All Chapters of After The Divorce: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

As Damon took a seat across from Luca's desk in his spacious office, his roaming eyes fell on a framed photo of Luca's late parents. Luca poured them each a glass of scotch carefully in silence."Melanie seems like a lovely woman," Damon began, leaning back in his plush leather chair. "And those twins of hers are absolutely sweet, don’t you think?."Luca shrugged, staring into his glass while swirling his drink. "I suppose."Damon chuckled. "Only 'suppose'? You haven't said much about how long you've known Melanie." Luca leaned back in his own chair, clasping his hands behind his head in a relaxed manner. "We met years ago but this project is strictly professional - she's only here representing her company." Damon eyed him thoughtfully. "Are you sure that's all there is to it?”Luca sighed, knowing where this was going. "What is it Grandpa?""Isn't it time you retire that eligible bachelor label for good?" Damon pressed.Luca sighed, dropping his casual posture as a twitch of frustr

Melanie's hands trembled slightly as she stepped out of the car and onto the courthouse steps. Luca offered his arm, and she took it, feeling both nervous at the same time somewhat excited she was doing something so crazy.As they entered the courthouse, Melanie smoothed the short simple yet elegant white silk dress Luca had ordered for her last minute. The fitted bodice hugged her curves, and made her feel like a princess.The priest greeted them warmly and began the ceremony. It was almost over as quickly as it started."Do you, Melanie, take Luca to be your husband?" the priest was asking."I do," Melanie replied, her voice steady."Do you, Luca, take Melanie to be your lawfully wedded wife?"“I do,” he stated firmly as he slipped a shiny diamond ring onto her finger. Melanie gasped, her eyes widening."Isn't that...too expensive?" she whispered.Luca raised an eyebrow. "Are you cheap?" he teased.Melanie's cheeks flushed, and she remained silent.The priest pronounced them husban

Natalia clutched Hardin's arm, her voice shrill with horror. "What's going to happen to our wedding now? We can't have it in any cheap place! What about the invitation cards? They've already been sent!"Hardin's expression became serious. "Stop whining for a second, Natalia. Go wait in the car."But Natalia continued complaining and whining like a dying cat. "But Hardin, this can't be happening! We—"Rolling his eyes, Hardin placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "Calm down Natalia, let me handle this." He turned to Melanie firmly. "I need you to reconsider, Melanie. Please, name your price - I'll pay anything to keep our original booking." But Melanie simply smiled very calmly."I'm afraid it's out of my hands now. Do look for another venue soon.""Hardin, darling, do something!" Natalia screamed, clutching at his arm pitifully. With a sigh, Hardin pried her fingers away. "Natalia, I said go wait in the car. Don't cause any scenes, understand?"With a huff, Natalia reluctantly walked

Melanie let out a deep sigh. "Luca, I'm not bothered by your presence. I just...would be able to say it better when I'm not, you know, in the middle of a bath."She shifted slightly in the tub, the warm water lapping against her skin. Despite her attempt at being nonchalant, she couldn't deny the sudden flutter of nerves in her stomach as they were in close proximity. He moved forward, and Melanie caught the scent of his cologne, a blend of spice and clean, masculine notes that made her throat go dry.He leaned even closer, his necklace dangling just above the water's surface. "Then let me make it easier for you." He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the outline of her face.Her eyes fluttered closed, and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe. She felt Luca's breath on her lips, so close that she could almost taste him. Just as she braced herself for the kiss, Luca pulled away, a small chuckle escaping his lips."I'll be waiting for you in the bedroom," he murmured, in a low

"I can't believe this is happening! That witch Melanie has made a complete laughingstock of us online. Our wedding is being called the 'biggest flop of the year'!" Natalia threw her hands up in exasperation.Hardin sat on the edge of the sofa, scrolling through his phone with a furrowed brow. He glanced up at her, but didn’t say nothing.Last night, they eventually got help and was able to fix the yacht in time but the damage had already been done. Melanie literally sailed away with all their guests and they had to get into a smaller boat and go back home."And now she's hosting some grand gala at the Ridgemont Estate tonight? The same venue we had booked for our wedding?" Natalia screeched, her voice raising an octave. "This is an absolute disaster!"She turned around to face Hardin, her eyes blazing. "Don't you have anything to say about this? She's humiliating us, Hardin! I swear, I'm going to go over there and strangle that bitch with my bare hands!"Hardin groaned, raising a hand