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Chapter 19: The Better Option
Last Updated:
2025-04-14 23:58:39
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The Unwanted Wife Chapter 20: Definitely Drunk
After sharing a couple more drinks with Levi, Lara felt the liquor slowly taking effect. A warm buzz settled over her, making her limbs feel heavy and her thoughts a little sluggish. She wasn’t drunk, but she was definitely tipsy. And sleepy.Suppressing a yawn, she turned to her brother. “I’m heading to bed.” she mumbled, pushing the glass away.Levi smirked. “Already? Lightweight.”“I’m not a lightweight,” she insisted, though the slight slur in her words betrayed her.Levi chuckled. “Sure. Go to bed before you embarrass yourself.”She rolled her eyes but stood up anyway. “Goodnight, Kuya.”“Yeah, yeah. Try not to fall flat on your face on the way there.” he teased.Lara scoffed, waving him off before heading back to her room.As soon as her head hit the pillow, she let out a deep sigh, her body sinking into the mattress. Sleep should’ve come easily, but instead, her mind wandered—to Lucas.The thought of him sneaked in like an uninvited guest. Was he home yet? Was he sleeping? Or w
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Lara woke up with a pounding headache. She groaned as she sat up in bed, pressing her fingers against her throbbing temples. She regretted drinking last night. It wasn’t even much, just a couple of glasses with Levi, but clearly, her body wasn’t built for it. Reaching for her phone, she squinted at the screen. 9:00 AM. She wasn't even surprised anymore. She usually slept in on weekends, her body already accustomed to waking up late. However, she originally planned to leave early this morning, but judging by her current state, that plan was as good as canceled. With a sigh, she forced herself out of bed and trudged to the bathroom. After brushing her teeth—something she forgot to do last night—she took a long, refreshing shower, hoping it would wash away the remnants of sleep and her slight headache. Wrapping herself in a towel, she stepped out of the bathroom while towel-drying her damp hair. She walked over to her closet and pulled out a pair of denim shorts and a loose, oversize
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A few minutes later, her mother’s phone rang. She checked the caller ID and gasped. “Oh! It’s my friend! I need to take this.” She excused herself, leaving Lara and Lucas alone.An awkward silence settled between them.She tapped her fingers against the table, debating whether to speak. After a moment, she hesitated, then asked, “So… when are you leaving?”Lucas’s gaze flickered toward her, his expression unreadable. “Are you kicking me out?”Lara’s eyes widened slightly. “No! I was just wondering,” she quickly clarified. “Since I’ll be getting ready to head out soon, I thought you might not want to stay here alone.”Lucas studied her for a moment before replying, “I’ll leave once your mom returns. I should at least say goodbye.”“Oh. Alright then.” She shifted awkwardly in her seat before standing. “I’ll head upstairs to get ready now.”Lucas gave no response.She clenched her fists slightly before turning on her heel and walking away.Don’t let it bother you.It didn’t matter whethe
Last Updated : 2025-04-15The Unwanted Wife Chapter 23: Still The Same Duke
As soon as they started driving, silence fell between them. It was exactly as she expected—quiet and distant.Lara stared out the window, watching the city pass by as the minutes stretched on. The only sounds filling the car were the hum of the engine and the occasional honk from other vehicles.She had always been used to Lucas’s cold demeanor, but there were times when the silence between them felt suffocating.It took nearly half an hour to reach the café due to traffic. The moment Lucas parked, Lara unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door.She hesitated briefly before bending down slightly to look at him. “Thanks for the ride. Drive safe,” she said softly and without waiting Lucas’ response—not that she expected him to—she shut the door close.Lara straightened her back, took a deep breath, and stepped inside the café. The warm scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries greeted her, mingling with the soft hum of jazz music playing in the background. The cozy atmosphere,
