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21: A Month After
Last Updated:
2024-11-30 07:53:03
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Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 22: Fight and Flight
I blinked at him. “What?”“You need to learn how to defend yourself,” he said matter-of-factly. “The next time someone points a gun in your direction, I want you to know exactly what to do.”I stared at him, my jaw dropping. “Are you serious? You just got shot, and now you want to play sensei on a rooftop?”“Yes,” he said simply. “Now, take off your coat. Let’s get started.”“Alejandro, this is ridiculous,” I muttered as I stood in front of him, my arms awkwardly raised in what I assumed was some kind of defensive position.His shoulder looked stiff as he rolled it back, the edge of a bandage peeking out under his shirt. He moved like someone who’d decided pain was optional.“No, what’s ridiculous is how bad your stance is,” he said, smirking.I rolled my eyes. “You’re impossible.”“And you’re stalling.” He stepped closer, his good hand gripping my elbow to adjust my posture. His touch sent a jolt through me.“Feet shoulder-width apart,” he said, his voice low, his breath warm against
Last Updated : 2024-11-30Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 23: Cracks in the Armor
I stumbled through the automatic doors, Alejandro right behind me. My pulse thundered in my ears, drowning out the chaotic sounds of phones ringing, monitors beeping, nurses rushing past. For me, everything was muffled, distant, like I was moving through water. I clutched the counter, leaning in to address the nurse.“Ruth Farrell,” I said, breathless. “She was brought in earlier. Stroke.”The nurse barely glanced up. “Your name?”“Estella Farr—De Luca” I said, barely able to string words together. “Her daughter.”“And your relationship to the patient?”I blinked, my mind scrambling. “I just said—daughter. She’s my mother.”She nodded and typed something into her computer, her fingers clacking with an irritating calmness. “She’s stable, but the doctor is still evaluating her condition.” She paused, glancing over at Alejandro as if sizing him up before adding, “You’ll need to wait until he’s done.”“I—” I stepped back, disoriented, as if the words had struck me physically. The word of
Last Updated : 2024-11-30Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 24: Cracks in the Armor II
“My father was a mean drunk,” Alejandro began, his tone detached, as though recounting someone else’s life. His gaze was fixed on the chipped wall across from us. “The kind who didn’t stop at breaking bottles—he had to break people too. I don’t remember a time when my mother wasn’t covering up a bruise or an excuse for him.” I stayed silent, my chest tightening as his words unfolded like a wound reopening. “He was good at hiding it when people were watching,” he continued, his voice sharpening. “But behind closed doors, he didn’t hold back. My mother bore the brunt of it.” My chest tightened. “And you? Alejandro’s lips pressed into a thin line, his jaw twitching. “He had no problem turning it on me when I got old enough to ‘get in his way,’ as he’d put it. But mostly, I had to watch. I had to watch him destroy her, piece by piece.” I swallowed hard, unsure if I should speak, but the look on his face stopped me. He wasn’t done. “She tried to shield me from it, I guess she th
Last Updated : 2024-11-30Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 25: Graves and Ghosts
Ruth was still in the hospital, her condition stabilizing but far from ideal. The doctor insisted she stay under observation for a while longer. It had been a week since the stroke, and while she occasionally came around, the moments were fleeting. Her speech was slurred, limited to a few words at best, and her side was almost completely immobile. “She’s responding well to treatment, but recovery will take time,” the doctor had told me yesterday. “It’s crucial to keep her stress-free. Her Alzheimer’s complicates things, but the physiotherapy sessions we’ve started should help over time.” Alejandro visited with me a few times, staying quiet but present, his hand occasionally brushing mine when the silence grew too heavy. Now, I was standing in front of a mirror getting ready for Carl Whitman’s funeral. I felt the stares before I even stepped out of the car. The low hum of whispers as Alejandro held the door open for me. “They’re staring at you, not me,” he murmured, his hand b
Last Updated : 2024-11-30Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 26: Power Play
