Ch. 401..410

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 401-Gabe.

I wake up with a groan and my dick is as hard as granite. Fuck, when I decided to sign a marriage contract with Harper, I had not counted on how hard it would be. I didn't count on how she would affect me. I had the worst case of blue balls, and my dick screamed from how painfully hard it was.

Getting out of my bed, I walk the small distance to the bathroom, my cock pointing the way. I still don't know how the fuck this is possible. I mean, I'm not a fucking teen boy who can't control his desires. I can't even remember the last time I woke up with a boner. Yet it hasn't even been a month since Harper came back, yet I'm acting like a damn school boy.

I honestly don't even know how this is possible. I don't get how she can affect me when she never did before. Apart from her curves and attitude, she's still the same Harper I knew before, so I don't understand why she now affects me so much.

Pushing those thoughts to the back of my mind, I step into the shower. My cold water can help take care of my very hard problem.

Minutes later, I get out of the shower still hard and so fucking frustrated. I know it's probably been way more than thirty minutes. The longest shower I've ever had while alone.

Toweling off, I head to my bedroom, not bothering to cover up. It was almost six in the morning, so I wasn't afraid that Lilly would accidentally walk into my room unannounced. If she has noticed that her parents aren't sleeping together, I don't know, because she hasn't said a word.

Sitting on my bed, legs spread open, I grab my dick in a hard and tight fist. I haven't done this in a long time. I haven't had the need to since I wasn't bed partners to take care of things.

Her image flashes behind my closed eyes, shocking me to the core. I had not planned on thinking of her, but the moment I closed my eyes she's all I could see.

A groan leaves my mouth when an image of tits bouncing up and down while she's riding me takes root in my mind, becoming clearer and clearer as seconds pass.

I could almost taste, and I could almost feel her wet pussy as it easily slid down on my dick. I could almost feel just how tight she is and how fucking good she felt as her pussy walls gripped me tightly. My thrusts become hard as I push up to slam inside her over and over. I grab her hips, holding her steady as I pound her, completely forgetting that she's the one in control. That she's supposed to be riding. I feel the familiar tingling down my spine. There's an anticipation as my balls start to throb and tighten with each and every stroke.

"Gabriel-"

At first, I think I was imagining her voice, but at the sound of the door opening, my eyes snaps open.

Harper was standing at the door, her eyes wide with shock. She seems paralyzed, as her eyes move from my face to my dick.

I don't know why, but I don't stop. I keep eye contact with her as I continue to pump my cock, groaning as the buildup continues to rise. My eyes fall to her chest, she was still wearing her fucking nighties that kept driving me insane.

The image in my head changes and I imagine myself cuming all over her tits.

My balls tighten, and I close my eyes as I feel my climax travel all the way from my balls to the tip of my cock. Within seconds, I'm cumming, and it has never felt better.

I milk my dick and when I'm done, I open my eyes. The door was now closed and Harper was nowhere to be seen. Getting up, I clean myself up before putting my suit on.

I can't say that I'm embarrassed that she saw me, though I know it would surprise her if she knew she was the one I was imagining.

Sighing, I leave my room and go to hers. I knock and minutes later, she opens it, her eyes wide.

"Why aren't you ready yet?" I asked, while snapping my cufflinks into place. "We should be having breakfast right now."

"I-I" she stammered, seeming like she was having a hard time forming a sentence.

"I admit I got distracted," I said with a smirk. "But we'll be late if you don't hurry up."

She seemed flushed. I grin, not really sure if it's because she's embarrassed she caught me in the act or something else. Either way, I don't mind she saw me jerking off. "I don't think this is a good idea," she finally managed to say the words.

"And why is that?"

"Because-" she tries to come up with a reason, but she fails.

"If this is about what you saw-" her cheeks turn into a deep shade of pink.

"No it's not," she cuts me off, though her stammering voice says otherwise.

"Then working with me shouldn't be a problem, unless I affect you in some way.

Is that it? You're afraid you can't stay away from me once we start working in close proximity. Are you afraid that it'll only be a matter of time before you are begging for my cock?" I goaded her.

I smile triumphantly when my words affect her.

Her fist clench. "Why you, infuriating, egoistic ass-"

I cut her off before she could finish. "Look, it doesn't matter, okay? Think about it, you want to take over Unity ventures and do a better job at running it. What better way to do that, than to learn from one of the best?"

in I see her contemplating that and also see the moment she resigns herself to the truth of my words.

"Get ready, so we can get going," I told her, and then turned around to leave after she nodded her head.

Thirty minutes later, she walked inside the kitchen. She had little makeup on and her hair was thrown in a bun, with loose tendrils framing her face. She was wearing a silk creamy pink blouse that showed a bit of cleavage, a tight black pencil skirt that showed her black 'fuck me' heels.

I swallow hard. Damn it, this was going to be a long two years.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 402-Harper.

Jackson, one of Gabriel's drivers, opens the door for me and I get in, Gabriel slipping in beside me.

I still can't believe that I'd agreed to this, but deep down I know that it made sense. Gabriel was right, there was no better way to get experience running a company than learning from the best. When it came to business, Gabriel and Rowan were the best out there. They even surpassed their father who had retired but was still head of the board members.

It took me a while to get ready because I couldn't decide what to wear. I worked from home most of the time and when I did go to the company, I put on casual

clothes since the company I used to work for was a bit laid back.

