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Getting it out

Author: Jenne Lopes
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-04-13 20:13:51

The drive back to the mountains felt both longer and shorter than I remembered. Alex kept quiet most of the way, letting me stare out the window at the landscape gradually shifting from suburbia to farmland to forest. His Range Rover handled the rutted access road better than my sedan had, the headlights cutting through darkness that seemed more absolute with each mile.

"It's up ahead," I said, when the silence had stretched too long. "Around that bend."

Alex nodded, eyes on the road. "I remember."

He glanced at me, like he'd said something he shouldn't have, but I just nodded. "Right."

We were past all that already.

The cabin looked smaller than it had just days ago, or maybe that was just the effect of seeing it through new eyes. Seeing the cabin, made something well up in my chest. I hated how I was feeling right now. My chest was tightening around my heart.

I swallowed hard as Alex pulled over just close enough to the Cabin, and the engine idled. We sat in the silence just starin
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  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging    What the Stone Kept

    I peeled away the brittle tape, the sound unnaturally loud in the basement's stillness. The hinges protested as I opened the lid.Inside was a manila envelope, discolored with age, and on top of it, a single glass bead—larger than the ones I usually made, its surface an intricate swirl of deep blue and green. I recognized the pattern immediately. I'd been trying to recreate it for years, never quite getting it right. I picked it up, held it to the light. Inside the glass, almost invisible unless you knew to look for it, was the tiny stylized "LV""Her signature piece," I said softly. "The one they stole."I set it carefully aside and opened the envelope. Inside were documents—some original, some photocopies, all showing their age. The first was a patent application dated 1982, complete with detailed drawings of the spiral technique that would later become the foundation of the "Vega method." The name on the application: Guadalupe Vega.Next came photographs where a much younger Mami L

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-13
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Panic Attack

    Outside, the night air was sharp with cold, stars impossibly bright in the clear mountain sky. I sat on the porch steps, my breath clouding before me, and tried to make sense of everything I'd learned.Three families—the Thornes, the Russos, the Kingstons—tangled together decades before I was born, their ambitions and betrayals setting the course for my entire life. I'd been born into one, stolen by another, married into the third. Every major relationship in my life had been shaped by this ancient wrong, this messiness.And now I held the proof of it all, the key to potentially destroying careers, legacies, reputations. I could bring my parents down with this evidence. Could implicate the Thornes in the cover-up that followed. Could reveal that Giuseppe Russo had known all along who had taken me and why.

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-14
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Meeting Meridian

    FionaThree Weeks LaterI adjusted my Valentino blazer in the elevator mirror, checking my lipstick for the third time. Not a smudge. Perfect. The way everything about me needed to be today.Meridian Design Group occupied the entire thirty-eighth floor of a gleaming glass tower that screamed new money—unlike the tasteful limestone building that housed Russo Designs. Or should I say, Maya's designs now.That thought sent another sick wave through my stomach. I pushed it down, the way I'd been taught. Feelings were liabilities. Especially in business.The elevator doors opened directly into Meridian's reception area—all chrome and white leather and those weird plants that look fake but aren't. The receptionist glanced up from he

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-14
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Caged

    Three hours and two martinis later, I was sprawled on my sofa, scrolling through Maya's Instagram like it was a crime scene I couldn't look away from.Her latest post—a teaser for the foundation's launch event—already had twelve thousand likes. The comments were nauseating: So inspiring! A true artist reclaiming her heritage! Can't wait to see what you do next!I switched to my own profile. The post announcing my "new creative consulting venture" had garnered a pathetic eighty-seven likes, most from bots and distant acquaintances who hadn't heard about my fall from grace.Somewhere between the third and fourth martini, I'd started drafting comments on Maya's posts, deleting each one before sending. What would I even say?

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-15
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Troy’s Return

    MayaMy apartment had become a paper labyrinth. Every flat surface—dining table, coffee table, kitchen counter, even parts of the floor—was covered with documents, sketches, and diagrams. The foundation had started as a vague idea the night at the cabin, something Alex and I had discussed over bad whiskey and raw emotions. Now it was consuming my life in the best possible way.I took a step back, surveying the organized chaos. Application for 501(c)(3) status, check. Mission statement, check. Draft bylaws, check. Potential board members, in progress.My phone buzzed with a text from Olivia: Just got off call with the attorneys. Good to go on the name.That had been our biggest hurdle. The Kingstons' lawyers had fired off cease-and-de

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-15
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Desperate Attempt

    I chose a small café in the arts district for the meeting—neutral territory, always crowded with students, and importantly, no alcohol served. Given Fiona's history, meeting at a bar seemed unwise.I arrived twenty minutes early to secure a table with a clear view of the door and both exits. Old habits from my escape from Daniel. I ordered herbal tea, declining the barista's suggestion of their "amazing fresh scones."Fiona arrived exactly on time, making an entrance as she always did—head held high, eyes scanning the room as if taking inventory. She'd lost weight since I'd last seen her, her cheekbones more pronounced, her designer clothes hanging slightly loose. Her eyes found me immediately.The look that crossed her face was hard to read—not exactly hostility, but a complex mix of emotio

