Ch. 41..50

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 41-Something’s changed Ava I was dead on my feet and I wanted nothing more than to soak in a bathtub before going to sleep. We had been planning this banquet for weeks. At first I wasn’t supposed to come. It was supposed to be like always where Mary represented me. After my breakdown in the kitchen that day, I decided it was time to stop hiding. Mary was excited when I told her that I would be attending the dinner party. For five years my identity had remained a secret. Not because I was afraid of anyone finding out but because I just wanted to live my life in peace. I didn’t want to be in the limelight. I didn’t want people all of a sudden sucking up to me because they realized I was rich. Now, though I could come out of the shadows. I knew those that are genuine and those that are not. I mean fuck, there are already people here tonight who were trying to get on my good graces. Men and women who had looked down on me and treated me like shit before, simply because I didn’t have a high paying job and according to them. Because they believed I didn’t have a dime to my name. It was fucking frustrating. I just wanted to be away from them all. “I still can’t believe that you’re the founder of Hope Foundation” Letty says awe in her voice. “Why didn’t you tell me?” It was hours after my talk with Rowan. I stood next to him and told him my mind. Told him how things were going to be like and I felt nothing. There’s just something so rejuvenating about letting the past go. I wasn’t fully healed, but my heart didn’t hurt every freaking second like it used to Iteel nothing towards Rowan and my so called family. No anger. No bitterness. No hatred. I was sort of numb and I liked that I liked that I could now breathe easily without the constant feeling of drowning “Ava?” I turn to Letty “Yes?” “You haven’t answered my question” Letty says with a pout “I didn’t tell you because no one else knew except for those who work at Hope foundation, the children and Noah I had requested them to keep it a secret till I was ready for my identity to be made public” She nods her head in understanding Then she grows quiet. Her eyes shift to Rowan’s table Landing on Travis and staying there for a while before she pulls them away Since Rowan was our biggest donor, our tables were close to each. I heard everything that was said earlier From Christine and Emma mocking me to Letty defending me and calling out their childish behavior When Travis told her to leave, I knew I couldn’t let her I asked Mary to tell the bodyguard to stop her and bring her to our table. As for Christine, it was just a little payback for all those times she was cruel to me. It was so satisfying seeing her leave with her tail tucked between her legs. “You can go to him Letty it’s okay. I don’t mind I tell her nodding my head towards Travis direction He also threw glances at Letty once in a while She didn’t notice it, but I did. *I can’t. Not after his abominable behavior. He says he wants you to be forgiven by you and yet he lows Emma and Christine trash talk you” her anger lises just a little, showing just how mach in still passed her off a “I’m thankful that you stood up to me, but as you can see I don’t need anyone fighting my battles I give her a soft smile “You love Travis, I see that You’re my friend Letty My bestled if I was being howest and that means i want the best for you I want you happy and if Travis makes you Sappy then I can accept that She stares at the, before her eyes grows big “Something has changed” What do you mean?” I ask trying to hide my smile There is just something different about you, now that I’m looking at you what is whats I dont know Head be that I just got thed of living in bitterness of could be that that sex with it 1 san ? Tot my chip in thought “It’s definitely the cer “What cerns, making some people tom taus I I laugh at how comical she looked. “You had sex with Ethan?” she repeats as if she just couldn’t comprehend what I was telling her. “Yes” I smirk remembering it. “Multiples times actually” (1 “When you say multiples times, do you mean in one night or more than one night?” I can’t help the grin that takes over my face “I mean multiple times a night for several days” Her jaw drops open before her mouth curves and she grins at me like an idiot. “Damn woman! I mean if him sexing you is what is bringing that goofy grin on your face then continue doing you babe. You deserve to have great sex and be happy” 2 This is one of the reasons why I love Letty. She didn’t judge and she was so supportive. I throw my hands around her and bring her in for a hug. “Thank you Letty, for just being you” She’s caught off guard for a while, but then she recovers and hugs me back. “Now, go and talk to Travis. I know you want to” I tell her. This time she doesn’t wait around. She excuses herself and leaves our table just as Ethan comes back. He takes his seat before turning and kissing my lips “You’re truly addictive” he whispers in my ear. I swallow as his warm breath and words ignite a new kind of heat inside me. “Ethan…” the