A love that perseveres, a heart that breaks, and a choice that changes everything. -- Lara married the man she cherished most, believing their vows would bind them forever. But love, as she soon learned, was not always enough. Lucas Gabriel Dela Merced never wanted her. To him, she was nothing more than a wife in name-an unwanted presence in his life. Still, Lara refused to surrender to despair. She clung to hope, determined to prove her love and salvage their broken marriage. She poured her heart, hoping, praying that one day he would see her, choose her, love her. But fate was cruel. Lucas' heart was never hers to begin with. Faced with the agonizing truth, Lara stands at a crossroads. Will she keep fighting for a love that may never be hers, or will she finally find the strength to walk away? Will she finally allow herself to heal from the wounds of unrequited love or will she continue to confine herself within this loveless marriage, forever branded as Lucas Gabriel Dela Merced's Unwanted Wife?
View MoreLara made her way toward the door, reaching for the handle, but it suddenly felt heavier than it should. Before she could struggle with it, Reagan was there, his presence solid behind her as he reached over and pulled the door open with ease.She stiffened. She hadn’t even realized how close he was until she felt the heat of his body at her back. Without looking at him, she muttered, “Thanks,” and quickly stepped out.The moment she reached the stairs, she stopped.They blurred for a second, doubling in her vision. She blinked, hoping it would go away, but when she opened her eyes again, the steps still wavered.Before she could take a step, a firm yet gentle hand wrapped around her elbow.Lara flinched at the contact, but Reagan’s grip wasn’t overbearing—it was steady, grounding. She glanced at him, momentarily unsure.“Careful,” he murmured, guiding her down the steps.She swallowed hard, nodding slightly. “Thanks…”He didn’t respond, simply keeping his hold firm until they reached
The mention of Lucas sent a sharp pang through her chest, and she had to force herself to keep her expression neutral.“He should be the one picking you up.” Reagan continued, his voice even, but there was something else beneath it—something that made her stomach twist.Lucas wouldn’t come. Lara knew that. Even if she called, even if she begged, he wouldn’t bother.She swallowed hard before mustering a small, tight-lipped smile. “He’s probably asleep,” she said lightly, as if it didn’t matter. As if it didn’t hurt. “He had work. I don’t want to disturb him.”Reagan tilted his head slightly, studying her. Then, with a slight scoff, he said, “What kind of husband wouldn’t come get his wife if she needed him?”The question shouldn’t have bothered her as much as it did. It was just an offhand remark from someone who didn’t know anything about her life. And yet, somehow, hearing those words from Reagan—this man she barely knew—felt like a slap to the face.Her fingers curled into fists in
The conversation around Lara carried on, voices blending into the steady pulse of music filtering in from the club outside. Every now and then, Gio, Noah, or Duke would try to pull her into the discussion, throwing casual remarks her way. She would offer them a polite smile, a nod, or a brief reply before retreating back into silence. She kept her focus on her drink, sipping slowly, letting the burn of alcohol distract her from the thoughts she didn’t want to entertain.She wasn’t necessarily trying to be distant—it just felt easier to listen than to engage.And besides, she wasn’t the only one who was quiet.Reagan didn’t talk much either. He sat across from her, effortlessly blending into the background despite his commanding presence. He responded when spoken to, but his words were few and to the point. But what Lara noticed most of all was the way his gaze would occasionally flicker toward her.It wasn’t obvious—not something that demanded her attention—but it happened often enoug
Heat crawled up her neck, and suddenly, she felt self-conscious under the weight of his stare. Was there something on her face?Without thinking, she turned her focus back to her drink, taking a slow sip, as if that would somehow make her invisible.The conversation around her carried on. A few moments later, Noah and Giovanni returned, seamlessly joining Duke, Ash, and Reagan in a discussion she had no interest in following. She kept her attention on her drink, letting the ice clink softly against the glass as she swirled it absentmindedly.Duke, ever the observant one, turned to her with a small frown. “You okay, Nics?” His tone was laced with concern. “You’ve been quiet.”Lara forced a small laugh. “I’m fine. Just enjoying my drink.”Duke didn’t look convinced. He leaned closer. “Are you sure? If you’re not feeling well, I can take you home.”She quickly shook her head, forcing a reassuring smile. “I’m really fine, Duke. You worry too much.”He sighed but didn’t push further. “Alri
