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35: The Call
Last Updated:
2024-12-06 19:39:52
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Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 36: The Will to Fight
(Estella’s POV)My head throbbed like someone had driven a nail through it, and when I shifted, the bite of the cuffs around my wrists dragged me fully into the nightmare.He is back. The bastard was crouched near my legs, his shoulders blocking the dim bulb swinging overhead. He was fiddling with something, metallic clink of keys echoing in my ears. I blinked hard, trying to focus.“There she is,” he said without looking up. “Sleeping Beauty wakes.”I stayed silent, every nerve in my body was screaming from the soreness in my limbs. My throat was too dry to reply. Not that I had anything to say to that monsterHe sneered, glancing up at me with a look that made my skin crawl. “You looked pathetic passed out, but now…” His gaze traveled over me. “You’re even more pathetic awake. Yet somehow still so damn hot.”I wanted to spit in his face. Instead, I clenched my fists, the raw skin on my wrists stinging as the cuffs loosened with a sharp click. He tossed them to the floor.The relief
Last Updated : 2024-12-07Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 37: Trapped
AlejandroThe building looked like it had been pulled straight out of a horror movie—a broken-down shell of concrete and rust, every creak and groan echoing.I knew this was a trap. Every inch of my body screamed that something terrible awaited me insideI reached the main door, shoved it, and cursed when it didn’t budge. Locked. Of course.Grimacing, I stepped back, lifted my leg, and kicked the door with all the strength I could muster. The hinges groaned in protest before the lock gave way. The door slammed open, the sound ringing out into the empty space like a gunshot.I didn’t wait to see who might come running. My steps were quick, taking in every shadow and corner as I moved deeper into the maze of halls. My throat was dry, my hands twitching with impatience.And then I saw her.She was sitting in the middle of the room, her body slumped in a chair like a broken doll. Her mouth was taped shut, her hands bound behind her back. Her hair was a tangled mess, blood matted at her te
Last Updated : 2024-12-07Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 38: Finale
Estella The grogginess hit first, thick and cloying, weighing down my limbs. My eyes fluttered open, the blurry room around me solidifying into harsh lines. My wrists ached—no, burned. Shackles. Cold steel biting into my skin, chaining me to the corners of an old, rusted bedframe. I tried to sit up. Nothing. My head pounded like I’d been slammed against concrete. Poisoned, I realized. That bastard poisoned me. Alejandro was slumped in a chair across the room, his hands tied behind him, his chin resting against his chest. Unmoving. My heart twisted, panic gripping me. “Alejandro?” My voice came out hoarse, barely a whisper. “Oh, don’t worry, sweetheart. He’s alive. For now.” My eyes darted toward the source, and there he stood—Benjamin. He wasn’t wearing the mask anymore. His face was plain, unremarkable, but for the jagged scar running along his jawline. That scar was the only thing memorable about him, yet somehow, it made him all the more terrifying. He didn’t need to l
Last Updated : 2024-12-08Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 39: A Fragile Thread
EstellaA week had passed since everything went down. A week of silence, of tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. Alejandro hadn’t looked at me the same since that night. He’d become distant, detached, like a wall had gone up between us. He was still there—physically. Watching me. Guarding me. But he wasn’t the same man. Not the one who held me through the storm, not the one who promised me we would survive.I’d catch him staring sometimes, like he wanted to say something, but he’d turn away before I could hold his gaze. And I… I didn’t push. Because, deep down, I was scared of what he might sayHe didn’t talk to me unless he had to. And when he did speak, it was to ask about my wounds, nothing personal. It was like I was invisible, even though he hadn’t let me out of his sight for more than a minute. He made sure I knew he was there, watching, but he wasn’t with me.It killed me. Slowly. Every damn dayI sat on the couch, my hands fumbling with the fresh bandages I was su
Last Updated : 2024-12-08Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 40: Gone Wild
EstellaHis left hand slid up, curling around my neck beneath my hair, while his right cupped my chin, holding me in place. I should’ve protested, said something—anything—but my lips parted too late, and the only thing my hesitation accomplished was leaving me wide open for him.His mouth descended, far from gentle. This wasn’t soft or sweet—it was commanding, consuming. His lips crushed mine, searing them with a kiss so fierce I couldn’t tell where I ended and he began. His tongue swept inside, bold and unapologetic, leaving no corner of my mouth unexplored. It wasn’t like Marco’s sloppy kisses. Alejandro’s kiss wasn’t just an action; it was a brand.My head spun, my pulse hammering in my chest, but I didn’t pull away. I couldn’t.One kiss bled into another and another, each one hungrier than the last. His hands slid down, no longer cradling my face but gripping my back, pulling me so close I could feel the steady drum of his heart against mine. I gasped, and before I even realized w
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 41: Aftermath
I woke to the smell of him—the woodsy, slightly smoky scent I’d come to crave. Sunlight spilled through the curtains, casting a golden glow on his sleeping form. He looked softer like this, the usual sharpness of his features dulled by sleep.I traced a finger down the slope of his nose, over the stubble on his jaw. My touch was featherlight, careful not to wake him. He’d hate me if he caught me staring like this.But I couldn’t help it. My fingers moved of their own accord, brushing over his lips. God, those lips, the things they did to me. My cheeks flamed as flashes of last night played in my mind—his mouth on my skin, his tongue dragging sinful paths down my body, his voice a low growl between my thighs.I pressed my face into the pillow, stifling a giggle. If someone had told me this would be my life a month ago, I’d have laughed in their face. And yet, here I was. With him. I felt like a teenager, giddy and lightheaded.A loud growl interrupted my thoughts. My stomach. I hadn’t