words come out as a breathy moan. “Your dress leaves nothing to the imagination, Ava….I want nothing more than to have those beautiful legs wrapped around my waist as I bury my cock so deep inside you, you’ll be feeling me for days“> I clench my legs at the image he painted. It was safe to say I was truly fucked when it comes to Ethan. He has taught me so much about myself and my desires. My likes and dislikes in bed. I didn’t even know there was so many ways of bringing someone pleasure. With Ethan, I was slowly rising from slumber. I was finally accepting my sexuality I came to the realization that I loved sex a lot. Ethan taught me to accept that. He taught me to never be ashamed of that. To never be ashamed of asking and to never be ashamed of initiating it. With Rowan, I tried pushing my needs down because deep down I knew he was sleeping with me out of need not because he wanted to. He’s the one that always initiated sex. I never once did for fear of being turned down. So even when the need arose, I used to push it down until he came to me.I was just about to ask Ethan if it was possible to find a private place when my phone rings. I see mother’s name flashing, the mood was instantly killed. “Excuse me, I have to take this” I tell him. Having seen the calls several times and knowing they were Noah, he nods his head with a smile. I walk out to the garden and answer. “Hey mommy” my sweet boy greets. “Hello, my love…how are you today?” “Bored” he grumbles. “How’s the party? I feel so bad I couldn’t come” I did want him to attend, but I was afraid of putting him in danger. The chief officer called me earlier today and told me that the man who had attacked me was killed. novelbin He also told me not to let my guard down. He said that just because the guy was dead, it didn’t mean that there wasn’t any more danger. “I know honey. It is a wonderful party and I will send you pictures.” I pause. “Your friends also told me to say hi to you” We used to go with Noah to the foundation houses on Saturdays. He hit it off with the kids there, even the older ones. They all loved him and even asked for him today. “Is Kingstone there?” he asks in excitement. “Yes he is…I gave him your grandmother’s number, he said he will call you soon” Caleb and Noah had a relationship like I had never seen before. Caleb viewed Noah as his baby brother and vice versa. Even though they had a huge age gap between them, they were close Those two could fall for bound “Yes” he screams through the phone. “I’ve missed him so much.” “And he has missed you too” I smile even though he can’t see it. “Alright mommy, it’s time for me to sleep…I just wanted to hear your voice before I do” he tells me sweetly and my heart warms at that. It was now night. The children had already gone back to Hope House a couple of hours back. Just like with any other house with children. Hope House had curfew “It’s okay. Goodnight and remember that I love you so much” I felt my eyes moisten. Damn it, I miss him so much. It’s been months and I just want him with me. “I love you too, mommy. Goodnight” It’s after I hang up the phone that I feel eyes watching me. I look around, but I see nothing. I hadn’t realized that I’d walked a bit far away from the hall. That I had gone deeper into the darkened garden, where there were no people around. I start moving. I could still feel those eyes burning at my back. Picking up the hem of my dress, I increase my speed. The moment I do, I start to feel heavy footsteps behind me. My heart starts racing and I start running. Shit, how could I have been so stupid? There was still a target on my back and yet I walked to a secluded place. Whoever the person is, increases their pace also. I wanted to look behind me, but I knew that would be a mistake. I was running in heels. The possibility of tripping was great and that’s the last thing I wanted. I start panicking when I feel them gaining on me. The air was filled with something dark and sinister. Something dangerous. I knew I was good as dead if I don’t get to the hall quickly. I push myself to run faster. The person was right on my tail when I crossed into the glittering lights illuminated by the hall. The moment I do, I feel the suffocating presence recede. I stop and breathe heavily. When I don’t see anyone after surveying the place, I turn and quickly walk to towards the hall. I was thankful but confused The person could have easily killed me. Even when I was running All it would have taken was a bullet to tha baali- Deep in thought, I wasn’t focused on where I was going. “Sorry” I mutter after bumping into another person. I look up after steading myself. My whole body freezes. I had bumped into Emma. She the last person I wanted to be around right now. I wanted to ignore her but the look on her face told me she wasn’t about to let me go. She was out for blood and it was mine she was desperate to spill.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 42-We’re done Rowan I watch as Emma excuses herself and stands up. I wouldn’t have bothered with her if it wasn’t for the fact that she walks out minutes after Ava.