I wanted to look presentable and make a good first impression. I didn't have a lot of work clothes and I planned to go shopping this weekend. Money was tight, but I could do with a few skirts and blouses. After settling on what to wear, I went to have breakfast. Gabriel had given me a quick once over before going back to his phone. After I was done, it was time to leave. Lilly wasn't awake yet, so I left a message with Sharone.

"So, what kind of work will you assign me?" I asked once Gabriel was seated and we started moving.

His presence filled the entire place and his cologne was intoxicating. The way he filled the space next to me with his broad shoulders and muscular thighs took me back to a few hours ago when I walked into his room unannounced.

The image of him with his fist around his long, thick and hard cock makes my mouth water. Don't judge me. It's been a few years since I've gotten any action.

Any woman in my position would salivate at that. I try banishing the memory, but it's no good. I can't stop seeing his eyes locked on mine as he fisted himself.

Neither can I unhear his groan of pleasure nor unsee as his cum shot up from the tip of his cock. I clump my thighs together to try and stop the throbbing down there. This was wrong on so many levels. I should be lusting after him. Not him.

Not the same man that broke my heart into a thousand pieces years ago.

"Harper-"

I screech, when I hear my name. I turn to look at him, burning with embarrassment. I'm damn afraid that he'll see or somehow sense that I've been picturing his dick.

I wonder what or who he was thinking of when he was jerking off. Nope, definitely no. I'm not going to go there.

His eyes narrow into slits, and I'm so fucking afraid he'd sensed what I was thinking of. I can feel my burning cheeks, and I'm sure it's a dead giveaway that my thoughts were completely dirty. "Why the hell are you so skittish?" he asked, and I swallowed before adjusting myself in my seat.

"Nothing" I replied quickly. "I'm just a bit nervous, that's all."

Damn it, I really needed to get myself under control. Maybe I was just using what I saw as a way to distract myself from being nervous. I was going to Wood's Corporation, after all. That alone would make anyone nervous.

"And why don't I believe you?"

"I don't know" I snapped, a little irritated with myself for thinking about him naked. "And it isn't my damn problem."

His lips thin and his chest puffs out as he takes a deep breath. "Anyway, as I was saying… I think you'll learn more from me, it makes sense if you are my P.A."

Fuck. I had not thought we'd be working this close together. I thought he'd just hand me over to one of the departments or something. Being his P.A meal net that we'd be spending more time together than I'd originally planned.

It's not what you're thinking, but it was already hard enough that I saw him at home, now at work too?

"I don't think-"

He cuts me off before I get the chance to finish what I wanted to say. That just irritates me even more because he's growing a habit of doing that a lot lately. He's a man et that likes to take charge. I understand that, but I'm also a woman that hates being controlled. He just makes decisions without even consulting me first, and I hate that.

"Since that's settled, let's get out" he said, staring at his watch. "We are already here."

At his words, I look outside the window. It's then that I realize we were in the underground and the car had been parked.

Jackson opens the door and my heart begins beating wildly. Damn it, I was so not ready for this.

"Are you coming?" he was already out of the car and was looking at me in question.

Maybe I should have fought harder to stay home instead of agreeing to work here with him. Anyway, it was already too late for me to back out now.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 403-"Harper, will you get out of the car? You're wasting my time", Gabriel snapped at me.

I lift my head and look at him. His brows were furrowed, and he seemed to be impatient and irritated. I sigh before getting out. This was the Gabriel I was used to. Cold, arrogant and rude.

I straighten my skirt before taking my handbag. He starts moving, and I follow behind him like a lamb being led to the slaughterhouse. I was so nervous, I felt like my heart was about to jump out of my fucking chest.

I was stepping into Gabriel's world. Into his domain. It was a bit uncomfortable and scary being in a place where he had full control of every single aspect.

Gabriel presses the button for the lift and it opens. Stepping in, I stand beside him and try to cool down my wildly beating heart.

"The only ones who have access to this elevator is my family, and it takes us directly to the upper floor where our offices are" he begins, then continues. "I'll add you to the system, so you don't have to use the ordinary elevator."

I'm astonished at this level of prestige. Yes, my family was rich, but we never had a private elevator in our building. Everyone, including the CEO and founding family, used the two elevators provided. "Okay" I answered.

"I'll also provide you with your own car and driver" he added, while taking out his phone. "You know that I work late, and I'm sure you'd want to go home early because of Lilly, so you can be leaving at five like the rest unless I want you work past hours. He can also drive you anywhere else you want to go."

I nod my head, I didn't need my own driver and I could drive myself, but I wasn't in the mood to start an argument with him.

Being home in the evening was one of the things I was worried about. He made it home only a few minutes before Lilly went to sleep. I'd like to be there with her after work hours. Help her with her homework and have dinner together. I'm glad he was considerate enough when it came to my evenings.

"We'll be arriving to work together except on those days I have to be in the office earlier than usual, and on the few days when I leave work early" he said.

"Why?"

I don't get it and to be honest, it's not a good idea to be around each other this much. I don't want any distractions. My main goal is to finish these two years and walk away with my family's legacy. "We are married. People expect us to be in love. Everyone knows that I'm not exactly a one-woman man and no woman has been able to tie me down-"

I cut him off before he could finish his sentence, "In other words, they know that you're a manwhore."