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-16
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Planning Trio

    The foundation had taken over my life—and my apartment. Two weeks after my meeting with Fiona, the dining table had vanished completely under stacks of legal documents and grant applications. My living room was now a makeshift conference area, with folding chairs arranged around a whiteboard I'd bought specifically for planning sessions. Even my kitchen counter had been conscripted, serving as a coffee station for the revolving door of advisors, designers, and potential donors that filed through daily.It wasn't just my space that had transformed. I was changing too. Each decision I made—from the foundation's mission statement to the color scheme of our logo—felt like another step away from the person I'd been with Daniel, with the Kingstons, even with Mami Lulu. Each choice was mine alone.Today's meeting was running longer than planned. Olivia had shown up at nine with bagels and a binder full of legal documents, followed shortly by Sarah Thorne who'd flown in from Paris specifically

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-17
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   First Real Friend

    Before Troy could break out the glasses, Olivia's phone rang. She checked the screen, frowned, and stepped into the kitchen to take the call. Her voice was too low to make out the words, but her expression darkened with each passing second.When she returned, her professional mask was firmly in place—never a good sign."What is it?" I asked."That was my contact at Meridian Design," she said, her voice carefully controlled. "Fiona Kingston has been officially hired as their new 'creative consultant.' With a focus on 'emerging artist relations.'"The room went silent.Sarah glanced between our faces, clearly picking up on the tension. "I take it this Fiona person is significant?""Maya's ex-sister-in-law," Troy explained being dramatic, his lips curling in disgust. "And Daniel's former mistress. Among other charming qualities.""Ah," Sarah said, understanding dawning. "So she'll be positioned to interfere with our work with emerging designers.""Worse," Olivia said. "According to my sou

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-17

Pinakabagong kabanata

  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   A Son

    "Victor," my voice hardened. "What son?"He took his time responding, clearly savoring the rare moment of having information I needed. He reached for a wooden box on the mantle, opened it, and removed a faded photograph."Thirty-four years ago," he said, placing the photo in my hands. "When Lupe found out she was pregnant, they threatened to destroy her career completely if she didn't give up the baby. Said an unwed mother would tarnish the company image."“Who’s they?”“Her family,” Victor said. A smile played on his lips, as he noted my surprised expression. “Did you think Lupe was without a strong background?”“Wha—well…” I stared at the photo—a newborn infant, tiny face red and wrinkled, barely visible beneath a hospital blanket. A nurse held him, but Lupe was nowhere in the frame."She never even got to hold him," Victor continued. "They had papers ready before she went into labor. I was there—her only friend by then. The only one she trusted to witness."My mind raced, calculat

  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Lupe’s Children

    The door swung open before my knuckles could connect with the wood a fourth time. Light spilled out, blinding after the pre-dawn darkness, casting the figure in the doorway into silhouette."Dio mio." The voice was rougher than I remembered, aged by whiskey and solitude. "Giuseppe Russo. The devil himself."My eyes adjusted slowly. Victor Antonelli stood before me, barrel-chested and silver-haired, the sharp intelligence in his eyes unchanged despite the years. His gaze dropped to my wheelchair, genuine shock flickering across his weathered face before settling into sardonic amusement."Death is finally catching up to you, Russo?" His accent remained thick despite decades in America, vowels stretching like taffy. "Really, I thought I'd be first in the ground.""Disappointment all around then," I replied, the acid in my tone masking the strange relief I felt seeing him alive.Victor's hand moved to his chest in mock offense. "Is that any way to greet old friend? Fifteen years of silenc

  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Early Morning Commute

    GiuseppeEarlier same morning.The pain was my constant companion now. It woke with me, dressed with me, ate with me. This morning, it flared sharp and deliberately wicked as Vincent helped me from bed to wheelchair. It was Four-fifteen in the goddamn morning, and already my body was betraying me."Careful, sir," Vincent murmured, his hands steady under my arms.I grunted, teeth clenched against the lightning shooting up my spine. Couldn't afford to show weakness. Not today."The car is ready," he said. "Are you certain about the time? We could wait until—""No, I'm not certain about the time, Vincent." I said almost too casually. "But It has to be now, If I want to get that old goat"The house was silent around us, the staff still asleep. Just as I'd arranged, to avoid witnesses and questions. The less anyone knew, the better.My medication sat untouched on the nightstand—the little white pills that dulled both the pain and my mind. But I needed my mind very sharp today, both for wha

