All Chapters of Unseen Tears Behind The Roses: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

8 Chapters

Chapter 1

"Julian?" The name clawed out of my throat, dry and raspy.The man froze.A second ago, his eyes were dripping with devotion. Now, as his gaze met mine, sheer panic flashed across his face.He masked it instantly. His first instinct was to pull the girl tighter against his chest.Yasmine Reed peeked out from behind his shoulder. Her innocent face twisted in surprise."Vanessa..." Yasmine whimpered, shrinking back. "What are you doing here?"My best friend, Clara Barnes, dropped my medical chart onto the floor."Julian Drake!" Clara roared, pointing a shaking finger at him. "You lied to us! You're supposed to be abroad! Who the hell is this pregnant girl?!"Julian ignored her. His eyes settled on me, icy and completely unfazed."Vanessa, this is a hospital," he said calmly. "Don't make a scene."Unbelievable.Caught red-handed, and he still acted like the authority figure.Just three days ago, he called me on video. He was standing on a dusty construction site, whining abo

Chapter 2

Julian pinched the bridge of his nose. Irritation seeped into every word."Vanessa, do you really have to throw a tantrum right now? Yasmine just finished her fetal heart monitor test. She can't take this stress."He straightened his posture. "I said I will handle this. Your position as my wife isn't changing."Go home," he added. "I'll explain everything tonight."Without waiting for a response, he wrapped an arm around Yasmine and walked right past me.As she brushed by my shoulder, Yasmine turned her head. A victorious smirk played on her lips.She mouthed two words, “Old woman.”I stood frozen. The sharp throb in my twisted ankle was nothing compared to the violent shatter in my chest.I stumbled back to the house in a daze. Looking around at the home we built together felt like a sick joke.Our fifth-anniversary portrait hung on the wall. A sweater I hand-knitted for him rested on the couch.I had been the perfect wife in this house. But I had lost myself along the w

Chapter 3

A proper divorce required a clear accounting of our assets. I helped build Julian’s firm with my own sweat and tears. I wasn't leaving with empty hands.The next morning, I went to my design firm.Though I had stepped back from the front lines, I was still a founding partner. It had just been a while since I ran a project myself.Shortly after I sat down, Susan Gabriel, the young receptionist, hurried into my office. Her expression was strange."Vanessa, there’s a Mr. Drake and a Miss Reed outside. They insisted on seeing you to design a nursery."My hand froze on my mouse. A cold laugh welled up in my chest.Julian, you really push your luck.When I entered the conference room, Yasmine was leaning against Julian’s chest, flipping through a design portfolio.Seeing me enter, she stood up immediately. Her face brightened into a sweet smile."Vanessa! You're here!"Julian said you're the best interior designer in the city," she said, practically singing the words. "He insiste

Chapter 4

Yasmine went to the hospital for a ‘threatened miscarriage,’ and Julian put all the blame on me.That afternoon, my mother called."Vanessa, what is going on between you and Julian? Why did he suddenly stop the payments for your father's clinic?"My head throbbed. Blood rushed to my ears.My father had severe kidney disease. He was receiving high-end dialysis treatments at a private clinic.Those expenses were always paid through Julian’s company account. That was one of the strict terms I set when I transferred my shares to him years ago.I called Julian immediately. The second he answered, his voice dripped with arrogance."Vanessa, have you learned your lesson yet?""Julian! Deal with me directly!" I growled, holding back my rage. "Cutting off my father's medical funds, what kind of man does that?!"Julian chuckled softly on the line."Yasmine was terrified because of you. She's still on bed rest trying to save our baby. Consider your father's medical bill the compensati

Chapter 5

My mother was rushed into the emergency room. Thankfully, the doctors acted fast enough to save her life.Sitting by her bed, looking at her pale, hollow face, I pulled out my phone and texted Attorney Ford.[Is the agreement ready? I won't compromise on the asset division by a single cent. If he refuses, file a lawsuit immediately.]He texted back shortly.[Your finances are heavily intertwined, but I'll have everything finalized in three days max.]Three days later, holding the drafted divorce papers, I walked straight into Julian's company.From the office space selection to the interior layout, from our very first client to our current scale, my shadow was everywhere in this building.Yet, the receptionist stepped forward to block my path."Mrs. Drake, Mr. Drake is in a meeting. You can't go in.""I am the co-founder of this company," I said, cold and sharp. "Get out of my way."I shoved past her, marched up to the executive suite, and kicked the office door open.Insi

Chapter 6

Julian didn't sign the papers. He assumed I was just making empty threats.The firm's annual gala came up a week later.As a co-founder, I was naturally on the guest list.Julian had assumed I wouldn't show up.When I walked into the ballroom wearing a tailored red evening gown, a flash of admiration lit up his eyes. Then, his brow furrowed.Yasmine was there too, wearing a loose white dress. She kept up her fragile, helpless act.A glint of jealousy flashed across Yasmine’s eyes when she saw me. But she quickly put on a sweet smile, leaning heavily on Julian’s arm as they walked over."Vanessa, you look so beautiful tonight," she purred. "Julian said you hated these events. I thought you weren't coming."I raised my wine glass, took a slow sip, and didn't even grant her a glance.Julian lowered his voice, dropping a sharp warning. "Vanessa, major clients are here tonight. Don't make a scene."I curled my lips into a cold smile. "Don't worry, Mr. Drake. I'm only here to

Chapter 7

With Yasmine dealt with, Julian finally remembered me.He started looking for me like a madman. He called, sent endless messages, and ambushed me at my parents' clinic.That morning, I finished walking my mother through her checkup. As I stepped out of the clinic doors, I saw Julian standing in the rain.He had no umbrella. He was soaked through.His hair, usually styled to perfection, hung messy across his forehead. His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked entirely broken.The moment he saw me, his eyes lit up. He stumbled forward, reaching out to hug me.I took a step back, looking at him with cold eyes.His hands froze in midair. His voice was raspy and broken."Vanessa... I was wrong... I truly know I was wrong.""I was blind. I was fooled by that wretched woman," he choked out. "I shouldn't have doubted you. I shouldn't have threatened you with your father's medical bills."He pulled a soaked document folder from his jacket and offered it to me with trembling hands."

Chapter 8

Julian’s eyes lit up. He wiped his hands quickly on his pants and followed me out.We walked up to the clinic rooftop.The night wind was cold, clearing the heavy air around us."Vanessa, you're finally willing to speak to me," Julian murmured, rubbing his hands together nervously."Your father's condition has stabilized. The specialists said…""Julian," I interrupted, pulling a fresh divorce agreement from my bag and holding it out to him."Sign it. This is the last time I'm offering this. If you refuse, a court summons will arrive at your firm tomorrow."The faint hope on his face froze completely.He stared blankly at the pages, the light in his eyes fading into complete shadow."Why?" his voice trembled. "I'm changing. I really am."I gave you all my money. I'm trying to make amends every single day... why won't you forgive me?""Because broken glass cannot be put back together," I said, my voice as calm as if discussing the weather. "And late devotion is completely wort

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