He glares at me, but it doesn't really faze me. He can glare all he wants. I said nothing wrong. I was only stating the facts.

"Like I was saying, they know me, so they'll think there has to be something special about you for you to be able to bag me, hence we have to give them what they want, the lovey-dovey kind of shit… That includes coming to work together, opening doors for you, eating lunch together and attending events together. We can also go for dinner dates and such crap."

"You're not serious" I stared at him in shock.

It wasn't enough that I had to work alongside him, but also to eat lunch together and attend functions? That's just spending too much time together.

"Oh, I'm serious" he beamed at me, obviously being sarcastic. "The board wanted me to settle down and get married. We have to sell it to them that I have finally found my match."

The door opens into an exquisite space, with white walls, expressive art and an expensive-looking carpet. He places a hand on my lower back and guides me.

"Good morning Mr. Wood," two women say in unison, stopping us.

They stare at me curiously, their eyes zeroed in on Gabriel's hand on my back.

"What are you doing here?" he asked them, his voice as cold as Antarctica.

A pretty blond answers, her voice stammering in the process. "We were just delivering the documents you asked for from the MD and head of finance."

"You know fucking well you're not allowed up here. Let this be the last time you come here. Either have Christopher come get the documents or let Tristan and Ben come hand over the documents themselves… Am I clear?"

You can clearly see the fear in their eyes. Their legs were shaking and honest to God, I was afraid they would pee on themselves.

"Y-yes sir" they stammered before rushing off as if the pants were on fire.

"Why are they not allowed on this floor?" I asked him after they left.

He nudges me to continue walking. "About two years ago one of our employees tried to steal an important document, so he could sell it to our biggest competitor That file would have cost us billions had it landed in the wrong hands. Since then, Rowan and I agreed that only the higher ups and our secretaries would be allowed on this floor."

"Damn, that's terrible… where is the person now?"

"Dead" he replied in that same detached, cold voice.

I can't stop the gasp that escapes my lips. "You killed him?"

"No, but by the time we were done with him, he wished he was dead" he spat.

"He ended up killing himself in prison a few months later."

"You don't seem to be bothered by that."

Gabriel stops and faces me. His eyes sent chills down my back and reminded me just how dangerous this man was.

"You have to understand one thing here, Harper, no one steals from me or hurts my family and gets away with it, so yes, I'm not bothered that the asshole killed himself. In fact, I slept like a damn baby when heard the news."

He continues walking, guiding me as if he hadn't just revealed the lengths he would go to punish those that offend him.

Moral of the story, don't get on Gabriel's bad side, or you'll end up dead by your own hands and not his. Doesn't matter if he didn't kill you, the point is, you'll be dead either way.

I don't know which one is worse.

Him killing you or him driving you to kill yourself. Either way, I'm going try and keep as much distance. between us. It can't be that hard to engage with him only when it's about work or Lilly, right?

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 404-He begins walking again and I follow behind him.

"This is Rowan's office" he says after we stop in front of a door.

It had his brother's name on it. I nod my head, not really sure why I needed to know that. Sure, I'm going to work for him, but will I really need to engage with the other higher tops?

"My office is right next to his, but let me give you a quick tour before I let my other P.A show you the rest and guide you on what you'll be doing."

"That's really not necessary… I'm sure you P.A can give me a tour. You must have a lot to do" I tell him in a sickly-sweet voice.

Gabriel is infamous for sleeping with his personal assistants, and he has never really tried to hide that dirty fact.

It bothered me so fucking much when we were married. I hated knowing that he was my husband, yet he couldn't keep his dick in his pants. It's not like I couldn't give him sex if he wanted, but I knew he never would have asked.

Apart from being a manwhore who enjoyed a variety of women, Gabriel liked the fact that it hurt me. He used it as a way of punishing him for us getting married. I just didn't understand his need to punish me. It's not like he was forced to marry me, he is the one that came to me and proposed after speaking to my brother.

His behavior confused me for such a long time. Why ask me to marry him when he knew he wasn't going to be faithful to me?

Since I came back, I've done some research on him,and over the years, nothing has changed. He still banged his secretaries and anything with a vagina. The last thing I want is to meet the woman he had been fucking before the Board forced his hand.

"It's no trouble… I'm your husband, it's the least I can do" his rich voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"Honestly, Gabriel, don't trouble yourself" I insist, trying to get him to leave.

I was stuck in an impossible situation. I didn't want to be around him, but I also didn't really want his damn P.A to give me a tour. I'm sure I could figure out things on my own.

Instead of answering or agreeing, he grabs my hand and pulls me down the hallway. The man was fucking stubborn. Didn't he have some documents he needed to look at? Or meetings? Didn't he get the fucking hint that I really didn't want him around me?

I fume as we move down the hall, and he shows me around. There weren't many rooms on this floor. The main ones were Rowan and Gabriel's offices, the boardroom and a lounge area that came with a small bar area.

"Any questions?" he asks after he's done with the tour.

He still has my hand in his, which is weird. Weird that he hasn't let it go and even weirder that I haven't.

He leads me to his office. The interior designer sure did a wonderful job with it. It was very masculine with its grey color scheme. I'm an interior designer and can appreciate that whoever it is, did a great job.

