Semua Bab The Unwanted Wife: Bab 91 - Bab 100

The applause faded as the final item of the auction was won, and the host returned to the stage, smiling as he raised his microphone once again. “And now, for the most important part of the evening,” he announced warmly, “we invite everyone to participate in our call for donations. You may raise your paddles if you’d like to pledge support, or feel free to scan the QR codes placed on your tables. Every amount goes a long way in changing lives.” Guests around the ballroom started raising their paddles once more, some scanned the QR codes while others quietly approached the donation booths on the side. Lara didn’t hesitate. She lifted her paddle and made her contribution. It wasn’t a grand gesture, but it was sincere—her way of supporting a cause that clearly mattered to many in the room. She clapped politely as more guests joined in the donation drive. Shortly after, she leaned toward Reagan. “I’ll just go to the restroom,” she murmured. Reagan nodded. “Alright. Take your time.” L

When Lara returned to their table, Reagan looked up immediately, his eyes scanning her face with concern. As she slipped back into her seat, his hand instinctively found its way to her thigh beneath the tablecloth, his thumb brushing slow, comforting circles against her skin.“You were gone for a while,” he said quietly, leaning in. “Everything alright?”Lara gave him a small, reassuring smile. “Yeah. I just ran into my brother. We ended up talking for a bit.”She purposely left out the part about running into Lucas and their brief conversation. The last thing she wanted was to worry Reagan tonight.His eyes searched her face, as if trying to read beneath her calm tone. “Is everything okay with him?”She placed her hand gently over his, the one resting on her leg, and gave it a soft squeeze. “Everything’s fine. You don’t have to worry.”He studied her for a second longer before finally nodding and exhaling a breath of relief. “Okay.”Lara’s gaze briefly flicked across the ballroom—and

Lara let out a soft sigh. “I don’t plan on having a real relationship with him. That was never the plan.”Ali narrowed her eyes. “Why not? Are you saying you don’t like him? Because, honey, you’re a terrible liar.”Lara looked away. “I do,” she admitted. “Of course I do. I’m attracted to him—I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. But that’s not enough, Ali. I’m still… healing. I’m not whole. I’m still figuring out who I am outside of Lucas. I don’t want to jump into something real with him just because I feel some attraction. It wouldn’t be fair to Reagan.”Ali’s expression softened.“I don’t want to hurt him, Ali,” Lara continued, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want to hurt the one person who’s made me feel seen. Who’s shown me what it’s like to be treated right. Reagan deserves someone who’s ready to love fully. Someone who won’t hold back. And right now, that’s not me.”There was a beat of silence.Ali’s voice lowered, concern softening her tone. “So what? You’re just going

Monday arrived, slipping quietly past a weekend that had felt far too short, too full.Lara woke up early, the soft buzz of her alarm dragging her from a light sleep. As sunlight began to spill through the curtains of her condo, she moved through her morning routine—showering, brushing her teeth, skincare, light makeup, fixing her hair into a low ponytail, breakfast. She also didn’t forget to prepare a simple breakfast for Reagan. She neatly packed a small homemade bento and freshly brewed coffee she poured into a dark green tumbler. It had become a quiet little ritual, one she had come to enjoy.And, just like the previous week, Reagan arrived at her unit right on time to pick her up.When she opened the door, Reagan greeted her with a soft smile. “Good morning.”“Good morning,” Lara replied, handing him the lunch bag with a small grin. “Here. I made you breakfast.”His eyes warmed. “Again? You’re spoiling me.”She shrugged with a teasing smile. “Maybe I am. But you drive me to work.

The days that followed were surprisingly uneventful.No flowers, no gifts, no unexpected food deliveries to the faculty room. And most importantly—no Lucas.Lara had half-expected him to pop up again outside her classroom or in the parking lot with that familiar look of guilt painted across his face. But he didn’t.The silence was… strange. But also, such a relief.It allowed her to breathe again.Still, she couldn’t shake the tension that had knotted itself in her chest. Her guard was up, waiting for another sudden appearance.But by the time Thursday night arrived, she started to believe—just maybe—he’d finally heard her.On Friday morning, as Reagan pulled up in front of the school, Lara gathered her bag and paused before opening the car door.“By the way,” she said, glancing at him. “You don’t need to pick me up later. I’ll be heading straight to my parents’ house after class.”Reagan looked over at her, brow slightly raised. “You sure?”She nodded. “Yeah. I promised my dad last w