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Chapter 23: Still The Same Duke
Last Updated:
2025-04-15 18:55:36
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The Unwanted Wife Chapter 24: Used To Be A Certified Ladies’ Man
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
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When they finally arrived at the bar, Lara was immediately hit by the pulse of the music—loud, heavy, and intoxicating. Neon lights flashed in a dizzying array of colors, casting flickering shadows across the sea of bodies moving in rhythm to the beat. Laughter and conversation blended into the melody, the scent of alcohol thick in the air, mingling with expensive cologne, faint traces of smoke, and sweet perfume. It had been a long time since she last set foot in a place like this.Probably before she lost herself trying to be the perfect wife.Ali had always invited her out, urging her to loosen up, to live a little. But Lara had always said no.Because of work.Because of Lucas.Because she didn’t want him to think she was the kind of woman who spent her nights drinking in bars.Not that it mattered in the end.Lucas never cared. Never asked where she went, what she did, or how she felt. Whether she stayed home or disappeared for hours, it made no difference to him.So why had she
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Lara blinked, surprised that he knew her name. Did Duke tell him about her?She shot Duke a suspicious glare. I swear, if he told him any embarrassing stories…“Uh… actually, it’s Lara,” she corrected.The man tilted his head. “Oh? Then who’s Nichole?”Lara sighed. “It’s my second name. Duke decided on his own to call me that, without my consent, and I got tired of correcting him.”The man let out a deep chuckle. “Figures. He probably loves the fact that he’s the only one who calls you that—it’s like his own personal pet name for you.”Ali snickered while Duke groaned. “Babe, please.”Lara raised an eyebrow, confused by their reactions—as if they knew something she didn’t. But before she could question it, the man extended a hand toward her.“The name’s Asher. But Ash will do.”Lara took his hand, offering a small smile. “Glad to meet you, Ash.”Ash turned to Ali next, his lips quirking in amusement. “And you must be the infamous Ali.”Ali gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her ch
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Lara burst into laughter, shaking her head. “That’s smooth, but I’m married.” She held up her left hand, flashing her ring.Giovanni chuckled, exchanging a glance with Noah before looking back at her. “We know.”She gave them a curious look. “And you’re still hitting on a married woman?”Giovanni shrugged. “Hey, don’t get us wrong. We respect boundaries. But you look like you could use a little distraction tonight.”Lara let out a soft laugh, though the words struck a little too close to home. “That obvious, huh?”Noah smirked. “Pain has a way of showing itself, no matter how much you try to hide it.”She froze for a moment. Was it that easy to see? Had she been that transparent?Lifting her drink, she masked her expression behind another sip before exhaling. “Well, I appreciate the thought, but I think you two should find someone else to charm.”Giovanni grinned. “What if the married woman is too hot to ignore?”Lara rolled her eyes but chuckled, shaking her head. “I’d say you’re was
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Lara’s mind scrambled to process the man standing before her—the same one she had seen in Duke’s Instagram posts. The one she had been irrationally curious about.Seeing him in pictures was one thing, but in person… Damn.The photos hadn’t done him justice.He was tall—easily over six feet—with broad shoulders and a lean, muscular build that was obvious beneath his black dress shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing toned forearms. His skin was sun-kissed, a warm tan that contrasted sharply against the deep green of his eyes. Thick, dark brows framed his sharp features, his jawline was strong, and his slightly tousled black hair gave him an effortlessly attractive look, the kind that suggested he either didn’t care or simply woke up looking that good. There was something about him—an air of quiet authority, of confidence that didn’t need to be announced.Lara barely caught herself staring before Duke’s voice cut through her daze.“Reagan! You’re finally here!” Duk
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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
The Unwanted Wife Chapter 65: Truth On The Table
Ali, of course, wasn’t done. She leaned forward, voice full of mischief. “What if he’s into you, though? Maybe he’s being nice because he likes you. You know? Like those K-drama storylines? Stoic guy falls for the girl who’s been through hell? It’s totally plausible!” She cross her arms, still grinning. “I mean, like, c’mon, you’re a total catch, Lara. Aside from the trash you married, you’re perfect. Any guy would be lucky to have you. Lucas is the only person blind enough not to see that.” Despite the dig at Lucas, Lara couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, Ali, you really know how to flatter a girl. But I think you need to stop watching K-dramas. Your imagination’s getting a little wild. Reagan’s just being kind. Don’t make an issue out of nothing.” Ali huffed, leaning back. “I’m just saying! It’s not impossible. Duke, back me up here.” Duke shrugged. “I dunno. Reagan’s not exactly the flirty type. Girls chase after him, not the other way around. He entertains them when he’s bored, b
The Unwanted Wife Chapter 64: Surprise Company
The next day, the sun had barely started its descent when Lara stepped out of the building, adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder. The soft breeze tousled her hair as she walked across the school grounds, heading toward the parking lot where her car was parked.Her mind was still in a daze from the long day of lectures. She was planning to head straight home and maybe decompress with some chamomile tea and a quiet playlist—until she caught sight of a familiar black SUV parked a few meters away. Leaning casually against the hood was Duke—arms crossed, one ankle lazily over the other, as if he had all the time in the world. And inside the car, popping gum and scrolling on her phone like she owned the world, was Ali.Lara blinked, startled. “What the—?”Duke spotted her instantly and raised a hand with an easy grin. “Hey, stranger!”Lara approached them, still caught between confusion and amusement. “You guys, what are you doing here?”Before Duke could answer, Ali’s head popp