Remembering that he'd asked me a question, I pull myself from admiring his office and turn to him.

"Yes, you said that I'd be your P.A, what exactly would I be doing?" I ask staring at him.

"I'll have my other secretary come in… You'll be working together, so he can guide you on how I like this" he answers, but I'm stuck on that one word.

"He?"

He looks at me as I stare at him with shock. Walking to his office, he grabs the phone and lifts it to his ear.

"Christopher, will you come in?" he says into the phone before putting it down.

Seconds later, there is a knock on the door, before it opens to reveal a man I assume is Christopher.

"You called Boss?" he asks as he stares at me curiously.

"You weren't at your desk when we got here," Gabriel noted, his eyes narrowed.

Christopher doesn't seem fazed by Gabriel at all.

"I'm sorry about that, I'd left to collect the weekly reports from the departments.

They're on my desk right now."

There is a beat of silence before Gabriel moves and sits at the edge of the desk.

My eyes involuntarily move to his powerful thighs. There was just something powerful about a powerful man doing this pose.

Shaking my head, I banish those thoughts. There must be something wrong with me. Otherwise, why is it that one second, I'm attracted to him and the next, I'm hating him because of how he treated me in the past.

swn "So let me make an introduction, so we can get back to work" Gabriel says, his voice not revealing anything.

"Harper, this is Christopher, my secretary, and Christopher, this is Harper, my wife" he introduces us in a very flat tone.

"Wife?" Christopher looks as shocked as I am.

We both stare at each other, surprise evident in our faces. For him, it must be because of Gabriel's new status as a married man, as for me it's the fact that he has a male personal assistant. Since the fuck when did that happen?

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 405-"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Wood," he says after a while, giving me a blinding smile. "It's a pleasure as well" I respond, shaking his hand. "And you can just call me Harper."

"Since that's out of the way, Christopher, Harper will be working beside you. I need her to learn a few things, so please show her everything there is to know,"

Gabriel says, pulling out attention to him. "Absolutely Boss"

He's about to turn, but then stops. "And please don't tell anyone she's my wife as yet. If anyone asks, just stay quiet." he adds, before rounding the desk and taking his seat.

Christopher's eyes shift from me to Gabriel. There was a look of confusion, but I couldn't clear it for him. We had agreed that until Gabriel's parents knew, we wouldn't announce of marriage.

"You can both leave" Gabriel told us in a distracted voice. His were on the documents in his hands, and we no longer existed for him.

"Come on, Harper," Christopher holds the door for me. "I can start by first giving you a tour of the departments, that way the other employees can meet you."

I step through the door and Christopher follows behind me. He starts walking and I follow in step.

"How long have you been Gabriel's P.A?" I ask out of curiosity.

If I am being honest, I am still a little bit surprised that Gabriel has a male secretary. If I were to guess correctly, then it wasn't his decision.

"About five months now" he replies. "The board hired me after-"

He keeps quiet, holding back as if afraid that he's going to offend me or something. Doesn't he realize that I know my husband?

"After he slept with the last one?" I finish for him in more of a statement than a question.

He clears his throat as if I've made him uncomfortable. "Well-well-"

He's struggling for words, but I know what I said is the truth. The board thought they could control Gabriel. I guess that's where me and Christopher come in.

"It's okay" I mutter, trying to clear the awkward atmosphere. "I knew Gabriel long ago. I know what he's like, Christopher."

After that, we are quiet as he ushers me to the elevator. This one was much different from the private one Gabriel and I rode.

"First stop, the finance department", Christopher smiles as the door opens.

We walk out and into an open space. All eyes turn to us and I spot one of the women from earlier.

"Where do you want to start?" Christopher asks, while I'm trying my best to calm my nervousness.

I hate it when the attention is on me. It makes me feel suffocated.

"Anywhere is fine with me" I stammer the words while wishing that every single person could just mind their own damn business and stop staring.

He was about to lead me yet again when a man stopped him in his tracks.

"Christopher, there is something I need you to check out" he said, giving me a curious glance before they settle on Christopher.

"Is it important?"

"Yes" he simply replied.

Christopher looked conflicted.

"Is it okay if I leave you here for a little bit?" he asks, his voice full of guilt. "I promise it won't take long.

I wanted to shout at him not to dare leave me. Instead, I smile and nod my head. They leave, and I'm left standing in the middle of the open space like a damn idiot… well, that's untika gorgeous woman with glasses, looking a sexy librarian, approaches me.

"So, you are the bitch that has Gabriel's attention now?" she sneers, sizing me up down, "Don't get used to it, you may be his flavor of the month, but that'll change soon." I take it back. She isn't gorgeous, she is a bitch with a capital B.

How can someone be so vicious?

My eyes shift to the blonde from earlier. I guess she couldn't keep her mouth shut.

"Stay the fuck away from Gabriel, he is mine, do you understand?" she whispers, her face close to mine.

I take a step back as my face hardens and something cold takes root inside.

"I don't know who the fuck you are and I don't fucking care… You need to watch the way you speak to me because I'm not someone you can easily bully" I grit out through clenched teeth, anger washing over me. sŵnovel.net "Is everything okay?"

We had not noticed Christopher approaching us, and we turn to face him.

I force a smile. "Yes, she was just leaving."

With a huff, she turns and stomps away. Christopher turns to me with a concerned look.

