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Chapter Forty-four
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2024-05-14 21:00:37‘How in the world am I supposed to be focused on this house tour when all that was running in my mind is that line he said?’
It was impossible to ignore, let alone forget.‘Allow me to spoil you a little, Isobelle.’“A little? A little?! How could this little kingdom be categorized as little?” Belle stared at the signed impressionist painting. That art alone looks like it should be in a museum. Wherever she looked, there’s at least one thing that would be considered a treasure. “I didn’t marry him for money, didn’t I? Gosh. What if I’m really one of those gold diggers? Oh, hell.”“You’re not.”“What the-!” Belle wanted badly to faint on the spot. But as of the moment, she’d rather have broken bones than break something in this house. “I thought you left!”“I talked to the head security staff. He’d register your thumb mark and for facial recognition before we leave.”“Head of security? So, there’s like a… a body?” She nevRelated chapters
The Wife's Return Chapter Forty-five
“Are you okay?”“Yes.”“Isobelle-”Belle slapped Nikolai's hand the moment it made contact with her skin. The part of her brain that was in charge of self-defense recognizes Nikolai as danger and has its guards up. “Don’t touch me, and please stay away from me.”“Sorry. It’s just that your cheeks are so red. Are you okay?”She is fine. Nothing's wrong with her body. The only thing that was wrong was the things that were running through her head.Oh, damn all those thoughts.She kept her legs closed together, ashamed of the heat she was feeling in between. She was even scared that she might see such scenes again if she’d closed her eyes.“I'm okay. Don't mind me. Just keep driving.”The rest of the ride was quiet. Through the window, Belle saw Nikolai stealing glances from her and whenever he would, that memory flashes back before her eyes.She swallowed the lump in her throat. All she needs is a distraction and a Nikolai-free place.‘He’s your flame, Belle. You would burn if you go ne
Last Updated : 2024-05-15The Wife's Return Chapter Forty-six
This is all she has been waiting for. Belle was holding a paper bag filled with toys that she bought before for Liam. She practiced all night trying to find the perfect words. This could not go wrong. “Oh!” The door moved even before she could open. Next thing she knows, she's already face to face with Nikolai. “Why are you not coming inside?” “How did you know I was here?” “Security said you arrived and that was twenty minutes ago.” Belle didn't realize she had been standing outside that long. Like an actress preparing for a big role, she was making a run through of all her lines. Nervousness was getting the best of her. “Hey,” Nikolai soothingly caressed her shoulders. “Isobelle, it's going to be alright. Don’t worry too much.” “You don't know that.” “But I know Liam,” he answered. “And I know you.” “Wait. Do you think he'll love these toys?” Her hand was shaking as she showed Nikolai what was inside the box. He held her hand and she found a way to breathe without gasping f
Last Updated : 2024-05-16The Wife's Return Chapter Forty-seven
This is what she had been fearing. As she ran her way towards Liam, a staff stopped her on the way because of the broken lamp. After settling the payment, she immediately called Nikolai. Belle was frantically walking around nearby sections of the department store, but the two were nowhere to be found. She starts to panic while her eyes scan every corner of the store. “I’m here with Liam outside.” That one day she had as Liam’s mother was the greatest day of her life. Still. it isn’t enough to make up for her being absent in her life. She could never forgive herself if she ends up ruining things on her second day in Liam’s life as his mother. “Oh my gosh.” She uttered upon seeing Nikolai carrying Liam in his arms. The kid is practically hiding in his father’s neck. ‘This is my fault. I did this.’ She couldn’t help but blame herself. As much as she wanted to wallow in self-pity, it was her priority to fix this for Liam’s sake. “What happened?” Nikolai was obviously confused and wo
Last Updated : 2024-05-17The Wife's Return Chapter Forty-eight
“Good morning, Madam. What would you like for breakfast?”Having a cook and an army of maids was unnecessary. They are even wearing uniforms that are quite fashionable. She couldn't help but feel out of place.“Please call me Belle. I'll only have bread and I can prepare that myself. Thank you.”“No need for that, Madam Belle. I will do it for you.”She opens her mouth, ready to clarify things here in this mansion, but Nikolai beats her to it.“Two french toast and two cups of coffee. A teaspoon of sugar and creamer. Thank you, Dania.” He went straight to the table, not even granting Belle a glimpse. “You're making them more uncomfortable if you prepare the food yourself. Let them do their job, Isobelle.”He still hasn't changed. He's still acting cold towards her after their conversation. Gone was the kind and considerate Nikolai. Something inside him snapped and now, he wouldn't even meet her eyes when he talks to her.
