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Alle Kapitel von Too Late to Regret, The Substitute Wife Left: Kapitel 31 – Kapitel 40

107 Kapitel

Chapter 31: Bomb Shell

Andrew’s POV“You did the right thing,” Charlotte told me as I pulled a beer out of the fridge. Her voice sounded like nails on a chalkboard. I was exhausted after a long day of work. I just wanted to unwind on the couch with a beer in hand and watch some sports. Apparently, though, she felt the need to weigh in on my decision to apply for full custody. Turning to face her, I narrowed my eyes.“What would you know about doing the right thing?” I scoffed. It was a snide and cutting remark, alluding to her lies about that night at the bar. My insult landed, and she was taken aback. But I didn’t care.I’d just filed for full custody, and I could only imagine how Julia had received the papers. I’d gone back and forth about it over the past few days, but given her attitude during our visit to the circus, and Oliver’s subsequent disappointment, I truly felt like I had no other options.Oliver was slipping, burrowing deeper and deeper inside of himself. I was literally watching the light re

Chapter 32: The New Julia

Julia’s POVSix months later…Checking my reflection in the my floor length mirror, I dabbed on a bit more lipstick and then puckered my lips. My new Chanel pink skirt with matching jacket looked fabulous over top of my crisp, white blouse. Sunlight flooded in through my open French doors, and the salty scent of the ocean filled the room as I spritzed some perfume onto my wrists.Walking across my beautiful hardwood floors, I glanced out the window. The ocean spread for undisturbed miles, filtering into the horizon. The sky was bright blue without a cloud in sight, the way it often was in San Diego. I paused for a beat to take in the view. I’d never get tired of this ocean view.My house had been a real score. A beachfront villa in a gated community, complete with miles of sandy beach, a community pool, and my own private hot tub that overlooked the ocean. It was a two-bedroom, with a sprawling master suite and a spacious ensuite with marble counters and floors. But the real piece de

Chapter 33: Show Time

Julia’s POV“I know that doesn’t give you much time to prepare,” Dr. Stovard said.Much time? That didn’t give me anytime to prepare. I wasn’t sure how to respond. On the one hand, addressing this room full of prominent people was an honor, and a huge networking opportunity. I was starting my own practice with literally no clients at all. This room was full of mental health care experts. If I gave a compelling speech, I could potentially collect a plethora of references to help build my practice.But on the other hand, I had nothing prepared. What if I blew it? Coming up with a speech out of thin air was no small feat. This would be my first impression, and you know what they say – you only get one chance to make a first impression.“It’s okay,” Dr. Stovard smiled politely when she saw my hesitation. “Forget I asked. It was silly of me to expect you to speak with no notice.”She turned to walk away, but I stopped her.“Wait,” I blurted out. Something bubbled up inside of me, excitement

Chapter 34: Integration, Not Isolation

Julia’s POVThis wasn’t happening. I breathed into the microphone, all eyes on me, as my heart hammered in my chest.‘Just say something,’ a voice in my head scolded me.But for the life of me, I couldn’t remember a damn thing. I could barely even remember my own name. My mind was blank, like an empty black void.“I…uh…” I breathed.Shit. I was blowing it. This was my first impression, my chance to impress all these people, I was just standing there like an idiot. What was I supposed to talk about? My dissertation. Right. But what was that about again?“So…” I said.Jesus. This was mortifying. Several people at tables in the front side-eyed each other, an unimpressed look on their faces. I heard some whispers from the back filter through the air. But I remained frozen, a deer caught in the headlights, unable to string together a single sentence.That’s when I saw it. A figure emerged from the back door. Squinting in the light, I watched as the figure made its way to the side of the roo

Chapter 35: Women on the Rise

Julia’s POVCharles sat with me during lunch, which was a decadent spread of filet mignon and assorted roasted vegetables. The other people at the table inundated me with questions about my research, genuinely fascinated by my responses.I could feel myself glowing, proud of myself for taking a chance and even prouder of myself for pulling it off.“More wine?” Charles asked, reaching for the bottle in the centre of the table.“Why not?” I chuckled. I deserved it; I felt like I was on top of the world.I hadn’t expected Charles to be here today. He’d come to surprise me, knowing that I was attending the charity luncheon. It came to town often to visit, and to check up on things with his work. He was basically bi-coastal these days, flying back and forth across the country.After lunch, people took to mingling, and I did some networking, proudly handing out my new business card to let people know that I was currently curating a client list for my new practice. In the middle of a discussi