My gut was telling me to follow her. I couldn’t get over the words Ava spoke to me about Emma. It was fucking with my head and I needed answers. Especially after how Emma has been behaving.

The excitiment she had about coming here was now gone. I bet my fucking company it’s because we learned that the function was hosted by Ava. That Ava wasn’t a loser as she had thought.

None of the others had a problem except for her. Gabe had even asked a couple of ladies for a fucking dance. As for Travis despite the mournful looks he gave Letty, he seemed fine being here.

Especially after Letty joined us at our table.

Slowly I stand up. I don’t say anything even when the others give me weird looks.

I walk outside to find Ava and Emma standing face to face.

They were so focused on each other that I don’t think they even noticed me.

“Do you think that just because you’re the founder of Hope foundation you’re now something?” Emma asks Ava.

I hear as Ava sighs tiredly. “I don’t have the time or energy to deal with you, Emma so could you step aside?” As I watched both of them something told me that I’ve been wrong all this time. That everything I believed has been nothing but a fucking lie.

“You’re nothing Ava. I keep telling you and nothing will change that. Having money won’t change the fact that we all hate you Rowan especially” Emma sneers but Ava isn’t affected.

“Are you done? Because all I hear is the same bullshit you’ve been spouting since you came back she pauses before continuing. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m done with your nonsense She goes to bypass her but Emma grabs her hand in a not so gentle manner. I was sure that it would leave a damn bruise. I go to move but Ava rips her arm from Emma’s “Rowan is mine, Ava stay the fuck away from him, Don’t start thinking that you’re now his equalI couldn’t see Emma’s face since her back was turned to me. I could see Ava’s though and she was starting to get pissed.

She throws her hand up in the air. “How many times do I have to tell you I’m not after Rowan? What will it take to get it through your thick skull that I’m over him? You can keep him for all I care. I don’t fucking want him” At her words, something uncomfortable settles inside me.

“I don’t believe you! I saw him follow you to the balcony. You ruined my relationship with him. once, I won’t let it happen again. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you dont succeed” Emma’s voice was hard as she spoke.

“Is that the reason why you lied to him? Why you continue pretending you’re the victim and I’m the villain? Did you even tell him that both times you accused me of hurting you, you’re the one that brought drama to my house?” My hands fist. I didn’t know that. Emma had told me that Ava is the one that sought her out and like the fool I’m starting to believe I am, I believed her.

“It doesn’t matter. He only needed to know what I told him. Can’t you see, Ava? Rowan will always take my side against you. He will always believe me over you because he loves me while you mean nothing to him” she answers with pride in her voice.

I close my eyes against the truth. I wanted Ava to be wrong but she wasn’t. How many times have I believed others over her? How many times have I punished her for something someone lied about?

The weight of just how unfair I might have been starts to set in. I hated that there was that possibilty.

Ava snorts, making me open my eyes. “It’s sad really. That you have to stoop so low just to keep him You say you love him yet you’re manipulating him, lying to him What kind of love is that? His love for you may be genuine but I doubt yours is. If it were then you wouldn’t be using such dirty tricks on him” Before Emma can say anything, Ava continues.

What do you think will happen when Rowan find out you lied to him? When he finds out the things you said about Noah?”My entire body freezes at the mention of my son’s name. I wanted to know what was said, because if there is one thing I will never tolerate, it’s anyone bad mouthing Noah.

“He’ll never find out, you know why? Because he’ll believe whatever I tell him. That’s how much he trusts me” “A trust you’ve broken countless of times.” Ava lets out a breath. “Rowan is my least favorite person and I would gladly push him off a cliff for what he has put me through, but he doesn’t deserve to be blindsided by the woman he loves. The woman he has faithfully loved for years. It’s unfair to him” 1 With that she again goes to step around Emma but she grabs her hand again.

“Let me go or I swear I’ll have my men kick you out like I did with Christine and Brenda” Ava wams, a dangerous tone in her voice.

I step out of the shadows. It was time for Emma and I to have a little chat.

“That won’t be necessary. I promise I will deal with her” They both turn to me. Ava gets out of Emma’s hold and leaves without giving us a second glance. Emma is frozen. Looking like a deer caught in headlights.

“How long have you been standing there?” she asks, her voice trembling.

“Long enough to know that you’ve been lying to me” I snarl, completely pissed off. “Now I want you to tell me the truth right now, dare lie to me Emma and I fucking swear you won’t like it” She swallows before hesitantly nodding.

