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98: All Hell Breaks Loose
Last Updated:
2025-01-22 19:51:36
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Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 99: The Broken Ring
Estella POVI stormed into the walk in closet, pulling clothes off hangers without looking at them. A pair of jeans. A random blouse. A jacket. It didn’t matter. I just wanted to leave. I shoved everything into a duffel bag, my movements frantic, the sound of my own ragged breathing filling the space.“Estella,” Alejandro’s voice came from the doorway, low and cautious, like he was trying not to spook a wild animal.I ignored him, yanking out more clothes.“Estella,” he repeated, firmer this time, stepping into the room. “Where are you going?”I zipped the bag with trembling hands and turned to face him. His expression stopped me in my tracks. His dark eyes weren’t just tired—they were haunted, rimmed red with exhaustion. His shoulders sagged like he was carrying a weight no one could see. But it was the way he looked at me—pleading, desperate—that made my throat tighten.“Where are you going?” he asked again.“Away,” I said, my tone colder than I intended.“Away where?” His jaw tight
Last Updated : 2025-01-23Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 100: Finding Solace
Estella POVThe house was silent when I walked in,the sounds of my footsteps echoing down the empty halls. I didn’t go straight to our room. Instead, I lingered in the kitchen, staring blankly at the hot cup of tea Diane had left on the counter.I couldn’t bring myself to take a sip.When I finally forced my legs to move upstairs, I found everything back in its place. The closet doors were shut, the drawers neatly closed, and the bag I’d packed with such rage and pain was gone. My clothes had been folded and put back exactly where they belonged.I knew it was him.My chest tightened, a mixture of frustration and something far more painful. He’d done it not because he was dismissing my anger but because he wanted me to stay. It was so… him. Always trying to fix things in his own silent way.I leaned against the doorframe, my eyes scanning the room then the door, looking for a sign of him.Damn him.I caught my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were puffy, my cheeks splotchy, and my lip
Last Updated : 2025-01-24Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 101: Poisonous Truths
Estella POV“You’ve got some nerve showing up here,” I said as I stared up at Camila leaning casually against the banister of the platform above, as if she owned the place.She wasn’t the sweet innocent, doe-eyed girl she pretended to be for so long. Today, she looked every inch the conniving snake I always knew she was— unapologetically malicious.She was dressed in a sleek, blood-red trench coat cinched tightly at the waist with stilettos so high I bet they hurt. Her lips curled into a smirk painted the same shade as her coat, and her hair was pinned back in a high ponytail, not a single strand out of place. She tilted her head slightly, as if amused, her painted pink nails tapping against the metal railing. The way she walked down the stairs felt like a performance. Each step, each click of her heels, was designed to get under my skin, and damn it, it was working.“What can I say? I’ve always been known to be bold. Full of surprises too” she replied.I could feel the curious gazes
Last Updated : 2025-01-24Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 102: Lies and Leverage
Estella POVI laughed out loud, the kind of laugh that wasn’t born out of humor but pure disbelief. “You’ve really outdone yourself this time,” I said, shaking my head. “You’ve gone from desperate to downright delusional and absolutely nuts.”“Oh, I’m sorry. What exactly is so funny about me being pregnant, Estella?”“You,” I said, biting down another laugh. “Do you honestly think I’m stupid enough to fall for this? Then you’re dumber than I ever thought, Camila.” My voice was calm, but the fury simmering underneath was unmistakable. “Newsflash, sweetheart: You can’t get pregnant overnight. Biology 101. Let me spell it out for you—pregnancy takes time. Two weeks minimum.” I raised two fingers for emphasis, staring her dead in the eye. “So read my lips: Stop this nonsense and go home before I blast your pathetic little act wide open.”Camila didn’t back down. If anything, her smirk widened, her painted lips curling in amusement. “Oh, Estella. You really think I’m lying, don’t you?” S
Last Updated : 2025-01-25Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 103: In Hiding