Lara’s mind scrambled to process the man standing before her—the same one she had seen in Duke’s Instagram posts. The one she had been irrationally curious about.Seeing him in pictures was one thing, but in person… Damn.The photos hadn’t done him justice.He was tall—easily over six feet—with broad shoulders and a lean, muscular build that was obvious beneath his black dress shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing toned forearms. His skin was sun-kissed, a warm tan that contrasted sharply against the deep green of his eyes. Thick, dark brows framed his sharp features, his jawline was strong, and his slightly tousled black hair gave him an effortlessly attractive look, the kind that suggested he either didn’t care or simply woke up looking that good. There was something about him—an air of quiet authority, of confidence that didn’t need to be announced.Lara barely caught herself staring before Duke’s voice cut through her daze.“Reagan! You’re finally here!” Duk
Lara burst into laughter, shaking her head. “That’s smooth, but I’m married.” She held up her left hand, flashing her ring.Giovanni chuckled, exchanging a glance with Noah before looking back at her. “We know.”She gave them a curious look. “And you’re still hitting on a married woman?”Giovanni shrugged. “Hey, don’t get us wrong. We respect boundaries. But you look like you could use a little distraction tonight.”Lara let out a soft laugh, though the words struck a little too close to home. “That obvious, huh?”Noah smirked. “Pain has a way of showing itself, no matter how much you try to hide it.”She froze for a moment. Was it that easy to see? Had she been that transparent?Lifting her drink, she masked her expression behind another sip before exhaling. “Well, I appreciate the thought, but I think you two should find someone else to charm.”Giovanni grinned. “What if the married woman is too hot to ignore?”Lara rolled her eyes but chuckled, shaking her head. “I’d say you’re was
Lara blinked, surprised that he knew her name. Did Duke tell him about her?She shot Duke a suspicious glare. I swear, if he told him any embarrassing stories…“Uh… actually, it’s Lara,” she corrected.The man tilted his head. “Oh? Then who’s Nichole?”Lara sighed. “It’s my second name. Duke decided on his own to call me that, without my consent, and I got tired of correcting him.”The man let out a deep chuckle. “Figures. He probably loves the fact that he’s the only one who calls you that—it’s like his own personal pet name for you.”Ali snickered while Duke groaned. “Babe, please.”Lara raised an eyebrow, confused by their reactions—as if they knew something she didn’t. But before she could question it, the man extended a hand toward her.“The name’s Asher. But Ash will do.”Lara took his hand, offering a small smile. “Glad to meet you, Ash.”Ash turned to Ali next, his lips quirking in amusement. “And you must be the infamous Ali.”Ali gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her ch
When they finally arrived at the bar, Lara was immediately hit by the pulse of the music—loud, heavy, and intoxicating. Neon lights flashed in a dizzying array of colors, casting flickering shadows across the sea of bodies moving in rhythm to the beat. Laughter and conversation blended into the melody, the scent of alcohol thick in the air, mingling with expensive cologne, faint traces of smoke, and sweet perfume. It had been a long time since she last set foot in a place like this.Probably before she lost herself trying to be the perfect wife.Ali had always invited her out, urging her to loosen up, to live a little. But Lara had always said no.Because of work.Because of Lucas.Because she didn’t want him to think she was the kind of woman who spent her nights drinking in bars.Not that it mattered in the end.Lucas never cared. Never asked where she went, what she did, or how she felt. Whether she stayed home or disappeared for hours, it made no difference to him.So why had she
Lara clung desperately to the shards of her composure. She couldn’t break down. Not now. Not here. The air in the car felt suffocating, pressing against her like an invisible weight, but she forced herself to breathe. Deep, steady inhales. Measured exhales. As if that would stop the ache spreading in her chest, as if that would erase what she had just seen.“Hey, are you okay, Lara?”Ali’s voice snapped her back to reality.Lara flinched, hastily wiping at her eyes before forcing a smile—one that she hoped looked convincing.“Y-Yeah… I’m fine. Just a little tired, I guess.”Lies.But what else was she supposed to say?Ali, seated in the passenger seat, didn’t look convinced. Her sharp eyes narrowed, scanning Lara’s face like she could see every crack in her facade. “You sure?”Before Lara could come up with another excuse, the car door on the driver’s side opened, and Duke slid into his seat. His sharp gaze flickered between the two women, instantly sensing the shift in the atmosphere
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Do not distribute, publish, transmit, modify, display or create derivative works from or exploit the contents of this story in any way. Please obtain permission.Content & Trigger Warning: This story contains mature themes, including explicit content, strong language, graphic violence, and other potentially distressing material. Reader discretion is advised. I do not promote, support, or romanticize any of the crimes or red flags depicted in this story—they are included solely for narrative purposes. Please approach these themes with an open mind while being mindful of potential triggers. Your well-being is important, so remember to take care of yourself before, during, and after reading.***PrologueLara’s gaze rem...
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