“Did Ava slap you two weeks ago?” I ask, my jaw clenched.

“Yes?” “Why?” She doesn’t say anything. Just stares at the ground. It’s fucking funny how she had a lot to say to Ava, but now she was all of a sudden mute.

“Fucking answer me Emma!” I boom, startling.

She had to realize I wasn’t a boy anymore I wasn’t the same guy that would ignore her flaws because he loved her.

B–because…” she doesn’t finish the sentence. Her mouth clamps shut and she looks at me with tears filling her eyes.

“I don’t like to waiting. It’s either you answer me or I go find out the truth from Ava and trust me you don’t want that. I want to hear the truth from your fucking mouth” I see her throat move as she swallows hard. She was now cowering, but it didnt faze me “I–I told her to keep Noah on a leash. That I won’t let him destroy my relationship with and if I had to I would make you ship the brat off to a boarding school just so he’s away from us” she was shaking as the words poured out of her.

Stumbling, I try taking a steadying breath. Unable to believe what I was hearing. I believed her. I supported her. I even went to Ava’s house and spewed all that shit because I was angry on her behalf, when in truth she had lied to me.

The only truth she told was about the slap and even that she manipulated me in order to have her. I now see why Ava slapped her. She was just as protective over Noah as I was.

Where the fuck did things go wrong? Emma has always been nice. She was the most kindhearted girl I ever met. She didn’t have a mean bone in her body. That’s why everybody loved her.

The woman standing before me was the complete opposite of the girl I knew and loved. She’s malicious, envious and bitter. Characters I would have never associated with Emma.

“We’re done” I manage to say through my clenched jaw.

“W–what?” she stammers, disbelief in her voice.

“It’s only because of the history we shared that I won’t make you pay, but no one and I mean no one gets away with fucking with my son.” 2 “Please don’t do this, Rowan” she cries trying to grab me. “This is supposed to be our second. chance” She throws herself at me but I gently entangle her from my body.

“Maybe and maybe not” I tell her before walking away.

I hear her crying and calling my name but I don’t turn back This time her tears don’t move me This was the best decision for us. Not only because of what she did, but also because my head was a fucking mess didn’t want to hurt her but I also knew that would be inevitable with my current mental state. I couldn’t claim I loved her while thoughts of my ex–wife occupied my entire head. I couldn’t claim I wanted to be with her when the thought of Ava with someone else manages to push me over the edge. 1 I thought I didn’t have any feelings for Ava, but what if I was fucking wrong this whole time?

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 43-Hope house Ava It was Saturday. A day after the dinner party. Yesterday had been hectic but I was happy that it had been a success none the less.

I get out of bed and go to my bathroom for my morning routine. Even though Ethan had come back to my house with me, he didn’t sleep over. He had an early start today and he didn’t want to interrupt my sleep when he it was time for him to leave.

I brush my teeth as I think about all that happened yesterday.

When Emma cornered me I had been ready for a showdown. I knew the moment Rowan walked out and found me and Emma having a face off.

I find it surprising that I could sense his presence when Emma couldn’t. I wanted to get back at Emma for all the lies she spouted. I wanted Rowan to see the kind of woman he was madly in love.

I meant every single word I told her, but it was time for his eyes to be opened.

Everyone held Emma in high regards. They thought that she was perfect. That she wasn’t capable of anything bad. While that is true for the girl she used to be, it isn’t for the woman she had become.

Maybe the pain of losing Rowan all those years back had changed her. Maybe being a lawyer had cracked her interior and made her ruthless. I’ll never know. The truth still stands that she has changed a lot and not for the better.

After I finish brushing my teeth, I step into the shower. It doesn’t take me long to be done.

Walking into my bedroom, I pick up my outfit for the day and put it on. Just like always I’m comfortable in jeans, t–shirt and flat shoes.

I move downstairs and start preparing breakfast for myself. I had a meeting with Mary at The Hope House at nine. It was a normal procudure that happens everytime we hold and event.

My phone vibrates with an incoming text while I was eating, interrupting my thoughts.

(Morning beautiful)

I smile at the message from Ethan. It felt so good to be wanted and desired. This is how I’d wanted things to be with Rowan but he held back. We could have had a wonderful relationship but he’d +15 BONUS It was his loss.

I was now with a man that treasured me and that’s all I could hope for.

[Morning too] I end it with smiley emoji.