Estella POVThe receptionist’s polished smile barely shifted as I handed her Clara’s credit card. “Welcome to The Halcyon,” she said. “Will you be needing help with your luggage, Ms. Morris—”Yes. I logged in under a fake name. Clara’s to be precise.“No, don’t bother” I cut her off quickly, forcing a smile. “No luggage. Just me.”She nodded, but her gaze lingered a second too long, her smile widening a fraction. “You look familiar. Are you a model? I think I used to see you on—The question caught me off guard. “No,” I said quickly. “You must have me confused with someone else.”The girl blinked, her cheeks coloring. “Oh, my mistake. Sorry. I just thought—”I didn’t let her finish. “It’s fine. Could I have my key, please?”She nodded and handed over the key card. “Room 210. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call the front desk. Enjoy your stay.”I muttered a quick “thanks” and moved away, resisting the urge to glance back. In the elevator’s mirrored walls, my reflection stared
Last Updated : 2025-01-26Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 104: A Chance Encounter
Estella POVI stopped at a 24/7 store next which was quiet except for the shuffle of a lone employee restocking shelves. I wandered through the aisles, scanning shelves that gleamed under harsh fluorescent lighting. My fingers hovered over a stack of plain T-shirts before settling on a soft gray one. I threw it into my basket alongside the essentials I’d already grabbed—a travel toothbrush, a comb, a pack of face wipes, and a plain set of pajamas. My fingers hesitated over a simple black dress. It wasn’t like I had anywhere to wear it. But then again, who cares so I tossed it into my basket too, along with a pair of flats.The cashier smiled politely as I slid Clara’s credit card across the counter, her nails clicking against the keyboard as she rang up my items. She didn’t say much, but the look she gave me—it was faintly curious, like she was trying to place me. Did I seem familiar to her too? Or was I just paranoid after the receptionist?I stuffed the receipt into the bag and hea
Last Updated : 2025-01-26Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 105: The Unexpected Adventure
Estella POVI opened the door to find Elliot standing there, looking… ridiculous. My eyes trailed over his outfit—thick boots, thermal pants, and a heavy jacket that seemed suited for climbing Mount Everest. A knit beanie rested crookedly on his blonde head, making his sharp features stand out even more.“What are you wearing?” I asked, my eyebrows shooting up.He gave me a grin that bordered on mischievous. “What you’re wearing won’t do,” he said, gesturing to my blazer and slacks.I glanced down at myself, confused. “What’s wrong with this? I thought we were going over a contract, not… whatever this is.”“Good thing I thought ahead,” he replied, holding up a plain brown paper bag. He shoved it toward me.I peeked inside, and my confusion only deepened. Inside were layers of clothing—thick thermal leggings, a fitted fleece jacket, gloves, and a scarf. “Elliot,” I started, my voice filled with suspicion, “what are you planning? This is hardly what to wear for business.”“You’ll see,”
Last Updated : 2025-01-26Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 106: The Act That Shouldn’t Have Happened
Estella POV The trail was well-maintained, but the snow made it slippery. I was grateful for the hiking boots he’d provided as they gripped the ground securely. I trudged behind him, muttering curses under my breath. “Keep up, Estella,” he called over his shoulder, clearly amused. “Keep up?” I shot back. “I didn’t sign up for this.” “Be careful you can easily get lost. It is slippery and wet from the snow so it is dangerous.” By the time we reached the top of the trail, I was out of breath, my cheeks red from the cold. But when I saw the view, my complaints died in my throat. My legs were screaming, but the view at the top was worth it. The city lay below us. The mountains stretched out in every direction, their peaks dusted with snow that sparkled in the sun. It was breathtaking. “You can stop pretending not to be impressed,” Elliot said beside me, his tone teasing. “Okay,” I admitted, “this is… impressive.” Elliot smiled, his gaze fixed on the view. “I thought you’
Last Updated : 2025-01-27
