffocating as Lucas’s grip on the steering wheel was so tight his knuckles turned white. I sat stiffly in the passenger seat, staring out the window, with my heart pounding in my chest. I could feel his anger radiating off him, and part of me wanted to say something, anything, to break the tension. But the other part—the part that had been living in survival mode for months—kept my lips sealed. But when we were almost halfway home, I couldn’t take it anymore so I broke the silence.“Lucas,” I said softly, testing the waters. “I didn’t mean for you to find out like this.” His jaw tightened, but he didn’t look at me. “Didn’t mean for me to find out at all, you mean.” I flinched at the bitterness in his voice. “I wasn’t trying to lie to you. I needed to survive and it was my only option,"“Your only option?” he repeated, his voice rising. He finally turned his head, his eyes flashing with anger. “You could
Last Updated : 2024-12-10The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 19: A Step Toward Healing
Lucas's POVI sat on the edge of the couch, elbows on my knees, head in my hands, as Ethan’s voice rang out over the phone, blunt as always. “So let me get this straight,” he said. “You stormed into the club, dragged her out, and then lost your damn mind at her?” “Yeah,” I muttered, already regretting my decision to call him. “That about covers it.” “You’re an idiot.” “Thanks, Ethan. Super helpful.” “No, seriously. What were you thinking? Mandy’s not one of your employees, Lucas. She doesn’t need a boss—she needs a partner, don't be a fool,"That word hit like a sucker punch partner. How had I missed that? Ethan sighed. “Look, man, I get it. You’re used to fixing problems, keeping things under control, making sure nothing spirals out of hand. But Mandy isn’t some situation to manage. She’s a person, Lucas. And instead of trying to understand her, you bulldozed right over her, same way you did to her three years ago,"I leaned back and stared at the ceiling. Damn it. He w
Last Updated : 2024-12-11The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 20: A Glimmer of Hope
Lucas’s POVThe house felt emptier than usual that evening and the silence seemed to stretch on endlessly, filling up the space where her laughter, her voice, her very presence used to be. It was hard to remember what it felt like to have Mandy here. Even harder was the reality that, no matter how much I tried to fix things, I still hadn’t figured out how to fix us.I tossed my keys on the kitchen counter and dragged my fingers through my hair, staring at the table where we’d shared meals, arguing, and laughing. That damn mug she always used, the one with the chipped handle, still sat there like a cruel reminder that I’d screwed everything up. I’d spent the entire day digging into her financial situation. The club, the debt, the medical bills—none of it had surprised me, but it stung to see how much she’d been hiding. Mandy had always carried her burdens alone, even when I was right there, a damn fool, too stubborn and too proud to see what was happening right under my nose.Howeve
Last Updated : 2024-12-11The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 21: A fragile beginning
Mandy’s POVSitting at the edge of my bed, I stared at the chipped mug in my hands. It was one of those small, stupid things that you don’t realize holds meaning until it’s too late. The faded lettering on it—Queen of Everything—mocked me in the dim light of my room. Grandma Claire had given it to me when I was still in high school, a little reminder to never let anyone make me feel less than I was worth. Back then, it was a joke. Now, it felt like a taunt. Lucas had apologized last night. A real apology, the kind where he didn’t just say the words but looked me in the eye, laid himself bare, and admitted he’d screwed up. It wasn’t something Lucas did often—admit fault, I mean. He was the man who had everything figured out, the one with the answers, the solutions, the damn checklist for how the world should work. But last night, he’d been different. Raw. Real. Vulnerable, even. And I... I didn’t know how to feel about it. I turned the mug over in my hands, my thoughts circ
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Lucas’s POVI’d spent hours in my office today, looking over everything I could find on Mandy’s financial situation. It wasn’t just the bills or the debts that haunted her. No, it was something deeper—something that clung to her even when she smiled, even when she pretended everything was fine. The weight of it all had been too much for her, and I’d been too blind to see it. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my face. How the hell had I not seen it before? Mandy had been living like she was carrying the weight of the world, all while I’d been focused on my own damn problems. Her pride, her independence—they had always been part of who she was, but I never stopped to think about what those things might cost her. I thought about the way she’d looked at me the night before—unsure, guarded, but still willing to listen. There was hope in her eyes, but it was fragile, like glass. And I didn’t want to break it. I knew I had a lot of work to do to make up for everything I’d done. But