[What plans do you have for today?] [Nothing much….I just have to stop by Hope House then I’ll be meeting Letty later on in the evening] [Sounds good…I miss you already] [Really? You miss me exactly or my pussy?] I playfully reply to him.

I bite my lips as I wait for his reply. I’ve never been this bold and it both terrified and excited me.

[Both? Fuck, I’m hard from just thinking about how good you feel.] [You are?] I loved that he was aroused because of me. Just from thinking of me. 1 I used to think that I aroused Rowan, but after what he said I’m not so sure. He might have gotten aroused because he imagined it was Emma he was fucking.

[YES…Which is embarrassing given I’m in a squad car and I’m sure my partner noticed my hard dick] 1 I laugh at that. Unable to contain my happiness. Ethan was good at making me feel special. He made me feel like a queen, unlike Rowan who had always made me feel like I was unwanted and unloved.

[You poor baby, maybe I can make you feel better later on] You’re up for that? I was rough last night, are you sure you aren’t sore] he texts back.

I answer with another smiley face. [I’m sure..don’t worry about it!

His reply comes back a few minutes later.

(I guess I need to up my game…the goal was to make sure you remembered each and every thrust with every step you took] Finishing my breakfast, I place the dishes on the sink. Making a mental note to wash them later.

[You can make it up to me later] When he doesn’t reply for a while, I decide it was time for me to leave. I take what I need, close my house and get into my car.

I was feeling giddy as I drove to my destination. For once in a long time, I feel like things were falling into place. It doesn’t take me long to get to Hope House.

Hope House is a masterpiece, boasting of a sleek and contemporary design. It features clean lines and large glass window. The exterior is painted in soft inviting color palettes that blends in with the lush green surrounding.

As you approach the house, a long tree lined driveway welcomes you, leading up to an impressive entrance adorned with a grand double–height glass door flanked by tall ornamental columns.

When you step inside, you are greeted by a breathtaking foyer with a soaring ceiling and an exquisite chandelier that sparkles like a thousand diamonds.

The interior of the house is designed with both beauty and functionality. The living room is flooded with natural light and it features plush and comfortable sofas arranged in a way that creates a cozy gathering.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream with a state of the art appliances, marble countertops and a large island with barstool seating.

Hope House includes numerous spacious bedroom, each uniquely decorated according to each child’s preference, ensuring that each one of them has a personalized and comfortable place to call their own.

It also has recreational areas like a game room, home theatre, library, gym, an indoor swimming pool and a playground with swings and slides.

All Hope Houses are built on acres of land and with the same design. We pride ourselves in offering the best to these kids, When I asked my architect to come up with the design, I wanted these kids to have a place they would be proud to call home, A part from Noah, Hope Foundation was my other pride and joy. It always makes me happy that Tut able to change their lives.

I’m greeted by the little kids when I get to the living room. Today was a lazy day. Where they all got to relax and just chill.

I hug as many as I can before moving forward.

“Hi Ava” the older ones who were relaxing in the sofas greet me in unison.

I smile at them and then greet them back.

“Does anyone know where Mary is?” I ask them.

“She’s in the office” Kira, a seventeen year old who was kicked out by her parents after getting pregnant answers.

She got pregnant at fifteen and she has been with us for two years. She decided to keep her baby and we accepted her decision. Monica, her baby girl was a breath of fresh. She was the liveliest baby I’ve ever met and everyone just adores her.

I thank her and walk to the office. I get more greetings from the other kids and the stuff.

I find Mary seated at the desk with a magazine. She looks up and smiles.

“You face is plastered all over the magazines” she says as she hands me the one she was reading.

The front page is a picture of me giving my speech yesterday.

AVA SHARP TURNS OUT TO BE THE MYSTERIOUS FOUNDER OF HOPE FOUNDATION, THE LARGEST MOST SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION IN THE COUNTRY.

I read the caption and snort before dropping the magazine.

“There are several more magazines with more or less the same title” she says spreading the magazines across the tables. “Some of the things written and speculated are hilarious, you should read them” t I shake my head “No, I really don’t care what they have to say…can we just focus on work?” “Sure” she answers pushing the magazines aside.

“Give me the report so far” “Everything is good. The party was a success and as of yesterday the donations have doubled” She hands me some papers and I go through them. I was impressed with their progress. I know donate to be seen, but I don’t care. Provided the money was helping these kids then I didn’t care what their reasons for donating was.