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I increased my pace, ignoring the protests of my injured body. The trees finally gave way to a clearing, and I found myself on the edge of a of dark muddy water. The light from the moon revealed patches of reeds and floating vegetation. In the distance, I could make out what looked like an old plantation house.A twig snapped behind me. I spun, gun raised, only to find myself face to face with my husband."Jesus Christ," he hissed, pushing my arm down. "I could have killed you. What the hell are you doing here?""Stopping you from getting yourself killed," I shot back, my relief at finding him alive quickly giving way to anger. "You were just going to leave me with Arielle while you hunted down Marco alone?""What the hell are you doing here. She needs you right now," he said, his voice hard."And you don't? Is that it?" I stepped closer, jabbing a finger into his chest. "After everything we've been through, you still think you have to do this alone?""This isn't about what I think I
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 207: A Mother’s Choice
The paramedic who'd been hovering nearby touched my arm gently. "Ma'am? Your daughter is asking for you."I glanced toward the ambulance where Arielle lay, then back at Alejandro, torn between them."Damn it," I muttered, limping toward the ambulance. I climbed inside, wincing as my ankle protested, and sat beside Arielle's stretcher."Mama," she whispered behind the oxygen mask."I'm here, Arielle," I assured her, smoothing her hair back from her forehead. "You're going to be just fine."She reached for my hand, her tiny fingers cold against my skin. "Where's Papa?"I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice calm for her. "He's talking to the police, sweetheart. He'll be with us soon."Even as I said it, I could see through the open doors of the ambulance that Alejandro was already moving toward the edge of the forest, with a flashlight in hand. Two officers followed him, their own lights cutting through the darkness as they followed the blood trail."Ma'am, we need to go," the param
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 206: Marco's Last Run
My head throbbed with every heartbeat as smoke filled my lungs."We need to get out," he rasped, his voice barely audible over the crackling flames that had started to lick at the body. "This thing could blow any minute."I nodded, trying to stand before a sharp pain shot through my ankle. I bit back a scream, not wanting to frighten Arielle more than she already was.Alejandro was at my side in an instant, one arm supporting my waist while the other reached for our daughter. "Give her to me. Can you walk?""I'll manage," I said, though my ankle screamed in protest as I put weight on it.The emergency exit was jammed, the frame warped from impact. Alejandro handed Arielle back to me, then threw his shoulder against the door with a grunt. It didn't budge. He tried again, muscles straining beneath his torn shirt, and this time the metal groaned in protest."One more," he muttered, before ramming into it with everything he had.The door burst open with a screech of protesting metal, lett
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 205: Death in the Cockpit
Then Alejandro appeared behind him. He slammed his fist into Marco's kidney, causing him to double over in pain. The gun clattered to the floor, sliding under a seat.Marco recovered quickly, spinning to face Alejandro."The pilot's dead," Marco said, his teeth stained red with blood. "Bullet right through the throat." His lips stretched into a manic grin. "Nobody's flying this plane."As if on cue, the aircraft tilted sharply to the left, the altitude dropping rapidly. Warning alarms began to blare throughout the cabin."I told you," Marco laughed, the sound borderline hysterical. "If I go down, I'm taking you all with me!"He lunged for the cockpit again, pushing past Alejandro to grab the controls. He yanked the yoke forward, sending the plane into a steep dive."No!" I screamed, clutching Arielle tighter as the sudden descent threw us against the seats.Alejandro rushed into the cockpit after Marco, grabbing him by the shoulders and hurling him away from the controls. But the dama
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 204: The Fight for Survival
"You realize you're insane, right?" I said, trying to stay calm for Arielle's sake. "You just murdered your own accomplice."Marco laughed. "Accomplice implies equal footing. She was a just tool." He paused by the small bar cabinet, setting down the knife to pour himself another drink. "And when tools outlive their usefulness, you discard them."Marco's men had emerged from the cockpit now taking in Claudia’s absence– a tall, muscular man with a scar across his left cheek – shifted uncomfortably in the corner. He exchanged a glance with the other guard, a younger man whose hand now rested nervously on his weapon.Marco caught the look. "Something on your mind, Carlos?"The scarred guard straightened. "No, sir.""Good." Marco tossed back his drink in one swallow. Alejandro had managed to loosen his restraints significantly during the struggle, but not enough to break free. We both knew our window of opportunity was narrowing by the second."What exactly is your endgame here, Marco?" A
