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Chapter Sixty-nine
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2024-06-18 22:00:34‘I’m alive? I’m still live, right?’ was the first question that came to Belle’s mind. If she could feel the pain and the rush of panic as the truck approached them, then the answer would be yes. She is hurting, but nonetheless, alive to feel pain.
Her head throbbed with a headache.‘What happened? Where the hell am I?’ she asked herself.Even if she wanted to ask the words out loud, she could barely move. The pain was bearable, but the processing of information made her lie down frozen. Almost every part of her body felt numb.“Isobelle.” She recognized Nikolai's voice before she could even see him. His voice was on the verge of breaking. Nikolai cleared his throat, trying to conceal the vulnerability.If Belle would open her eyes, she would have the chance to see that concern reflected in Nikolai’s face. ‘But I don’t want to. Not right now.’ She told herself as she processed everything that had happened.“I know you're awake.” N
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The Wife's Return Chapter Seventy
It was overwhelming.She could barely hold the phone. Hell, it was even hard to find enough strength to stand up. Even at her weakest, she wished she had enough strength to land a slap on Nikolai's cheek to save a teeny-tiny bit of self-worth.And yet, she couldn't. Belle stood frozen, still hoping Nikolai could come up with some shit of an excuse that would explain everything. Like she would always do.“If you would tell me it isn't true, I will believe you.” She pleaded, not giving a fuck about how desperate it may sound. “So, tell me, Nikolai. Tell me this didn't happen.”“There's nothing going on between me and Evelyn.” He finally said something. Though it wasn't exactly what she wanted to hear.“Tell me you didn't fuck her.”Both Nikolai and Leo seemed taken aback by her straightforwardness. Nothing else matters right now. All she wants is the truth, not a sugar-coated lie.“No. I can explain this, Isobelle.”“Okay. I will be an idiot trying to listen to you. Go.”“I have no idea
Last Updated : 2024-06-19The Wife's Return Chapter Seventy-one
Belle had several theories formed in her head. Hearing it out loud and from Leo himself still came as a surprise.Her lips slightly parted in surprise. It was even clearer now, all those similarities that he shared with Nikolai.“You're really brothers?” She wanted to confirm once more.“Half-brothers… allegedly. It was never confirmed. Nobody really dared to confirm. Those who knew the truth never bothered to speak out, those suspicious never asked.To say that she was curious was an understatement. She wants to hear everything, from start to end. This was big news! The anticlimactic bored face from Leo isn't stopping her from wanting to hear the story.“But… but how?”“I don't think I should be the one telling you this. If you want the drama, the whole plot, go ask your husband.”“Soon-to-be ex-husband,” she corrected.Leo smirked. “Nah. I doubt so.” He crossed his arm that were filled with bruises.
Last Updated : 2024-06-20The Wife's Return Chapter Seventy-two
Someone knocked on her door late in the evening. The lights on her room were still and he must have figured out that she was still awake.They have never slept in the same room since the confrontation. It was hard enough for her to stay in the same house and eat breakfast at the same table as Nikolai. All this she did for Liam.Belle unlocked the door, and Nikolai was standing outside. She would always avoid looking in his eyes and this is the first time she's seen the stress reflect on his face.“Can we talk now?” He gently said. It was the first time he asked.“Okay.”Instead of letting him in, she took a step outside and led the way to the nearest lounge area. Her room was a mess. Aside from that, it would be safer to talk somewhere far away from a bed where ‘talking’ can be translated into something else.“Let's talk here.” Belle took a seat and signaled Nikolai to sit, too. She's much more calm now than she was days before.