“If you look here” she points at an amount in the reports, “You’ll see that your ex–husband donated ten million dollars yesterday night” I stare at her in shock. Rowan is our biggest donor but he has never donated that much money in one sitting before.

“Impressive, right?” she asks smiling.

I nod my head as my eyes go back to the paper. So far, since Hope foundation started, Rowan has donated every single month and has donated close to seventy million in total.

My phone vibrates and I take it out. I find a message from Ethan.

[Sorry beautiful, I got busy and didn’t get a chance to reply] I was about to reply when Mary panicked voice calling out my name makes me look up.

Her face was shrouded in fear and terror.

“What is it, Mary? I ask feeling my anxiety spike.

“Y–Your…” she stammers “Spit it out” I command her, she was going to give me a heart attack with the way she was making me panic.

Everything inside me stills when the words finally escape her mouth.

“Your house has been torched”

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 44-Arson “You’re kidding me, right?” I ask her, hoping that she was just joking.

She shakes her head sadly before handing over her phone.

AVA SHARP’S HOUSE BURNS DOWN HOURS AFTER SHE REVEALS HER IDENTITY AS HOPE FOUNDATION’S FOUNDER.

I read and re–read the title of the news, hoping that this was one big joke. I’m proven wrong when I scroll down and see the video of a burning house.

As much as I didn’t want to believe it, there was no way to deny that it was indeed my house burning.

With my heart in my throat, I place Mary’s phone down and stand up quickly. My movements are jerky as I rushed out of the room.

“Ava, wait” She calls me but her words fall on deaf ears.

Faces blur as I move at a speed that would put vampires to shame. Nothing registers in my mind as I get outside.

Getting into my car, I peel out of the parking lot just as Mary burst through the door. She waves.

her hand. Trying to make me stop. I ignore her and keep driving.

My head was in turmoil. Anger and panic wage war inside me.

Did I forget to turn off my stove and that’s what caused the fire? I had no answer because I couldn’t remember if I had turned it off or not.

My phone rings with an incoming call from Rowan. I ignore it. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to deal with him.

I get more calls from Ethan, Letty and even Travis and mother. Just like with Rowan’s call, I ignore theirs too. I just wanted to get to my house and see how much damaged they caused.

“Fucking bitch, watch where you’re going” a man screams and gives me the middle finger.

In my rush to get home, I almost ran him over.

“Sorry” I shout out the window, but he doesn’t listen. He instead continues to curse me and I +15 BONUS Twenty minutes later, I’m pulling into my neighborhood.

I drive slowly as there are civilians, cops, police cars and a fire truck. I bring my car to a stop and walk a short distance to where my house was burning.

I watch in horror, unable to believe that it was true. Firefighters were trying to extinguish the fire, but even I knew that by the time they’re done there won’t be anything left.

I feel my heart break as I watch the fire consume my house. It may not be grand but it was mine and Noah’s home for the past few months. I loved it and I had so many good memories there. 1 Tears threaten to fall. Why was this happenifng to me? Haven’t I been through enough?

“Ava” his deep voice brings me back from to the present.

I turn to find Rowan behind me. He looked at me with sympathy and I hated that more than anything.

“What are you doing here?” I ask as I wipe away my tears.

The only good thing was that no other house had caught fire. I don’t know what I would have done if others suffered because of me.

“You weren’t picking up your phone, I was worried” he answers stepping forward. novelbin I wanted a hug so badly, but I knew I wouldn’t get it from him. Couldn’t get it from him.

“I’m fine” I give my house one final looking before turning and walking away. There wasn’t anything I could do anyway.

I increase my steps when I hear his footsteps behind me. I was out of a home so I needed to get that shit sorted out first.

Getting into my car, I think I’ve lost Rowan, only to be surprised when he opens the passenger door and plants his large body in my car.

“What the hell are you doing?” I shriek in disbelief.

“You’re upset, there is no fucking way am I allowing you to be on your own he puts his seatbelt on as he replies.

“Get out I snap.

+15 BONUS He ignores.

“Get out of my fucking car, Rowan” He levels me with a cold look. “It’s either you start driving or we sit for however long it takes….your choice” I glare at him, but he doesn’t budge. We have a stare down for a couple of minutes. Eventually, I give up when I realize he wasn’t going to leave.

