Library
Search
Home / Romance / The Price Of Us / Chapter 24

Share

Chapter 24

Author: Hayley
last update Last Updated: 2025-04-07 01:42:04

ANNA POV.

The days in Auckland passed in a blur.

I kept myself busy—because if I stopped, even for a second, the weight of everything would crash down on me.

I spent the first day settling into Airbnb, sorting through my meager belongings, and making lists. I needed an apartment. A job. A way to build something for myself here.

I didn’t think about him.

I didn’t think about the tests, neatly hidden in the bottom drawer of the bathroom vanity.

I ignored the nausea that still crept up at random times, the exhaustion that clung to my body like a second skin.

I told myself this was temporary. That once I found my footing, once I had a plan, I’d figure out what to do.

But the truth was, I already knew.

I just didn’t want to face it.

***

Three days later. I sat in the waiting room, my hands clenched in my lap.

The white walls felt suffocating, the air too still. Every second that passed felt like a lifetime.

I shouldn’t be here. Ishould have walked out the moment I stepp
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter
Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Latest chapter

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 94

    JACE POV.Her breathing evened out slowly, the rise and fall of her chest steady against mine. I stayed completely still, my fingers tangled in her hair, just listening. Letting the quiet wrap around us.But my mind… it wasn’t quiet.God. My heart was still racing, my thoughts running wild, even though the house was finally calm.I looked down at her—my wife. My everything. She was asleep now, peaceful, her face soft and relaxed. But the memory of her tears earlier tonight... It gutted me. I’d never forget the way her voice cracked, the betrayal in her eyes when she asked me if I’d touched Sophie.That question.That fear in her voice.I squeezed my eyes shut, my throat tightening.I’d put that there.I did that.And the worst part? She had every damn right to doubt me. I’d let things slide, ignored warning signs, let Sophie inch too close when I should have shut it all down the second I felt something off.Hell, I knew Anna wasn’t the type to be paranoid or jealous for no reason. Sh

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 93

    ANNA POV.And just like that, it all came crashing down.I sat there, staring at him—his eyes wet, his voice cracking, hands gripping my thighs like he was drowning. But I wasn’t even really seeing him. My mind was spinning, heart racing, pieces snapping together in this ugly, jagged puzzle I didn’t want to solve.That night.The memory slammed into me like a freight train. The night he came home late—eyes avoiding mine, shoulders tense, voice clipped and distant. I'd asked if everything was okay, and he brushed me off, saying he was tired.And the smell.God, I remembered it now—the faint, cloying scent of perfume on his shirt when I hugged him, one I didn’t recognize, one that made my stomach turn even then. But I’d swallowed my gut feeling. I’d told myself I was overthinking, that I was insecure, and paranoid.But I wasn’t.I choked on a sob, my hand flying to my mouth as the realization crushed me. “Oh my God,” I whispered, shaking my head, tears spilling fast now. “You came hom

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 92

    JACE POV.I grabbed her wrists and shoved her back, hard enough that she stumbled and nearly fell against the desk.Anna’s eyes flicked to me, her jaw tight, her chest rising and falling fast—but she didn’t say a word. She was watching. I turned to Sophie, my fury boiling over now. “What the hell did you mean,” I growled, “when you told Anna you had proof I touched you?”Her face drained of color, shoulders tightening as she shook her head. “I… I didn’t—Jace, I didn’t mean it like that. She was attacking me—slapping me—what was I supposed to do? She cornered me—”“Cut the crap.” My voice rose, sharp and cutting through her excuses. “I’ve been standing at that door longer than you realized. I heard everything. Every damn word.”Her lips parted, chest heaving, eyes darting around like she was searching for some way out.“So,” I pressed, stepping closer, my anger simmering just beneath my skin, “I’m going to ask you again. What proof do you have that I touched you?”She opened her mouth

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 91

    ANNA POV.For a long beat, I just stood there, watching Sophie’s face twist in rage, her chest heaving like she couldn’t breathe.And then—I laughed.I threw my head back, a rich, throaty laugh that filled her cramped little apartment. “Oh, Sophie,” I said, shaking my head like I was indulging a child. “You really are delusional, aren’t you?”Her eyes narrowed, her hand still clutching her cheek. “I’m not delusional,” she hissed. “You’re the one living in a fantasy. He wants me. He’s always wanted me. He’s just too guilty to admit it.”I let my eyes drag over her again, slow and scathing, from her messy bun to her cheap little robe. I crossed my arms and tilted my head, savoring every word. “Do you honestly think—” I gave a soft, mocking laugh, “—that you are his endgame? Honey… you’re just a pit stop. A distraction. A cheap thrill. If that.”Sophie’s face turned red, her hands curling into fists at her sides. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. He’s with you because of obliga

