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74: Midnight Interruption
Last Updated:
2025-01-02 05:01:40
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Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 75: Midnight Interruption II
Estella POVAlejandro picked up the phone reluctantly, his jaw tightening. “Maybe it’s an emergency,” he muttered, sliding his hand down my thigh.I groaned and slumped back against the couch.The second he said, “Hello,” Camila’s voice filled the room“Alejandro! Thank God, you’re okay! I’ve been worried sick since I heard. Why didn’t anyone tell me you were discharged? I swear, you two are impossible. And speaking of impossible, we need to finalize the palette. Are you thinking a classic gold and cream? Or should we lean toward something bold like navy and silver?”Alejandro blinked. “What the hell are you talking about, Camila?”“The party!” she exclaimed, as if it were obvious. “For you and Estella! You know, as a welcome home for me slash healing celebration for guys extravaganza! Everything is already coming together, but we still have to iron out the details. I’ve got the florist lined up, and the caterer’s waiting on approval. Oh, and I need Estella’s input on the centerpieces
Last Updated : 2025-01-02Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 76: The Party
Estella POV Alejandro straightened his tie. He looks almost too perfect to be real. Dark, tousled hair that always looked like someone had run their hands through it—probably because I did. Sharp cheekbones, a jawline cut like marble, and those stormy grey eyes that seemed to pierce through every layer of my soul. He was infuriatingly gorgeous. Like some sculptor had taken one look at an ancient Greek god and decided to create something better. “How do you even exist?” I muttered, adjusting the lapels of his midnight-black suit. “You keep touching me like that, and I won’t care that we’re already late to Camila’s ridiculous party.” I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest. “Ridiculous or not, I have to admit—you look devastatingly handsome tonight. Perfect suit, sexy tie, that jawline… I’m surprised the mirrors don’t crack under the weight of all that perfection.” He grabbed my wrist, pulling me flush against him. My breath hitched as his hands slid to my
Last Updated : 2025-01-03Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 77: The Disguise of Concern
Estella POVBefore either of them could respond, a young waitress, barely older than twenty, approached our table with a tray of champagne flutes. As she leaned forward to offer a glass to Vivian, the edge of her tray caught on Vivian’s dress, sending a small splash of champagne onto the fabric.She froze, her face pale. “I’m so sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean—”“Do you have any idea how much this dress costs?” Vivian snapped, her voice sharp enough to make the poor girl flinch.The waitress stammered, her hands trembling. “I-I’ll clean it right away—”Vivian didn’t let her finish. With a sneer, she grabbed the whole tray and tipped its contents onto the poor girl’s uniform.“Now we’re even,” she said coldly, a cruel smile curling her lips.I couldn’t stay silent. “Enough,” I said, stepping forward.The murmurs around us quieted, and all eyes turned to our little scene. I reached for the girl, gently pulling her behind me.“She apologized,” I said. “There was no reason to humiliate her.”
Last Updated : 2025-01-03Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 78: The Games People Play
Estella POV I couldn’t take another second of this. It was suffocating. “I’m going to lie down,” I said abruptly, excusing myself from the room before anyone could stop me. I couldn’t stomach Camila’s cloying voice for another second. “Oh, Estella,” she cooed, her eyes following me. “You really should. You’re still looking sick. Maybe you need some vitamins? Don’t worry I have loads of skincare packed here for you.” I bit my tongue and forced a tight smile. “Thanks for the concern but I’m good. There is no need. ” I didn’t wait for her reply as I headed back for the stairs, her voice floating up behind me. “Alejandro, do you hear that? She’s overworked. You should do something about it. This is the reason I planned this sleepover.” I rolled my eyes and kept walking. “Oh, come on, Alejandro!” she whined. “It’ll be fun. Like old times. I can’t go back to that apartment after what happened.” I paused mid-step, curiosity getting the better of me. “And what exactly happe
Last Updated : 2025-01-04Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 79: Shattered Foundations
Estella POVI stepped into the modest yet elegant space that housed Estrella Designs. It wasn’t huge—a handful of rooms for consultations, storage, and a cozy workspace where my team brought my ideas to life. At the far end, the walls were lined with shelves displaying my signature piecesI’d dreamed of expanding by the end of the year, turning this modest studio into a fashion house worthy of the luxury pieces we created. And if the current sales continued, that dream wasn’t far off.“Welcome back, Ms. Estella.” Clara greeted me at the door with her usual her no-nonsense attitude which had been exactly what I needed when I hired her.She was my first hire.I still remembered her interview—when I asked her the one question I asked every candidate, ‘Why should I hire you?’“Because I don’t just work hard. I make things happen,” she’d said.She hadn’t been lying.“How’s everything running?” I asked, shrugging off my coat as we walked to my office.“Better than you’d think,” Clara said, h
