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3. A Divorce Agreement
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2025-01-08 17:10:29…
In The Evening.
Clyde returned to the Villa, the stillness in the atmosphere unsettling.
Violet would normally receive him at the door.
Where was she?
For the first time in three years, the doorway was empty, the doors shut in fact.
Strange!
Clyde knocked, and a maid opened the doors instead.
“Welcome home, Mr. Crawford.”
Clyde wasn't listening to her greeting, his gaze traveling into the empty living room.
Violet wasn't there.
He walked past the maid, who scurried after him, her eyes darting around rapidly.
“Mr. Crawford…” She stopped him, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Actually, we've run out of birth control pills. There's none to put inside Mrs. Crawford's dinner for tonight.”
Violet's absence was more disturbing than the finished pills.
Clyde frowned. “Where's she?”
“Mrs. Crawford might be sleeping upstairs.” The maid scratched her head as if unsure of her own words. “She complained of a stomach ache in the morning.”
Stomach ache?
Violet rarely got sick!
That was impossible.
Clyde strode upstairs.
The bedroom was empty, including the bathroom and the balcony!
Where the hell was she!?
Violet never left home without his permission.
He'd be in the office and she'd tell him where she was.
Was she perhaps at the family house?
But his parents never welcomed her, so she rarely went there.
Still puzzled, Clyde changed out of his clothes and entered the bathroom.
Thinking she would return before he finished bathing, his hope evaporated when he found the bedroom still empty.
What's going on?
His phone rang and he answered it at the first ring, frustration prompting his movement.
However, the person calling was only his grandfather.
“Clyde, I miss Violet. Bring her to visit me tomorrow.”
“Isn't she at your place, Grandpa?” Clyde asked.
That was the only place Violet ever visited.
“If she was in my place, why would I waste my time to make this phone call!?” His grandfather's tone was suddenly harsh.
Unease crept up Clyde's heart.
“Clyde Crawford, is there something I should know?” His grandfather added.
Clyde was tongue-tied.
If only he also knew what was happening.
This was unlike his wife.
Where could she be?
An orphan girl with no origins, she didn't even know anyone else in this city!
“Clyde Crawford, you didn't send her away, did you?” His grandfather continued. “You broke your promise to me, right!?”
“Grandpa, I didn't!” Clyde clenched his fist.
Why did that woman want to implicate him!?
“Then find her!” His grandfather hollered. “Find that girl in the next two hours or forget about becoming the next chairman of the CJ Group!!!”
The old man hung up!
Clyde cursed out loud, controlling his fists from colliding with the wall.
Violet!
Hadn't he treated her well enough?
Where did she wander off to?
Where the hell was she!?
He'd been working hard for that chairman position, he couldn't afford to lose it!
That was his grandfather's condition for marrying her.
She wasn't going to spoil his plan, was she?
Rushing downstairs, Clyde summoned the maid and the bodyguards.
“Check every corner of the house!” He ordered the maid.
“And you, search the entire neighborhood!” He turned to the bodyguards. “Find Violet within the next thirty minutes!”
“Yes, Mr. Crawford!!!”
As the maid and bodyguards scurried away, Clyde brought out his phone and dialed her number.
Her line was switched off!
“Damnit!” Cursing for the umpteenth time, he paced back and forth, dialing her number again and again.
Clyde tossed his phone across the couch and strode outside to receive fresh air.
In the hot evening, his blood boiled with rage as he fought not to let out a monster he'd effortlessly subdued for three years.
Violet wouldn't want to witness his worse side!
“Hey, you!!!” Seeing the driver standing outside and wiping the car with a towel, Clyde's irritation increased.
Why wasn't he among the search party?
And,
“Why's the car dirty!!!?”
Did he go out with it without his consent?
“Mr. Crawford, I'm sorry I didn't notice you've already returned.” The driver ran over to him, his face masked with shock.
He threw the towel away and brought out a document folder from his jacket's inner pocket. “Mrs. Crawford asked me to deliver this.”
“What's that!?” Impatient, Clyde snatched the document.
And he flipped through it-
Divorce…
A Divorce Agreement!?
Seeing those words written boldly at the top, his heart skipped a beat.