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Finally, she returned to her seat, still eyeing him with a mixture of disbelief and excitement.“You look different,” she observed, giving him a once-over. She had seen his recent Instagram photos, but seeing him in person was another thing entirely. He was taller, more refined, exuding a confidence that hadn’t been there before. His time in New York had definitely done him good.Duke smirked. “Good different or bad different?”Lara pretended to scrutinize him before leaning back in her chair. “I’ll admit it—you look good. My mom wasn’t lying when she said you got more handsome.”Duke chuckled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”She rolled her eyes but smiled. “Honestly, though, New York seems to be working wonders on you.”Duke leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. “It sure does. I think I’ve found my second home.”Lara tilted her head. “Do you like it that much?”He nodded. “I do. The city, the people, the energy—it’s different, but in a good way. At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d stay, but
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Lara and Duke turned toward the source of the voice, just in time to see Ali striding toward them like she owned the place. As always, she was dressed to impress—flawless makeup, designer outfit, and an attitude that screamed main character energy.Lara grinned. “You’re late.”Ali scoffed dramatically. “Excuse me? I was out here fighting for my life in traffic while you were cozying up with your long-lost best friend!”Duke smirked. “Hey, Ali. Nice to see you again.”Ali stopped mid-rant and turned to face Duke, gasping dramatically as if she had just seen a celebrity. “Oh my God! Duke, baby! I missed you!”Before Duke could react, Ali threw herself at him, clinging onto him as if they were long-lost lovers. He laughed as he caught her in a tight hug. Lara, meanwhile, could only shake her head in amusement. Ali always made a scene wherever she went. Subtlety was never in her vocabulary.“I’m so happy you’re back!” Ali squealed, squeezing him tighter before finally pulling away.“I kno
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They spent the rest of the afternoon catching up, losing track of time until the sky outside turned a dusky orange. The clock read 4:38 PM when they finally decided to leave the café and head to a bar nearby.Duke offered to drive, and they piled into his car with Ali claiming the passenger seat while Lara settled in the back. Halfway to the bar, Duke pulled into a gas station.“I’ll just fill up the tank. You two want anything from the store?” he asked, unbuckling his seatbelt.Ali shook her head. “Nah, I’m good.”Lara, seated in the back, simply waved a hand. “I’m fine.”As Duke stepped out, Lara rolled down her window, letting the cool breeze kiss her skin. She closed her eyes briefly, enjoying the fleeting moment of peace. But just as she was about to turn away, something—or rather, someone—caught her attention.Her brows furrowed.There, across the street, standing in front of a high-end restaurant, was a man she would recognize anywhere.Lucas.Her breath caught in her throat.T
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Lara clung desperately to the shards of her composure. She couldn’t break down. Not now. Not here. The air in the car felt suffocating, pressing against her like an invisible weight, but she forced herself to breathe. Deep, steady inhales. Measured exhales. As if that would stop the ache spreading in her chest, as if that would erase what she had just seen.“Hey, are you okay, Lara?”Ali’s voice snapped her back to reality.Lara flinched, hastily wiping at her eyes before forcing a smile—one that she hoped looked convincing.“Y-Yeah… I’m fine. Just a little tired, I guess.”Lies.But what else was she supposed to say?Ali, seated in the passenger seat, didn’t look convinced. Her sharp eyes narrowed, scanning Lara’s face like she could see every crack in her facade. “You sure?”Before Lara could come up with another excuse, the car door on the driver’s side opened, and Duke slid into his seat. His sharp gaze flickered between the two women, instantly sensing the shift in the atmosphere
Last Updated : 2025-04-16
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The Unwanted Wife Chapter 74: In Reagan’s Care