“What about your car?” I ask as I start mine.

I knew that he must have driven here or had his driver drive him. Rowan wasn’t the kind of man who takes cabs.

“Dennis can drive my car back home….I’ll call him when I need him” he mutters just as I reverse mine and then drive off.

“Home…I no longer have that” I whisper sadly.

“It’s going to be okay” “Is it?” I ask sadly.

For some reason I felt that it wasn’t going to be okay. That the worst was yet to come.

Taking out my phone I call my real–estate agent. He picks up on the first ring.

“I’m so sorry, Ava. I saw what happened to your house” he says in a high pitched voice.

“It’s okay” I pause. “Please tell me you have something for me, anything really, given I’m now homeless” I didn’t like the idea of staying in a hotel for whatever period of time. I don’t know what I will do if he tells me he has no house on offer.

“I have one and it’s perfect for you. I’m sure you’ll love it” he says and I sigh in relief.

“Okay, good please send me the address now, I want to check it out. If I like it then I’ll take it.” He agrees before I hanging up “So you’re getting a new house? You know I have properties which you’re entitled to. You could have just picked one and I would have given it you” Rowan says startling me a bit.

He’d been so quiet and I had been so focused on getting a house that I had completely forgotten that he was with me in the car.

“No thanks… I can buy myself a damn new house and that is exactly what I will do. I don’t need or want your help” I snap.

He mutters something under his breath, but it’s too low for me to hear.

We’re quiet for a while. The atmosphere in the car awkward.

“I’ve been wondering how you got wealthy. The last time I checked, your father cut you off from his will” he asks breaking the silence.

At first I thought of ignoring him, but then I realized what he was doing. As much as he was probably curious, he also wanted to distract me from my thoughts. To distract me from the fact that I had lost completely everything in the fire.

“I somehow knew our marriage wouldn’t last. It was given either I would give up and ask for a divorce or you would. Personally I thought it would be you. I knew it was only a matter time before Emma came back and you left me” He takes a deep breath at her name.

I didn’t know what happened between them yesterday after I left, but I didn’t care. It was after all, none of my business..

“I also knew I didn’t want a single dime from you except what was Noah’s. I wanted to continue providing Noah a life he was used to and I couldn’t do that on my teacher’s salary, so about four years into our marriage I took all my money and invested it in a new company” I pause before continuing.

“The bank told me that it was risky, that the probability of that company succeeding was small. They were sure that I would lose my money in the end. Tom’s logistics proved them wrong and flourished” I smile at the memory. Tom’s logistics was a big company and very successful in its field. I was still a share hold but a silent one.

“I started earning from my shares and it felt great. I took a part–time business course, just to know the ins and outs of managing a business. From there, I started investing in startup companies. Those who needed capital and couldn’t get them from the bank, came to me. I went through their business proposals and if it had potential then I invested.” S So far, I have not made a bad investment. After the companies grow, they either buy me out or I remain as a member of the board.

I give him a side way glance, just to gage his reaction. He looked impressed.

“And this has been going on for more than five years?” he asks quietly.

“Yes…when I made my first million, I was so excited to tell you, I wanted you to be proud of me. To see that I wasn’t just a loser” my mind goes back to that day. “I remember I waited for you to come home, but you didn’t so I kept the news till morning, still excited to tell you. When I saw you in the kitchen the next day I sat down next to you and told you that I had something to tell you” I pause to swallow and take a deep breath. The memory was burned into my brain.

“Instead of listening you turned and looked at me coldly and told me that you didn’t care what I had to say. That you didn’t care about my life or what I was doing. You cruelly then told me that I could drop dead right then and there and even then you wouldn’t care, so instead of wasting your time and ruining your morning why don’t I just go and pester someone else” The silence that settles over the car is heavy. I see his Adam apple bobble as he swallows.

“Ava…” he begins gruffly but I cut him off.

“So, I never said anything after that morning and since you made it clear you weren’t interested in anything I did, I kept quiet about anything and everything that concerned my life” The memory still hurts, but just like with everything that happened with Rowan, I’m learning to live with it. One day I know it won’t hurt so badly.

We fall into silence again. When I couldn’t take it anymore I move to put on the radio just as his phone rings. He picks it up.

“Yes, I’m with her right now” he says.

