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35. Priorities
Last Updated:
2025-02-24 03:53:19
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Traded For His First Love 36. Digging his own grave
Elliot POVAs soon as the door to the meeting room closed behind me, I let out a heavy sigh. My head was throbbing, and the weight of the conversation that had just happened still pressed on my chest. My talk with Josh had been a clear warning. He didn’t even need to say it outright.I needed to go to the legal department. Urgently.I was screwed.It wasn’t even a matter of speculation or exaggeration. I was genuinely screwed.I walked down the hallway without hesitation, my mind racing. A few employees greeted me as I passed, but I just nodded back, not stopping."Good morning, Mr. Goodwin.""Mr. Goodwin."I didn’t have time for small talk. Or patience.I ran a hand over my face as I strode down the corridor, feeling a cold knot in my stomach that worsened with each step. I knew, sooner or later, I’d end up at this point. After what happened at Josh’s engagement party, after what I said to Reese, it was obvious things would unravel. At least, that’s the only reason I could see for D
Last Updated : 2025-02-24Traded For His First Love 37. I would like to love someone like that too
Elliot POVMy fingers drummed on the table. The room felt smaller, suffocating. The clock ticked away, each second pushing my anxiety into an endless abyss.How the hell am I going to approach Reese? Can I just walk up to her and say, "Hey, how’s it going?" Ridiculous. Or maybe come up with some lame excuse to strike up a conversation? Sounds pathetic. What if I end up looking like a desperate coward? What can I say without sounding like a desperate coward?Damn it. My chest tightened. Reese… I need to see you. I need to fix this.Furthermore, I ran my hands over my face, exhausted by my own indecision. If I call, would she even pick up? Hear my voice and hang up right away? Maybe I should go to her… see her up close. But what if she doesn’t want to see me?I can’t stay like this anymore. I stood up, my chair scraping the floor with a sharp screech. Every cell in my body screamed for me to do something, anything, but not just sit here.I’ve been thinking about how to approach Reese fo
Last Updated : 2025-02-24Traded For His First Love 1. Disaster in the middle of Valentine's Day
Reese POVToday was Valentine's Day, and as usual, I was preparing something special for my husband. Four long years of marriage had passed, and our son, Sammy, was the fruit of our love. At least that's what I liked to think, since with each passing year, Elliot Goodwin's love for me only seemed to grow colder.I married him on a day like this; it snowed all night, as if God were blessing our union. Elliot Goodwin and I loved each other more than anything; he was the man of my life; for him, I left my old life in New York and accepted to go with him to another city, expecting to live wild love adventures by his side, expecting that I would finally be happy with him.But everything crumbled when his family looked down on me with disdain and disapproved of me. "What is this, Elliot?" Florence, my mother-in-law, asked haughtily as she looked at me as if I were dust."This is Reese Hudson, Mom," Elliot said, introducing me to his family. "Actually, she's Reese Goodwin now. She's my wife.