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Mandy’s POVI shouldn’t have been surprised, but I was. It was a quiet Monday morning when I walked into the club and saw the look on Dan’s face. He didn’t even have to say anything—his expression said it all. I knew the moment I’d been informed about my canceled performances, the ripple effects were inevitable. I hadn’t expected it to be this bad, but there it was. “Mandy,” Dan started, his voice cold, even though I’d worked for him for over two years. “Can you explain to me why you’re not following through on your contract? The club needs you. You know that.” Hearing this, I stood there for a moment, trying to steady my nerves. My hands had started shaking, and I hated that. I hated feeling so out of control. The last thing I wanted to do was disappoint anyone—especially not Dan, who had always been fair with me. But the truth was, I couldn’t go on like this. “I know,” I said, my voice quieter than I intended. “It’s just... I need a break. Things have been rough lately. I’m
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Lucas’s POVThe truth was, I hadn’t expected the last few weeks to be this hard. I had hoped—naively, maybe—that all the damage I’d done would somehow fade away, that time and a few apologies would be enough to rebuild what I’d broken. But Mandy wasn’t something that could just be fixed with a few words. She was complicated, layered with history and pain, and a part of me had always known I’d have to dig deeper if I wanted to truly understand her.I had made up my mind a while ago that I was going to make things right, not just for the sake of getting back together, but for her—for her peace of mind. She’d let me in, little by little, but there were still pieces of her that I hadn’t touched, parts of her past that she kept hidden. However, one night, as I sat at my desk at home, sorting through a mix of emails, paperwork, and random thoughts, a thought crossed my mind. Grandma Claire. Maybe Grandma Claire held the key to understanding Mandy better despite her being my grandmother.
Last Updated : 2024-12-12
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The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 76 : The Connection Uncovered
Mandy’s POVI sat across from Lucas, the weight of everything pressing down on my chest. The tension between us was thick, more suffocating than I had anticipated. Ever since we learned that Horizon Enterprises was tied to my past, the air felt different. I could feel Lucas’s eyes on me, the same intensity I had seen when he was dealing with the threats to his business. But this time, it wasn’t just about the company. It was about me.“Are you sure about this?” I asked, my voice trembling despite my best efforts to remain composed. “I mean, this... this whole thing, this connection to my past, it could be a lot more than you think.”Lucas didn’t respond immediately. He was always so calm under pressure, but I could tell he was wrestling with his own thoughts. His jaw tightened, and his eyes flickered with a mix of frustration and determination. I had seen that look before. And right now, I was the one standing in his way.“I’ve been digging into Horizon Enterprises,” he said, his v
The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 75 : The New Threat
Lucas’s POVThe morning after Mandy’s conversation with her distant sister, Rebecca, the air in our house felt different. It was heavier, charged with the weight of the past that had suddenly resurfaced, and the uncertainty of what was to come. Mandy had spent the night processing everything, and I could see the tension in her eyes. She was trying to keep it together, but I knew she was struggling. I, on the other hand, was trying to keep my mind off of everything that had happened. But life didn’t give me that luxury. I had been sitting in my office for hours, going through reports and emails, trying to focus on the numbers and figures that usually kept my mind occupied. But the more I tried to concentrate, the more my thoughts kept drifting back to Mandy, to her past, and to the mess that Rebecca had dropped into our lives. It was frustrating, but I couldn’t let it distract me for long. I had a business to run, and the company wasn’t going to wait for me to sort out my pers
The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 74 : Unexpected Visitors
Mandy’s POVJust when I thought life was finally beginning to settle down, when I could breathe without the constant weight of worry on my chest, the universe decided to throw me another curveball. The day had started like any other. Lucas and I had spent the morning talking about our plans for the future—our family, our life together, the dreams we had for Emily. We were in a good place, finally. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this at peace, like the storm had passed and the calm had settled in. But then, as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the living room, the doorbell rang. I was curled up on the couch, Emily playing at my feet, and Lucas was in the kitchen, preparing dinner. It was a rare, quiet evening, and I didn’t expect anyone. The doorbell rang again, more insistently this time. I looked up, my heart skipping a beat for no reason I could explain. I stood up slowly, walking toward the door with a feeling of unease settling in my stomach. When
The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 73 : The Proposal
Mandy’s POV It was morning and I woke up to the sound of soft footsteps, the kind that only Emily’s little feet could make. The sun had barely risen, but there was already a sense of excitement in the air. I could feel it, even before I opened my eyes. “Mama, wake up!” Emily’s voice was full of joy, and I couldn’t help but smile as I stretched under the covers. I opened my eyes to find her standing beside the bed, her hands clasped together as if she were holding onto something important. She was wearing the biggest grin, her little face glowing with excitement. “Good morning, sweetie,” I murmured, my voice still heavy with sleep. “Guess what? Daddy says we’re going somewhere special today!” She bounced on her toes, unable to contain her enthusiasm. I sat up, my curiosity piqued. “Oh, really? Where are we going?” “I don’t know, but it’s a surprise!” she said, giggling. I couldn’t help but laugh. It was rare that Emily kept a secret, especially when it involved somethin