Last Updated : 2024-05-18The Wife's Return Chapter Forty-nine
Tonight wasn't so bad after all. Having low expectations from the very beginning paved the way for a tolerable evening. She didn't expect she'd make best friends. The goal was to simply not make an enemy.“I believe we have already met.”She recognized the woman. She met her before at Liam's party.“I'm sorry I didn't recognize you before, Adeline.”The lady was all glitters and smile with those pearly white teeth.“I'm sure you had your reason, Katherine Isobelle. Whatever that may be.” She responded, with her smile not disappearing. “I'm glad you came back. Finally. After all those unexplainable years.”“Mother.” Nikolai stopped her. If he didn't speak, Belle might have forgotten that Nikolai's just by her side. “We talked about this already… about not making a scene.”“I'm not making a scene, son. I'm merely voicing out my opinions and observations in a very calm and disciplined manner.”One thing she learned
Last Updated : 2024-05-19The Wife's Return Chapter Fifty
There's something endearing and frightening about being naked in front of someone. It feels like surrendering. Giving him the upper-hand leaving her with nothing but a sheer piece of vulnerability. She didn't mind. This is something that she was willing to do.Under the scrutiny of Nikolai's gaze, she didn't back down at the staring contest. In fact, if he wouldn't kiss him first, she'd do it herself.Nikolai sighed and looked away. Continuing to look away, he gets a robe.“Is this something you needed to check off your checklist? Is this how low you think of me and our marriage?” He handed her the robe. “Cover yourself up. Please.”“What are you saying, Nikolai? You said you play husband and wife. Well, here we are. What kind of married couple doesn't sleep with each other?”“The kind that stays married even if one of them wants a divorce. You would be surprised how many married couples don't get to have a happily ever after, Isobelle. We'd simply be another non-significant addition
Last Updated : 2024-05-20The Wife's Return Chapter Fifty-one
“Looking for a gift for your son?”Belle nodded at him. Liam really liked the gift that Maxwell had picked for him before. And right now, she could really use a friend.“This time, I'm buying for two boys.”“Oh, I didn't know you had two kids!”She didn't deny it because it was true. She has two kids. Even if she isn't the biological mom of Elias, he sees that child as hers.It pains her to think that Elias probably misses Belle so much right now. He wanted to visit Elias so badly but Jack brought him on a trip, a long vacation and they haven’t come back yet.“Do you really help every customer like this? Your manager must be very proud.”Maxwell laughed at her comment. “I try to be as hands on as possible. This may simply be a passion project, but it's a very rewarding one.”“One of your passion projects? You mean… you own this place?” She's so surprised that she whispered the last part.“I’m not sure if I told you that last time but, yeah. I do.” Maxwell had that look of pride on his
Last Updated : 2024-05-21The Wife's Return Chapter Fifty-two
Belle had no plans entertaining any other suitors. Even after what Nikolai did and how unconventional their marriage feels like now.“Are you going to tell him?” She asked Jessica. Her personal assistant slash bodyguard was awfully quiet during the ride.“I believe nothing eventful happened today.” Jessica nonchalantly looked at the window. Belle can already tell. She may be acting cold, but she’s on her side.First day together and they are already bonding. She’ll take this as a good sign.“Do you think that guy still likes me?”Jessica looked around the car except at Belle's location. “Yes.” She said while clearing her throat. “It was quite obvious with the way he looked at you. Especially when you said goodbye.”It was exactly why she said goodbye. She went there because she wanted to talk to a friend. She could really use one right now. Someone who can understand her, or be there for her. There was this teeny-tiny hope before in her heart for that person to be Nikolai. It seems l
Last Updated : 2024-05-22
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The Wife's Return Epilogue
