The silent wife

SLOANE'S POVI pulled down the lid of the oven, slipping on my mittens and grabbing the tray of muffins from within. I quickly settled it down on the counter, closing the oven lid with my foot before turning off the espresso machine. “The flowers haven't bloomed yet which is weird for this time of the year," I said with a soft sigh as I placed a cup under the muzzle of the machine. "The tulips on the other hand though, they're better.”I flipped the switch and the espresso machine grunted to life. With a few soft clicks, a rich, dark, creamy shot flowed out of the nozzle and into the cup. I handed Mia the cup and proceeded to pour myself one. “And even though I've been taking care of the…” I paused, a small frown forming on my face as I noticed Mia's lost expression. "Mia?”"Uh, yeah?” she grunted, startled. "What… what's it?" “You seem… lost,” I answered, turning off the machine and bringing my steamy cup to my lips. "You haven't been listening to anything I've been saying." I poi

Last Updated : 2025-10-12

Cracks in the crown

Sloane's POV I sat at the dining table, hands clasped as I stared at the grandfather clock before me. I watched as its pendulum swung side to side, a soft tick echoing across the empty house. I had just put Daisy to sleep and I could hear her soft snores. While tucking her in, she had asked about her father–wondering when he'd be coming home. I didn't have an answer so I just told her to get some rest. I couldn't wash away the image of the disappointed look she had on her face as I pulled the cover over her. It wouldn’t be the first time and that was what hurt the most. I sighed, rubbing my temples as the tick tock of the clock resounded through the walls of my mind. The candles I had lit had slowly burned out, the last now faltering in the breeze coming from the air conditioning. The food I had prepared had gone cold now and I couldn’t take my eyes off the briefcase still laying on the table. My eyelids felt heavy with exhaustion, but I forced myself to stay awake. I turned my ga

Last Updated : 2025-10-12

The night she vanished

SLOANE'S POV“Thank you," I said to the cab driver as I brought out a handful of cash from my purse and handed it to him. He grunted and licked his hands, counting it before giving me a satisfactory nod. After pulling Daisy to the curbside, he drove off, leaving a trail of smoke. I waited for some moments, watching every single person that passed with keen eyes. I still had a feeling I was being watched and I wanted to make sure I was wrong. Seeing no suspicious movement, I pushed the hoodie of my sweatshirt over my head. Adjusting my glasses, I grabbed Daisy's hand and turned to the building behind me. “Good evening, madam," the bellhop standing at the door greeted me and I replied with a nod. He offered to take the suitcase I was dragging behind me but I refused politely. Shocked by my declination, he frowned a bit before putting on that professional smile. “Welcome to Sterling Suites,” he said with a smile as I walked in. "We hope you enjoy your stay.”I adjusted the strap of

Last Updated : 2025-10-12

Rebuilding in the shadows

ADRIAN'S POVI picked up the cigar stick and placed it between my teeth. The air-conditioning hummed softly as a cool breeze wafted into the room. I flicked the lighter, placed it at the tip, and took a slow puff as it caught fire. I stared at the television before me, reading the headlines sliding off the screen. My jaws clenching, I picked the tv remote and turned up the volume.The news anchor’s voice cut through the silence, way too cheery for the headlines below it. “Alright, America, let's dive into the juiciest news of the day. The entire Internet is shocked as America's Socialite Queen, Sloane Harper files for divorce from Business Tycoon, Adrian Cross.” A photograph of Sloane and me standing together popped up on the screen–our wedding day, Sloane smiling at the camera with her arms wrapped around me. I scoffed, shaking my head. Grabbing the vodka bottle beside me, I poured myself a glass. “Social media has erupted, with different posts mocking her, calling her dramatic an

Last Updated : 2025-10-12

The queen returns

Sloane's POV “Good morning, Miss Sloane." “Good morning, Miss Danielle." The receptionist gave me a small nod as I walked past her. I had finally settled with her, explaining my reason for acting rude the day we had met, and she received my apology with warm smiles. She'd tried engaging in a conversation, curious to know what had led to our divorce as the news had gone viral now but I refused to speak about it. I guessed she had told reporters after I had spilled it out the day I arrived and she wanted more information. I wanted to be mad at her for the lack of privacy but something in me silently thanked her for leaking the story–and after he had already signed his part of the divorce papers, how convenient. I could only imagine the look on his face as it slowly dawned on him that I was really not coming back. The elevator chimed and the door slid open. I walked out, putting my head down as I noticed a young man coming out of the room before mine. He gave me a small nod and wal

Last Updated : 2025-10-12

All Chapters of Ex-husband, Step Aside: Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

The silent wife

Cracks in the crown

The night she vanished

Rebuilding in the shadows

The queen returns