What the hell…
“Where's Violet?” He glanced at the driver, then his gaze returned to the document.
Her signatures were everywhere.
Were his eyes deceiving him?
Was this a joke!?
Violet never played such pranks on him!
“After dropping her off at the judiciary and she gave me this later, Mr. Crawford… Mrs. Crawford entered a taxi and vanished,” the driver answered his question.
The judiciary!
A taxi?
To where?
Did she get the divorce papers from the judiciary?
Why?
“Mr. Crawford…” the driver went on. “Mrs. Crawford didn't look good after visiting you at the company. I believe something was bothering her.”
Wait a second…
Violet visited the company?
Why didn't he see her then?
“When did she visit?”
“In the afternoon, Mr. Crawford.”
Hearing that, Clyde spaced out, his heart sinking.
Which meant that Violet saw.
No way!
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Too Late, Ex-husband 4. Found Daddy!
…Five Years Later.Sitting on a balcony across from the vast ocean, the gentle morning wind breezed past, dancing with her hair. The same as time, the wind blew effortlessly and fast, leaving one wondering about the rapid progression of events. Surely, a single incident could sway one's destiny, forging a new path towards either happiness or hell. Which path was she headed to?“Ouch!” Violet winced, the sudden sharp pain from her finger snapping her out of her thoughts. Freya had accidentally clipped her nail deep, or maybe it wasn't by accident.Freya didn't look a bit apologetic even as she whispered, “Sorry,” with a playful wink. “Careful.” Throwing her an offensive look, Violet blew on the spot. She studied her fingernails, appreciating the perfection.Freya didn't have to go all out. It would have been a simple painting, and she would be contented.“Relax, Vi.” Freya smiled, studying her face. “Getting engaged is only the beginning of everlasting happiness. True happiness
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-08Too Late, Ex-husband 5. A Happily Ever After
Violet stilled, her heartbeat pausing for a second.As if an iced water had been poured over her, she shuddered. The same reaction over and over again. She'd always experience this shock, then dread whenever her daughter announced such a statement.The echoes of Mimi's tiny shoes on the floor jolted Violet to the present. Eyes shining happily like a million stars, Mimi jumped onto her lap and stared at her eagerly. “Mummy, believe me this time. I found my true Daddy!”In her little voice was a firm resolve that sent Violet's heart racing. Sigh!Why was she apprehensive when her daughter was always fond of this little drama?“What are you saying, Mimi?” Asher reached forward to pat her hair. “Your Daddy's right here…” He pointed towards himself. “... Me.” “Hold it, Uncle Asher.” Folding her chubby arms across her chest, Mimi gave him a pointed look. “If you were my Daddy, you'd have red hair.”Asher touched his hair. “Well, you don't have red hair either.”“That's the point.” Mimi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-08Too Late, Ex-husband 6. Meet My Mummy!
With Clyde, that happily ever after was never possible.The man who never wanted a child with her,How would he react when he found out about her daughter? What would Violet's life be like?What would Mimi's future look like? She couldn't burst her daughter's bubble, but maybe it was high time Violet told her the true nature of her father.Mimi rejected other men, saying her Daddy was better. Should Violet tell her that her father was the worst man on earth?That would be too brutal for a little girl's ears. But with each day that passed by, Mimi's resolve to find her real Daddy grew stronger.Her eagerness was even turning into a wild imagination that scared Violet. Because some times, those imaginations fit Clyde's description perfectly just like moments ago. The Next Morning.Violet woke up on the king-sized bed to find her daughter gone. She could recall Mimi whispering late in the night that she would resume the search for her Daddy this morning.Letting out a helpless sig
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-08Too Late, Ex-husband 7. Make Connections