BELLE“This has become a weird tradition.” Nikolai commented after placing the can of beer on his table. “You’re based somewhere in Europe. Why would you come home for a day like this?”“You know the only thing that’s weird here? Your wife is drinking a 1995 vintage red wine while we gulp these cans of cheap beer.”Belle, as Leo mentioned, was enjoying his glass of wine. Sure, the wine tastes good. It has a rich aroma and a hint of caramel when she tastes, but that wasn’t it. She had tasted all kinds of expensive and delicious food from all over the world, but food only tastes better when with good company.Like she is right now.“Don’t you go there and blame me, Leo. I’m not the one who came here with a bag full of beer when we literally have a wine cellar in the house. And you,” she pointed at Nikolai. “Don’t you dare complain about a headache tomorrow.”Today is Oliver Laurent’s death anniversary. It has been a year since all
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-eight
“Why would you even do that, Nick?” There was no hint of the posh and polished Adeline. As soon as she heard the news, she came rushing to Nikolai and Belle’s home, obviously distraught. Her hair hasn’t been combed, there was not a hint of make-up on her face. Both Nikolai and Belle looked at each other, knowing there was nothing that they could do. Even if it pained him, he accepted every slap from his mom. “You killed your father! I can’t believe my own son killed his own father!” She was hysterical. “Ma’am-” Nikolai shook his head at Belle who was attempting to stop Adeline’s slaps on Nikolai’s chest. “I’m fine, Isobelle. Please find, Liam. I’ll just talk to Mom.” “But.” “Isobelle,” he gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s okay.” Even when hesitant, Belle walked out and left Nikolai with his mom. Adeline’s screams were replaced with sobs. Growing up, Nikolai knew he didn’t have a family like the others. Both Adeline and Oliver weren't the most expressive people. He simply thou
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-seven
Nikolai’s name is being dragged all over social media. The world has billions of issues, and one of his advisors initially advised him to lay-low and observe, hoping that people would spare them little to no attention.Boy, was he wrong.“Don’t open the internet and don’t read your messages.” Belle told him as soon as he held his phone to check his schedule for the day.“I couldn’t go on with my day without doing that, Isobelle. You know that.” He was reminded with a gentle tone. “I know you're worried about me, but I’m tougher than you think. Don’t worry.”“I know you are, but people who don’t know you are judging you and are doing everything so they could twist the story and fit it to their narratives.” She held her breath as she spoke in frustration. “I can’t wait for them to be proven wrong.”“I need you to relax and take a breather. You should be the one staying away from any news.” Nikolai holds her close. His lips touch the side of her hair. Unlike the previous days, he’s more
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-six
It is such a shame that there is no way to choose who we want as our parents.In the eyes of the public and everyone that surrounded him, Nikolai won the genetic lottery, as well as life in general. Born with distinct features and undeniably good-looking, he already got a head start in life. Not to mention the amount of money he grew up with and everything that he would inherit.He was set for a lifetime. Even better, his children and grandchildren, can choose not to work and could still survive.It’s the fairytale dream of almost everyone.But as he shared a table with the half-brother his father tried to kill, talking about all the times their father tried to ruin their lives, he couldn’t help but ask a question. ‘Is this still worth it?’.He took another sip of the beer. Like Leo, they share a comfortable silence, pondering about the life that they separately had.“Thank you,” Nikolai blurted out. Unlike the previous conversations they had, he didn’t have to force the words out of
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-five
The only safe and discreet place that he could think of was in the house where they used to live. Nikolai couldn’t let anyone know he was meeting Leo. For both their sake. He didn’t have to wait so long because, when he arrived, Leo’s motorcycle was already parked outside. ‘That hard-headed boy,’ he thought. He particularly told him not to use a motorcycle, but he wasn’t listening at all. “Didn’t I tell you to not use your motorcycle?” “Didn’t I tell you I wouldn’t?” He answered in the same tone, in the same manner. Therefore Belle thinks there’s a resemblance between the two of them. It starts at the physical appearance, but it doesn’t end there. For example, like how the two of them talked and how, at the moment, Leo was returning the same glare he was showing. “Do you really hate me that much?” Blood connect and separate them. Every time he would see Leo in the same gathering, he tried his best to push him away. In Nikolai’s point of view, Leo’s existence was a miracle t
