Lahat ng Kabanata ng Not His Wife Anymore: Kabanata 61 - Kabanata 70

Naya's Pov“I don’t even know how you sleep at night.”The voice stopped Naya mid-step, halfway down the hall that led to the women’s bathroom. She froze, her hand tightening around the strap of her purse. She didn’t have to turn, she already knew it.Daniel.Slowly, she looked over her shoulder. He stood leaning against the wall like he owned the place, his suit sharp, tie loosened just enough to look casual. His dark hair was still perfect, his jaw tight. He looked the same as always, like it was a tiring activity. And somehow that hurt more than anything.“What do you want?” Naya asked, her voice flat.Daniel pushed off the wall, stepping closer. “Just to talk. You’ve been telling stories up there, painting me as some monster. Thought I should remind you of the truth.”She lifted her chin. “The truth is what I told them. You ignored me for a year. You left me alone in that house while you were God knows where. And your mother treated me like I was dirt.”He smirked. “You think any

“You always ruin everything!”Naya froze mid-step. Adrian’s voice, sharp and too close, echoed down the hallway. She pressed her back against the wall, heart thumping.Chloe’s reply came just as sharp. “Don’t put this on me. You’re the one who cracked first. You looked like an amateur in there.”“I didn’t crack.” Adrian’s shoes scraped against the floor, pacing maybe. “You contradicted yourself twice. Twice, Chloe. Do you have any idea how bad that looked?”“I wouldn’t have if you’d done your part,” she shot back. “You promised me Daniel would never doubt me. But I can feel it—he’s looking at me different. And that’s your fault.”Naya leaned closer to the corner, hardly breathing. Her palms were clammy.Adrian lowered his voice, but the words still carried. “We’re this close. All we need is for her to break down once more on the stand. If you can’t hold your story together—”“You don’t get to lecture me,” Chloe hissed. “You’re not the one pretending to be pregnant every day. You think

The knock on the door was soft, almost hesitant.Naya frowned, setting down the chipped mug of tea Zipper had left for her earlier. She wasn’t expecting anyone he was the only one allowed in and out of the guest house without clearance.She opened the door and froze.“Daniel.”He smiled the same polished smile she used to fall for, the one that looked effortless but cost her everything. His suit was sharp, his cologne familiar. He leaned on the frame like he belonged there.“Can I come in?” he asked.Her throat tightened. “You’re not supposed to be here.”“I know.” He glanced over his shoulder, then back at her. “Two minutes. That’s all I want. Just to check on you.”Naya almost slammed the door. Almost. Instead, she stepped aside, stiff and unwilling, and he walked in as if he still had rights to the space.The guest house felt smaller instantly.“Nice setup,” he said, looking around. “Better than the ward, I imagine.”“Say what you came to say,” she muttered.Daniel turned to her,

Naya tugged her hoodie tighter, the sleeves pulled halfway over her palms, and kept her pace along the park’s. Damp leaves stuck to her sneakers, and somewhere in the distance, a dog barked.The morning air carried a bite, sharper than the day before. The ankle monitor itched around her leg, rubbing against her sock with every step. It was a constant reminder of her half freedom. Still, out here, at least, she could free her mind. She was glad that she was allowed to get to the park at least.Her breath came harder. She slowed, bending forward, hands on her hips while she let her lungs catch up. “Always did like seeing you in the mornings.”Her stomach dropped and she turned around. It was freaking Adrian.Adrian stood a few feet away. He looked like a magazine spread pressed coat, scarf tucked just so, expensive shoes that had no business in a park this muddy. His hair barely moved, even with the wind tugging at the trees.He didn’t belong here.Her hands curled into fists. “What t

Chloe's PovThe courtroom smelled of old wood and coffee. Chloe smoothed her silk blouse and lowered herself onto the bench, making sure everyone noticed the slight tremble in her hand.She had rehearsed this moment in her bathroom mirror. A cough here, a wince there. Nothing too obvious. Just enough to stir pity.Across the aisle, Naya sat stiffly beside Zipper, arms crossed, hair pulled back in a messy bun. Chloe smirked faintly. Naya never did learn how to perform. She just sat there, raw and plain, hoping truth alone would win. Amateur.The judge shuffled his papers. “We’ll resume where we left off.”Chloe waited, heartbeat quick with anticipation. Timing mattered. You had to let the room get comfortable first.Her lawyer rose to speak. Chloe pressed a hand to her chest, then coughed softly. Heads turned. She slumped forward, slow, deliberate.“Oh—oh God.” She let her knees buckle as she slid half out of her seat. “I—I can’t breathe—”Gasps rippled through the courtroom. Her lawye