All Chapters of AFTER MY EX-WIFE : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

AlexFour days had passed since I made the public announcement regarding the partnership with Ava Ltd. Four days of silence, and each passing instant seemed like a period that would never end.No reaction from Camila, no letter or phone call. Not even a simple note rejecting the offer. The previous time I attempted to contact her, at least I received a mail of her rejection. This time, her silence was like a noose tightening around my chest. I couldn’t help but think of the moment I made the statement to the press. I felt I was doing the right thing then,— I thought it was a confident move to show the world I was making great moves for the future of my company. Deep inside me, however, I knew I’d done it to push her into action, to urge her to be near to me. I believed it might push her into consenting, or at least, into some type of contact. Instead, I’d been met with nothing but quietness, and now I understood exactly how much I’d look down on her. Camilla was no longer the wo

AlexAs the plane lifted off, San Francisco became a blur of lights and distant shadows in the sky. My chest felt heavy, as if the weight of failure was pressing down on me. I had come here resolved to accomplish two goals: establish the Ava Ltd. partnership and, maybe, get my life back on track. The reverse was true; as I prepared to go, I felt only grief and regret.The image of Camilla standing at David's side stayed with me. Her expressionless face had been warm and welcoming, like standing in the sun. When David came, her whole attitude changed—her shoulders relaxed, and a lovely serenity descended over her. It was more than just being comfortable; it was the easiness of being with someone who really cared. "They're married," I said, clutching the cushion of my seat. It was as if saying the words would confirm their validity, yet I knew in my heart that it was true. David had what I had thrown away: her trust, love, and heart. Seeing them together was a gut punch, a reminder of

CAMILLA I glanced at my watch. Twenty-eight minutes to go. The waiting room was silent, the faint hum of the air conditioner doing nothing to alleviate my anxiety. Ava’s face sprang in my mind—her smiles, the way her small hand slipped perfectly within mine. It had been nearly twenty four hours since I left, and the guilt of being gone stood at me. I pulled out my phone and called Marta’s number, but the call connected just as I remembered Ava would be in school. Letting out a sigh, I spoke to her, and she said Ava's fine. I’ll call David after the meeting,I mumbled to myself, already picturing him taking Ava for ice cream. It was a slight consolation, knowing she’d have someone who could make her happy. To distract myself, I opened the folder with notes for the press meeting. Each inquiry I expected felt heavier than the previous. My replies needed to be perfect—not just for me, but for Ava Ltd. This wasn’t just about reputation; it was about demonstrating that I'm capable of t

CAMILLAIf I had seen Alex five years ago, fresh after the divorce, I would have wanted to take revenge as profoundly as he had hurt me. Back then, the resentment overtook me, and I believed retaliation would soothe the pain.But I am not that lady anymore. The rage has cooled into a quiet pain, and although the hurt persists like an old scar, I’ve learned to live past it.The divorce broke me, certainly. But it also rebuilt me. I wouldn’t have become this version of myself if I had remained in that marriage—if I had continued seeking for his attention and affection that he never bothered to provide.Now, I have Ava and Ava Ltd., the two constants in my life that propel me ahead. Everything I do is for her and the firm. I’ve rebuilt my life piece by piece, and I will continue to show to Ava that she can depend on me for everything.Back in my suite after the interview, I phoned David.“David,” I began when he responded, “can you take Ava out for ice cream today? You know how much she

Camilla The familiar streets of San Francisco stretched before me as the cab near my home. My heart felt tired yet determined. This city had been my safe haven, the place where I’d rebuilt my life. But today, as I neared the front door, I felt it was time to leave it behind and make a new beginning in Los Angeles. As I stepped inside, the sweet giggles of Ava greeted me. She came running toward me, her small feet pattering against the floor. “Mommy!” she yelled, throwing her arms around me. I knelt to her height, drawing her into a loving hug. “I missed you, my love,” I whispered, my voice brimming with adoration. Marta entered from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. “You’re back early,” she stated with a friendly smile. “There’s so much to do,” I said, standing and putting my bag down. “Can we talk about something?” Marta nodded. “Of course.” Later that evening, after dinner and bedtime tales, Ava finally drifted off to sleep, clutching her doll firmly. I joined