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Winning Her Back
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๋ฐ์ดํธ:
2024-08-03 22:47:57
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CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย Back Off, I'm Their Father
VIVIENNE"Mom, is this okay?" Vera asked as she tried to smooth down the front of her shirt.Today, we were planning to watch the soccer match with Jeremyโjust like what he suggested after our first dinner date. I helped Vera and Vince get ready. Vera twirled in her little jersey, looking up at me with bright eyes. I smiled at my daughter and nodded. "You look perfect, sweetie,โ I said. Vince, on the other hand, was more concerned with the fit of his shorts. "How about this, Mom? Are these too long?" he asked, frowning as he adjusted the waistband."They're just right," I reassured him. "You both look great."I glanced at myself in the mirror. I had chosen a casual yet stylish outfit for the day: a pair of trousers, a simple white blouse, and comfortable stilettos. It was perfect for a day out at a soccer match and didnโt scream 'date' but was presentable enough for any encounter.Just as we were about to head out the door, my phone vibrated with incoming messages. I quickly check
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-08-04CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย Just Co-Parenting
VIVIENNEEzekielโs arrogant demeanor was really starting to get to me. He always seemed so sure of himself. He had to be humbled at some point. It couldnโt always be his way. I knew he wanted to make up for lost time, but he had to understand that things werenโt so simple. And he needed to consider the feelings of other people. Someone needed to bring him back down to earth, and maybe that someone had to be me. Iโd have to show him that he couldnโt just walk back in and expect everything to revolve around him. Feeling responsible for Jeremy, I made a quick decision. "Iโll ride with Jeremy," I said, breaking Ezekielโs hopes. The arrogance in Ezekielโs face faltered, and he gritted his teeth.It was somehow satisfying to see his expression. Yes, he was their father, but I had been the one raising Vince and Vera all these years. Ezekiel needed to understand that being a father was about more than just showing up. He needed to learn humility and patience. And if it took me standing my
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-08-04CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย Kiss Cam
EZEKIEL FELT bitterness crept within him when Vivienne chose to ride with Jeremy. It stung not being chosen at that moment. He hated that feeling, the feeling of being left out. But as he glanced down at Vera, who was happily chattering away, his heart warmed. Luckily, Vera liked him so much that even though Vivienne and her twin brother were riding with Jeremy, Vera stayed beside Ezekiel. That small gesture meant the world to him and took away some of the bitterness.But still, it didnโt change the fact that Vivienne didnโt choose him. Ezekiel gritted his teeth as he pulled into the arena parking lot. He felt a mix of frustration and jealousy boiling inside him. His tight grip on the steering wheel showed his tension. Vera, seated beside him, noticed her fatherโs bad mood.โDad, are you okay?โ she asked with her voice full of concern.Ezekiel forced a smile, though it didnโt quite reach his eyes. โIโm fine, Vera. Just a bit stressed.โโIs it because of Jeremy?โ Vera asked innocent
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-08-05CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย Are You Playing With My Mom's Heart?