Lara stirred slowly, her limbs heavy and her mind clouded with sleep. A faint headache pulsed at her temples, and for a moment, she didn’t quite understand where she was.Her brows furrowed as her gaze focused on the unfamiliar ceiling above her. It wasn’t hers. The room smelled faintly of sandalwood and something clean—masculine. She sat up abruptly, the soft comforter slipping off her shoulders.Panic seized her chest.Where... am I?This definitely wasn’t her room. The walls were painted in elegant shades of cream and black, the furniture minimalist but sleek. Everything about the space whispered luxury—but also restraint.Instinctively, she checked herself under the covers. She was still in the same clothes as earlier. Relief rushed through her, but her mind was still racing.Running her fingers through her messy hair, she tried to piece together what had happened. Her heart dropped as flashes of memory came rushing back—her conversation with Lucas... breaking down in Reagan’s arm
The Unwanted Wife Chapter 73: Letting It All Out
Lara kept walking, not once glancing back. Her chest felt tight, her emotions roaring inside her like a violent storm. Her vision blurred as tears clung stubbornly to her lashes, and the lump in her throat felt impossibly large. She pressed the elevator button with trembling fingers. When the doors slid open, she stepped inside and pressed herself into the corner, willing herself to disappear. The doors were just about to close when suddenly, a hand slipped through, forcing them to open again. Startled, Lara looked up—and her breath hitched in her throat when she saw who it was. “R-Reagan?” she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. There he was, still in his dark, tailored suit, the crispness of his appearance a stark contrast to his expression. His usually composed face was tight with concern, his brows knitted together in a deep frown. There was no mistaking the worry in his sharp green eyes. Without a word, Reagan stepped inside. The elevator doors closed behind him, sealing
The Unwanted Wife Chapter 72: Ruins Of What Could Have Been
Lara stared at him like he had grown another head. And then, she let out a short, incredulous laugh. “Oh, God, Lucas. Are you being serious right now?”“I am,” he said, jaw tight with emotion.Lara’s heart thudded painfully inside her chest, but she kept her face neutral, forcing herself to stay calm even when her insides felt like a storm.“I was stupid... a coward,” Lucas went on, his eyes desperate. “I didn’t have the courage to admit it to myself, much less to you. I made so many mistakes, Lara. I was so consumed by guilt, by anger, by everything... and I hurt you. I know I did. Over and over because of my pride and selfishness. I blamed you for everything, when in truth, I was just as much—if not more—at fault. And by the time I realized I couldn’t afford to lose you... you were already slipping away from me.”There was no sign of the cold, emotionless Lucas she once knew. Now, he was stripped bare, vulnerable in a way she had never seen before.But Lara said nothing. She simply
The Unwanted Wife Chapter 71: Interrupted Peace
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the living room.Lara stirred first, blinking against the soft brightness. She yawned and stretched, her muscles slightly sore from sleeping on the couch. She squinted at the wall clock to check the time.8:26 AM.A groggy voice mumbled from the other couch, “What time is it?”Lara turned her head to see Ali, tangled in the blanket, peeking at her with one eye half-open.“Eight twenty-six,” Lara answered, sitting up with a stretch that made her spine pop satisfyingly.Ali groaned, rolling over and blindly reaching for her phone on the coffee table. Meanwhile, Lara padded quietly out of the living room, making her way to the bathroom to freshen up. She splashed cold water on her face, brushed her teeth, and tied her hair into a messy bun before heading to the kitchen.She decided to prepare breakfast—simple but filling. Pancakes sizzled on the stove while eggs fried in another pan. She quickly threw toge
The Unwanted Wife Chapter 70: Choosing My Peace
By the time Lara got home, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a soft orange hue over the city skyline. The silence of her condo wrapped around her like a blanket—welcoming, familiar, and exactly what she needed after the emotional weight of her conversation with Riah. She wasn’t sad. Not really. She was just… tired. She dropped her keys in the bowl by the door, slipped off her shoes, and head towards the living room. She barely had time to sit on the couch when her phone rang. Ali. “Hey,” Lara answered, trying to sound normal. [“Okay, I know it’s short notice, but I’m sleeping over tonight,”] Ali announced without preamble. [“It’s Friday, tomorrow’s the weekend, and it’s been way too long since we had a proper girls’ night.”] Lara blinked, the corners of her lips lifting slightly. “You sure? I just got home, and I’m honestly not the best company right now.” [“All the more reason I’m coming over,”] Ali said. [“You need this. Trust me.”] Lara paused. She d