~Her Mummy!Where did this little girl come from?Where were her parents?She clung onto him like a koala, calling him foreign names he'd never heard of. Her Daddy. What the hell…“You'd better follow me to my Mummy right now,” the little girl added, her strength surprising Clyde as she pulled his legs. How funny!“Come on, Daddy-”“No!” Clyde repeated. “I'm not your father.”Then he noticed the stains on his pants. The little girl's hands must have come in contact with sand before she approached him.Sighting the dust on his pants, Clyde's frustration turned into annoyance. He moved his leg, shaking her off in the process.“Ouch!” The little girl landed butt-first on the sand. Shocked for a second, her eyes were wide before they watered up, gathering a pool of tears. She sniffled rapidly before her loud wails echoed in the area.Clyde's demeanor wavered, a guilty feeling kicking in. At the sight of the little girl crying, something tugged at his heartstrings.Strange! He pi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-15Too Late, Ex-husband 8. Her Secret
…At The Villa. Inside her bedroom, Violet walked back and forth, her heart racing.So many emotions overwhelmed her at once, and her heart felt like bursting. Was she dreaming?No, this was a nightmare.Clyde-He was here!Biting her fingernails rapidly, Violet shook her head. No! It wasn't Clyde. He wasn't that man she saw her daughter clinging onto. She must have seen wrong.She must have imagined his face.“Vi…” A knock came on the door. “Please open this door!” Freya!No!What if Violet opened the door and saw that man instead? Her brain must be making things up. She was having wild imaginations.“Come out of the room, please, Vi…” Freya called out again. “Everyone's worried.”Everyone was there when Violet ran back into the building, fleeing upstairs. As if she'd seen a ghost…Well, Violet's shock and dread weren't any less than that of someone who'd seen a ghost.But that man…Violet would never mistake him even in her dreams.Those features, his aura, and demeanor… th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-15Too Late, Ex-husband 9. Suspicious
So soon.Clyde showed his true nature to Mimi.The heartless man wouldn't spare even a little girl. Violet left the bedroom, coming outside to see her daughter's eyes puffy with tears. Her dress was dusty. She must have come in contact with sand. Anger mixed with pain clutched her heart. Squatting down, Violet drew Mimi into her embrace. “It's okay. Mummy's here.”But Freya found the situation funny. Standing up, she laughed. “Is it the Daddy you wouldn't shut up about since yesterday?”Mimi sniffled. “He's a meanie.”She wrapped her chubby arms around Violet, burying her head in her neck. Her tiny voice, mixed with sobs and sadness echoed in the hallway. “Mummy, why did Daddy push me away? I put on my best dress… I look prettier today, don't I, Mummy?”“Of course, Baby.” Violet sighed inside. Clyde didn't know…Still, how could he be so heartless to his own daughter?He could at least pretend to be nice by not pushing the little girl away. Where were his manners? How sad tha
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-15Too Late, Ex-husband 10. Haunting Memories
Instinctively, Violet pulled out of the middle-aged man's embrace. Her heart suddenly racing, she blinked her eyes. Cora.Cora was also here?Violet must be seeing wrong.But she wasn't. As Clyde's secretary sauntered into the living room, her high heels clicking on the floor, she had on her signature sweet smile. A smile she'd always used to deceive everyone.Cora's presence meant one thing. It's a confirmation that Clyde was on this Island. As their gazes met, however, Cora's eyes widened a bit. Then they turned into slits as she plastered on an even sweeter smile. It was only a fleeting glance.Did Cora not recognize her?“Hello, Asher… where's the special lady?”“Right beside you.” Asher nodded towards Violet. Cora spun around, putting on a shocked look. “I must say… she's pretty!”She giggled, reaching out for a handshake. “Hello, Sweetie… I'm Cora Reid, Asher's classmate at high school. Nice to meet you.”Violet stood, stunned. A classmate from high school? Lost at wh
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-15Too Late, Ex-husband 11. Can't Wait
Looking down, Violet chuckled.A bitch!“Listen to yourself, Cora.” She turned around. “Don't you have a guilty conscience?”“About what?” Cora snickered, twirling a strand of her hair in a finger. “Clyde and I are perfect together.”Indeed.Clyde and Cora were a match made in hell.Unsatisfied adults who lust after each other. Verily, they were perfect together. “Clyde doesn't know you're here.” Cora switched demeanor, her cunning smile transforming into a stern look. “You’d better stay out of my man's way.”Violet laughed again. When they both deserved each other, who was she to interfere? Clyde!The most heartless man in history.“You both go and rot in hell!”“Whatever.” Folding her hands across her chest, Cora rolled her eyes. “If you're serious, do the engagement fast!”“Vi…” Someone knocked at the door.Asher. “Violet, are you alright?” His anxious voice sounded again.Cora's switched on her smile. Saying, “Yeah… everything's fine,” she turned and opened the door. “Viol