VIVIENNE COULDNโT BELIEVE what had just happened. Ezekiel had kissed her in front of everyoneโJeremy, the kids, and the entire arena. Her mind raced with confusion and shock. The crowd around them cheered loudly, not really aware of what was wrong with what Ezekiel did. Vivienne glanced at Jeremy, who looked stunned and hurt. Vince and Vera were wide-eyed, staring at their parents.Ezekiel, however, seemed pleased with himself. He smirked and looked at Jeremy, as if he had won some imaginary competition. Vivienneโs cheeks flushed because of embarrassment. She had been uncomfortable with the idea of kissing Jeremy in front of the kids, and now Ezekiel had made things even more complicated. She could still feel the imprint of his lips on hers, and it left her feeling unsettled.Yet, on the other hand, Vivienneโs heart kept pounding in her chest. It was as if her heart was betraying her and feeling happy with something she was not supposed to be enjoying. She wanted to say something,
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-08-06CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย It Meant Everything
VIVIENNE AND JEREMY sat in silence after Ezekiel and Vince left. Jeremyโs face was unreadable, and Vivienne couldnโt help but feel guilty somehow. Although it was not her fault because it was Ezekiel who kissed her, she had made it clear to Jeremy earlier that she and Ezekiel were just co-parenting, but now it felt like she had been lying. Ezekiel's kiss had complicated everything, making it look like they were back together.Vera, on the other hand, was smiling because happiness as her fatherโs number one supporter. โMom, did you see? Dad kissed you! I think he wants to be with you again. We can be a family!โ she uttered cheerfully. Vivienne forced a smile, feeling embarrassed. She glanced at Jeremy, who remained silent, and then turned to Vera. โS-Sweetie, thatโs not what it means. Your dad and I are just trying to get along for you and Vince.โโBut Mom,โ Vera continued, her eyes wide with excitement, โI saw it! He kissed you! That means he loves you, right?โVivienne took a deep
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-08-07CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย Just Give Me A Sign
VIVIENNEโI canโt believe he did that!โ Piper exclaimed as we sat at the bar. I had called her, needing someone to talk to and to help me make sense of everything that had happened. After all, she was the only person I could tell all my problems to. I took a sip of my drink as I shook my head. The bitterness of my drink crept into my throat but I didnโt mind. โI know. It was so unexpected. One moment, people were teasing me and Jeremy when the screen showed us, and the next, Ezekiel just kissed me in front of everyone.โPiperโs eyes widened as she shrieked. I couldnโt help but give her a side-eye.โItโs not something to be giggly about, Piper,โ I reminded my friend. She cleared her throat and brought back her composure. โAlright. Sorry. Anyways, what did the kids think? I mean, they saw it, right?โI nodded. โYes, they did. Vera was thrilled. She kept saying how happy she was and that she thought Ezekiel and I would get back together and be a complete family.โPiper laughed light
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-08-07CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย Take You Home
VIVIENNEโW-Why did you call?โ I asked, trying to steady my voice as I answered Ezekielโs call.For a moment, I went to the counter to answer his call properly and to avoid the guys who were trying to dance with me earlier. I couldn't help but wonder why he called right when I asked for a sign. My heart beat faster, and I felt confused. Was it just a coincidence? It seemed too perfect to be random. Maybe it meant something. Maybe there was still something between us worth figuring out. Despite all the problems and hurt, could this be a chance to see if we could make things work again? The timing felt too strange to ignore.โI wanted to ask if I could visit the kids right now. I bought them some gifts,โ Ezekiel said, his voice calm but hesitant.I felt a pang of disappointment. Somehow, I had hoped there was more to his call than just the kids. โTheyโre with their grandparents,โ I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. โIs that all?โThere was a brief pause. โI hear a lot of noise
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-08-07CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย I Missed Her, I Missed Us
EZEKIELWhen Vivienne looked at me with those green eyes of hers, I couldnโt help but feel the heat. Her sleepy drunken eyes were making me horny and hard for some reason. Alright. Enough with my dirty thoughts. I shook my head and focused on helping Vivienne. โLetโs go to your room,โ I said, trying to keep my voice calm as I looked at her. But she was drunk and stubborn, shaking her head and pulling away from me.โNoโฆ Iโm fineโฆ I can walk,โ she slurred, though her steps were anything but steady.I sighed. There was no use in arguing with her in this state. So, without thinking twice, I scooped her up into my arms, carrying her like a bride. For a moment, I saw surprise flash in her eyes, but she didnโt resist. Instead, she let out a small, tired laugh and rested her head against my chest.As I carried her down the hallway, memories of our honeymoon flooded my mind. I remembered carrying her just like this, her laughter echoing in my ears as we stumbled into our suite. We were s