The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 72 : A New Beginning
Lucas’s POVThe soft hum of the city outside was a constant reminder of the world I’d been part of for so long. But lately, everything felt different. The meetings, the deals, the endless grind—it all felt distant, as if I were looking at it from the outside. I sat at my desk, staring at the stacks of paperwork that had once consumed me. But now, they felt like a weight I didn’t want to carry anymore. I’d spent so much of my life focused on building an empire, on ensuring my success, that I had neglected the most important things—my family, my values, and my integrity. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the papers aside. The lessons I’d learned over the past few months had been hard-earned, but they had changed me. Damian, Mary, the lies, the betrayals—it all had been a wake-up call. And now, I am determined to do better. I had already taken the first steps. I’d begun to clean up my business practices, ensuring that everything was above board. The company was now under the scruti
The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 71 : Picking Up the Pieces
Mandy’s POVUpon our arrival back home from the terminal, the house felt quieter than usual. Not the eerie, tension-laden silence we’d been living in for months, but a peaceful calm that seemed almost foreign. Damian was in custody, Mary was gone, and for the first time, I felt like we could finally relax. With that, Lucas sat on the couch, his head rested in his hands. He looked exhausted but relieved, as if the weight of the world had finally been lifted from his shoulders. And as I stood in the doorway for a moment, just watching him, we had been through so much, and yet, here we were, still standing. “Hey,” I said softly, stepping into the room as he looked up, his eyes meeting mine. “Hey.” he replied, as a soft smile followed.Then, I sat down beside him as the space between us felt smaller than it had in a long time. And at that moment, neither of us spoke through the silence. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it was rather heavy with unspoken words. “Are you okay?” I finally
The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 70 : Mary's downfall
Mandy’s POVThe morning after Damian’s arrest, the air in our home felt lighter, as if an invisible weight had been lifted. Lucas was in the kitchen making pancakes for Emily, who giggled as he flipped them with exaggerated flair. Gosh, I finally allowed myself to breathe. But peace is a fragile thing. My phone buzzed on the counter, shattering the moment. The message was from an unknown number, but the content was unmistakable."You think you’ve won? Watch your back.”My stomach churned upon reading it and I knew there was only one person who could have sent this—Mary. So, I turned to Lucas, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. “She’s not done.” He frowned, setting the spatula down. “Who?” “Mary,” I said, holding up my phone. “She’s trying to make a run for it. And she’s still threatening us.” Lucas’s jaw tightened, his calm demeanor replaced with a fierce protectiveness. “She won’t get far. Not this time.” With that, we quickly made arrangements for a
The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 69 : A Line Drawn in the Sand
Lucas’s POVThe night air was heavy, the kind that seemed to cling to your skin and make it hard to breathe. Mandy sat beside me in the car, her jaw tight and her hands clasped together in her lap. She hadn’t said much since we got the anonymous message, and I couldn’t blame her. I’d dragged her into this mess—into my mess. And now we were driving straight toward the man who’d been a shadow over my life for far too long. “We don’t have to do this,” I said quietly, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. She turned to me, her eyes sharp and unwavering. “Yes, we do. This ends tonight, Lucas. For Emily's sake.” Her determination was like a lifeline, pulling me out of my spiraling thoughts. I nodded, focusing on the road ahead. However, the address led us to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. It was the kind of place where secrets were born and lives unraveled. And as we pulled up, I spotted Ethan’s car parked nearby. He is my friend and he insisted on coming, h
The Club Star Ex-Wife He Wants Back Chapter 68 : His honesty
Mandy’s POVThe house was quiet, save for the faint hum of the heater kicking in. Lucas sat on the couch, his phone gripped tightly in his hands, his face a mask of tension. My earlier question hung in the air like a storm cloud. “Who sent this?” I asked again, my voice firmer this time. He didn’t look up, but I saw the way his jaw tightened, the way his shoulders stiffened. Whatever he was holding back, it was big. My heart pounded as I crossed the room and sat beside him. “Lucas,” I pressed, my tone soft but unyielding. “Talk to me.” He exhaled sharply, finally setting his phone down on the coffee table. His hands raked through his hair, leaving it even messier than before. “It’s from....," He paused as a quick sigh escaped from him as he continued immediately. " It's from someone who knows Damian,” he said, his voice low. "Damian?" I quipped. "Is that why the message stated, “You can’t hide forever. The truth will come out.”"What are you hiding again, Lucas, what truth