Last Updated : 2025-01-04Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 80: The Cracks Begin
Estella POVMy phone pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. Alejandro’s name lit up the screen.“How did the deal go, mi estrella? I know you’ll knock them off their feet. Don’t forget you’re unstoppable. Call me later—I want to hear all about it and I miss your voice already.”I stared at his words and swallowed hard. This should have been comforting, but it only twisted the knife deeper. He had no idea about the accusations, the cancellations, or the articles dragging Estrella Designs through the mud.My thumbs hovered over the screen, tempted to unload everything.“It was a disaster. Someone’s accusing me of fraud, and now everything’s falling apart because of a stupid online post.”I stared at the words, then sighed and erased them. Instead, I typed something simpler“I’ll tell you all about it when I get home.”Pressing send, I let out a shaky breath. My fingers tightened around my coffee mug as guilt bubbled in my chest. Alejandro always had faith in me, but right now, I wasn’t s
Last Updated : 2025-01-05Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 81: Fevered Confessions
Alejandro was propped up against the headboard, a laptop balanced on his thighs. His face was pale, a sheen of sweat dotting his brow, but his eyes lit up the moment he saw me.“You’re back,” he said, his voice low and hoarse.I frowned, crossing the room in a few quick strides. “Alejandro, you look like you’ve been through a war,.”He smirked, though it lacked his usual fire. “Thanks, mi estrella. Just the compliment I needed.”Ignoring his sarcasm, I tugged the laptop off his lap, setting it on the nightstand. A glance at the bedside table revealed untouched tea and covered snacks left by Miss-we-go-way-back. My fingers brushed his forehead, and the heat radiating off him made my stomach twist.“You’re burning up.”“I’m fine,” he murmured, trying to wave me off, but even that small movement seemed to sap his strength.“Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?” I demanded, planting my hands on my hips.He shrugged, his lips quirking into a faint smile. “You had a meeting to worry about.
Last Updated : 2025-01-06Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 82: Boundaries Crossed
A smile tugged at my lips, relief washing over me. At least one thing was going right today.“What’s got you grinning like that?” Alejandro’s deep voice came from behind me.Startled, I shoved the device under the blanket like a guilty teenager. “You’re supposed be in bed. When did you wake up?” I said, spinning around to face himHe raised a brow, crossing his arms. Even with the pale flush of fever still clinging to his cheeks, he looked every bit the sexy commanding man I’d married. “I was, but you’re being suspicious. Let me see.”“No!” I said quickly, scooting back on the bed.He raised an eyebrow. “Now that’s suspicious. You’re hiding something, mi estrella.“I’m not!” I shot back, but the heat rising to my face betrayed me.“Oh, really?” His lips curved into a dangerous smirk, and before I could protest, he lunged for the phone.“Stop!” I yelped, twisting away from him.I dodged, barely managing to keep it out of reach. “Alejandro!” I shrieked, laughter bubbling up.“Give it to
Last Updated : 2025-01-06
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Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 147: Washed Ashore
Third Person POV"Paolo, you're going to scare away all the fish with your complaining!" Maria Ricci swatted her husband's arm, her weathered hand connecting with surprising force for a woman in her sixties.Paolo Ricci scowled, adjusting his faded cap against the morning sun. "Woman, I've been fishing these waters for fifty years. I know what I'm talking about." He gestured toward the dark clouds gathering on the horizon. "Storm's coming. We should head back.""We just got here!" Maria protested, reaching for another piece of bait. "The nets are barely wet."Their small fishing boat rocked gently on the Mediterranean waves, five miles off the coast of their village, Porto Manarola. They'd been married for forty-six years, and every morning for the last twenty—since Paolo's retirement—they'd taken this boat out together."The nets are empty again." Paolo spat over the side of the weathered fishing boat, his leathery face creased with frustration. "Third day this week. Something's wron
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 146: No More Hope
Alejandro Three hours later, we're back at the field office. Marco's in surgery, his chances are slim to none. Claudia is in interrogation, and from what I can see through the one-way glass, she’s breaking. Mascara streaks down her tear-streaked face as she sobs her way through her confession to Rivera.I don’t feel satisfaction.I don’t feel anything.Rivera leans in. “It was Marco’s plan, wasn’t it?”Claudia nods frantically. “Yes—yes, all of it. He was obsessed with destroying her and getting revenge on Alejandro.”Rivera pushes harder. “The plane. Tell me all you know about the plane.”Claudia swipes at her wet cheeks, inhaling shakily. “It was Torres—he’s the one who actually did the work. The navigation system, the fail-safe, everything. It was meant to go down over the ocean.”"And Estella De Luca?"Claudia's face crumples and her breath stutters. "We need to know," Rivera's voice carries through the speakers, "was there any possibility of survival?"Claudia hesitates, then