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-08-09
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CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย Special Chapter IV
EZEKIEL NEVER THOUGHT heโd feel so nervous, yet here he was. He couldnโt help but pace back and forth in the hospital room while Vivienne lay on the bed, breathing deeply as another contraction hit. His palms were sweaty and his heart was racing so damn fast. He couldnโt even sit down for a second. This was nothing like the business meetings, nothing like the deals heโd spent his life preparing for. This was something else. Heโd missed the birth of the twins, and he knew he couldnโt miss a second of this moment with Vivienne.Heโd missed the birth of the twins, and he knew he couldnโt miss a second of this moment with Vivienne. Back then, he hadnโt been there to hold her hand, to see the twins take their first breaths. This time, heโd promised himself heโd be present, no matter how terrifying it felt. Vivienne noticed his restless pacing and reached out to catch his hand, tugging gently. โZeke, calm down,โ she said, chuckling despite her pain.He stopped, looking down at her, his
CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย Special Chapter III
VINCE WAS SITTING alone in the school canteen while he was lost in his own thoughts. Unlike his twin sister, he wasnโt worried at all about having a new sibling. In fact, he was excited. He couldnโt wait to have someone younger around to teach things to, especially about computers and coding. Heโd already planned it out in his head that heโd show their new sibling all the basics, and someday, theyโd be able to talk about complex stuff too. Just the thought of it made him smile.As he stared into space while planning all the lessons heโd someday teach, someone placed a small box in front of him. Vince blinked when his train of thought was interrupted. He looked down at the box, noticing it was wrapped neatly with a bow on top. Then he looked up and saw Maesei, the little girl he, Vera, and Genesis had helped when she was being bullied a while back.Maesei was standing there, looking shy and nervous. Her cheeks were red and she avoided his gaze, looking down at the table instead.Vin
CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย Special Chapter II
GENESIS SPOTTED VERA sitting alone on the bleachers, looking lost in thought as she watched Vince at his soccer practice. She was unusually quiet, her small frame slumped forward, and her chin rested on her hands. Genesis found this strange. Usually, Vera was energetic and loud, always cheering for her brother or chatting away.With a grin, Genesis walked over and sat down beside her. โHey,โ he said, nudging her gently. โWhy do you look so sad? Thinking too hard?โTo his surprise, Veraโs lip started to tremble, and before he knew it, tears spilled down her cheeks. She let out a small, choked sob, and then it cameโall the tears she had held back, spilling out in big, messy drops.Genesis's eyes widened and he instantly panicked. โWhoa, hey, heyโwhatโs wrong, Vera?โ He fumbled, trying to figure out what to do. Heโd never seen her cry like this before. โDid something happen?โVera shook her head but kept crying, covering her face with her hands. Feeling helpless, Genesis reached over
CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย Special Chapter I
THE AFTER-PARTY was winding down and Piper was more than a little tipsy. She leaned heavily on Jeremy, her bubbly personality even more vibrant after a few too many glasses of champagne. Jeremy sighed, his arm steady around her as he led her through the crowded room.โCome on, Piper,โ he said while rying to sound patient. โLetโs get you home.โPiper let out a laugh as she rolled her eyes. โOh, Jeremy, youโre so lame! Why didnโt you drink anything tonight? There were bottles of wine that cost more than youโd make in a month! You couldโve at least had one!โJeremy shook his head, guiding her carefully through the doorway. โI donโt drink much. Besides, someone had to be responsible for you,โ he said in a calm voice. She threw him a mock offended look, then smirked. โOh, please. Responsible? Youโre missing out! Once-in-a-blue-moon kind of party, and youโre just standing there, drinking water. So boring.โHe just nodded, too tired to argue. He knew she was half-joking, half-serious, but
CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย EPILOGUE IV