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 90

    ANNA POV.The moment Jace’s car rolled out of the driveway that morning, I didn’t waste a second.I stood by the window, watching him leave, my heart hammering in my chest. He’d been muttering to himself earlier, pacing the kitchen while sipping his coffee. “I’ll handle that client issue first… then head to Sophie’s after lunch.”Perfect.I inhaled deeply, eyes flashing with something sharp, something dark.Today was the day.I went upstairs, straight to the bathroom, stripping off my pajamas like they were skin I was shedding. The hot water hit my body, and I let it wash away the tears, the frustration, the waiting. By the time I stepped out, my mind was clear.I stood in front of my closet, dragging my hand across the hangers, eyes locked in on my choice. Black silk blouse, high-waisted trousers that hugged my hips, sharp heels that clicked like thunder when I walked.Makeup sharp, lips a bold red.Hair—smooth, sleek, tied back in a low, powerful ponytail.I stared at myself in the

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 89

    ANNA POV.The morning sun was warm on my back, but I barely felt it.I was kneeling by the flowerbed, tugging at weeds with more force than necessary, the quiet of the garden wrapping around me like a heavy blanket. Nathan’s laughter floated from inside, where the babysitter was keeping him busy, but even that couldn’t lift the crushing weight in my chest.My phone buzzed on the little patio table.I glanced at it, my heart tightening when I saw Teresa’s name.I wiped my dirt-stained hands on my jeans and answered, forcing my voice to sound steady. “Hey.”“*Ciao, amore!*” Teresa’s bright voice came through, cheerful and warm. “I’ve been waiting for your call! How are you? Did you and Jace finally sort things out?”The dam inside me broke in an instant. My breath hitched, and before I could stop it, tears spilled over my cheeks.“Anna?” Teresa’s tone sharpened immediately. “Tesoro, what’s wrong?”I choked on a sob, pressing a hand to my mouth. “It’s… it’s bad, Teresa. It’s getting wor

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 88

    ANNA POV.The second the door slammed behind him, the room felt like it shattered with it.I stood there, my chest heaving, my arms wrapped tight around myself like I was trying to hold the pieces together—but they were slipping, falling, breaking anyway.God, I was shaking so hard.I sank onto the bed, pressing my hands to my face, but the tears wouldn’t stop. They just kept coming, hot and messy and endless, like everything I’d been holding in for weeks was spilling out all at once.I couldn’t believe what had just happened. I couldn't believe the things I’d said... the things he’d said.“You keep choosing her.”The words echoed in my head like a cruel little chorus, and my stomach twisted with regret—and anger—and heartbreak—and... God, I didn’t even know anymore. It was all just a mess. We were a mess.I wiped my face and looked around the room, my eyes blurry, my heart hammering against my ribs like it wanted out.Part of me wanted to chase after him, to throw open that damn door

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 87

    JACE POV.I stood there for a long second, staring at the door she’d just slammed shut. My jaw was tight, my fists clenched at my sides. The room felt like it was vibrating with leftover tension, every nerve in my body thrumming.God.Sophie was still frozen by the desk, her face pale, eyes wide, looking like she wanted to disappear into the floor.“I—I didn’t know she was coming,” Sophie said in a shaky voice, her hands fluttering uselessly at her sides. “I swear, Mr. Walker, I wasn’t—”I cut her off with a sharp shake of my head. “It’s fine. Go back to your desk, Sophie. Don't worry.”She hesitated, clearly wanting to explain more, but thought better of it. She grabbed her purse and rushed out, the door clicking shut behind her, leaving me alone with my thoughts—and the goddamn mess on the floor.I let out a long, shaky breath, dragging a hand through my hair. My eyes dropped to the shattered tray—the food Anna had brought, all of it smashed to pieces. I sat down hard in my chair,

  • The Price Of Us   Chapter 86

    ANNA POV.The sky outside was already dim, streaked with deep purples and fading light. I sat on the edge of the couch, the TV on but long forgotten, eyes glued to my phone like it might suddenly light up if I stared hard enough.But nothing.Another hour passed. Still no word. My chest felt hollow, my mind racing in circles, picking apart every moment of the last few days. Where had it all gone so wrong? How had we ended up… here?I pressed my palms into my eyes, biting back the sting of tears. God, I didn’t want to cry. Not again.Just as I was about to give in, my phone rang. I stared at the screen, my heart leaping painfully into my throat. Jace.I fumbled to answer, my voice shaky. “Jace?”There was a brief pause, then his deep voice came through, low and tired. “Hey.”The relief hit me so hard I almost sobbed right then. My eyes burned, and I sucked in a breath, trying to hold it together. “Why, Jace? Why didn’t you come back last night? Why are you doing this?” My voice cracke

You may also like

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status