Last Updated : 2025-01-23Traded For His First Love 2. My husband wants me to sign the divorce papers
Reese POVI was completely absorbed in my own pain after the words my husband used to attack me. I stood there, speechless, holding my son's hand, as I watched Elliot ignore my pain and head towards the dinner table for a convivial meal, the beautiful dinner I had prepared for our family, to celebrate Valentine's Day, but everything was turning into a ruin.Since his father's death, right after our wedding, Elliot had used that truth to attack me and express how much he hated me. Since that day, the tender look he always gave me had turned into one of resentment and regret.The truth was, I had indeed killed his father. I was totally emotional after being humiliated by my mother-in-law, after she had rejected me as her son's wife. "I will never accept you as my daughter-in-law, girl," she had said four years ago with words as harsh and sharp as daggers. "I won't accept my son joining with a commoner like you and staining our bourgeois status!"I was bleeding inside, seeing that I was
Last Updated : 2025-01-23Traded For His First Love 3. My husband's mistress's dirty plans
Reese POV"Today I prepared a beautiful dinner and a lovely surprise for you, but you came home demanding a divorce. What a pitiful situation, I must say," I commented gloomily, the divorce papers still in my hands. "So this is how our story ends?""Our story ended when you killed my father, Reese. All of this is your fault," he continued with that speech, but I knew it was just a way to use that against me to get me out of his life.I wiped my face, feeling too small. "Do you know what your father's last words were before the accident? He begged me not to give up on you, Elliot. He said he believed in our love and that I shouldn't give up on you despite everything. So how do you expect me to give up on you now?""What are you getting at?" he asked, already showing irritation. "Are you planning not to give me the divorce? I'm a fucking billionaire, Reese. I'll find a way to take this from you." That was clearly a threat. It hurt to think that the man I loved so much treated me like an
Last Updated : 2025-01-23Traded For His First Love 4. They want me to give up
Reese's POVThings happened too fast.Elliot still had Jennifer Durham's unconscious body in his arms while he hurriedly called for an ambulance. My mother-in-law was screaming at me, accusing me of being a murderer."Isn't your husband enough? Now you wanted to kill poor Jennifer, you murderer?" She was screaming at me while crying in horror.The household staff looked at me as if I were a monster. Elliot didn't even dare to look at me."But I didn't do anything! She threw herself down the stairs on her own," I said, trying to defend myself, feeling that if I didn't, no one else would."Sure, you didn't, did you, Reese?" Florence's sarcasm was heavy, directed at me. "First, my husband threw himself in front of that car to save you, and now this poor woman threw herself to certain death of her own free will. And you really expect us to believe that?""Florence, I know you've never liked me, but you have to believe me. I didn't do this; I'm innocent!" I said, crying. Likewise, I was so
Last Updated : 2025-01-24Traded For His First Love 5. An intruder in my house
Reese POVThe day had barely begun, and I was already enveloped by a sense of desolation. The sunlight, which weakly filtered through the windows, made the world outside luminous, but within me, there was a growing darkness. The mansion, with its familiar scent of flowers, felt like the set of a movie where I didn't want to be. I was anxiously at the window, watching the gate, waiting for Elliot, but each second was a painful reminder of what had happened the night before.Yesterday had been a whirlwind of events that starkly contrasted with the calm and monotonous days I spent in this house since marrying Elliot. It was an onslaught of discoveries and twists, and I simply spent the entire night thinking about it. I couldn't sleep because there was a fear growing in my chest.After all, my husband had come home with another woman and was demanding a divorce, not to mention that Jennifer Durham had thrown herself down the stairs as a way to incriminate and accuse me. Just thinking abou
Last Updated : 2025-01-26Traded For His First Love 6. Just want
Reese POVWhen I woke up, Elliot was already beside me, his gaze determined but softened by the morning light filtering through our silk curtains. He looked rested, something I hadn't seen in him for a long time.“Elliot… Good morning. What's wrong?” I asked as I adjusted myself in bed; it was early in the morning."Reese, sorry to wake you like this, but I need to say something," he began, his voice carrying a tone of sincerity that made my heart race.“It's okay, go ahead. What is it?”"I've thought a lot about what you said yesterday," he said. "I know I've made many mistakes, and I want to change that. I'm going to spend more time with Sammy and our family."His words were like a balm to my wounded soul. I could hardly believe what I was hearing; it was as if a dream was becoming reality after so many nightmares. I almost cried with joy but held back, not wanting to show how affected I was."Are you serious?" I asked, my voice a mix of hope and caution."Yes, Reese. I'm going to d