  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   A Vote

    My father placed both hands flat on the table, leaning forward. His shoulder barely moved, but Crawford straightened in response—a subtle signal I couldn’t interpret passed between them. And that in itself was scary."While my daughter's personal life is her own business," he began.The word "daughter" hit like a fucking slap. My head jerked up before I could control the reaction, and I saw Richardson note it with narrowed eyes. I'd given them exactly what they wanted—confirmation that I could be rattled."I think we should acknowledge the... unique challenges she's facing," my father continued, letting the pause expand until everyone leaned forward slightly, scenting blood in the water."What challenges would those be, Robert?" Grandfather asked. The temperature in the room seemed to drop another five degrees at his tone."Her emotional stability since leaving the structure of her marriage. Let’s consider that," my father replied, his concern so perfectly performed it could win award

  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   The Board

    I took my seat at the head of the table, feeling the weight of every eye in the room. The leather chair creaked beneath me, and I winced involuntarily as I settled—still sore from last night. Richardson was directly across from me, caught the grimace. His gaze lingered a moment too long before shifting to the papers in front of him. Great start.Thirteen board members. Thirteen people who would decide my fate today. I scanned their faces, cataloging allies and enemies.My father sat at the far end, perfectly poised. Beside him, Whitcomb checked his watch for the third time in five minutes. Crawford had chosen a seat near the center, strategic neutral territory that everyone knew was anything but neutral. Chen and Martinez—usually reliable supporters—exchanged nervous glances, avoiding my eyes.Yamamoto, Grandfather's old friend, nodded slightly when our eyes met. A small comfort. Beside him, Wilson—ancient and immovable as the company itself—arranged her papers with military precision

  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging    Shall we Begin?

    I was ten minutes early and somehow still late.The Russo Designs headquarters loomed over me, all glass and steel and judgment. I'd thrown on the gray Armani blazer Grandfather insisted on, even though I couldn't remember why it mattered, but I wore it either way. My head throbbed, lack of sleep and too much Alex making it hard to focus on anything but putting one foot in front of the other.The receptionist's eyes widened when I walked in. Her gaze lingered on me, then suddenly looked very interested in her computer screen."Good morning, Ms. Vega," she said, voice carefully neutral. "Mr. Russo is waiting for you at the private elevator."Great. Just what I needed. A lecture before the firing squad.Grandfather sat in his wheelchair, positioned precisely in the center of the elevator alcove. Even in declining health, he maintained perfect posture, his suit immaculate, his eyes sharp as they cataloged every detail of my appearance. I could feel his disapproval very tangible.."You're

  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Sudden Movements

    MayaI jerked awake to the sound of a garbage truck outside. The sunlight coming in from a window was at a wrong angle. Wrong ceiling too. My body registered Alex before my brain could—his arm was heavy across my stomach, and his breath warm against my neck.Fuck.We'd done it again. I was starting to lose count. The beach was first, then back at my place. This place last night. The soreness between my legs and the dried cum on my thighs sent flashbacks filled with so much pleasure, I could feel my pussy start to dampen.The garbage truck banged another dumpster, jolting me back. My phone buzzed somewhere. Again. Again. Probably been doing that for a while now.I fumbled toward the noise, and found the phone half-under the bed. Grandfather. Olivia. Grandfather again. My stomach dropped—7:48. Fuck. The board meeting is at 10:00. Prep session at Grandfather's was an hour ago."Shit shit shit."Alex shifted beside me. "Hmm?""I’m late. I have a board meeting." I swung my legs over the ed

  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Plan B

    "Yep. Appointed week ago. And get this—Thorne Designs is listed as a 'founding corporate partner' in their draft materials.""Is that so?" I felt a smile forming, the pieces realigning in a more favorable configuration. "And I assume there's considerable overlap between Thorne Designs suppliers and foundation beneficiaries?""Like you wouldn't believe. It's practically incestuous." Harrison popped his gum. "Massive conflict of interest if anyone bothered to look.""Perfect." I drummed my fingers against the table. "Keep the surveillance on the foundation office, but focus on board member interactions. Particularly Rivera and any communication with the Thornes.""You got it, boss." Harrison made finger guns at me, an infantile gesture I ignored. "So what's the play now? Since your boy Thorne is back in town.""We cut her off”"From you," Harrison said bluntly.I shot him a look,"From everything." I corrected it. "Maya believes in fresh starts, clean slates. She thinks she can erase the

  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Foundation Board

    Twenty minutes later, the door opened without a knock. Harrison strolled in wearing worn jeans and a leather jacket, looking more like a mechanic than a private investigator. The facility's temporary visitor badge was clipped haphazardly to his collar."Evening, crazy." He dropped into the chair across from me, propping his boots on the edge of my bed. "Nice pajamas.""Get your feet off my bed.""Aren't we touchy tonight." He complied anyway, leaning forward instead. "What's so urgent I had to bribe three night staff to get in here?""Thorne is back in New York."Harrison raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, since noon. You're just finding this out now? I thought you had spies everywhere.""You knew?" The pressure beneath my ribs intensified. The fact that every other person knew before me, and didn’t think it was necessary to tell me was crazy."Course I knew. It's literally my job to know." He pulled out a pack of gum, offering me a piece which I declined with a glare. "Landed at JFK at 8:17 A

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