Last Updated : 2024-06-21The Wife's Return Chapter Seventy-three
“Is that why you are here?”Belle nodded.Everything she needed and more was in Houston… but how can she stay silent and live in peace knowing that someone who wants her dead was breathing the same air? There was no turning back after knowing this.Before they get her, she should get them first. “I need to do something here.”“What do you mean?” Bonnie asked, but gasped soon after. “This is about the accident, isn't it?”“It wasn't an accident, Bon. Someone tried and failed to kill me.”“I was already suspecting it.” Bonnie worriedly held Belle's hand. “I knew even back then that something was off with your letter.”The letter. Right. The one that she was forced to write. Every letter she wrote was like digging into her own skin.It was the time Liam needed her the most. Why would she leave suddenly?It was an easy conclusion that maybe things went too much for her and she left. Wors
Last Updated : 2024-06-25The Wife's Return Chapter Seventy-four
“Finally, we're alone!” Belle gushed after Stella closed the door in her own house.It was a little unfair to see her live a rather good life in her two-storey mansion. Living this glamorous life, she doesn't deserve it.“What are you doing here, Belle?”“Of course you would ask that. What am I doing here when I'm supposed to be buried six feet under, you mean?” She raised an eyebrow. “I don't know what you mean.”“You know exactly what I mean.”Stella wanted her gone. She couldn't stomach the fact that even when Belle wants nothing to do with Nikolai, he would still choose to be with him.Theirs was a complicated history of rejection and love.“You were pretending to be another person all this time.”Belle scoffed in disbelief. If there was a glass of water near her, she'd throw it ruthlessly right in front of Stella's face. Like those scenes in the movie. “I wasn't pretending, Stella. You almost kill
Last Updated : 2024-06-26The Wife's Return Chapter Seventy-five
The silence was so loud, Belle could already read what was running in Nikolai's head.She was wearing the same clothes; she had the same haircut. She was the same woman who left, but something must have changed.Even Belle could feel it. It was hard to point out exactly what it could be.“I've been gone for a while and now that I'm back… really back, you won't say anything?” She raised an eyebrow.“Isobelle…”‘Isobelle.’ He really had to call her differently.If only Nikolai called her like anyone else. If only he hadn't made her feel a bit special. If only she didn't fall for his charm, it wouldn't be this way.She blamed herself alone for falling in love with him, but it was him who would always look at her longingly.If only he looked the other way, they wouldn't be standing this close to one another. With all the problems and complications that surround them.“I rushed here with all that emotions, some scripted movie-type of script to ask you questions and now that I'm here-” yet
Last Updated : 2024-06-27The Wife's Return Chapter Seventy-six
“I thought you wanted a break.” “I do.” Belle held her breath to prevent heaving a deep sigh. “I still want to, but I'm busy right now with work.” “Just a weekend?” Of course, she had the weekend off. Sadly for her case, rest from work doesn't automatically mean a rest for her mind. Her head was all over the place after Leo told her to be careful. She is taking his advice, but it was almost to the point of being obnoxious. “I know about how you'd constantly contact Emily.” “Of course she told you.” She isn't their boss, after all. In the end, every employee in the company and their house has to promise their full loyalty to Nikolai. “I asked her not to tell you because I don't want you to think there's a need to worry.” “Exactly why she told me. She's getting worried about you, too.” “I don't want Liam to be in danger.” “Of course. I'll make sure of that as well.” “So, are you ready for this vacation?” She needed a breather, and so did Nikolai. “Are we finally going to th
Last Updated : 2024-06-29The Wife's Return Chapter Seventy-seven
“Because I love you, Isobelle.”This wasn’t the first time she heard Nikolai say it. Her dream was filled with romance and sweet gestures. Most especially, of declaration of love. The thought of Nikolai saying those words lived in her dreams and, for the longest of time, she allowed to have that sense of delusion. It was her own way of coming to terms with knowing she might never get the chance to hear him say it in person.She has waited all her life to hear Nikolai say those words and now that he did; she didn’t expect that her initial reaction would be… doubt.“It’s okay, Nikolai. I already believe you are trying to do your best for this family. I told you. That’s already enough for me.”“Isobelle, this isn’t just a spur of the moment. I’m saying this because it is really what I feel. I love-”“Please don’t tell me lies. I already believed everything you have been saying, and that was too much at stake already. So, that’s enough for me
Last Updated : 2024-06-30
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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