The bathroom door eased open, letting a warm wave of steam roll out into the bedroom. She stepped into the room, her bare feet silent against the cold tile floor. Droplets of water clung to her skin, catching the dim light from the bedside lamp. Her gaze settling on the figure sprawled on the bed, his chest rising and falling with the steady rhythm of sleep. For a moment, she just watched him. The sheet barely clinging to his waist. A corner of her mouth lifted. Vulnerable was exactly how she liked him She untied the robe around her and let it slip to the floor without a sound. Barefoot, bare everything, she padded to the bed and climbed onto it, the mattress dipping under her weight Her knee pressed into his side as she straddled him, her hands trailing lightly over his chest. “Wake up,” she whispered, her tone sweet, almost affectionate. He stirred, his eyes blinking open, hazy and unfocused at first, but when they landed on her, they sharpened. A lazy smile spread across his
Last Updated : 2024-12-01Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 27: The GIA
I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my heart hammering against my ribs It was hard to keep up. The SUVs swerved through traffic like they owned the damn road. My foot pressed harder on the accelerator. “No way I’m losing you,” I muttered, weaving through cars and ignoring the angry honks behind me. As they made a sharp left turn, I jerked the wheel, tires screeching in protest. One of the SUVs slowed, and for a split second, I thought they might have noticed me. My stomach churned as I eased off the gas. But then it picked up speed again, and I exhaled sharply, forcing myself to focus. The license plate of the last SUV came into view. I read it aloud under my breath, committing it to memory: GIA-7546. “GIA,” I frowned. “Global Investigative Authority? What the hell is this?” The convoy finally pulled into a massive building that looked like it had been plucked straight out of a government conspiracy movie. I rolled to a stop at a safe distance and watched as the agents drag
Last Updated : 2024-12-02Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 28: The Break-in
Stay out of this? Like hell, I would.I slipped into the estate through the hidden safety door Alejandro had shown me shortly after our fake engagement. He’d called it a precaution, just in case. “When you know your exits, no one can trap you,” he’d said.The safety door leads to the panic room was concealed behind an unassuming panel of ivy-covered wall, located at the rear of the property. From there, a narrow hallway led straight into the main house. He’d made me memorize the sequence to unlock it, “just in case.” Now, I was glad I’d paid attention.My steps echoed softly against the cold floor. The estate loomed silent and empty, wrapped in yellow tape and barricades like some distorted gift.No patrol cars. No techs combing the place. Just eerie quiet. If this was supposed to be an active investigation scene, it didn’t feel like oneI crouched by the edge of the patio, pulling off the disposable shoe covers I’d worn to avoid leaving tracks. They’d probably already dusted the plac
Last Updated : 2024-12-03Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 29: Shadows in the Frame
The cameras were no ordinary models. As their sleek website boasted, had thermal sensors, night vision, and a self-contained storage unit immune to tampering. If they’d been active during the timeline of the supposed murder, the footage was my best shot at proving Alejandro’s innocence. But there was a catch. A problem. I couldn’t just call SafeHouse Systems to extract the footage—not without alerting the GIA and making this whole thing blow up before I had concrete proof, before I get what I needed. I have to do it myself. But I needed someone who could tell me what to do. Alejandro always said you couldn’t fight fire with kindness; you needed a bigger flame. Right now, I was willing to burn everything to the ground if it meant saving him. I couldn’t do it alone. I pulled out my phone, hesitating before dialing. I hated making this call, but desperate times didn’t leave room for pride. “Ricky?” I whispered into the line once it connected. “Estella? It’s been years. What—” ” I
Last Updated : 2024-12-03
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Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 95: A Storm of Lies
Warning: This chapter contains graphic content, including self-harm, that may be triggering for some readers.If you're struggling with mental health issues, please take care of yourself and consider skipping this chapter.Alejandro POVThe snow started falling a few miles away from the estate, covering the road and slowing my progress. It hadn’t been snowing when I left home, but now it was heavy flakes covering the windshield and muffling the sound of my tires on the secluded drive.I cursed under my breath, gripping the steering wheel tighter as I turned into the long, winding driveway of the mansion. This place was old money through and through: a large plot of land in the middle of nowhere, towering oak trees lining the path, and a mansion that looked more like a fortress.The entire property’s lights were out, save for a faint glow coming from a single window on the second floor.When I reached the entrance, I slammed the car door shut and jogged to the grand stone front steps.
