DEAR EX WIFE, YOU WERE NEVER A CHAPTER のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 11 - チャプター 20

The door clicked shut behind Jacob, and I exhaled, feeling the morning’s quiet settle around me. With less than two hours until my client meeting, my mind was already racing through the day’s to-do list: review the latest design drafts, finalize the presentation slides, and double-check the client’s portfolio. As I mentally juggled these tasks, Aunt Katherine’s voice floated in from the kitchen, warm and teasing, with that familiar lilt that always grounded me.“Why aren’t you ready for work yet, Sophia?” she called, her hands busy with eggs and toast, the makings of a quick breakfast. “Hurry now, get yourself sorted, and I’ll whip up something for you to eat.”I couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks, Aunt Kate, you’re an absolute lifesaver,” I said, gratitude washing over me as I dashed upstairs. A quick shower later, I slipped into the tailored trousers and blazer I’d laid out the night before, the crisp fabric giving me a boost of confidence. I glanced in the mirror, smoothing my hair,

Sophia’s POV I glanced nervously at Raven and Aunt Kate before turning my gaze to Jacob, my hands fidgeting slightly. “So, um… the company’s sending me to New York,” I began, my voice tinged with excitement and a hint of apprehension. “It’s for a fashion design contest, and there’s also a big project tied to it. It’s a huge opportunity, but the project… it could take almost a year to complete.”Robbin’s eyes widened, his fork pausing halfway to his mouth. “Really?” he said, his voice brimming with astonishment. “Sophia, that’s incredible! I’m so proud of you.” His grin was infectious, and Sophia felt a warmth spread through her chest at his enthusiasm.Aunt Kate, seated at the head of the table, beamed with pride, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, love, this is such a wonderful opportunity,” she said warmly, reaching out to squeeze my hand. “You’ve worked so hard for this moment. I always knew your talent would take you far.”Jacob leaned back in his chair, a subtle smile tugging at the

Ethan's POV I sighed, leaning back in my chair, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on me. Luca and I used to hang out all the time; grabbing drinks, catching a game, or just shooting the breeze about life. But ever since the divorce with Sophia, things had changed. It was like Luca was angry with me, though he never said it outright. I could see it in his eyes and hear it in the tightness of his voice whenever her name came up. He blamed me for what happened, and deep down, I blamed myself too.After Sophia left, it felt like she vanished off the face of the earth. Every way I tried to reach her ;her phone, email, even my friends led to dead ends. It was as if she didn’t want to be found. Maybe that was for the best; she deserved her freedom after everything I put her through. But still, the not knowing gnawed at me. I constantly wondered where she was, how she was doing, if she was okay. It was a headache that sat heavy in my chest.I stared at my phone, contemplating whe

Ethan POV I’ve never been fond of mornings, but this one clawed at me mercilessly. The city outside my penthouse was a pale blur, wrapped in fog and the distant, relentless snarl of traffic. My head pounded in time with my heartbeat, a dull, punishing rhythm left over from last night’s bourbon.I sat on the edge of the bed for a long moment, elbows on my knees, trying to piece it together. The bar. Luca’s wry laugh. The sound of rain against glass. Her name echoing inside my skull like a forbidden hymn.Sophia.I muttered the name aloud, testing the taste of it after five years. It still hurt, a sharp, familiar ache behind my ribs.The phone on the nightstand blinked;a constellation of reminder alerts, unread emails, missed calls. But one message shone brighter than the rest, like a blade catching the light:From:Laura BlackwoodSubject:Yves Saint Laurent Partnership — Team IntroductionsAttachment:Presentation schedule, lead designer: Ms. Sophia BennettMy chest tightened. The very

Ethan's POVThe quiet of the evening settled over our apartment, the soft hum of the city filtering through the window. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind replaying the chaos of the workday. Then, like a jolt, Sarian’s voice echoed in my head, her teasing reminders about the bag. “Shit,” I muttered, rubbing a hand over my face. She’d been dropping hints for weeks, her eyes sparkling with that mix of playful expectation and subtle warning. And here I was, empty-handed, lying next to her. I was in deep trouble.I sighed, raking my fingers through my hair. I had to fix this before she noticed. Maybe I could slip out early tomorrow and grab it, or… maybe I could make it up to her right now. The thought sparked something in me, a quiet determination to bridge the gap I could feel growing between us.Careful not to wake her, I slid out of bed and padded to her side. Sarian was fast asleep, her dark hair splayed across the pillow like a halo. Moonlight traced the curve of her shou