EZEKIELForgiving isnโt easy. Itโs one of the hardest things you can do, especially when the person who hurt you is someone you once trusted, someone you loved deeply. Iโd always respected people who could forgive the ones who wronged them, who could find it in their hearts to let go of pain and bitterness. And tonight, watching Vivienne, I felt my admiration for her grow even more.I thought Iโd reached the limit of how much I could love her, but seeing her forgive my motherโthat changed things. Vivienne had already forgiven me before, a forgiveness I never thought I deserved but clung to, knowing how lucky I was to have it. And now, she was doing the same for my mother. I looked at Vivienne, her calm expression, her steady gaze, and I couldnโt help but feel grateful. She was truly incredible, a woman who could forgive despite the hurt, and in that moment, I knew I was the luckiest man alive.After my motherโs apology, we found a quieter spot away from everyone else. I turned to V
CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย EPILOGUE III
VIVIENNEIt was never too late to rise up again after youโve hit rock bottom. Iโd learned that lesson over and over, but standing here now, it finally felt real. So many times, I thought that scandal with Aton would destroy everything Iโd worked for. I worried people would only ever see me as the woman caught up in a messy scheme, but here I was, with a new chapter in front of me. This was my second chanceโnot just to clear my name, but to make it stronger than ever. Viatrix. That name still had power, still had life.I looked around the room, taking in all the smiles and congratulatory handshakes. Ezekiel and I had just launched our fashion line that we had been working on, and the event couldnโt have gone any better. Everywhere I turned, there were people celebrating with us, praising the collection, the designs, the way we had merged our ideas and brought something beautiful to life. For the first time in a long time, I felt truly proud of myself and what I had accomplished ag
CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย EPILOGUE II
EZEKIELIt was never too late to change. I knew that now. I wouldnโt deny to myself or to anyone else that I had made mistakes before. Too many to count, honestly. Iโd been an ass. I didnโt know what I really wanted back then. I wasnโt sure of what the right thing was or how to treat Vivienne the way she deserved. Iโd lost sight of things, caught up in my own mess, letting my insecurities and past hold me back. But now, standing here in Switzerland, away from the noise and all the misunderstandings, I felt something Iโd never felt beforeโa clear sense of certainty. I loved her. I loved Vivienne in a way that was different, in a way that wasnโt clouded by doubt or fear. She was the woman I wanted to spend my life with, and Iโd failed to see that in the past. But I had the chance to make it right, and I wasnโt going to let it slip by.The soft breeze carried the scent of lilies as I stood at the end of the aisle, waiting for Vivienne. My heart pounded, and I could feel the tears gather
CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย EPILOGUE I
VIVIENNEBefore, I was just dreaming of a good husband. A husband who would love me, who would prioritize me, who would stand by my side no matter what. It felt like a faraway wish, something Iโd only imagine late at night. When I first married Ezekiel, it wasnโt like that at all. He only married me because he felt he had to; it was a shotgun marriage after all, coming right after the surprise of my pregnancy.Back then, Ezekiel couldnโt even get over his ex, Alex. I knew it. Everyone knew it. I always felt like a stand-in, a shadow, never really the one he wanted. I was just a substitute. But now, looking at him todayโseeing him boldly defend me, even against his own parentsโI canโt ignore how deeply heโs changed. Before, Ezekiel always followed his parentsโ words without question, like he was bound by some invisible chain. They had such a hold over him, and Iโd come to accept that their influence would always come first. So now, seeing him stand up to themโfor my sake, no lessโfe
CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFEย ย ย Finally Free
EZEKIELMy fists balled as I scanned through each line of conversation on Vinceโs laptop. Each word felt like a punch. And I gritted my teeth, trying to contain the anger boiling within me. Genesis had been right. It was real that the contents from Atonโs phone had transferred over. Everything was hereโmessages, plans, and schemes that Aton and my own fucking father had discussed. Each message was worse than the last, detailing how they intended to bring down Vivienne and tarnish everything sheโd worked for. I could feel Alice and Ronaldo leaning in, reading over my shoulder. Alice gasped, covering her mouth as her face turned pale. She shook her head. โI canโt believe they could plan something so evil,โ she whispered, horrified.Ronaldoโs expression darkened, his eyes sharp and filled with rage. โThis wonโt slide,โ he said firmly, his voice low and steady. โI wonโt let them get away with this.โHis words fueled my resolve. I nodded, swallowing hard, though my mind was racing. Ju