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-16
Bab terbaru
Too Late, Ex-husband 117. The Foreboding Feeling
A twin?Who?Violet could believe Freya was only bluffing if only her best friend hadn't looked deadly serious.She even told her Asher was in town.She told her so many things that she couldn't grasp a single statement.“Listen to me, Violet!” Even an hour later, Freya was still persistent in convincing her. “It's not like I don't trust Asher. But I have a bad feeling about all this. He found the exact replica of you and called her his wife- that's absurd, Asher vowed he'd love you forever!”Asher’s love for her wasn't the thing that mattered the most.The idea that she had a lost twin out there was what scared Violet.How?And when?As far as she could remember, she neither had any sister nor siblings.She was the only child her parents had. Her parents divorced while she was young, but her father wouldn't have a daughter who was the same age as her and also looked exactly like her.Violet thought she looked more like her mother.She'd inherited most of her physical features.“You s
Too Late, Ex-husband 116. Indulge
…At Crawford Villa. It was still dark. If only morning could come fast.For she couldn't catch a wink of sleep.Cherish their love…Forever?Clyde's statement still resounded in her mind.She didn't know why she was losing sleep over this. She couldn't tell where this feeling of guilt was coming from. She'd planned to leave him eventually. She never planned to forgive and forget.He must have his own reasons for feeding her those birth control pills.Her feelings for him must have resurfaced, getting even stronger than before, but she had an obligation.A promise to fulfill.Asher was still waiting for her.“Violet…”In the dead night, his voice jolted her. Thinking he was deeply asleep, she glanced sideways to find him staring at her. “What's wrong?” Clyde reached out and stroked her hair. “What are you thinking about?”Should she tell him the truth?Should she lie to him?However, the idea of telling him what was really on her mind scared her.Not only because she feared the o
Too Late, Ex-husband 115. The Biggest Fool
Hesitating at the door, a part of his mind told him not to step inside.She might yell at him, lunge at him, hit him, or even do something worse.A few moments ago when she revealed that furious side of her, he'd almost thought she was a different girl, totally different from the docile and affectionate woman he knew.“Ash, I'm so sorry!” Yet, she surprised him by apologizing first.Standing from the couch, she rushed into his arms and hugged him tight, sobbing slightly. “I'm sorry for misunderstanding. I- I didn't know she was your friend… I- I thought… I thought she might snatch you from me!”She choked on her sobs, burying her face in his chest as if ashamed to face him. What did he do to deserve this?How would she react when she found out this was all a play?Asher’s heart tightened, a foreboding heaviness settling on his chest. He wanted to hug her back, but his hands hung mid-air.No!This is getting out of hand.Could he carry on?Shouldn't be tell her the truth right now?W
Too Late, Ex-husband 114. Deceived Her
“It's no wonder you ignored the phone calls,” She continued, the tears streaming down her face. “It's no wonder you want James to leave you alone.”What was she doing here?How did she even get here? Shocked, Asher didn't know how to react. As if caught red-handed committing a sin, he parted his lips, but no words came out. “Why are you doing this to me, Ash!?” She wiped her tears furiously. “You've never loved me, have you!?”She stomped forward and peeled Freya away from his arms. When she raised her hand to slap him, Asher finally reacted. “It's not what you're thinking.” He caught her hand mid-air. However, she gave him a look of disbelief full of uncertainty. She'd lost trust in him. He could see the hate in her eyes. Wasn't this what he'd been avoiding? Right now, she looked hurt and his heart beat uncomfortably. She sobbed, snatching her hand away. “Then can you explain it in a way I'll understand… In a way that won't only hurt me further?”Yeah. How was he gonna expl
Too Late, Ex-husband 113. Seeing Another Woman
