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Chapter 4: Emotionally Constipated Jerk
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2025-03-23 08:27:12Lara forced a smile. “Enough, Ali. We’re fine, really. He’s just busy with work, so we don’t see each other much.”
Ali scoffed. “Work? That’s the lamest excuse I’ve ever heard. Do you hear yourself? Look at you—you’re gorgeous, you’re kind, and you’re literally the perfect wife. Meanwhile, he’s out there being an emotionally constipated jerk. Seriously, what’s so special about him? If I were you, I’d find myself a lover. That would teach him a lesson.” Lara shot her a pointed look. “That’s never going to happen. You know how much I love Lucas.” Ali groaned dramatically. “God, you’re hopeless. You’re so in love with a walking red flag!” Lara stifled a laugh. “You sound more bitter than I do. You don’t even have a boyfriend.” She shrugged. “That’s because men are trash. It’s like they have collectively decided to be terrible. Even the ugly ones cheat! The audacity!” Before Ali could rant further, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and scowled. “Ugh, it’s my manager,” Ali groaned. “I swear, if this is about rescheduling the shoot, I’ll throw a fit.” She answered the call, her expression darkening with every passing second. After a few minutes, she ended the call with an annoyed sigh. “Damn it! I have to go. The shoot’s back on. The idiot in charge changed his mind last minute.” Lara winced. “Yikes. He’s in for a rough day.” “You bet he is.” Ali grabbed her bag, still fuming. “We’ll reschedule our milk tea date, okay? I’ll call you later!” Lara laughed. “Try not to murder anyone.” “No promises.” Ali winked before rushing off, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. Lara shook her head, smiling to herself. Ali could be a handful, but she appreciated her concern—even if her way of showing it was a little... aggressive. After Ali left, Lara made her way back to the waiting area to ensure all the children had been picked up. But to her surprise, a small figure was still sitting alone on one of the benches. “Ram?” Lara called gently. The little girl lifted her head, revealing tear-stained cheeks. Lara immediately knelt beside her, gently taking her tiny hands. “Oh, sweetie. It’s okay. Don’t cry.” “Teacher Lara…” Ram sniffled. “Why isn’t my sister here yet? She promised to pick me up.” Her voice wobbled, and her big, glassy eyes threatened to spill more tears. Lara’s heart clenched at the sight of her distressed face. She reached out, wiping away a tear trailing down the little girl’s cheek. She turned to Maera. “Has anyone contacted her guardian?” “The Admin has been calling, but no one is answering,” Maera explained. Lara sighed and turned back to Ram. “Don’t be sad, sweetheart. Maybe your sister had an emergency at work,” she said gently. “How about I take you home instead?” Ram’s eyes lit up. “Really?” “Really.” Lara smiled warmly. “Would that be okay with you?” Ram nodded eagerly. “Yes! Thank you, Teacher Lara!” Lara brushed a hand over her hair, relieved to see her smile. “Of course, sweetheart. Just wait here, okay? I’ll grab my things and let the admin know.” After informing the school office, Lara returned to the waiting area with her things. “Ready to go, Sweetie?” Lara held out her hand. Ram grinned and slipped her tiny fingers into Lara’s. Together, they walked toward her car, the little girl’s earlier tears now replaced with a bright, innocent smile.
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The Unwanted Wife Chapter 5: He’s A Great Man
After dropping Ram off at her home, Lara decided to stop by the market to restock their groceries. Their supplies were running low, and she figured she might as well take care of it now before the weekend.The trip took longer than expected. Between picking out fresh produce, comparing prices, and waiting in the long checkout line, two hours had passed by the time she was done. By the time she arrived home, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow through the windows.Lara changed into more comfortable clothes before heading to the kitchen to put away the groceries. Once everything was sorted, she gathered the dirty laundry from both her room and Lucas’s and tossed them into the washing machine.As the clothes spun in the washer, Lara pulled out her phone from the pocket of her shorts and sent Lucas a message.Lara: What time are you coming home?She stared at the screen, waiting for the little “typing…” indicator that never appeared. It wasn’t surprising. Lucas rarely replie
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31The Unwanted Wife Chapter 6: No Sign Of Lucas
As soon as the call ended, Lara let out a deep sigh and placed her phone on the counter.That conversation had been exhausting.She loved her mother, but talking about her marriage always left her feeling suffocated. The guilt of lying to them weighed heavily on her chest. It was one of the reasons she rarely visited home. Her parents, especially her Mom, always expected Lucas to come along, and she knew he never would.And now, she had to find a way to convince her emotionally distant husband to visit her family this weekend.Ugh. What a mess.Shoving her phone back into her pocket, she turned her attention back to the laundry. The washing machine had finished, so she moved the clothes to the dryer. Once they were dry, she placed them into a laundry basket and made her way to Lucas’s room. She rarely entered his space, but since she had already done the laundry, she figured she might as well put his clothes away. Lucas’s room was spotless, just as she expected. Everything was neat
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14The Unwanted Wife Chapter 7: Drunken Mess