"That's Milly, don't let her sweet innocent look fool you… You need to watch out for her. She can be a viper when she wants to" he tells me in a soft voice. "Honestly, I don't even know how she's still here when she's a bully."

son I just smile at him as I watch Milly glare at me.

The rest of the day goes without anymore encounters, but something tells me that Milly is going to be a problem. A big fucking problem.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 406-When Gabriel told me that we would be visiting his family during their weekly barbecue, I didn't think it would be this soon.

Yesterday was hectic at the office. It was clear that Gabriel had an entourage of female employees that wanted a piece of him. To be honest, I didn't mind. He couldn't help that he was smoking hot. What I minded was some of the hateful and jealous looks I got from some of those women.

If I had thought that Milly was the only one that wanted to stake her claim, well I had been wrong. I can't tell you the number of times I was stopped by some women when Christopher had sent me down to complete a task.

Apparently, the two women Gabriel had scolded were responsible for spreading the news that I was Gabriel's new woman. I guess his hand on my lower back said it all. The good news is that they all thought that I was a fleeting hookup, and he would soon get tired of me.

They felt it was their place to warn me not to get too comfortable around here because Gabriel would get tired of me in a few weeks. I wonder how they'll react once word gets out that I am his wife.

When the clock struck five, Gabriel surprised me by coming home with me.

That's when he told me about the weekly barbecue at his parent's house. I spent the whole night hyperventilating and thinking of all the things that could go wrong.

"You're up early" his smoky and deep voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"I couldn't sleep, so I woke up to make breakfast" I reply taking a sip of my coffee.

Gabriel told me that we could leave at noon, but I just couldn't sleep. By the time dawn came, I was already awake. I know that I'd crash after and sleep like the dead after this day is over, but I didn't mind. I am used to it. I am used to being unable to sleep when I am anxious about something and then falling asleep after whatever thing I was anxious about passes.

He stares at me in shock. "You've been up all night?"

Thankfully, he had a t-shirt on today, so I couldn't get distracted by his broad chest. That being said, his closeness and body heat are making me uncomfortable. Uncomfortable in that, there is a strong pull towards him.

"No, I got around three hours of sleep, but that's enough" I whisper, trying to push the need that arises inside me.

To distract myself, I pour him a cup of coffee. "Do you still have your coffee black with no sugar?"

"Yes" he nods, and I grab a mug before pouring the liquid nectar inside.

It used to shock me that he could take his coffee like that. I never really understood how he could take it with no sugar or milk.

"Why do you take it like that? Isn't it bitter?" I ask completely puzzled.

I've always wanted to ask him, but he was never home enough for me to ask…

And when he was, we never shared any kind of meal.

Liam liked his with sugar and cream.

He couldn't take it any other way. Thinking of him makes me realize that I haven't thought about him or his death since we moved herez was so busy with my new life that I wasn't constantly thinking of him or how his loss affected me, "Harper?"

I pull my eyes and focus on Gabriel Forcing the thoughts of Liam into the back of my mind. I liked the fact that wasn't sad most of the fact That I wasn't constantly thinking of him.

I clear my throat, "Hmm?"

"I asked if you wanted to try it," Gabriel says, shocking me. "I can't really explain why I love it this way, but maybe tasting it will shed some light."

I slowly nod, putting my cup down as he hands me his. I don't know how to feel about this. About him offering his cup. The same cup he has already taken a few sips from. I mean, his lips were on it. Do you get how huge that is?

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 407-I am in a trance as pick up the mug and bring it to my lips. Well, that is until its taste hits my mouth and I end up spitting the liquid out.

"That's disgusting. How do you even stand it?" I question, wiping my mouth.

For the first time, I hear Gabriel laugh. It's a deep and sultry laugh that does things to my body. The kind of laugh that makes you forget your name. Am I the only one who finds laughs attractive? He shrugs his shoulders, "It's something you acquire a taste for over time. It's not for everyone."

It's like I've lost my damn voice, so instead I just nod my head. I'm still stuck on the fact that Gabriel laughed. His laugh then turns into a beautiful genuine smile.

One that I have never seen before. It's captivating and part of me hates that it captivated me.

"Are you okay?" he pushes himself close. "You look awestruck."

"You have a beautiful laugh and smile"

The moment those words are out of my mouth, I feel like punching myself. Why would I say that? Why would I let those words slip from my lips? The last thing I wanted was for him to think that I still had something for him.

"What?"

"Nothing" I rush to say, before spinning around and grabbing a kitchen rag to wipe the small droplets that fell on the counter when I spit the coffee out.

I could feel my cheek burning from embarrassment. I let my head fall, so my hair could hide my flaming cheeks.

Gabriel was different. So fucking different from before and it was starting to affect me. Part of me liked this new him, but the other was desperate for the villain he was. That way could continue hating him and keeping my distance. Content "Harper-" he calls my name, but I continue wiping the counter, completely ignoring him.

In fact, I am about to escape to my room in the next two seconds. I needed to get my head straight. Keep myself focused and my head back in the game. There was no time for old feelings. I couldn't allow myself to get lost in him like I did years ago.

Gabriel wasn't a one-woman kind of man. There was also so much history between us. So much pain and hate for us to ever work out. Falling for him again would only fead to disaster. Getting involved with him will lead to my heartbreak. I couldn't allow that.