Last Updated : 2025-02-03
Latest chapter
Traded For His First Love 37. I would like to love someone like that too
Elliot POVMy fingers drummed on the table. The room felt smaller, suffocating. The clock ticked away, each second pushing my anxiety into an endless abyss.How the hell am I going to approach Reese? Can I just walk up to her and say, "Hey, how’s it going?" Ridiculous. Or maybe come up with some lame excuse to strike up a conversation? Sounds pathetic. What if I end up looking like a desperate coward? What can I say without sounding like a desperate coward?Damn it. My chest tightened. Reese… I need to see you. I need to fix this.Furthermore, I ran my hands over my face, exhausted by my own indecision. If I call, would she even pick up? Hear my voice and hang up right away? Maybe I should go to her… see her up close. But what if she doesn’t want to see me?I can’t stay like this anymore. I stood up, my chair scraping the floor with a sharp screech. Every cell in my body screamed for me to do something, anything, but not just sit here.I’ve been thinking about how to approach Reese fo
Traded For His First Love 36. Digging his own grave
Elliot POVAs soon as the door to the meeting room closed behind me, I let out a heavy sigh. My head was throbbing, and the weight of the conversation that had just happened still pressed on my chest. My talk with Josh had been a clear warning. He didn’t even need to say it outright.I needed to go to the legal department. Urgently.I was screwed.It wasn’t even a matter of speculation or exaggeration. I was genuinely screwed.I walked down the hallway without hesitation, my mind racing. A few employees greeted me as I passed, but I just nodded back, not stopping."Good morning, Mr. Goodwin.""Mr. Goodwin."I didn’t have time for small talk. Or patience.I ran a hand over my face as I strode down the corridor, feeling a cold knot in my stomach that worsened with each step. I knew, sooner or later, I’d end up at this point. After what happened at Josh’s engagement party, after what I said to Reese, it was obvious things would unravel. At least, that’s the only reason I could see for D
Traded For His First Love 35. Priorities
Elliot POVAs soon as everyone was gathered, the murmur of side conversations gradually quieted when Joshua Carter entered the room. He wore his usual impeccable suit, his eyes scanning each of us, assessing the atmosphere."Good morning, everyone," he said with a brief nod. "I hope you’re all prepared."That simple sentence was enough to straighten everyone’s posture around the table."We can start the meeting," Joshua continued, placing a folder on the table and opening it with precision. "There’s a lot to discuss today, and I want objectivity.""Are we all on board with the plan for the new production line?" Carter’s voice echoed through the conference room. His gaze swept over all of us, evaluating each person as if he already knew where the mistakes were before we even pointed them out."Yes," I responded firmly. "The equipment has been ordered, and the team starts testing next week. We’ve also aligned with the distributors to ensure everything arrives on time."Before I could co
Traded For His First Love 34. Trying to return to normal
Reese POVThe rest of the morning passed slowly.It was then that I realized the best thing I could do that day was to occupy my mind with something else. Something that really mattered. Like work. I had been drifting too far from the things that truly helped me maintain balance. And, if I were honest with myself, work made me feel alive, helped me stay grounded.I took Avie’s hand, with a lightness that helped me momentarily divert from the mental chaos overwhelming me. She was as excited as ever. It was always like this: when I made a decision and put it into action, she got thrilled and seemed to forget any troubles. She had an energy that made me forget everything around me. I felt that, if she could be like this, maybe I could too."Mom, will there be lots of food today?" Avie asked, swinging her arm alongside mine. "I hope so, because Uncle Spence makes the best stuff!"I smiled at her, gently patting her head. "There won’t be pancakes today, but there’ll be a delicious lunch, d
Traded For His First Love 33. Spencer, the protector