The Unwanted Wife Chapter 69: Cold Truth And Twisted Fate
Lara stood frozen. Her mind reeled as the pieces started fitting together—pieces she never even realized were part of the puzzle. She thought back to that day so long ago—when her parents casually asked what she thought of Lucas. She’d smiled then, cheeks warm, and told them she liked him. Naively. Innocently. She had no idea there were already quiet talks happening between their families. She didn’t know that her little confession might have set everything in motion. Her throat tightened. So it was me. Her father had always admired Lucas. He used to mention how driven he was, how sharp, how impressive for someone his age. If she, his beloved daughter, also expressed interest in him… maybe her father had seen that as a sign. A confirmation. A chance to ensure her happiness while also securing a strategic alliance. He probably thought he was doing the right thing. But he wasn’t. He really shouldn’t have done that. He shouldn’t have meddled. Shouldn’t have played cupid
The Unwanted Wife Chapter 68: The Real Coward
Lara’s jaw clenched as she took a mental step back, locking her emotions away before they could spill over. She looked at Riah, eyes cold. “It doesn’t matter,” Lara said stiffly, her voice clipped. “Whether you’re together or not—it makes no difference to me anymore. The annulment is happening. Whatever you’re trying to do here… it changes nothing.” Riah’s expression faltered. “Are you really going through with it?” she asked, her tone etched with worry and hint of desperation. “What about Lucas? I thought… you loved him.” Lara let out a slow, tired breath. “I did. God knows I did.” she admitted. “But I love myself too. And I’m done wasting my time on someone who can’t see my worth.” “But Lucas loves you!” Riah said suddenly, her voice rising slightly. Lara blinked, stunned for a moment. Then she let out a dry, humorless laugh. “Love? Really? He loves me?” Her tone dripped with sarcasm. “Come on, Riah. You’re making me laugh. Lucas has only ever loved one woman—and it sure
The Unwanted Wife Chapter 67: Riah’s Confession
The sun was dipping low outside the school gates, casting soft amber streaks on the floors of the small waiting area. Lara sat on one of the low benches, her posture relaxed, listening to Ram chatter animatedly about a new cartoon she’d seen. The little girl’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her tiny hands flailing as she described her favorite scene. “…and then Ate bought me a new pink unicorn! It lights up when you press its tummy, and it even sings, Teacher Lara!” Ram beamed. Lara smiled, brushing a strand of hair from the little girl’s forehead. “Really? That sounds magical.” Ram nodded excitedly. “I’ll bring it tomorrow!” Just then, Maera, her assistant, called out from across the room, “Ram! Your guardian’s here.” Ram perked up immediately, scrambling to her feet with an excited gasp. “Yay!” Lara leaned down to help Ram put on her backpack and fix the strap that had twisted awkwardly. “There you go, sweetie.” “Thank you, Teacher Lara!” Ram gave her a quick hug befor
The Unwanted Wife Chapter 66: End Of The Vow
When Lara got home that evening, she slipped out of her shoes, feeling the comfort of her condo wrap around her like a warm embrace. She set her bag down and walked into her bedroom, pulling her phone from her pocket to check any missed messages. A notification caught her eye—a message from Atty. Mendez, sent earlier that afternoon. Atty. Francesca Mendez: Hi Lara. I’ve finished drafting your annulment petition. Let me know when you’re free to review and sign it. We can meet anytime that works for you. Lara stared at the message for a moment. Her breath hitched, not out of panic, but quiet relief. It was real now. The end wasn’t just an idea—it was moving, breathing, taking shape. She quickly typed a reply. Lara: Thank you, attorney. I’m free after my class tomorrow, around 5 PM. Would it be alright if we meet over dinner? After hitting send, she placed her phone on the nightstand and walked into the bathroom for a quick half-bath. Warm water rushed over her skin, washing away t
