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Chapter 26: Shattered All Over Again
Huling Na-update:
2025-04-15 19:15:32
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The Unwanted Wife Chapter 27: Silently Falling Apart
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
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-16The Unwanted Wife Chapter 28: Just For Tonight
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
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-16The Unwanted Wife Chapter 29: Harmless Flirting
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
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-16The Unwanted Wife Chapter 30: Fleeting Comfort
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
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-16The Unwanted Wife Chapter 31: Piercing Green Eyes
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
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-17The Unwanted Wife Chapter 32: His Lingering Gaze
Heat crawled up her neck, and suddenly, she felt self-conscious under the weight of his stare. Was there something on her face?Without thinking, she turned her focus back to her drink, taking a slow sip, as if that would somehow make her invisible.The conversation around her carried on. A few moments later, Noah and Giovanni returned, seamlessly joining Duke, Ash, and Reagan in a discussion she had no interest in following. She kept her attention on her drink, letting the ice clink softly against the glass as she swirled it absentmindedly.Duke, ever the observant one, turned to her with a small frown. “You okay, Nics?” His tone was laced with concern. “You’ve been quiet.”Lara forced a small laugh. “I’m fine. Just enjoying my drink.”Duke didn’t look convinced. He leaned closer. “Are you sure? If you’re not feeling well, I can take you home.”She quickly shook her head, forcing a reassuring smile. “I’m really fine, Duke. You worry too much.”He sighed but didn’t push further. “Alri
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-17The Unwanted Wife Chapter 33: Call Your Husband
The conversation around Lara carried on, voices blending into the steady pulse of music filtering in from the club outside. Every now and then, Gio, Noah, or Duke would try to pull her into the discussion, throwing casual remarks her way. She would offer them a polite smile, a nod, or a brief reply before retreating back into silence. She kept her focus on her drink, sipping slowly, letting the burn of alcohol distract her from the thoughts she didn’t want to entertain.She wasn’t necessarily trying to be distant—it just felt easier to listen than to engage.And besides, she wasn’t the only one who was quiet.Reagan didn’t talk much either. He sat across from her, effortlessly blending into the background despite his commanding presence. He responded when spoken to, but his words were few and to the point. But what Lara noticed most of all was the way his gaze would occasionally flicker toward her.It wasn’t obvious—not something that demanded her attention—but it happened often enoug
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-18The Unwanted Wife Chapter 34: Unexpected Concern
The mention of Lucas sent a sharp pang through her chest, and she had to force herself to keep her expression neutral.“He should be the one picking you up.” Reagan continued, his voice even, but there was something else beneath it—something that made her stomach twist.Lucas wouldn’t come. Lara knew that. Even if she called, even if she begged, he wouldn’t bother.She swallowed hard before mustering a small, tight-lipped smile. “He’s probably asleep,” she said lightly, as if it didn’t matter. As if it didn’t hurt. “He had work. I don’t want to disturb him.”Reagan tilted his head slightly, studying her. Then, with a slight scoff, he said, “What kind of husband wouldn’t come get his wife if she needed him?”The question shouldn’t have bothered her as much as it did. It was just an offhand remark from someone who didn’t know anything about her life. And yet, somehow, hearing those words from Reagan—this man she barely knew—felt like a slap to the face.Her fingers curled into fists in
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-18
Pinakabagong kabanata
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