Reese POVI woke up to a soft noise, followed by giggles and jumps on the bed. It didn’t take long for me to feel the mattress shaking and a small hand tapping my arm."Mommy, wake up! Come on, Mommy!" Avie exclaimed with an energy I only had in my youth. She bounced to the top of the bed and looked at me with shining eyes. "Guess what? Uncle Spence is in the kitchen making us breakfast!"I opened my eyes slowly, still fighting off sleep. "Uncle Spence?" I grumbled, trying to process it. "Is it time for all this already?"She nodded, bursting with energy and laughing. "Yes! He’s making pancakes with chocolate syrup! Come on!"That idea got me up faster. "Chocolate syrup, huh?" I smiled at her as I got out of bed. "You sure know how to convince me."Avie ran ahead, already forgetting I was still trying to get myself together. I slipped on my robe, ran a hand through my hair, and followed her to the kitchen.When we walked into the kitchen, I saw Spencer with his back turned, flipping p
Traded For His First Love 32. Hope
Elliot POVThe next morning, I woke up early, more energized than usual. I prepared a hearty breakfast, something I hadn’t done in ages: golden pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh juice. The sweet smell of the batter frying filled the kitchen, bringing a sense of normalcy I hadn’t felt since leaving London behind. It was as if, somehow, I was trying to make up for all the lost mornings, all the moments I let slip away with my family. As I set the table, my mind danced between hope and guilt, a whirlwind that had been my constant companion since I found Reese at Josh Carter’s engagement party.I climbed the stairs, my heart beating faster with each step, and entered Sammy’s room. "Hey, champ, time to wake up," I called, gently shaking his shoulder.He mumbled something unintelligible and turned to the other side, burying his face in the pillow. I chuckled softly, a sound almost foreign, and sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the weight of the moment. This was more than just a breakfa
Traded For His First Love 31. The bargain
Spencer POV"But why don’t you want to marry Bethany?" I asked, trying to make sense of the situation.Josh leaned against the wall, arms crossed, with an expression that screamed exhaustion, like he was tired of everything. He stared at me for a moment, as if he wanted to have more patience but just couldn’t. Finally, he sighed, running a hand through his hair, already starting to lose his cool. "Because I don’t love Bethany, Spencer. Is that so hard to understand?"I furrowed my brow, still not fully grasping the reason behind his refusal. "But she’s young, beautiful, and from a good family. You two make a great couple, and she clearly loves you for real. Isn’t that how the world works? Isn’t that enough for you?"He let out a hollow laugh, almost like a reflex of frustration. "Sure, Spencer, because that’s what matters, right? Looks, status, convenient matches. But what about what I want? What I feel? You’re forgetting about me in all of this."Those words caught me off guard. Josh
Traded For His First Love 30. Friends as far as it suits
Spencer POVThe party was in full swing, packed with people laughing, drinking, and dancing. The bar was crowded, the waiters barely keeping up with serving everyone, and the music made the floor shake, almost like the whole room was about to explode with energy. But I couldn’t care less about enjoying it. Something was eating at me, a problem I couldn’t put off. I needed to talk to Josh Carter today.I held my whiskey glass, trying to look relaxed as I moved through the room, stopping here and there to greet some guests. The crowd was buzzing, but my head was racing, thinking about Venus, about Reese, about the pain she still carried – and the nightmare of having Elliot Goodwin around again."Spencer, my man!" someone yelled, and when I turned, I saw two guys I’d drunk and laughed with on many nights. One of them slapped my shoulder, almost knocking my glass out of my hand. "You’ve been MIA, huh? How’s life?""Better than ever," I lied, forcing a smile. "And you guys?""Ah, same old,
Traded For His First Love 29. Resilience
Elliot POVThe night was cold, and the streets of Chicago seemed to hold their breath beneath the faint glow of the streetlights. I was there, inside my car, parked beneath Reese’s building. My fingers drummed on the steering wheel, an echo of the tension coursing through my body as I stared at the lit windows above. I had followed her here after the party – an impulsive act I knew could cost me dearly. But how could I just leave after seeing her, after years of searching for her?Alice had been clear in her threat. "Stay away from her, Elliot, or I swear I’ll sue you until there’s nothing left," she’d said, with that cutting look that made me feel small, like the villain in a story I had written myself. And maybe I was, but that didn’t change the fact that I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. Not after so long, after so many cities, after so many regrets piling up.I wasn’t a danger to Reese. On the contrary, all I wanted was her well-being – and Sammy’s. My heart raced just th
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