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The Goat’s Arrival

Author: Jenne Lopes
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-03-20 15:22:26

The drive to Sunset Valley was silent except for the occasional hiccup of my breath as I tried to stop crying. Alex drove with both hands on the wheel, his knuckles white, attention fixed on the road ahead. The digital clock on his dashboard read 11:42 PM.

My mind kept whiplashing between what had just happened in my apartment—his mouth on my neck, his hand between my legs—and what might be happening with Mami Lulu. The contrast was obscene. Every time my thoughts drifted to Alex, guilt crashed over me like a wave. How could I be thinking about sex when Mami Lulu might be dying?

"What did the nurse say exactly?" Alex asked, his voice careful, neutral.

"Unresponsive. They can't wake her." I stared out the window at the passing streetlights. "Her blood pressure dropped. They're running tests."

He nodded, taking the exit toward the care facility. "Has this happened before?"

"No. Not like this." I tugged at the sweater he'd grabbed for me, suddenly aware that I wasn't wearing a bra. The f
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Heather W
Daniel reeeeeeally did a number on her
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Kaugnay na kabanata

  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Immediate Plans

    Daniel stood in the doorway, impeccably dressed despite the late hour, his face a mask of controlled rage as he stared at Alex.Perfect. Just fucking perfect."Daniel, this isn't the place," I said, moving toward him to block his view of Mami Lulu.He ignored me, addressing Dr. Patel who had appeared beside him. "Doctor, I understand there's been some confusion about my mother-in-law's care. I'm Daniel Russo, Maya's husband.""Soon-to-be ex-husband," I corrected."A technicality that hasn't been finalized," Daniel smiled tightly at the doctor. "I'll be handling all financial matters for Mrs. Vega's care from now on."Alex stepped forward. "Maya's already making arrangements.""Is she?" Daniel raised an eyebrow. "With what money? The accounts are frozen during our... marital adjustment."Dr. Patel looked increasingly uncomfortable. "Perhaps we should discuss the medical situation first? Mrs. Vega's condition requires immediate decisions about her treatment plan.""Of course," Daniel sa

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-20
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Confronting the Goat

    The email from Zoe arrived at 9:16 AM, just as I was making my second cup of coffee, desperately trying to shake off the fog of a night spent at Mami Lulu's bedside. I'd managed maybe two hours of restless sleep after the car service dropped me home.Subject: Vega Davidson - Status UpdateMaya,I'm sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news. Despite my best efforts and the creative team's genuine enthusiasm for your designs, our executive committee has decided not to move forward with the collaboration we discussed.I wish I could say this was purely a business decision, but in the interest of transparency, I should tell you that concerns were raised about potential "complications" with Russo Designs. While no one stated it explicitly, the implica

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   A Woman

    I took the subway downtown, fury propelling me forward. The Russo Design headquarters occupied the top three floors of a sleek high-rise, all glass and steel and money. I'd worked here for years, my designs making millions while I remained a carefully managed asset.The security guard recognized me, hesitating when I approached the desk."Mrs. Russo. I, uh... don't see you on the appointment calendar.""That's because I don't have an appointment. But I'm sure my husband will make time for me."I still had my access badge—Daniel had never bothered to deactivate it, probably assuming I wouldn't have the nerve to return. But today, I'm using it. I swiped it at the elevator, relieved when the light turned green. At least I'd avoid the awkwardness of being escorted up by security.The executive floor was quiet when I arrived, most offices dark. It was after seven; the regular staff had gone home. But I knew Daniel would still be here. He always worked late, his dedication to the company on