…That Evening.Without a sense of direction, Asher drove down the city. He'd been driving for a long time and the sky was turning dark. Yet, he couldn't stop, the turmoil inside his heart increasing. Without any sense of direction, he could be anywhere else but that hotel. He couldn't go back there and share the same suite with her. He couldn't repeat the same mistake he made the night before. Till now, his mind wasn't at ease. For a long time, he'd preserved himself, vowing that he'd never touch a woman who wasn't his wife. He'd broken that vow, his biggest regret. Now he had to live with the guilt and the feelings of hate. The fact that he reminisced about that moment last night and still longed to touch her made him more disgusted with himself. His phone rang beside him. Asher let go of the steering wheel and picked it up. Seeing his assistant’s name on the screen, he hesitated. “What's up?”“Are you on your way back, Mr. Sydney?” James sounded worried. “I'm sure the bu
Too Late, Ex-husband 112. Cherish Their Love
Violet arrived at Grandpa Luke's quarters to find the servants gathered in a corner outside. They were so engrossed in gossiping that they didn't notice her. “The Old Master appears mad today. Who do you think might have offended him?”“Is it Mrs. Crawford again?”“No, I don't think so. I overheard him making a phone call about someone's death. He mentioned the Young Master’s name.”“Wait, is he mad at the Young Master?”“Who knows? He has suddenly appeared in the mansion. It definitely isn't for something small.”“Who died, by the way?”“I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that it's a member of this family.”Violet cleared her throat. All the servants looked in her direction, having noticed her presence.They all gasped at once and started stuttering. “Y- Young Miss, when did you arrive?”“We- We were busy discussing work. Sorry, we didn't notice you.”“It's not what you're thinking, Young Miss-” “Shut up, all of you!” The Butler arrived. “If you don't want to lose your jobs, sto
Too Late, Ex-husband 111. See To His Downfall
Violet shuddered from his grandfather's tone. Because she sat very close to him, her ears caught each of his grandfather's words. Turning around to see the man's expression, a strange tremor ran down her nerves. But Clyde's expression was as pale as hers should have been by now. He looked speechless, his eyes widening. “Uhm, Grandpa. I'll come-”For the first time, she saw him stammer. And the old man didn't let him finish his words before shouting,“Well, get down here and explain yourself! Because right now, this old man is having heart pains!”Then his grandfather hung up. Clyde sprang to his feet, almost making her fall in the process. And he looked disoriented as he hurried out of the study room. “Where's Daddy going? Was it Greatgrandpa who called?” Mimi asked, hugging the new school bag to her chest. “I miss Greatgrandpa, Mummy. Can I go with Daddy?”Violet shook her head. “No, Baby. I'm not sure where he's going. Ava will help you wash up. After you've rested, how about
Too Late, Ex-husband 110. Killed His Sister
…Clyde stared at the phone in his hand, his blood boiling inside. He watched the several missed calls but made no attempt to answer them. Hadn't he restricted that contact before?It appeared Violet had unblocked the guy. Why the hell was he calling his wife!?“Clyde, have you seen my phone?” Violet entered the study room and he quickly hid the phone in his pocket. Clyde shook his head. “Have you checked Mimi's room?”“I did. It's not there.” She sighed frustratedly. “I- I need to check on the Cops. I must find Freya.”She barely slept last night all due to worrying about her friend. Honestly, she didn't need to call the Cops.Clyde already had a feeling about who took her friend away. “Relax, we'll find her.”“That's what you've been telling me.” She gave him a tired look. “Clyde Crawford, at least use your influence and help me find my friend.”Clyde would have long used his influence if he'd wanted to.However, the situation was out of his hands. The only person who could e
Too Late, Ex-husband 109. Always Wait for Him
…At Twilight Hotel. The atmosphere was intense, the tension inside the room unmatched by any other. Maybe he was the only person feeling the tension. Asher couldn't believe it.He was definitely going to regret this forever. How was he gonna explain this to her when she came back to her senses… when she finally regained her memories and discovered the truth? “You're so quiet.” Her voice floated into his ears, her sighs of contentment echoing in the silent room.The serene atmosphere was nothing compared to the turmoil inside his heart. Her peaceful appearance and her relaxed muscles as she lay on his chest contrasted with his tense ones. “Honey…” She murmured. “Whoever that lady is, she's dangerous. Please you have to avenge me. What would have happened to me if you weren't there last night?”Asher didn't know the lady she was speaking about.Unfortunately, his assistant’s search turned out futile.The lady's back was facing the surveillance camera while she gave her the wine.