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-four
“I'm going to talk to Juliette today.”“Are you going to accept her offer?” Belle kept her eyes straight on the breakfast that was prepared for them. Even if she had a little appetite that morning, she wanted to do something else other than be immersed in whatever Nikolai has to say. “Of course you are going to.”“I'm not.”Breaking her plan, Belle glanced at Nikolai. “You're not going to?”“No.” Even if he doesn't say it, that hopeless look gives away what he's thinking. “But don't worry. I'll try to find a way.”“Good morning, Daddy.” Liam kissed Nikolai's cheek and then Belle's. “Good morning, Mommy.”“Why are you not dressed yet? You're going to school now, aren't you?”“Yes… but,” He kept trying to get food from his spoon and failed all the time. “Maybe not today, Mommy.”“Liam, is there anything wrong? Why are you not going to school today? Are you not feeling well?” Belle touched his forehead to check for fever or any kind of illness. Liam seems fine, but the kid is obviously b
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-three
NIKOLAI “What did you say?” Nikolai was furious when he heard what Leo had to say. “Are you accusing my father of being a murderer?” It was as clear as crystal that Oliver Laurent was far from a perfect human. He may not be the kindest person, but he’s Nikolai’s father. He had his own ways of protecting what he has. Nothing will ever change the fact that he is Nikolai’s father. “I don’t want to talk about this over the phone. If you want to hear more, you should be the one to contact me. I told myself before and I’m reminding myself again that I will not get involved with your family or whatever that dysfunctional set-up you have.” “How dare you?” Leo can’t go around pushing people away when in the first place, it was he who contacted him first. “And you’re really saying that even when you’re the one who called me? If you’re wishing me bad luck, I don’t think there’s any need for that.” “Believe me,” he said. “I don’t want to do this either. I wouldn’t do this if I’m not worried a
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-two
NIKOLAINikolai observed Belle while she turned her back on her. They are sleeping on the same bed, but their mind seems to be anywhere but the present. He knows he’s asking so much of his wife. It was a very ridiculous offer that he wished he didn’t have to even say.It isn’t the best strategy, but right now, Nikolai thinks that the best he could do for his family is minimize the possible negative impacts. If he agrees to marry Juliette, he’d still have his family while quickly repairing the effects on their business.Investors are backing out one by one. Some already say that it’s a breach of contract. It’s a ticking time bomb. The longer he waits, the lesser the chance that they’d still be able to fix the problem.Belle’s breathing isn’t even anymore. She pretends to quietly sleep, but Nikolai knows that she’s as awake as he is.“I’m sorry.” He uttered out of the blue. “I’ll understand whatever decision you’ll take. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll totally respect it. You have every
The Wife's Return Chapter Eighty-one
“We can just talk here. I told you. I'd say yes immediately if there's anything I can do.” Belle was desperate to help Nikolai. “You know I'm not that attached to the business before. I only felt forced to take over because no one else would. I had to give up practicing law and continue to run this business.” “Are you saying that you don't want to be involved with this?” “No.” His eyes were on the ground. Belle can feel the weight on his shoulders with those deep breaths. “Even if I'd want to, there's no way out of this. My face is on every article about the company. Backing out now is a cowardly move that would confirm what people are already saying about me. That I'm a ruthless and corrupt business person.” “You know you are not that kind of person.” “I know, but no matter what I’d do, they won’t believe me, Isobelle. It’s so easy to spread information these days. People won’t even bother verifying if it’s true or not.” Nikolai is right. You can defend yourself and use ev