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 203: Betrayal in the Clouds
Arielle’s tears had finally stopped, but I could feel her shaking with each breath.We'd been airborne for only minutes, but it felt like hours. The altitude dropped suddenly as Marco banked the aircraft, causing my stomach to lurch."Mama," Arielle whispered, her voice barely audible over the engines, "are the bad people going to hurt us?"I wished I could hold her properly, wrap my arms around her tiny frame and shield her from everything happening. But instead, all I could do was lean closer to her."No, baby," I lied. "Papa and I won't let anything happen to you."Across the aisle, Alejandro caught my eye. His face was a mess of bruises with blood dried at the corner of his mouth.Marco emerged from the cockpit, leaving his men at the controls. The plane dipped lower again, causing the cabin to tilt. Through the window, I could see glimpses of a dark, murky water below—it is a swamp stretching endlessly."Enjoying the view?" Marco asked, pointing toward the window. "Beautiful, isn
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 202: Nowhere to Run
Arielle stirred against me, her eyelids fluttering. The sedative was wearing off. My heart raced with both relief and terror. Relief that she was waking, terror at what she would soon face."Mama?" she murmured, her voice thick with sleep."I'm here, baby," I whispered, leaning as close as my restraints would allow. "Mama's here."Her eyes opened fully, confusion evident as she took in our surroundings—the interior of the helicopter, the strange men, the restraints binding her parents."Where are we? What's happening?" Fear crept into her voice.Before I could answer, Claudia leaned forward from her seat across from us. "Well, well. Sleeping Beauty awakens."Arielle shrank back against me, her eyes wide with terror."Don't talk to her," I said shielding her as much as I could. "So protective. It's really quite touching."The helicopter banked sharply, heading east—away from the city. Where were they taking us? A remote location where no one would hear our screams?"Papa?" Arielle's
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak Chapter 201: Trapped in the Lion’s Den
Marco circled us, my body frozen in place while my mind raced through escape scenarios. Every option ended with Arielle hurt or worse."You know what always bothered me about you, Estella?" Marco's voice cut through my thoughts as he stalked around us. "Your goddamn ingratitude.""What do you mean ingratitude?" "Don't act surprised. I found you—a worthless nobody scraping by in that shithole town. I polished you, gave you everything." He gestured wildly. "And how did you repay me? By running away the moment things got tough."I couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped my throat. "Is that what you call trying to kill me? 'Things getting tough'?""I gave you wealth, status, a life most women would kill for." His eyes narrowed. "So what if I enjoyed myself with others once in a while? I was always coming back to you.""You're delusional," I spat. "You never loved me. I was just another possession to you."Marco's hand shot out, grabbing my chin hard enough to bruise. "And you were mi
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 200: The Dead Don't Stay Dead
I stared at Marco, my entire body going numb. This wasn't possible. This couldn't be happening. Alejandro had told me he was dead—had described in detail how the FBI agents opened fire when Marco made a move for his gun. The official report stated he was dead on arrival at the hospital."You're dead," I whispered, the words escaping before I could stop them.Marco's lips curved into a cruel smile that seemed vaguely familiar, like a half-remembered nightmare."Clearly reports of my demise were... greatly exaggerated." He stepped further into the light, looking me up and down with undisguised contempt. "My God, Estella. A wedding dress? How touching. I'm sorry I missed the ceremony.""How?" Alejandro demanded. "I saw you die."Marco chuckled. "Did you, though? Did you really?"He circled us slowly, like a predator toying with cornered prey. The red laser dots from the snipers' rifles tracked our every movement, making any attempt to reach Arielle suicidal."Let me tell you a little sto