I couldn't go back to the girl whose heart hurt and bled day in day out. It would kill me to go through that a second time. I had Lilly to think of, and she deserved a mother who was not nursing a heartbreak. Throwing the rag in the sink, I was about to leave when he grabbed my hand, pulling me to him.

"Look at me, Harper," he commands.

When I don't obey, he places his finger on my chin before lifting my head. My eyes clash with his intense grey ones. I couldn't handle the intensity, so I shift my eyes, trying to look at anywhere except at him.

A gasp leaves my mouth when he runs his finger along my lips. I stare at him only to find his eyes fixed on my lips. There was a need throbbing inside me.

Something was pushing me to move closer and seal our lips.

It seems like he has the same thought because he starts to lean down. I close my eyes, as I feel him close, just a breath away.

"What are you doing?" Lilly's voice breaks the spell, making us jump away from each other.

My heart is beating wildly as I stare at my daughter, not really sure what to tell her… And completely horrified that I almost kissed Gabriel.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 408-Lilly was staring at us, her eyes shifting from me to her father. I see the questions in them. The curiosity concerning me and Gabriel.

Like I said, this wasn't supposed to happen. I wasn't supposed to be attracted to Gabriel after all these years apart. I honestly thought that I'd with my attraction to him. That his treatment of me years ago, had killed everything I had felt for him.

How wrong I was. Here I am, years later, almost kissing him. I feel terrible that I had allowed that one moment of weakness. That I'd allowed myself to be lured by the cravings of my body.

"Were you two about to kiss?" Lilly asks innocently, and I can't help the sharp inhale that I take.

My mind was a mess. I didn't know what to tell her. Should I just tell her the truth? Even so, it's not like I can lie when she literally caught us red-handed.

"Uhm-uhm-" I struggle to find the right words to tell her.

At the back of my mind, I was also worried. Liam is the only man Lilly has ever seen me kiss. The only man, other than Gabriel who has been in my life. What if I say 'yes' and she takes it the wrong way? I know that Gabriel has been trying to build a relationship with her, but for more than five years, Liam has been her dad. I just don't want her thinking that I'm betraying the man who raised her, even though now am married to her biological father.

"Yes" The answer to her question comes from Gabriel.

I turn and glare at him. What is he thinking admitting it to her like that? What is he thinking admitting it in the first place?

Part of me wants to just ignore the whole thing. Pretend that that mistake didn't happen. I am embarrassed that Lilly caught us, but more importantly, I am embarrassed that, at that time, I'd wanted him to kiss me. Craved for him to seal our lips together.

"Oh, okay… can I have breakfast?" she asks, sitting down on one of the bar stools at the kitchen counter.

I couldn't tell what she was thinking because her emotions were well hidden. I desperately wanted to know, but deep down I know I can't push her. Not now anyway, when she still hadn't forgiven me for lying about her dad.

"Will you serve her while you have yours?" I turn, and ask Gabriel.

I couldn't be here after what happened. I needed to get away and pull myself together.

"Sure" he answers.

With that answer, I quickly drop my mug in the sink, and leave the kitchen. I rush to the safety of my room, get in and lock the door behind me. Leaning against it before sliding down.

I feel like I've betrayed myself. That by almost allowing myself to be kissed by Gabriel, that I've done myself an unforgivable wrong. This is the same man that hurt me over and over again years ago. This is the man that broke me and shattered my heart into a million pieces. He did everything to destroy me.

Everything to hurt me. He ruined me in the worst possible way. How then can I even for a second think of kissing him?

Haven't I been burned by him before? Didn't I learn my lesson from what happened years ago? Getting involved with Gabriel will only lead to disaster. I can't risk getting hurt again, no matter how much it seems he has changed.

Getting up, I wipe the tears and head to my bathroom. I still had a few hours to get ready and to get my emotions in check.

Taking off my clothes, I jump into the shower after setting it to the highest temperature. Maybe I can burn away the tingling I still felt after his hand made contact with my skin.

I'm not sure how long I was in the shower, when I finally got enough, turned it off and got out. Wrapping a towel around my body, I open the door and get out. I am surprised to find Lilly sitting on my bed. "Lilly, is something wrong?" I ask, holding the towel tighter to my body.

I can't remember the last time I had a conversation with my daughter know that she was angry with me and rightly so, but every time she ignored me, it drove a dagger deeper into my heart.

She would leave the room when I entered, completely ignore me when I talked to her and push me away every time I tried getting close to her. Let's just say it's been a hectic week and I miss my daughter so fucking much.

"Can we talk?" she whispers, the sadness in her voice breaking my already broken heart.

"Give me a second to change" I answer, grabbing the clothes I had prepared before rushing to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, I come out dressed and sit next to her.

"I wanted to say, sorry" she says in a small voice. "I know I was angry, but I shouldn't have treated you the way I did when you're the best mom anyone could ask for."

Blinking my eyes rapidly, I try to push back the tears that threatened to fall. I gently grab her hand and bring it to my lips.

"I want you to know that I didn't mean it when I said I hated you..det was just angry, and it has taken me a while to realize you didn't lie to me because you wanted to hurt me"

"Lilly-" my voice is croaky when I say her name.

"No mom, I want to apologize, and I hope you can forgive me for being stubborn and disrespectful. Please don't hate me."

