All Chapters of THE BARREN EX-WIFE WHO CAME BACK: Chapter 91 - Chapter 100

VANESSA'S POV"Any husband would have done for his wife."His words replayed in my mind, and I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from reacting. Nicholas was so good at this—so damn good at teasing me with these statements that sounded genuine, that felt genuine, when we both knew the truth.Our marriage was a contract.A business arrangement.Nothing more.Except it didn't feel like nothing when he'd kissed me in that elevator. It didn't feel like a contract when his hands had been in my hair, when he'd looked at me like I was the only thing that mattered in the world.I opened my mouth to respond—when my phone rang, shattering the moment.The sound cut through the silence of the examination room, and I fumbled for my phone with my good hand, grateful for the distraction.The screen displayed a number I recognized immediately.The call was from Elijah's school.My stomach dropped."Who is it?" Nicholas asked, straightening from his position by the door."The principal," I an

VANESSA'S POVPrincipal Morrison's office was exactly what I'd expected—all dark wood paneling, leather furniture, and framed certificates that screamed old money and established prestige."Mrs. Lancaster," Principal Morrison began again, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "I understand you're upset, but perhaps if you'd taken a seat and allowed me to explain the situation calmly—""I don't want to fucking sit down," I snapped, watching her eyes widen at my language. "And I don't need you to explain anything to me. I need you to tell me why my six-year-old son is being accused of assault."Her expression tightened, her professional mask slipping slightly. "Mrs. Lancaster, the language—""Did I ask for your opinion?" I interrupted. "My son is sitting in your counselor's office crying because you've labeled him a bully. So you're going to tell me exactly what happened, and you're going to tell me right now."Principal Morrison's mouth opened and closed like a fish. She clearly wasn

VANESSA'S POV I still couldn't believe my eyes. Their words didn't make sense.They couldn't make sense."What?" I whispered. "You can't—this is insane. My son didn't do anything wrong—""Mrs. Lancaster, there have been serious allegations of violence and aggressive behavior," Madam Theresa continued calmly, like she was discussing the weather instead of destroying my entire world. "And we've been granted emergency custody of your son.""Emergency custody?" My voice rose. "You're taking my son? You can't take my son!""Ma'am, please step aside," one of the officers said."No!" I moved to block the doorway, my body trembling with panic and rage. "You're not taking him. He's my son. He did nothing wrong. This is all lies—Isabella is lying—""Mrs. Lancaster, this will be easier if you cooperate," Madam Theresa said, her voice still maddeningly calm. "The court order is legal and binding. We can do this peacefully, or we can involve additional law enforcement. Your choice."I looked pas

SEBASTIAN'S POVMy hands were still shaking as I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts until I found Principal Morrison's number.She answered on the third ring, her voice cautious. "Mr. Lancaster? It's rather late—""My daughter just confessed," I interrupted, my voice tight with barely controlled anger. "Maya told me everything. She lied about Elijah. He never hurt her. He never bullied her. Isabella ordered her to make false accusations."There was a long, heavy silence on the other end.She couldn't speak. Of course, she couldn't. "Principal Morrison?" I prompted sharply."I—I see," she stammered. "Mr. Lancaster, I don't know what to—""You accused an innocent child of assault," I cut in coldly. "You foolishly believed Elijah was capable of hurting my daughter. What exactly did you do after Maya made those accusations?""We followed standard protocol," she answered quickly, but I could hear the fear in her voice. "We documented the incident, called Mrs. Isabella L

VANESSA'S POVAfter Sebastian drove off, I stood in the driveway holding Elijah, watching his car's taillights disappear into the darkness.My son was finally back in my arms, but the relief I should have felt was overshadowed by the look I'd seen on Nicholas's face through that car window.The devastation.The betrayal.The hurt he'd tried so desperately to hide but couldn't quite manage.I looked toward the mansion and saw that Nicholas had already gone inside. The front door was closed, and most of the lights were off except for a few upstairs.He didn't want to face me.He probably couldn't even stand to look at me."Come on, baby," I whispered to Elijah, adjusting my grip on him. "Let's get you inside."I carried him through the front entrance. The house was eerily quiet---the staff had clearly been dismissed for the night, probably by Nicholas when he'd gotten home and found us gone.Elijah's head rested heavily on my shoulder, his breathing already evening out with exhaustion.