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 94: Blast from the Past
Estella Mia’s blank stare still stuck with me as I walked back into the house, locking the door behind me. The whole house was silent, the kind that made every creak of the floorboards echo louder than it should. What the hell was Mia doing out there? Sleepwalking? Spying? I couldn’t figure it out, but the way she just stood there, staring, still gave me chills. I tried to shake off the thought. She’d been weird since the moment she started working here. I sent Alejandro a quick message: Are you almost there? Is she okay? I sighed, heading to the bedroom. My dress clung to me uncomfortably after the long day, and I peeled it off, tossing it onto the chair. Sliding into the bathroom, I turned on the shower, letting the hot water soothe my tense muscles. The warm spray did little to calm my thoughts. My mind was a whirlwind of suspicion and unease. I had just been proposed to. I should be euphoric, floating on air, but instead, I felt restless. When I stepped out of the shower,
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 93: Abrupt Call
Estella“She just collapsed, Alejandro! One minute she was fine, and the next—oh my God, what do I do? I called an ambulance, but they’re taking so long. She’s just lying there!”Alejandro pinched the bridge of his nose, his jaw clenched as he paced. “Camila, just take a deep breath. Did you check her pulse? Is she still breathing?”“I-I didn’t want to touch her,” she stammered. “What if I make it worse? I don’t know what to do, Alejandro. I’m scared. She hasn’t even opened her eyes! Please what should I do?”“Stay with her,” he ordered, his voice firm. “I’m on my way. I’ll be there soon.”Alejandro’s expression was unreadable as he slid his phone into his pocket, but I could feel the tension radiating off him. I know what he is feeling. He told Lucia is like a mother to him. Losing her is like reliving the lost of his mother.“You’re going?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer.“Yes,” he said shortly, grabbing his keys from his pocket.I stepped in front of him. “I’ll come
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 92: The Real Proposal
Estella POV“Let’s just go home,” I said. “I’m tired. It’s been a long day, and I’m just… done.”Alejandro shot me a sidelong glance. “When was the last time you let yourself just stop and breathe?”I huffed out a small laugh. “I’ll stop and breathe as soon as we get home.”“Then it’s my job to make sure you get it,” he said firmly, wrapping an arm around my waist.As we neared the corner where Clara stood, I spotted her slouched against the wall, arms crossed.“Hey Clara?” I asked, stepping closer. “Are you okay?”She straightened immediately, plastering on a forced smile. “Yeah, fine.”I narrowed my eyes. “You don’t look fine.”“I’m fine,” she insisted, waving me off.I hesitated, my concern growing, but before I could press further, she shook her head and chirped, “ Are you going? Just go and have a rest. I’ll handle everything.”I studied her, then gave a small nod. I will make sure to find out what is up with her. “Make sure everyone leaves safely, okay? And… I will get Raul stay
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 91: The Proposal
Estella POVI walked through the remnants of the event, seeing guests off and thanking them for sticking with me, believing me.I was about to suggest to Alejandro we leave when Elliot Harrington appeared in my path.Elliot Harrington, of Vanveau, the company that had yanked their partnership the second the rumors started. His cocky smile was a reminder of how easily people could turn on you when it suited them“Well well Estella,” he said. “I have to say, tonight’s event was nothing short of extraordinary.”“Extraordinary enough to make you regret pulling out of our deal?” I replied, arching a brow.His smile faltered for a split second, but he recovered quickly. “A lapse in judgment, I admit. One I deeply regret. That’s why I’m here—to assure you that Vanveau is still very interested in partnering with Estrella Designs. The deal stands if you’re willing.”I crossed my arms, keeping my face neutral. “Funny. I seem to remember you being the first to jump ship when the rumors started.
