Semua Bab Mr. Sterling, Your Ex-wife is a Famous CEO : Bab 11 - Bab 20

Arabella woke slowly, blinking against light that wasn’t fluorescent or harsh. The bed cradled her gently, soft sheets sliding under her fingers. For a moment, she thought she was dreaming—after a month of narrow white walls, locked doors, and uncomfortable chains, this room felt impossibly wide and calm.Tall windows let in sunlight that spilled across polished floors and pale walls, warm and steady. A glass of water sat untouched on the table beside her. When she noticed the subtle hum of monitors beside the bed and the faint smell of antiseptic lingering in the air, it clicked: she was in a hospital. A VIP ward. The last thing she remembered was drawing those birthmarks on the unclaimed body, entering the helicopter with Richard, making demands…then she passed out. When her eyes darted to the low sofa and chairs arranged in the spacious room, she saw him. Richard Gallagher speaking with a doctor while holding some papers in his hand, voices low. When Richard noticed her, he

When Arabella walked into her shared apartment with Vera, the first thing that caught her eyes were the gift boxes laying on the center table. “You went shopping without me?” She screeched, drawing the attention of Vera who was just walking into the living room. Vera Kim, daughter of a Korean-American business mogul, was short and bubbly with long black hair that framed her pretty face and a bright, easy smile that made her stand out.Arabella met Vera in her second year in London. At first she was skeptical and cold, but Vera’s bubbly personality eventually cracked her walls and since then, they’ve become inseparable. “Calm down, those are from one of your suitors.” Vera rolled her eyes, slumping onto the sofa. Arabella’s teeth clenched as she massaged her forehead, “Which one? Mr. Campbell?” The apartment was girly—all pastel pink and cream, with soft throws and fairy lights. Vera's influence everywhere.“No, I like that one. He’s handsome and owns a modeling agency.” Vera quic

BACHELORETTE NIGHTThe party was booming—masks glittering under disco lights, music pulsing through the floor. Vera and her bridesmaids danced while her favorite musician performed a private mini-concert. A few people sat back and just enjoyed the music and their drinks. On the other side of the party hall, the groom-to -be, Derek Greystone sat in the middle between his close friends in the private lounge with a few ladies hanging around as they engaged in a competitive card game. Only one person wasn’t drinking and barely seemed to be enjoying the party. Adrian Sterling. All he had in front of him was a glass of sparkling water and his gaze secretly exploring the bride’s maids. “Who did you say came up with this ridiculous idea of a mask party again?” Adrian asked, removing his mask for the umpteenth time. “Put it on before my baby sees you.” Derek scoffed, rolling his eyes. Another of their friends, Aiden Carter sipped his drink, leaning back, “I thought you were so sure you

WEDDING DAYThe venue was breathtaking—an elegant garden estate with white roses climbing trellises and soft sunlight filtering through the trees. Guests filled the ivory-draped chairs, a string quartet playing softly as everyone waited.Derek stood at the altar in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, hands clasped in front of him, trying and failing to hide his nervous smile. His groomsmen flanked him—Carl, Aiden, and reluctantly, Adrian, who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.The music swelled.Everyone rose.Vera appeared at the end of the aisle, and Derek's composure shattered. His hand flew to his mouth, eyes glistening. She was radiant in white silk and lace, her smile bright enough to rival the sun.Behind her walked the bridesmaids in soft gold dresses.Then came the maid of honor.Arabella.She wore a champagne-colored dress that caught the light with every step, her blonde hair styled in loose waves, no mask, no wig—just her.Adrian's world stopped.His breath caught in

Even though Arabella was staring into the full length mirror of her designated room in the garden estate, she didn't see Ivan work behind her until his hand grazed her shoulder and she flinched. “Are you all right?” he asked, taking his position fully by her side. “Of course!” Arabella quickly feigned a laugh as she turned to face him, “By the way you were cool earlier.” “That's my woman,” Arabella mimicked, giggling a little more sincerely this time. Ivan laughed, “I know, right?” “We could make it real if you want to.” He added, his tone a little too serious. An awkward silence swept the room for a while as Arabella’s thoughts seemed to be drifting off. But he knew her response. "I am not interested in any romantic relationship for now, Ivan." She's always say whenever he brought it up. Still, he never gave up. Ivan held her hands gently, blowing cool air into her right palm, “Did it hurt?” “When you hit him, did your palm hurt?” Arabella lips curved