Semua Bab The Ex-wife He Regrets Losing!: Bab 31 - Bab 40

MABEL "What did you just say?" My voice came out barely above a whisper. "Your mother's accident..." "Don't." I held up a hand, stepping back. "Don't you dare talk about my mother right now. We're not done discussing the fact that you've known where my son was for THREE YEARS and said NOTHING!" The rage that had been simmering finally exploded. I didn't care that we were at a charity gala. Didn't care who might overhear. "You knew!" My voice rose. "For three years, you knew exactly where my child was, and you let me suffer!" "Mabel, please lower your voice..." "Don't tell me what to do!" I was shaking now, my entire body trembling with fury. "You don't get to ask anything of me. Not after this." Ethan's face was pale. "You're right. I'm sorry...." "Sorry?" I laughed, a harsh sound that held no humor. "You're sorry? That's what you have to say?" "I was a coward. I know that. I was wrong...." "Wrong doesn't begin to cover it!" I stepped closer to him, my hands clenched into fi

ETHAN I watched Mabel walk away, her shoulders straight, her head held high despite everything. She looked different. Stronger. Like she'd been forged in fire and come out steel. "Ethan?" Hailey's voice cut through my thoughts. "What did she say to you?" I didn't answer immediately. My mind was still processing Mabel's words. "I've already found him." She'd found her son. After five years of searching, she'd somehow tracked down the child my mother had stolen. And she wouldn't tell me where. "Nothing important," I lied. "Don't give me that. I saw how upset you both looked." Hailey grabbed my arm. "What's going on?" I turned to face my wife. The calculation in her eyes. The way she constantly scanned the room, always aware of who was watching. When had I stopped loving her? "We should go," I said. "We can't leave yet. The senator wants to speak with you...." "I don't care about the senator." Hailey blinked. "What?" "I don't care." I started toward the exi

MABEL Saturday morning arrived with sunshine that felt like mockery. Liam's fifth birthday party. The day I'd been anticipating and dreading in equal measure. I'd spent the entire week preparing, coordinating with caterers, finalizing decorations, ensuring every detail was perfect. This wasn't just any party. This was my son's birthday. Even if he didn't know I was his mother. "You look nice," Bella said as I checked my reflection one last time. Simple black dress, professional but warm. Hair down, makeup natural. I looked like someone's stylist. Not someone's mother. "Thanks." I grabbed my bag of emergency supplies. "Wish me luck." "You don't need luck. You've got this." But my hands shook during the entire cab ride to Vanessa's penthouse. When I arrived, the transformation was already underway. Rose had executed my vision perfectly, superhero decorations everywhere, a massive balloon arch, tables laden with kid-friendly food arranged to look like a comic book spread. "Mab

MABEL After the cake cutting, I tried to stay busy, clearing plates, organizing gifts, anything to avoid Damian Croft's scrutiny. But he found me anyway. "Miss James." His voice came from behind me as I was stacking paper plates. "A moment?" I turned to find him holding two champagne flutes. He offered me one with a smile that was charming and utterly insincere. "I don't drink while working," I said. "It's sparkling cider. Liam's birthday party, remember? No alcohol with thirty children running around." He gestured to a quieter corner of the room. "Please. I'd like to apologize for being so abrasive earlier." I took the glass, following him reluctantly. We stood near the windows overlooking Central Park. The view was stunning, but I couldn't appreciate it with Damian Croft studying me like I was a puzzle to solve. "I was rude," he said. "Vanessa pointed out that I came across as hostile, and she's right. I'm sorry." "It's fine. You're protective of them." "I am. Vanessa an

MABEL I sat in Vanessa's study, my heart pounding, waiting for Damian to return with Vanessa or security or the police. He knew everything. He could destroy me with a single conversation. The door opened. Damian stepped back inside, alone. He closed the door and locked it. My pulse spiked. "What are you doing?" "Relax." He held up both hands in a placating gesture. "I'm not your enemy." "You just threatened me…" "I was testing you. Seeing if you'd crack under pressure." He moved to the desk, pouring himself a glass of whiskey from Vanessa's decanter. "You didn't. That's good." "Good?" I stood, my legs shaky. "You know about Liam. You know I've been lying to Vanessa. How is any of this good?" "Because it means you're committed. You're not going to break easily." He took a sip. "That's important for what comes next." "What are you talking about?" Damian studied me for a long moment, as if deciding something. Then he pulled out his phone and opened an email thread. He turned