Seeing her tears, I pull her on my lap even though she's older now and has outgrown it. I fold my arms around her and hug her close.

"I could never hate Lilly; do you hear me? Never" I soothe, in a shaky voice, trying my best to keep my emotions in check.

"I love you, Mom"

"I love you too, baby girl" I whisper, feeling my throat clogging from my emotions.

We stay like that until we hear a knock on the door. She climbs down from my lap and crosses the room to open the door. Gabriel was standing on the other side. Whatever I felt was just an attraction, nothing more. As long as I don't fall for him, then I am safe. I could deal with my attraction to him, but I couldn't deal with love. "Are you two ready to go?" he asks, his eyes on me.

"Yes" Lilly answers for both of us.

"Good… Let's go then". With that he turns and disappears.

I stand up, pick my purse and cross the room to where Lilly was standing waiting for me.

I was about to get out when she grabs my hands and stops me.

She gives me a cheeky smile right before she says, "Just so you know, I wouldn't mind having a little brother or sister."

With that, she lets go of my hand and walks away, leaving me rooted to the floor.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 409-Gabriel's call has me moving from the same spot that Lilly left me. I still can't believe that she would say that to me. When Liam was alive, she never seemed bothered that she didn't have siblings. She never asked for one, so I'm curious where the sudden shift came from.

Now I know you're wondering why Liam and I never had kids despite being married for such a long time. Truth is, we did try. Liam always wanted a family, kids of his own. I know he loved Lilly like his own, but he also wanted his own blood.

I wanted to give him that. I wanted to thank him for being there for me when I had no one. For marrying me and giving Lilly a family. Having his baby wasn't much to ask for, and I saw no problem with it.

Like I said, we did try, but nothing happened. It wasn't until a year before his death that he finally agreed to go for a check. It was heartbreaking to learn that he couldn't have kids. That day at the office, I saw a bit of his light fade.

Learning he couldn't father a child, broke something inside him that day.

He wasn't the same after that. There was always a kind of sadness and darkness clinging to him after that day.

Pushing those painful thoughts behind me, I get out of my room and follow Lilly and Gabriel's voices.

"I was just telling mom, that I wouldn't mind if you two gave me a sibling," Lilly tells her father.

I stop in my tracks, not believing she could say such a thing to Gabriel. Gabriel, on the other hand, seems caught off guard by her question.

"Oh, look, we are late… How about we get going? We don't want to keep your grandparents waiting, Lilly" I interrupt, saving Gabriel from having to answer the awkward question.

I move and grab Lilly's hand, directing her from the room. We get into the elevator, since we lived in a penthouse with a private elevator. It was silent as we were riding down the floors.

I was anxious, but I was trying my best to push the anxiety down. The one thing I was afraid of was Gabriel's parents hating me for hiding their grandchild. We hadn't talked much about the first meet up, but we agreed that I would let him do all the talking.

The elevator pings once we get down. It opens, and we get out, heading straight towards to the waiting car. Once inside, the driver takes off.

"Why haven't any of you said anything about siblings?" Lilly asks a few minutes into the drive. "Don't you want more children?"

I sigh in frustration. I should have known that Lilly wouldn't let the matter go that easily. She was stubborn to the core, just like her father.

I did want more children, but how could I tell her that it wasn't possible with Gabriel? She doesn't know the terms of our marriage, and I hope she never has to. With the contract in place, there was no hope of expanding the family. Plus, I doubt Gabriel wants any more children with me, given how he hated me back then.

"Lilly, this isn't the place to talk about this" I try to skim over her question, because without knowing she was putting me and Gabriel in an awkward situation.

"But I really want to know" she then turns to Gabriel. "Since you are my father, is it okay if I call you dad?"

Both me and Gabriel are shocked when she asks that. This was a big step for both of them. A really big step.

"Yes, I'll be honored" Gabriel replies in a chocked-up voice full of emotions.

"Perfect, now answer my question" she says, staring directly at him.

Without meaning to, I chuckle at her one-track mind. I loved Lilly's tenacity. She isn't one to give up on something so easily.

"You'll get siblings, but in the near future" I chime in, saving Gabriel from having to answer.

Gabriel's intense eyes were on me. Shifting uncomfortably in my seat, I turn to Lilly so that I could avoid his penetrating gaze.

I wasn't sure if I'd ever get married again, but am sure that once Gabriel meets his match. The woman who'll bring him to his knees, he'll start a family and Lilly can have her siblings. Content Shrugging her shoulders, she looks at me. "Good enough… but I'll remind you if you decide to take your sweet time, as you can see, I am not getting any younger."

She honestly reminds me of those nagging parents that are always pushing their children to give them grandkids.

"Fine" I grumble. "Anyway, are you excited about meeting your Dad's family?"

"Yes!" her scream reverberates through the small space. "I have so many questions, and I am dying to meet them. I hope they like me."

"I'm sure they will, Lilly. You have nothing to be afraid of," Gabriel assures her, which works because she visibly calms down.

From there, the ride is filled with Lilly telling us all the things she's going to ask her grandparents. All the things she's going to talk about with her cousin, and her excitement about joining the new school.

All too soon, we enter a large estate right before the car stops at a humongous house. Back then, our house was huge and so was our estate, but it had nothing on the Wood's family home. The driver stops the car, gets out and opens the door for us.

