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Shocked

Author: Dara W
last update Last Updated: 2025-08-09 21:44:27

The moment they stepped inside the Carter villa, Maya’s eyes scanned the vast hallway. The warm, golden lights above reflected off polished marble floors, and the faint aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread drifted through the air. She could hear low voices and occasional laughter coming from somewhere deeper inside.

Elias gently guided her forward with a hand at the small of her back, leading her past the grand staircase and toward the dining room. The double doors were already open, and from where she stood, Maya could see a long table set for dinner, with gleaming silverware and crystal glasses catching the light from the chandelier above.

As soon as they stepped in, a small voice rang out with excitement.

“Auntie Maya!”

Before she could process the greeting, a little girl came running toward her. She was wearing a pale pink dress with a matching ribbon in her hair. Her tiny slippers barely made a sound against the floor as she launched herself forward.

Maya instantly recognized he
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  • Longing For My Ex-Wife   Quiet Evening at Home

    The night was calm when Colton finally returned home. The studio had quieted down after the long, joyful graduation celebration, and though he’d stayed back to help Maya handle the guests, his mind had been half on Isabella the whole time.He parked his car in the driveway and entered the house quietly, expecting she might already be asleep. But as soon as he stepped into the living room, he saw her sitting on the couch, wrapped in a soft blanket, her belly round beneath the pale blue maternity dress she wore.She looked up the moment she heard the door open. “You’re finally home,” she said, pretending to frown, though her eyes gleamed with affection.Colton smiled and crossed the room in quick strides. “You should be in bed, Bella.”“I couldn’t sleep,” she said, pouting as she leaned back. “I was waiting for you. And for news. You didn’t even send me pictures.”He laughed softly and sat beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. “You know you weren’t supposed to come. The

  • Longing For My Ex-Wife   The Graduation Celebration

    Maya had been looking forward to for months. Several of her apprentices, including Lily, were graduating from her design program, marking the end of a long, hard journey that had turned young dreamers into confident designers.Maya stood near the entrance, her heart swelling with pride as she watched the team of decorators set up the final touches. Bouquets of white and pink roses lined the stage. Banners carrying the words “New Beginnings – Denovan Design first Graduates” hung high above.She had wanted the event to feel warm, hopeful, and full of light—a reflection of everything these students had achieved.“Everything looks perfect,” Anika said, skipping into the hall with a clipboard. “The caterers just arrived, and the sound check is done.”Soon, the guests began to arrive. Families, friends, and even a few media representatives filled the seats. The Denovans had insisted on hosting the event at their estate, proud to support Maya’s growing academy.Mrs. Denovan arrived first, we

  • Longing For My Ex-Wife   A Home for Two

    Elias stood before the half-finished house, sunlight glinting off the metal scaffolding as workers moved about the site. The air smelled of fresh cement and sawdust, and the faint rhythm of hammers echoed through the wide compound.“Mr. Carter,” one of the contractors called, hurrying toward him with a clipboard. “The interior wall framing’s done, but we’ll need your confirmation on the master suite’s extension before we move to the roofing.”Elias nodded, taking the clipboard and scanning the plans. “We’ll go with the larger window design. Maya loves natural light,” he said quietly, almost to himself.The man smiled. “Your fiancée must be a lucky woman, sir.”Elias gave a faint chuckle. “I’m the lucky one.”He walked through what would soon become their home every corner, every unfinished wall already painted vividly in his imagination. He could see her there, barefoot on the polished wooden floor, her laughter echoing through the hallways. No one knew about the project. Not even hi

  • Longing For My Ex-Wife   The Fire Rekindled

    Lena’s heels clicked sharply across the polished floor of the company’s lobby, each step echoing her fury. The receptionist tried to greet her, but one look at Lena’s stormy face made the words die in her throat. Without waiting for permission, Lena stormed toward Daniel’s office, pushing the door open with a loud thud.Daniel looked up from behind his desk, startled. “Lena?”“Don’t you Lena me!” she snapped, slamming the door shut. “How dare you take my son to her?”He blinked, slowly rising from his chair. “You mean Maya?”Lena let out a bitter laugh. “Who else? You really think I wouldn’t find out? You took him to that woman—your precious ex-wife!”Daniel exhaled, rubbing his temple. “Keep your voice down. This is an office, not your stage for drama.”She glared at him, eyes flashing. “Don’t you dare talk to me like that! You had no right to make decisions about my child without asking me!”“Our child,” Daniel corrected firmly, his tone calm but edged with fatigue. “And yes, I did

  • Longing For My Ex-Wife   The Wedding Plans Begin

    Maya stirred awake with a flutter of nervous excitement in her chest. Today was the day she and Elias would meet the wedding planner the first real step toward the life they were about to build together.Her heart raced a little as she brushed her hair and slipped into a pale blush dress. Standing before the mirror, she caught her own reflection and smiled faintly. There was a quiet glow in her eyes, the kind that came from peace rather than perfection.After a light breakfast, she gathered her bag and the folder containing ideas she’d scribbled down the night before notes about flowers, fabrics, and melodies she’d dreamed of. She wanted the wedding to feel like them simple, warm, filled with meaning rather than luxury.A few minutes later, the familiar hum of an engine reached the gates of the Denovan estate. When Maya stepped outside, Elias was already getting out of his car. He wore a white shirt with rolled sleeves, his usual calm expression softening as soon as he saw her.“You l

  • Longing For My Ex-Wife   Settling In

    It had been a week since Jamie moved into the Denovan estate, and everything felt different. The house was filled with footsteps, laughter, and a mix of small voices echoing through the long hallways.Jamie had brought a new energy into the home a bright, boyish charm that reminded Maya of what childhood should be: simple, messy, and full of life. He and Anika quickly became inseparable, often found together in the garden or curled up in the library, pretending to study while whispering and giggling about things only children could understand.From the doorway, Maya watched them with a soft smile as they ran around the flowerbeds that morning, their laughter ringing in the cool air. Jamie was chasing Anika with a butterfly net, both of them barefoot and carefree.Mrs. Denovan joined her, holding a cup of tea. “Those two are a handful,” she said, her tone warm. “But I can’t remember the last time this house felt so alive.”Maya nodded. “I think they needed each other. Jamie’s been thr

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