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Epilogue
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2024-07-21 22:00:48BELLE
“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 allRelated chapters
The Wife's Return Chapter One
Belle smiled at the few staff who recognized her. She tried not to grab anyone’s attention. Okay, maybe a little. She may have kept her silence, but she has been possessed with her flair for the dramatic. She wore the perfect black dress, hugging her curves perfectly, and dark red lipstick like a typical movie villain. She contemplated adding sunglasses but thought nah, that would be too much.She knew coming here at the law firm would be a hot issue in the making. People love to gossip as what can be observed with every eye trying to follow her every move subtly. She hasn’t left the area, but they are already whispering. For the first time after a long time, she didn’t care. It was nice to feel liberated even in this last stage of her short-lived marriage. It was a marriage that made whispering feel like screaming.Ah, there they are. She thought, spotting the conference room with glass windows. Perfect. She opened the glass door with a wide grin, showing her perfect set of white te
Last Updated : 2022-08-18The Wife's Return Chapter Two
“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Laurent.” Belle wasn’t nervous… or at least, this is what she kept telling herself while earlier, she was looking at the mirror, combing her hair. Even after changing her mind for what felt like the hundredth time, she is still unsure if she chose the right dress. Heck, she was even nervous thinking about what type of makeup look she would be wearing today. There was no need for her to please the parents. Her actions, however, say otherwise. It was hard to show a sweet smile, but she managed just fine. On the inside, there was an uneasy feeling, an internal chaos she wouldn’t like to admit was happening. Their presence made her almost forget that Nikolai was in the same room. It was surprising to see Oliver Laurent smile. Nikolai has consistently described him as a strict father growing up, giving her the image of a grumpy old man. Adeline’s fake smile was easy to spot, on the other hand. It was a contrast to the intense stare Belle couldn’t help but no
Last Updated : 2022-08-19The Wife's Return Chapter Three
This was a mistake, a huge one.In her head is a long list of all the actions she was starting to regret. On top of that list was meeting Nikolai. Nothing should be added. Enough stupid actions. Belle no longer cared if she packed her things messily in her suitcase; some were even scattered on the floor, but she was ready to squeeze everything into her luggage. The need to go home and forget what happened today was stronger than having well-arranged luggage.It has only been days, and she missed her child terribly already. They were never separated for this long, and she couldn't believe she left for something that turned out to be not worth it. Clearly, that would be Nikolai.She could have kept silent. Shut her mouth and just signed those damn divorce papers without slapping it on his face. It would hurt, and she'd spend some nights crying but at least, she could still have that peace she could never have now.After making sure nothing important was left behind, Belle clumsily close
Last Updated : 2022-08-19The Wife's Return Chapter Four
Nothing came out of Stella’s mouth. No sign of agreeing or disagreeing. Too stunned to speak, Stella stared back at Belle’s eyes with immeasurable seriousness. “I mean it,” she said. “Why would I agree to this?” Belle couldn’t believe why there was still a need for her to explain her terms when it was clearly in favor of Stella. It was a good deal, a great deal in fact. She is asking for nothing from her side, no help, and no drama. “What’s in it for you?” Stella was suspicious, and it was written all over her face. Her eyebrow raised. “You are still his wife. The last time I remember, you still wanted him.” “Geez, that was a long time ago. I think I deserve to move on, right? It’s really simple, Stella. Go, have him. I even came here to give the divorce papers myself. If that doesn't work, I can do it again and again. Until I am free from that shit-hole I once called , marriage. Point is, I simply want to cut ties. That’s all.” “That’s all?” "Let me put it this way." Belle lazi
Last Updated : 2022-11-22The Wife's Return Chapter Five
All lights are turned off at the law firm except for that corner where Preston was seated, staring blankly at his screen with a company's contract he has been trying to read for an hour now.The sigh that just escaped his lips was a sign of conceding. The words on the screen didn't seem to make sense when his mind was elsewhere. It would be better to stop and rest now than waste his time. This isn't efficient at all."Of course, you're here again. First to go to work and last to go home."Preston didn't have to look up to recognize the owner of her voice. When he did glance, even after seeing her face in the office all the time, Preston was still left mesmerized by how beautiful she looked. There he goes again, admiring her at the expense of his focus.She sets the documents and folders in front of his table and places a plastic bag with takeout food."Why did you come back?"He should know that she left earlier because Preston w
Last Updated : 2024-02-06The Wife's Return Chapter Six
To say that Belle was exhausted would be an understatement.That day, all she did was stay in her hotel room and reflect on her actions. Maybe there was too much doing and less thinking.She blocked Nikolai and even Preston. Only accepting messages from Bonnie and her most trusted nanny.“I shouldn’t be here.” Her heart clenched at the thought of Liam being away from her for that long. Liam's not even one year old, and she left her own child. All for her benefit and satisfaction. She wanted to be a better mother, and this trend of misfortunes is proof of the opposite. "What the hell am I doing with my life?"
Last Updated : 2024-03-01The Wife's Return Chapter Seven
Time has never been slower for Belle, who was waiting outside her room. Really! Outside of the room that she paid for herself. As much as she wanted to protest Preston's idea to speak with Nikolai, the look on his face wasn't asking for an explanation, nor was he open to discussion. Which is why even when she has her hotel keys, she wouldn't dare open the door.Sticking her ears in the door only proved that the room was soundproof.All she could do was wait, and every second of it was torture."Hey," she answered her friend's call. Her eyes were still glued to the door. "Anything alright there, Bon?""You know what? You are so lucky to have an independent kid. The cutie is sleeping in my arms so soundly!"That's a relie
Last Updated : 2024-03-02The Wife's Return Chapter Eight
He didn't want to. “All these years, you didn't bother to tell me that your husband's info is only a search away from the internet." Bonnie beamed at whatever information she was seeing on the screen."Ex-husband," Belle corrected."Yeah, right. Geez. This is a lot to take in. My head won't stop calculating this guy's net worth."Everyone's talking about Nikolai's net worth, which annoys her already. "Yeah, they own an airline. Big deal.""Thatalone is a big deal. That's just on the mother side. The father side? Oh, we're talking corporations. Freaking luxury items and cars. And what? A pharmaceutical company? You have got to be kidding me."The more information she receives, the dizzier she gets. "A what? I have no idea about that. I just know he's rich and his parents run a business.""We've totally underestimated this whole fiasco.""They can keep their money. I'm not asking for a single penny."
Last Updated : 2024-03-03
Latest chapter
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