Chapter 36: Change of Plans

Julia’s POV“So wait, Charles is here? Again?” We were looking through a rack of designer dresses, although nothing was catching our eye. I’d filled her in on the entire luncheon, including my embarrassing falter at the podium, and my glorious comeback. As well as the details about Jerry and the magazine spread.But she narrowed in on Charles. Of all the things to narrow in on? I just gave a compelling keynote speech, received a standing ovation and accolades from a famous doctor whom I admired, and was approached by a magazine editor to do a spread in the upcoming edition.And she was asking about Charles?She stopped looking through the rack, her lips pressed together, and tilted her head to the side. She looked gorgeous as always, in a sleek black dress with a flower patterned silk scarf wrapped around her shoulders. Mira was a professor of psychology, and assistant dean at the University of San Diego, where I’d received my doctorate. She’d overseen my dissertation as my advisor, a

Chapter 37: He Doesn’t Want to Talk

Julia’s POV “You look…amazing,” Charles said as we entered the lobby to the opera. I blushed. Mira had done a fantastic job of making me over. My strapless floor length ball gown shone an iridescent blue. With my hair piled in loose curls on the top of my head, I felt like a princess. Mira looked equally as stunning, with her jet black hair slicked back into a low, demure bun and her form-fitting scarlet red dress accentuating all her curves. Sergio was dressed to the nines in a dark gray suit with a bright red shirt and matching red patent leather shoes. And Charles was looking very dapper in a traditional black tuxedo. “Thank you,” I said. “I clean up well, hey?” It was a joke, but Charles’ face remained serious as he stared into my eyes intensely. “You’re always beautiful,” he said. There was something about the way he said it that made my heart flutter. Surprised by my own reaction to his words, I blushed even deeper. He gave me his arm and I hooked my arm in his as we made our wa

Chapter 38: Open Wounds

Julia’s POVThe moment I realized that Charles was going to kiss me, I took a big step backwards.“I, uh, have to go. Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow?” My words came off sounding a bit frantic as I fumbled for my keys, turning my back to him. Finding my keys, I slammed them into the lock, twisted it, and flung open the door. Turning back to him, he stared at me, his lips pressed together, an unreadable expression on his face.“Well, good night,” I said. And before he could respond, I shut the door.Once it was closed, I leaned against the door, letting out a long, slow breath.What the hell had just happened? The entire night had been strange, from the moment we picked up Charles to….to that…that thing that almost happened on my door step.He was going to kiss me. I was sure of it. His eyes had blazed with intensity and longing. Had he always looked at me that way? Had I just been blind to see it? Or was this something new?I had no flipping idea. My mind spun as I listened carefully

Chapter 39: Photo Shoot

Julia’s POVI never took the call from Charles that night. I couldn’t bring myself to talk to him, because I didn’t know what to say. I also made a feeble excuse the following night about having a head ache, bowing out of our dinner plans together.I felt awful about it, but I needed time and space to process my complex emotions before I faced him again. Charles was set to leave just two days after he arrived, so that morning I sent him a text with a plane emoji and ‘safe travels. Talk soon, I promise.’With Charles gone, I turned my attention to my new practice. The renovations were done, and I was scheduled to meet up with Jerry at my new office for the photo shoot and interview the afternoon after Charles left.Eliciting Mira’s help, I chose a modern gray pant suit with a low cut, violet blouse. I wanted to look professional, but a bit edgy. Savvy with a touch of sass. Mira offered to come with me, but I told her it wasn’t necessary. I could handle the interview alone.Waiting in my

Chapter 40: Trapped

Julia’s POV“What?” I whispered, as a feeling of dread washed over me. His eyes were locked on my chest, and the way he was looking at me made me feel a pit of disgust deep inside my stomach.“You heard me,” he said. “I can put you on the cover. But what are you going to do for me in return?” His hand dropped to bulge in his pants. He adjusted it. “I have a few ideas.”His innuendo was clear. He expected some sort of sexual exchange. Revulsion pulsed through me. Even though I knew what he was implying though, I was still having a hard time wrapping my mind around it. I took a few steps backwards, crossing my arms over my chest, until I felt the wall against my back.My eyes darted towards the door behind him. I had to get away from him, but how?His handsome face had taken on a dangerous look. His muscular arms posed a very real threat to me. My purse, with my phone in it, was on the other side of the room. And even if I cried out for help, there was no one around to hear me.“I…I wa

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