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   One Final Twist

    Outside, the night air hit me like a slap, clearing some of the fog from my brain. I walked aimlessly for several blocks, processing the conversation with Daniel, the mysterious woman, the impossible situation I found myself in.By the time I reached my apartment, a plan had begun to take shape. If manufacturers wouldn't work with me, I'd create pieces that didn't require them. If traditional materials were inaccessible, I'd work with unconventional ones. If established channels were closed to me, I'd forge new ones.I stayed up until dawn, sketching designs that could be executed with minimal equipment, researching techniques I could master quickly, sourcing materials that wouldn't require industry connections to obtain.By morning, Maya Vega Designs had evolved from a desperate dream into a concrete plan. I studied my own pendant—the glass bead necklace from my childhood—and sketched variations I could produce with minimal equipment. I'd need to work with what I had and maximize eve

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Welcome to Vera Davidson

    The post that changed everything wasn't even my favorite piece. It was a jagged cuff bracelet—asymmetrical copper wire wrapped around rough-cut smoky quartz that I'd found at a gem show years ago and squirreled away. I'd photographed it on my wrist against the peeling paint of my windowsill, morning light catching the raw edges of metal.Caption: Some days we're all just broken things holding tighter to our broken parts.I'd hit share at 3 AM, exhausted and emotional after another day of working, visiting Mami Lulu, and trying not to think about Natalie Bryant's perfect manicure or the photo of her with Alex at that gala.By morning, the post had gone viral in design circles, with over fifty thousand likes and comments flooding in. Not mainstream famous, but niche-famous in the exact community I needed to reach. A popular queer fashion blogger had shared it with a lengthy post about resilience and authentic voice in an industry built on artifice. From there, it had spread through desi

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-22
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   Alex’s Meltdown

    I spent the weekend finalizing designs for both the collaboration and my independent line, organizing the new workload, and visiting Mami Lulu, whose condition remained stable but unchanged. I'd managed to pay enough to maintain her current care level, but the better treatments—the ones that might actually help her recover—remained financially out of reach.Monday morning, I arrived at Vega Davidson's downtown studio an hour early, prepared for the scrutiny I knew would come with being the controversial new designer. The security guard issued me a temporary badge with my photo taken against a white wall—a stark reminder of my provisional status."First floor is administration, second is design, third is marketing and executive," he explained, handing me a map. "You'll be in Studio B on the second floor."Studio B turned out to be a spacious workspace with natural light flooding through west-facing windows. Several designers were already at their stations, glancing up curiously as I en

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-22
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging    I’m not with Anyone!

    "Your forbidden fruit is downstairs demanding to see you. Security won't let him up because he's not on the approved visitor list, and he's refusing to leave without talking to you." Troy's eyes gleamed with the joy of someone witnessing prime workplace drama. "It's delicious.""Shit." I ran a hand through my hair. "How long has he been there?""About ten minutes. Richard is having an aneurysm. You should have seen his face when security called up."The elevator doors opened on the ground floor, revealing the scene: Alex in an impeccable charcoal suit, hands braced on the security desk as he leaned toward the increasingly uncomfortable guard. Richard Davidson stood nearby, arms crossed, face set in a mask of professional displeasure."I don't care about your protocols," Alex was saying, voice tight with controlled frustration. "I need five minutes with Maya Russo. It's a personal matter.""Mr. Thorne," Richard's voice was glacial. "As I've explained, Ms. Russo is in meetings all after

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-23
  • Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging   More Damage from the Goat

    We stood there, drenched and staring at each other, the rain creating a strange intimacy—a world of just the two of us on the crowded sidewalk where pedestrians hurried past with umbrellas and newspapers held over their heads. The storm had been building all day, but we'd somehow ended up arguing in its worst moments, neither of us willing to postpone the confrontation for better weather."My contract with Vega Davidson prohibits professional contact with you," I said finally."I'm not here professionally. You stated that yourself" He said nodding towards the entrance,water running down his neck, disappearing beneath his collar. "I'm here because I can't stand another day of you thinking I lied to you. That what happened between us wasn't real.""What did happen between us, Alex? We kissed. We almost went further. Then real life interrupted, like it always does.""Real life is why I'm standing in the rain right now, making a scene outside your office." He reached out, his fingers brush

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-23

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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