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Chapter 172: The Meeting
Last Updated:
2025-03-09 21:14:17
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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
Last Updated : 2025-03-09Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 1: The Cover
I tilt my head toward the mirror, squinting to see if the makeup covers the red mark. The foundation smooths over the skin fine enough, but somehow, I can still feel it—a prickling reminder right there on my cheekbone. I dab another layer, then another, the brush pressing harder until my jaw clenches. He didn’t even flinch. I shake the thought away, pulling back to check my work. The mirror reflects something close enough to perfect, so I force a smile. I pick up my phone and tap into it. This—decorations, outfit, everything—has to mean something. Tonight’s the night. As the camera goes live, I tilt my face just right, adding a little shimmer of joy to my eyes. I’ve practiced the smile enough that it comes naturally. “Hi, everyone! Welcome back to Estella’s Living,” I chirp, waving. “Tonight’s a special night. It’s our five-year anniversary, and I thought you’d all love a little peek into the surprise I’ve put together for him.” I adjust the angle to show the beautifully arrang
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 2: Morning after shock
I opened my eyes, feeling the sting before I even tried to move. The sunlight streamed in through the curtains, too bright, almost mocking. My body ached in places I couldn’t name, and the sheets felt like a trap, suffocating me. I glanced to the side, half-expecting to see Marco still lying there, but he was gone. Of course he was gone. I forced myself to sit up, wincing as I felt the bruises starting to form. My mind wandered, replaying fragments of last night, but I pushed them away. I wouldn’t break now, not over him. But when I stood, each step across the bedroom felt like a betrayal. This room, these walls—they used to feel safe. I stumbled out of bed, holding onto the wall for support as I made my way through the room. The house, once warm and filled with love, felt foreign and cold now. I quickly showered and changed avoiding the mirror all through. I passed by the nursery—the room we’d painted together when we were happy, laughing, believing in a future that now seemed a
Last Updated : 2024-11-10Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 3: Grey Eyes
Tears blurred my vision, but I could still make out the dim glow of streetlights outside the cab , casting shadows that only deepened the ache in my chest. I hugged myself, leaning into the cold leather seat, barely holding it together as the city blurred past into faded memories and fractured hopes I wish I could forget . Each sob ripped through me, leaving a raw emptiness in its wake, as if I’d drained some part of me I’d never get back. A tissue appeared over the seat. I looked up, surprised, meeting the driver’s eyes in the rearview mirror. They were oddly warm, though lined with the kind of weariness that comes from years of late nights and endless fares. I took the tissue with a shaking hand, dabbing at the mess on my cheeks, knowing there was no way a thin piece of paper could fix what was broken in me. He adjusted his rearview mirror, and our eyes met for a heartbeat. Something about him looked familiar, as if I’d seen him before, but my mind was too foggy to piece it toget
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The world slipped back into focus, muffled sounds of machines and soft beeps dragging me awake. My eyes felt heavy, and I blinked slowly, disoriented. The antiseptic scent of the hospital hit me, making my stomach twist. I tried to shift, only to feel a dull ache radiate through me, and that’s when I noticed the IV drip attached to my handDehydrated,” a distant voice said. “Her condition could have worsened had she remained untreated.”Condition? What condition?I blinked slowly, confusion clouding my thoughts as I fought to stay conscious. Why was I in a hospital? Who had brought me here?Darkness pulled me under again.When I resurfaced, the room was quiet, save for the soft rustling of paper. “Finally awake?”I turned my head, eyes landing on a man leaning against the door, arms folded. Alejandro. His voice was smooth but detached, every syllable dripping with a kind of restrained arrogance that made my skin prickle.I tried to push myself up, but my body protested. “What… happen
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The rain lashed against my face like tiny needles, soaking through my thin shirt as I stumbled out of the hospital doors. My hair clung to my face, and my sneakers squelched with every step. I didn’t know where I was going—I just knew I needed to keep moving. Anywhere but here. My steps faltered when a wave of nausea washed over me. This is too much for one day. Kicked out. Arrested. Pregnant. I laughed bitterly, my hand instinctively pressing against my flat stomach. “Pregnant,” I whispered to no one. It was absurd. Maybe the doctors were wrong. Maybe fate wasn’t this cruel. But it was. Of course, it was. A baby. A child. After years of Marco’s abuse,his insults, of his mother’s cruel words, of being called barren—a curse in heels. And now, when he’d thrown me out like garbage, this child decided to show up. I laughed again, louder this time, the sound strangled and raw. “Unbelievable,” I muttered, shaking my head. I was an orphan. I had no one except my adoptive parents who ra
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I stepped inside and paused. This was Alejandro’s home? I couldn’t hide my shock, my gaze sweeping the modern but modest interior. It wasn’t what I imagined for someone like him—someone who oozed arrogance and power at every turn. I expected more. A penthouse, a sprawling mansion, maybe. A villa with towering columns. And an army of staff at his beck and call Instead, this was sleek, modern, and painfully understated.“You live here?” The words slipped out before I could stop them.Alejandro turned from where he was shrugging off his jacket, smirking as he caught the disbelief in my voice. “Not impressed, princess?”I narrowed my eyes, already regretting speaking. “It’s not what I expected, that’s all. And don’t call me princess,”“Well, too bad this isn’t a replica of your husband’s mansion,” he shot back.I bristled, heat creeping up my neck. “I just didn’t expect…” I trailed off, biting back the urge to say something I’d regret. He didn’t need more ammunition.“Oh? And what exactly
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Alejandro’s chuckle was low and unrelenting, the kind that made your skin prickle because it wasn’t just a laugh—it was a challenge. “You’re so dirty-minded,” he said, the words vibrating through the air like a ripple of static I groaned and peeked through one eye, catching a glimpse of his black shorts. My breath hitched before relief washed over me. Oh, thank God. “Relax, princess,” he said, his voice dangerously close to my ear, making the hairs on my neck stand on end. “It’s just skin. Not like you’ve never seen a man before.” “Don’t flatter yourself,” I snapped, my eyes squeezed shut again. “And stop calling me that.” He shifted closer. I felt it, the heat of him radiating through the air between us, and my breath hitched again before I could stop it “Fine,” he drawled, his tone dripping with a smirk I didn’t need to see to know was there. “Would you rather I say cinderella? Or should I just stick with my guest who doesn’t know how to follow simple rules? I hated the w
Last Updated : 2024-11-18
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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
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 165: A Lie Wrapped in Truth
Amelia’s POVI barely remembered the flight home. The hours blurred together in a haze of exhaustion and adrenaline, Alejandro’s words were still hammering at my skull.“Estella.”“You were in a plane crash.”“You’re my wife.”“Arielle is my daughter.”None of it was true. It couldn’t be.My hands trembled, clutching my phone so tightly I was certain the screen would crack. Arielle. I needed to see my daughter.I gripped my suitcase handle so tightly my knuckles ached as I stepped into the house.Eleanor looked up from where she sat in the living room, flipping through a book. At the sight of me, her brows shot up in surprise.“Amelia? You’re home early. Where is Ethan?”I didn’t answer. My pulse pounded in my ears as I walked past her, heading straight for Arielle’s room.The door creaked softly as I pushed it open.There she was, curled up in bed, her little hand clutching the swan Ethan had given her. Her chest rose and fell in slow, even breaths.I knelt by her bedside, pressing m
