All Chapters of Ex-husband, Step Aside: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

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

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

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

SLOANE'S POVThe morning light hits my face before the alarm rings. I sit up, staring at the wall, trying to remember what day it is. Then I remember—first day at Evelyn’s firm. My hands tremble for a second, but I tell myself I’m fine. I whisper that everything starts again today. Daisy’s soft breathing from the next room calms me, and I feel a small wave of strength move through me.Evelyn greets me at the office door with her usual sharp smile. Her voice cuts through the noise of people talking and phones ringing. “You’re early, good,” she says, and I nod, clutching my folder too tight. My mind races with thoughts of proving myself, of not failing again. She walks me through the desks and the glass walls, speaking fast. I listen and tell myself that I belong here.I sit at a small desk near the window. My computer hums, and papers wait for me to fill them with meaning. I start typing, thinking about how far I’ve come from the empty house I left behind. My fingers move fast, like I

POV: Adrian Sloane’s defiance burns through my mind every day. I used to think she would crawl back, but she keeps rising instead. I sit in my office, staring at the reports, and every number reminds me of her stubbornness.She was supposed to fall apart when I left. That was the plan. She was supposed to beg for help, not build herself up. I tap my pen against the table, thinking of her face when she told me she didn’t need me anymore.Mia walks in without knocking, wearing that bored expression she calls seductive. She leans on the wall, waiting for me to notice her. I ignore her at first, pretending to read an email that doesn’t matter.“You’ve been distant,” she says, her voice soft but sharp. I sigh, rubbing my temple. “I’m busy,” I tell her. It’s true, but not in the way she thinks. My mind isn’t on her. It’s on Sloane.Mia moves closer, trying to kiss me. I let her, just for a moment, then pull away. She frowns, frustrated. “You used to want me,” she says. I smirk faintly. “I