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 90: Julius Cadwell
The tension in the room thickened as Vivian’s father strode in, his presence commanding every ounce of attention. His tailored suit was impeccable, his silver hair gleaming under the spotlights. He scanned the room, his piercing gaze settling on Vivian, who was still struggling against the guards.“Daddy!” Vivian’s voice cracked as she broke free from their grip, staggering toward him like a child seeking refuge. “Look at what they’re doing to me! She humiliated me in front of everyone. She’s lying daddy! You can’t let them treat me like this.”“Vivian.” His voice was a low rumble, full of warning. “Enough.”Her confidence faltered for the briefest moment before she doubled down, her voice rising hysterically. “Enough? You don’t understand! She did this all… to ruin our company. Estella thinks she’s so perfect—she thinks she can just waltz in and—”“Stop.” His single word silenced her tirade, leaving her mouth agape. The crowd murmured in disbelief, the sight of the mighty Vivian Cadw
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 89: The Fallout
Estella We were still on the stage, under the blinding lights and sharp gazes of the elite, all I could focus on was Vivian. She was seething, her face twisted in rage as she lunged toward me. Her voice was shrill as she screamed, “You think you can humiliate me like this? You don’t know who you’re messing with, you bitch!.“Alejandro moved to my side in an instant, his hand firm on my waist. The heat in his eyes told me he was one second away from ripping Vivian apart. “Calm the fuck down and get lost, Vivian. That’s enough.”But she wasn’t calming down. If anything, Alejandro’s intervention seemed to spur her on. Her wild eyes fixed on me, and she sneered, “Of course, your knight in shining armor. Always rushing to save you, isn’t he? Just so you know you’re nothing without him!”She grabbed a glass from the nearby refreshment table. Before anyone could stop her, she hurled it with all her might—straight at me.“Estella!” Alejandro roared, stepping in front of me.The glass shatter
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 88: The Partnership That Wasn’t
It wasn’t every day that a promising startup like Estella’s Designs announced a partnership with a powerhouse like Cadwell Enterprises. The venue was packed with industry elites, media personnel, and potential investors, their eyes darting between the stage and their phones as they live-tweeted every moment. I stood behind the curtains, trying to calm my racing heart. Vivian’s figure loomed just a few feet away. She looked every bit the goddess she pretended to be, but I knew better. Vivian turned, her expression smug. “Nervous, Estella?” “Excited,” I replied, my smile bright. “Oh, you should be,” she said. The applause quieted as Vivian took the mic. Her crimson gown shimmered under the lights, perfectly coordinated with her aura of smug confidence. “Good evening, everyone,” Vivian began. “This partnership,” she said, her voice dripping with faux sincerity, “is about more than business. It’s about second chances.Estrella’s Designs has had… let’s say, its fair share of cha
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 87: Playing with Fire
EstellaThe black car waited in the underground parking lot, its windows tinted. Alejandro leaned against the passenger door, his arms crossed.“You were in there too long,” he said the moment he saw me approach, his gray eyes scanning me.“I had to make it convincing,” I replied, walking up to him. The tension in my body from the meeting with Vivian hadn’t fully eased, but seeing him standing there, waiting for me, calmed me in a way I couldn’t explain.He tilted his head. “Convincing, huh? Did she take the bait?”I nodded. “Hook, line, and sinker.”He smirked, opening the car door for me. “Good. Let’s move on”I slid into the car, the leather seats cool against my skin. He followed, shutting the door behind him with a solid thud. Raul, sitting behind the wheel, nodded at me in acknowledgment before starting the car.“Where to?” Raul asked, glancing at both Alejandro and I through the rearview mirror.“The address you gave Estella earlier,” Alejandro replied.The café was tucked in a
