All Chapters of Unlovable Beyond Smoke: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Alicia Leon stayed calm and looked at the young woman in front of her.She was very young, maybe twenty-two or twenty-three. She was like a flower just starting to bloom. She was bright and full of life. She was definitely the type Matteo Vitale would like.But if he was having an affair, why did he not come and talk to her himself? Why let this homewrecker barge into her office?Alicia gathered the papers in front of her and said calmly, “Divorce is something that needs to be discussed by the people involved.”Sophia Moretti leaned back in her chair and smirked. “He’s not available right now. Actually, he just doesn’t want to make a scene.”She lifted her chin and added slowly, “It’s not because he loves her. He said that when he was with his wife, she was only twenty-six. They dated for four years and were married for five. She gave him the best years of her life. Asking for a divorce now would be too cruel.”“But people have to move on.” Sophia smiled. “Especially when a man

The neon lights along the street made Alicia’s eyes ache. Matteo did not seem to hear her. He lowered his head slightly. “What did you just say?”Before Alicia could repeat it, his phone rang.He looked at the screen, and his face immediately darkened. His grip on her bag loosened.In the next second, he composed himself. He gave her an almost perfect apologetic smile. “Something came up at the port. I have to go now. Tonight is off the table. I’ll make it up to you another day.”With that, he got into the car and left. He did not give any extra explanation.But Alicia saw it clearly.She had seen the name on his phone. It had been far too intimate to be a random person. The called ID was “Babe.”She stood where she was. She suddenly felt the necklace was as heavy as a chain around her neck.Ten minutes later, she drove to the hotel herself.The suite at the end of the corridor was not fully closed. Warm yellow light filtered through the gap in the door. It was like a provoc

The evening wind blew in from above and chilled her to the bone.Alicia had planned to be alone for a few minutes, but Sophia quickly followed.At the far end of the terrace was a suspended glass walkway. Below them, the club’s courtyard stretched out. Lights glittered, and people moved like ants.Normally, this spot was a favorite for guests to take photos. Today, it was just the two of them.Sophia wrapped herself in Matteo’s jacket. Her smug face was hard to hide. “Alicia, you saw that clearly, right? When something happens, I’m the first person he protects.”Alicia leaned on the railing without turning her head. “Someone who sneaks into another person’s marriage by scheming and by taking advantage of situations shouldn’t act like the attention they get is some kind of honor.”Sophia’s face turned cold. “You really think highly of yourself. Do you know why he married you back then? It was because you could handle the Vitale family’s dirty work. You’re useful, not special.”

For the next few days, Matteo stayed at the hospital almost every day.He turned down many meetings. Even several important family council sessions were done via video calls. He tried to make up for everything by giving her nutritionists, caregivers, the best doctors, and the most expensive supplements.But Alicia did not respond.That afternoon, the sun finally came out.A caregiver pushed her wheelchair to the lake behind the hospital so she could get some fresh air.The wind was cold.Matteo noticed her fingers were cold. He said softly, “I’ll go get a shawl. Stay right here. Wait for me for two minutes.”He turned and walked away. Not long after, Sophia appeared.A bandage still covered her forehead, but her face looked healthier and more vibrant than anyone else’s. She had clearly been well cared for.She stood by the wheelchair and looked down at Alicia. Her voice dripped with mockery. “Top lawyer, how does it feel to be in a wheelchair? You look worse than I expected.”

After she hung up, she changed out of her hospital gown and went to the courthouse alone to collect the sealed divorce judgment.She had just walked out when her law firm partner called her.“Alicia, something has come up. The Rondon office has an urgent cross-border case. They need a senior lawyer who can take charge. The board specifically asked for you. If you still have personal matters to handle in New Yorke, we can give you some time.”Alicia looked at the freshly issued divorce judgment in her hand and said calmly, “Richard, I can go. You don’t need to worry about Matteo. We’re divorced.”There was a brief pause on the other end.Richard Wallace quickly regained his composure. He did not ask about her personal life. “Alright, it’s settled. When can you leave?”Alicia raised her hand and checked her watch. Her voice was clear and firm. “Now.”She went back to the villa and started packing her things.She did not have much. A single twenty-eight-inch suitcase could hold al