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 42: Coward
The elevator dinged, and just like that, he was gone. Coward. I stood there for a moment, staring at the empty hallway, my chest heaving. My heart was beating too fast, my anger climbing higher with every passing second. He left. He fucking left. I wasn’t going to sit here and let him play me. Fool—that’s what I was. A fool for thinking Alejandro could ever want me, let alone keep me by his side. A fool for thinking I could give him my heart He thought he could make decisions for me, like I was some fragile little thing he could wrap up and send away when it suited him. I clenched my fists. Not this time. I wasn’t going to let him run the show. I wasn’t going to sit back and let him play me. Alejandro wasn’t the first man to underestimate me—he just might be the last. I spun around and stormed back into the room I’d been staying in. Every step made my resolve harder, sharper. He could keep his ticket and his plans. If he wanted me gone, fine. But it wouldn’t be on his t
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 43: Guilty
Alejandro The whiskey burned, but not as much as the fucking guilt.The glass was half-empty, the edges smeared where I’d pressed it too hard against my lips.I gripped the glass tighter, staring at the dark amber liquid swirling under the dim lights of the bar. Across the street, the glow of the penthouse windows taunted me. I could’ve been there, should’ve been there—with her.Instead, I was here, drowning in this poison because walking away from her had been the hardest thing I’d ever done. Leaving her felt like tearing myself apart.But it had to be done.I closed my eyes and let the burn trail down my throat as I tipped the glass back again. The bitter truth was louder than the music in the background or the soft hum of conversations around me. She deserved better.Better than me.She deserved better than the mess I’d drag her into. She deserved better than a man who couldn’t promise her safety, let alone a future. I’d made a mistake letting things go so far, letting her under m
Last Updated : 2024-12-10
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Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 173: The Official Visit
The park was deserted this early in the morning—just as I'd planned. I gripped my coffee cup tighter, scanning the entrance for any sign of him. The playground equipment stood empty, dew still clinging to the metal slides and swings. Perfect neutral ground for their first meeting."Mommy, when is he coming?" Arielle bounced on her toes beside me, already vibrating with excitement."Soon, baby. Remember what I told you?" I crouched down, smoothing her wild curls.Her eyes, so like his, sparkled with anticipation. "He's your friend from before. From when I was in your tummy.""That's right." The lie tasted bitter, but how could I tell her the truth? That the man she was about to meet was her father—the one I'd told her was dead? "And he's very excited to see you.""Because I'm awesome," she declared, spinning in a circle."Exactly that." I forced a smile, my stomach twisting into knots.Movement at the park entrance caught my eye. He is here. Alejandro strode through the gate, his powe
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 173: The Meeting II
Alejandro strode toward me, his face unreadable. He wore a simple black shirt that highlighted his powerful build, dark jeans that fit perfectly. Not the formal businessman, but somehow more intimidating in his casual clothes.He sat across from me without a word, studying my face with an intensity that made my skin prickle."You came," he finally said, his voice low."I said I would didn’t I?" I fought the urge to roll my eyes.A server approached, clearly flustered by Alejandro's presence. He ordered an espresso without looking at her, his eyes never leaving my face.When we were alone again, he reached into his jacket and pulled out a slim folder, placing it on the table between us."What's this?" I asked warily."The truth," he replied simply. "Since you seem to have trouble believing my words."I opened it slowly, finding more documentation inside—marriage certificates, property deeds, photographs, newspaper clippings."These could be fake," I said weakly, but I knew they weren't
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak Chapter 172: The Meeting
Arielle stirred beside me, her small face peaceful in sleep. I traced the curve of her cheek, seeing for the first time the features she'd inherited from him—the determined set of her jaw, the arch of her eyebrows.How had I not seen it before?I lay down beside her, pulling her close, breathing in her familiar scent. Despite everything, she was still my daughter. That is the only thing that hadn't changed.Everything else might be built on lies, but my love for her was real.I must have dozed off because I woke to small fingers patting my cheek."Mommy," Arielle whispered loudly, the way only children can. "Where are we?"I blinked, momentarily disoriented before the events of the previous night came rushing back."We're at Uncle Ethan's house," I explained, forcing a smile. "We're going to stay here for a little while."Her brow furrowed. "Is Aunt Eleanor coming too?"The innocent question made my chest tighten. "No, sweetie. It's just us right now.""But what about school? And my t
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 171: Shattered Illusions