"Are you ready for this?" Gabriel asks, grabbing both my hand and Lilly's.

"Nope… Definitely no" I murmur, trying to push my nervousness down.

"Everything will be okay, trust me"

I want to, but I just can't.

He leads us towards the door. When we get to it, he unlocks it and ushers us in.

"Mom! We are here," he shouts, as we walk along the expansive hallway.

Gabriel's mother is as beautiful as I remember her. You can't even tell that she's in her early sixties.

าวน "You don't have to shout, are you trying to break my ear drums, Gabe" she says, walking out of what I presume is the kitchen, holding a dish towel while wiping her hands. "And what do you mean by 'we Rowan is already here with his family, so who are you talking about?' When Gabriel doesn't answer, she lifts her head. Her eyes first land on Gabriel, then me. There is confusion in them as she stares at me. They then shift to Lilly, who waves at her. Her eyes grow wide in shock and that's the only warning we get right before she collapses.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 410-Gabe.

"Mom!" I yelled and rushed to her.

She was lying motionlessly on the floor. No one had to tell me that it was the shock of seeing Lilly that caused her to faint. Just like with me, she only had to take one look at those grey eyes to know Lilly was a Wood.

I gently slap her cheek, but it does nothing to wake her up. Sliding one hand under her shoulders, and the other one under her knees, I lifted her into my hands and carried her to the nearest sofa. "Dad! Rowan!" I shouted for them, afraid to leave my mother alone.

"Is she okay?" Lilly asks in a small and vulnerable voice. "Did I do something wrong? Is she unconscious because of me?"

The tears swimming in her eyes were my undoing. In such a short time, she had become embedded in the very fiber of my being. Seeing her crying hurt me. I honestly don't fucking think I've ever loved someone as much as I loved Lilly.

Even my own twin couldn't compete in my heart with her.

Before I could answer, Harper stepped in.

"No, darling" she answered as she placed a wet towel on my mom's forehead. I had not even realized that she had gotten one.

"Then why did she faint after seeing me?" Lilly demanded; her eyes firmly fixed on her grandmother.

"It's just a shock", Harper pulled our daughter into her arms. "Remember how I told you Gabriel didn't know about you? His family also didn't know. She was just shocked to see you, baby. You did nothing wrong."

I pulled her from Harper's arms and into mine, before kissing her forehead.

"Your mother is right. You did nothing wrong. Seeing you just came as a surprise to your grandmother."

"What in the hell is going on here?" My dad's booming voice made Lilly jump in fright.

She rushed and moved to hide behind Harper. It was fucking weird seeing this.

It's like the confident girl I was used to just disappeared into thin air. My dad has that kind of effect on people. He can be an intimidating bastard when he wants to.

"I asked what the hell is going on here?" he asked again, moving to kneel before my father.

He doesn't seem to have seen Lilly, because his whole focus is on my mother.

He ran his finger gently down her cheek, calling her name.

My eyes shift from my wife and daughter to Rowan. His gaze holds questions, but I am not in the fucking mood to answer him yet. Not when Lilly was scared out of her mind and Harper was nervous and anxious.

"Come on darling, open those beautiful eyes," my dad begged, in a very soft voice.

Weirdly enough, it works and my mother's eyes snap opened. Shooting up on the sofa, she grabs my dad arm.

"what happened? Why am I on the sofa? I was supposed to be in the kitchen" she began while looking at my dad.

She then shook her head as if to clear it "I had the strangest dream. Gabriel showed up with a little girl that sort of looked like him. She had the Wood's signature grey eyes."

Fuck. I clamp my mouth shut to stop myself from laughing. It's fucking hilarious even though the matter at hand is serious.

Lilly chose that time to come forward. "Hi, I'm Lilly"

Mom's eyes widened, but thank fuck she didn't faint this time.

"Look, Mark… It wasn't a dream!" Mom then closes her eyes and exhales. "Or maybe it still is. That would explain why she looks like a girl version of Gabriel."

Dad twisted his body to look behind him, when he heard Lilly's voice. There was no denying the shock that was plastered on his face. His eyes widened in the same way mom's did. They then shifted from Lilly to me and then back. S "You've got some explaining to do" he all but growled towards me.

"Well, dad didn't know. Mom kept me a secret from him, so you can't really blame him, Grandpa. Is it alright if I call you Grandpa? And don't blame mom.

Dad said she had her reasons." Rowan and I stared at Lilly in surprise. Actually, we all do. Way to throw her own mother under the bus.

"Could you please take Lilly to meet her cousins, Rowan?" I asked, almost begging.

I needed to explain things to my parents. As much as Lilly was trying to explain things, she totally butchered that explanation. She didn't know some things and the last thing wanted was my parents on putting the whole blamarper for missing out on their granddaughter's life. Content "You better start talking, Gabe" Mom and Dad say at the same time.

Mom seemed to have recovered, so it was now or never.

I motioned for them to follow me to the study for some privacy. Taking Harper's hand in mine, I guide her as my parents follow behind us. Once we were all in, I closed the door behind us before helping Harper to sit.

I sat down beside her, then turned to my parents.

"This Harper, my wife, and Lilly is our daughter" I tell them, ripping it off like a band-aid.

It takes a few seconds for the information to load in their brains, and the moment it does, they explode.