Minutes turned into hours.At some point, exhaustion had won, and Lara had dozed off on the couch. But the sharp ringing of the doorbell stirred her awake. Her heart leaped into her throat as she shot up, blinking away the drowsiness. The room was dark, save for the dim glow of the TV screen.She glanced at the clock. 2:13 AM.Who could be visiting this late?With a deep sigh, she pushed herself off the couch and made her way to the door. The doorbell rang again, more insistent this time. Her brows knitted together she hesitated for a moment. Peeking through the peephole, she was met with a familiar face.Izek?Without wasting another second, she unlocked the door and swung it open. Her eyes widened at the sight before her.There, standing under the dim glow of the porch light, was Izek—one of Lucas’s close friends. And beside him, slumped against his shoulder, was Lucas himself. Disheveled. Drunk. Completely wasted.Lara’s stomach twisted at the sight.“Hey,” Izek greeted, offering
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14The Unwanted Wife Chapter 8: I Love You
Lara froze.“Don’t go…”Lucas’s voice was slurred, barely above a whisper, but it sent a jolt through her body.Her heart pounded as she turned back to face him. His grip on her wrist was weak yet desperate, his half-lidded eyes searching for something—someone.“Don’t go…” he murmured again, voice thick with emotion. “Please… don’t leave me.”Lara’s breath hitched.What is this? What’s happening?Her pulse raced. For so long, she had longed to hear those words from him—to hear him ask her to stay. And now, he was finally saying them.Her chest tightened, a fragile hope blooming within her.She immediately knelt in front of him, her hands shaking as she reached for his. “Lucas,” she whispered, her voice breaking.His eyes fluttered open slightly, and his fingers brushed against her cheek. The gentleness of his touch sent shivers down her spine.“I won’t leave,” she promised, tears welling in her eyes. “I’m here.”Lucas let out a shaky breath. His grip on her hand tightened.“I can’t li
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14The Unwanted Wife Chapter 9: She Was The Villain
It felt like a slap in the face—harsh, undeniable, and cruel.The words Lucas had uttered echoed relentlessly in Lara’s mind, piercing through her already wounded heart like shards of glass.She stood frozen in place, staring at him in disbelief. He was barely conscious, his drunken state rendering him oblivious to the weight of what he had just said. Yet, his voice had been clear—clear enough to crush every last bit of hope she had been holding onto.Tears blurred her vision as she turned away, unable to bear it any longer. Without another word, she rushed to her room, slamming the door behind her. As soon as the lock clicked, her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto the cold floor, her arms wrapping tightly around herself as if that could keep her from falling apart completely.A strangled sob escaped her lips. Then another. And another. Until the quiet of the room was filled with the sound of her broken cries.Her fingers curled into fists as she pressed them against her heart, as
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14The Unwanted Wife Chapter 10: Not Yet
Who was she even fighting for? For a husband who loved another woman? For a marriage that was never hers to begin with? For a love that was never meant for her? A bitter, humorless laugh escaped her lips. What was the point of all her struggles, all her sacrifices, if in the end, she was the only one holding on? She had spent years trying to fix something that was doomed from the start. Why had she been so foolish? Why had she agreed to this marriage, knowing Lucas didn’t love her? Not only had she destroyed Lucas' happiness, but she had also ruined her own. Her hands curled into the sheets, gripping them tightly. Should she just give up? Should she finally end this marriage and give Lucas the freedom he had always wanted? Maybe then, he would finally forgive her. Maybe then, she wouldn’t have to keep living like this—chasing after someone who would never look back at her. Wouldn't that be the right thing to do? If she truly loved Lucas, shouldn’t she set him free? The
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14The Unwanted Wife Chapter 11: Enough To Momentarily Fill The Cracks
If she hadn’t seen him drunk out of his mind just a few hours ago, she never would’ve guessed he had been drinking all night. He had already taken a shower, his hair neatly styled, his suit impeccable. The only sign of his hangover was the faint crease between his brows, a sign of the headache he was surely battling. Seeing him, Lara hesitated. She didn't know how to act around him after what had happened. Just looking at him brought back the unbearable pain from last night. She wanted to confront him. Who is Riah? Do you truly love her? Do you still meet her? Her heart screamed for answers, but her mind held her back. She knew better than to ask. Confronting him wouldn’t change anything—it would only push him further away, maybe even give him another reason to hurt her. So she did what she always did. She forced a smile. “G-Good morning, honey,” she greeted, her voice soft yet uncertain. Lucas barely spared her a glance. His gaze remained indifferent as he walked past her,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14The Unwanted Wife Chapter 12: Guess Who’s Back In Town?
Saturday arrived quicker than Lara anticipated. The past few days had flown by in a blur, with her mind preoccupied by the school’s English Month event. The busy schedule served as a temporary distraction, allowing her to momentarily push aside the haunting memory of Lucas calling out another woman's name in his drunken state. But just because she was distracted didn't mean she had forgotten. The wound was still fresh, buried beneath layers of denial and forced smiles.She hadn't seen much of Lucas since that morning. He would come home late—long after she had fallen asleep—and leave early in the morning before she could even catch a glimpse of him. The small voice in the back of her mind whispered cruel suspicions—was he meeting Riah? Was that where he spent those long hours away? She knew she was overthinking, maybe even being paranoid, but the thought gnawed at her relentlessly. She didn't want to doubt him. But how could she not when he had already broken her heart without even r
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14
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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
