All Chapters of My Substitute Husband Regrets Letting Me Go: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Emma’s POVHer bright, expensive bag swinging from her arm like it was a trophy was the first thing I noticed. She was walking with this air of confidence like the world belonged to her even though it didn't.A caretaker trailed beside her, pushing a stroller that looked like it cost more than my first car. Or my second.Abigail nudged me with her elbow, her face scrunched up in confusion. "What are you staring at? Do you know her?" she whispered. I didn’t look away, my eyes locked on Ava as she paused near the desk to adjust her bag. "That’s Ava," I said quietly, but even I could hear the bitterness in my voice. "She’s the reason Sebastian and I ended up like this. The one who'd been staying with us." Abigail’s face darkened immediately, her lips pressing together in a thin line. "Her?" she hissed with more hatred than I expected.She crossed her arms, glaring daggers in Ava’s direction. If looks could kill, Ava would be six feet underground right now. "Want me to go teach her a

Emma's POV“How did you know I was here?” I demanded loudly with a frown. My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it.Sebastian stood there, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his leather jacket, looking way too casual for someone who shouldn’t even be here.“Jenny guessed you’d be at Abigail’s and we'll, here you are,” he replied hesitantly, his voice low, but his eyes, those deep gray eyes, never left my face. My stomach twisted at the mention of mom. Of course, she’d tell him. She always thought she knew what was best for everyone, but this? I thought she hated him for me so why would she tell him where I could be.“I can't believe you actually went to see her. Well, congratulations to her for being right. Now leave.” I crossed my arms tightly over my chest. “I don’t need you here, Sebastian. You shouldn't even be here. We’re divorced, remember?” I stepped forward and pushed him toward the door, but he didn’t budge. He stood there like a statue, his shoulders

Emma’s POVI stared at the long string of numbers on my phone screen, my stomach twisting. I felt bile rise in my throat. The number Abigail had told me was so big it didn't sound real, like it was part of some prank or something.But it wasn’t. It was sitting there, right in Abigail's gallery’s fundraising account, a direct deposit from Sebastian. What the hell was he up to? My thumb hovered over my phone for half a second before I gave in, scrolling to his number and pressing call.He picked up after barely one ring, like he’d been sitting there, waiting for me to call…to cave. "Finally calling me back?" His voice was low, smooth, and tinged with just enough smugness to make my anger rise.I gripped the phone so tightly my knuckles turned white. "What game are you playing, Sebastian? What do you want?" He chuckled softly, the sound only making my blood boil. "Game? I have no idea what you’re talking about. I just saw your art gallery was fundraising and looked a little short

Emma’s POVThe art class finally ended, and I exhaled in relief. Today had already been long enough and I couldn't wait for it to end.I mean I loved the kids but Sebastian had only made today stressful for me. The kids had already started packing up their things immediately I told them the class was over. Sebastian raised his voice just enough to be heard over the noise. "Come on, kids, say goodbye to Teacher Emma!" "Goodbye, Teacher!" they all flocked around me and chorused, their tiny hands waving as they ran towards the door like they would get an award for whoever reaches there first.I forced a smile and waved back, though my chest ached from everything that was happening, especially the man standing a few feet away from me.As the last kid disappeared into the hallway, silence fell over the room. Just me and Sebastian now. The air felt heavier somehow. It was suffocating and uncomfortable and I just wanted him to leave as soon as possible.I focused on the scattered art su

Emma’s POVI didn’t even think. My feet moved before my brain could think, and I found myself chasing after Ava, my heart pounding with anger and fear."Ava!" I called as I closed the distance between us. She stopped in her tracks, slowly turning to face me, her lips curling into that same annoying smug, cryptic smile she always had on."Well, well," she said, tilting her head as she looked me up and down. "What do you want, Emma?" Her tone was so mocking it made my anger increase.I stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "What’s your deal, Ava? What are you trying to pull here?" Her smile widened, and she crossed her arms casually. "Me? Oh nothing, I’m just observing," she said, "But you seem a little… tense. Feeling guilty, maybe?" Her words made my stomach twist, but I forced myself to stay calm. Losing it on her here wasn’t going to help. I took a deep breath and tried to keep my voice steady. "Ava, just tell me, how much did you hear?" She raised an eyebrow, her expres