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 145: The Truth Comes Out
---The private airfield glows under spotlights. Federal vehicles surround the perimeter. No chances of escape this time."They're still here," Calloway confirms, lowering binoculars. "The jet is on the tarmac. Two subjects moving equipment."I strain to see through the darkness. "Claudia and Marco?""Looks like it.” Calloway confirms. “They've got no idea we're here."Rivera stands nearby, giving the final instructions to the tactical team. “We want them alive. They might be our only chance to find out what really happened to Mrs. De Luca.”I check my own weapon. No one comments on a civilian being armed. The Bureau has long since given up trying to contain me. Some battles aren't worth fighting."Ready?" Rivera asks.I nod. I am beyond ready.The moment we move, the airfield erupts.Engines roar as tactical vehicles tear across the tarmac. Spotlights blind. Megaphones blare out commands.“FBI! HANDS IN THE AIR!”Claudia stops mid-step at the base of the jet’s stairs, her hands shoot
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 144: The Interrogation
The motel is a shithole on the edge of town, the kind of place where people come to disappear—sometimes permanently. Yellow crime scene tape flutters in the night breeze, barely keeping the stench of rot and drug inside. Local cops mill around, throwing irritated glances at the federal agents invading their territory.I push past them all. Nobody tries to stop me.The room stinks of cheap whiskey and death. Carlos Ramos lies sprawled on the bed, a gaping hole where the back of his head used to be, blood splattered against the peeling wallpaper. The gun is still clutched in his stiff fingers."Don't touch anything," Rivera warns, too late.I'm already moving, scanning the room. "Where's the note?"A detective points to a plastic evidence bag on the nightstand. Inside, a cheap hotel notepad with three words scrawled in shaky handwriting:I’m sorry, Carlos.I snatch the bag, turning it over in my hands. The ink is smudged, the strokes uneven. Writing under duress. Fear.“Sorry for what?”
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 143: A Lead
The church is packed. Black designer suits and dresses. Photographers lining the street. I ignore them all, striding through the doors in jeans and a rumpled shirt, a month's worth of beard on my face.The service has already started. A priest drones on about loss and heaven. Empty words over an empty casket.Every head turns when I walk in. Whispers ripple through the crowd. The great Alejandro De Luca, finally broken.I don't give a fuck what they think."Mr. De Luca," the male agent says, extending his hand. I ignore it. He cleared his throat “ I am Agent Calloway and this is my partner Agent Rivera.”"You're taking a chunk of my time. Talk."They exchange glances. "We should discuss this privately."I push past them to a small building outside the church. They follow, closing the door behind them."We have reason to believe Marco Valdez was involved in sabotaging your wife's plane," Calloway says.My blood runs cold, then hot. "Tell me something I don't already know.""We found of
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 142: The Fall of Alejandro de Luca
Alejandro One Month LaterI slam my fist into the wall, pain shooting up my arm. I welcome it. Anything to feel something other than this fucking hole in my chest.The TV drones on in the background, some society reporter standing outside the church where they're burying a goddamn empty casket. _"...the tragic death of Estella De Luca has shocked the business world. Sources close to the family say her husband, billionaire Alejandro De Luca, is too overcome with grief to attend today's service..."_I grab the remote and hurl it at the screen. Glass shatters, sparks fly. The sudden silence is almost worse.Someone knocks. I ignore it.The door opens anyway. Raúl. "Boss," he says quietly, stepping over broken furniture. My office looks like a war zone. "The funeral's starting. People are asking where you are."I don't turn to face him. My eyes remain fixed on the city skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. Somewhere out there, she's alive. I feel it in my fucking bones."Let them
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 141: The Fall
EstellaThe private jet climbs higher into the sky, each mile taking me further from him, stretching the distance between us. Between me and the only man I have ever truly loved.I press my forehead against the cool window, watching as everything disappears beneath the clouds. Somewhere down there, I know he’s still standing on that airstrip, watching this plane carry his heart away. I wonder if he regrets it. If he wants to take it all back.My fingers trace the edge of his letter, still sealed. I couldn’t bring myself to open it yet."Ms De Luca?" The flight attendant appears with a gentle smile. "Would you like some water? We have about four hours until we reach the Amalfi Coast."Four hours. In four hours, I'll be in a foreign country, alone except for the two security men Alejandro insisted on sending with me. They sit several rows ahead."No, thank you." My voice sounds strange to my own ears.The cabin is quiet except for the hum of the engine. A middle aged businessman types o