Amelia's POVMy hands trembled on the steering wheel as I sped through the darkened streets, constantly checking the rearview mirror. Arielle slept peacefully in her car seat, blissfully unaware that her entire world had just imploded."Where are we going, Mommy?" she mumbled sleepily at one point, rubbing her eyes with tiny fists."Just a little trip, baby," I whispered, forcing my voice to stay steady. "Go back to sleep."My phone buzzed. Ethan."I've got a place," he said when I answered. "One of my properties on Serrano Street. It's furnished, secure, and no one knows about it.""Thank you," I breathed, relief washing over me. "Send me the address.""I'll meet you there with the keys."I ended the call, guilt gnawing at me. I was dragging Ethan into this mess—whatever this mess was. A mess that apparently involved a powerful man who claimed to be my husband. A man who was apparently my daughter's father.My husband. Arielle's father.The words felt foreign, impossible. Yet the DNA
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 170: Truth Unraveled
I don't remember the turns I took, the lights I stopped at. My mind was consumed by those numbers on the test.99.99% probability.How was this possible? How could Arielle be his daughter? It made no sense. None of it made any sense.Unless...Unless I really was her. Estella De Luca. His wife.No. That was impossible. I was Amelia Alvarez. I had a life here. A company. A daughter with Antonio. Antonio who had died......five years ago?My thoughts raced, colliding and fracturing. Could I trust anything I knew about myself?I screeched to a halt in the driveway, grabbed the test results, and rushed inside. The villa's grand foyer felt suddenly unfamiliar, like I was seeing it through a stranger's eyes.I burst through the door, breathless, pale, clutching the DNA test in my hand like it might explode.Eleanor looked up from the living room sofa, setting down a cup of tea. Her face immediately registered concern."Amelia? What's wrong?""You." My voice shook with barely controlled rage
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 169: Confrontation
Amelia's POVI closed my laptop with a satisfied click. The quarterly projections looked good—better than good. I'd managed to push through the last few days, burying myself in work to avoid thinking about all that happened. It had almost worked.Aunt Eleanor had been watching me closely since we returned, but I'd managed to convince her I was fine. Just tired from the trip. Work stress. Nothing more.Nothing to do with that strange man.I powered down my computer, grabbed my purse, and headed for the elevator. The office building was nearly silent at this hour, most employees having left hours ago. Just how I liked it.The parking garage was barely lit, my heels echoing against concrete as I walked toward my car. That's when I felt the presence of someone behind me. A chill crept up my spine, raising goosebumps on my skin.I turned—and froze.Alejandro stepped out of the shadows, his tall figure materializing as if from nowhere. He stood in front of my car. The harsh lights made him
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 167: Confirmation
Alejandro's POVEleanor's face drained of color the instant our eyes met. Recognition flashed across her features.For a moment, no one moved. The playground sounds faded to white noise around us as we stared at each other across the short distance. The old woman's eyes darted between me and Arielle, horror slowly replacing shock.Then Eleanor stormed forward, gripping Arielle's hand with such force that the child winced."Come, darling." Her voice was tight, forced calm barely masking panic. "We need to go home now."Arielle's face crumpled into a pout. "But I was talking to—""Now."I stood motionless, watching as Eleanor pulled her away.Something primal and possessive surged through my veins. Before Eleanor disappeared into the crowd of mothers and children, I spoke, my voice carrying just far enough."You had no right to take advantage of Estella condition. To keep a child—my child—from her father."Eleanor stiffened, her back to me but her posture rigid with fear.I took a slow
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 165: The Stalker Phase
Alejandro's POVThe moment she stormed off, I knew exactly where she was heading. She is running back home.I turned to Ethan staring after her like a lovesick puppy."Stay away from my wife," I said, walking up behind him.He turned, shock and indignation crossing his features before settling into something harder. "Excuse me?""You heard me. Amelia is my wife. So whatever you think is happening between you two—it ends now."He laughed, but there was no humor in it. "You're out of your mind."I stepped closer, looking him dead in the eye. "Let me make this crystal clear. I don't care who you are. I don't care what you think you mean to her. But she’s mine. And I'm taking her back home.""She doesn't even know you.""She'll remember." I turned to leave, then paused. "If you try to interfere, you'll regret it."I left him standing there, jaw clenched, hands balled into fists. He wasn't my concern. Estella was.Two hours later, I was on a jet back to Madrid.The suite at the Four Season
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 166: A Lie Wrapped in Truth II
The house was silent when I finally slipped into my bedroom, but my mind was anything but.I shut the door behind me, pressing my back against it. My body felt heavy, like all the adrenaline from the last twenty-four hours had suddenly drained out of me.I walked to my closet, peeling off my gown and slipping into one of my silk nightdresses.I climbed into bed, tucking the blankets up to my chin. But sleep?It did not come.I tossed and turned for what felt like hours, my mind cycling through the same, torturous questions.What if he wasn’t lying?What if my entire life—the life I had accepted, the life Eleanor built for me—was the real lie?I squeezed my eyes shut. No.He was manipulating me. That was what Eleanor said. He was obsessive. He wanted something from me. That’s why he knew so much about my past.Why had he looked at me that way? Like he had already decided who I was—like I didn’t have a say in it?I turned over, reaching for my phone on the nightstand.My fingers hovered