He listens before answering. “Sure, we’ll be right there” He then hangs up the phone and turns to me. “The chief wants to see you at the police station” “Why?” “Because of the fire he wanted to see us before he leaves for an important meeting, so you’ll have to reschedule viewing of the house”I don’t even think when I turn my car around and head in the direction of the station.

“Why did he call you?” “Because I have a personal interest in this particular case” that’s all he says.

“I told you I don’t want or need your help. I would prefer if you stay out of my life” I groan in annoyance.

What was so difficult to understand? We were done so he shouldn’t be up in my business.

“You’re the mother of my son, Ava. There is no fucking way I’m going to sit back when someone is targeting you” 3 Since the station wasn’t that far, we get there quickly. I don’t have the time to answer before he’s jumping out of the car.

I quickly follow him and catch up to him just as he is entering the station. We head straight to chief’s office. 1 “Take a seat” he says once we’re inside.

“What do you have for us?” Rowan immediately asks, his eyes fixed on Brian.

“There’s no way to say this, but we are treating the fire as arson” I could hear him, but for some reason my mind wasn’t processing anything.

“What do you mean?” I ask slowly, my voice coming out shaky.

“I mean that someone deliberately set you house on fire” he pauses. “We believe that whoever it is thought you were inside and burned your house with the intention of killing” a My mind goes completely blank after that. His answer sending chills down my spine.

Deep down I know. I know that if it wasn’t for the early morning meeting I had with Mary, I would have been burned alive. If it wasn’t for that meeting, I would probably be dead right now, I was able to escape death yet again, but how long can I outrun it before it catches up to me?

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 45-Threats I was shopping for furniture, but my mind wasn’t in it. I bought a new house. It was perfect for me and it suited my style. Simple yet cozy. It was in a great neighborhood and was even closer to Noah’s school. I loved it the moment I saw it. It also had a big backyard where Noah could play unlike our previous house.

“Are you even paying attention?” Letty asks in annoyance.

She was helping me pick furniture my new home. It has been three days since I bought it and yet it was sitting completely empty. I didn’t even have a bed for heaven’s sake. I’ve been sleeping on a make shift bed on the floor.

“I’m sorry, Letty…I just have too much on my mind” I apologize.

When you have someone trying to kill you, most other things usually take a back seat. They don’t seem as important as trying to stay a live long enough to see you child grow up.

I still get chills knowing that I was close to dying. Again. That someone deliberately set a fire to my house. That they wanted me burned alive. What kind of a sick person does that?

Plus it can’t be a coincidence that the day of the dinner party someone chased me. Only to have my house burned down the next day. 1 “Is it because of your house?” her voice is full of sympathy.

I clench my hands in fist. “Yes! And not only that, it’s everything. It just makes me so angry. Four times, Letty! They’ve tried killing me four times and from what I see they don’t plan on stopping until i’m dead. I just want to be left the fuck alone” I take a deep breath.

The people around as stare at us at my outburst, but I don’t give a shit about the scathing looks.

I sometimes felt so lost. I can’t bring my son back home even though I miss, because I don’t want to put him in any danger. I haven’t held or kissed my baby boy in weeks.

“What terrifies me is what if they succeed? I haven’t see Noah in three months, Letty. Seeing him on video calls isn’t the same as holding him in my arms. What if they succeed and I never get to see or hold him again?” I ask, fighting the tears that threatened to fall.

“Uh…I don’t know what to say” she looks at me awkwardly “You’re really not good at pep–talks are you?” I ask chuckling, wiping away my tears 1/6 “Hell No!” She all but shouts then sighs “I don’t know what you’re feeling but I get you. I know how frustrating this must be for you, but don’t let them get to you, cause the moment they do, you give them power over you” I think for a second about what little she’s told me. She was right. I can’t lose it right now. Who knows? Maybe that is what they’re counting on. Making me lose it, so that I can be careless and make a mistake.

“Thank you, Letty” I give her a side hug.

Her pep–talk however small, is exactly what I needed.

“Good. Now, have you gotten everything you need?” she asks. “We’ve been at this for hours and I’m starving” “Yeah…we can go get something to eat. Let me pay and then I’ll came back and rive the U–Haul back to my place” “You do realize you can just hire them to deliver the furniture right? They’ll even help you moving them. You don’t have to do it by yourself” she folds her hand and scrutinizes me.

“I know, but I don’t like strangers in my space. Beside, I’m just driving it. Ethan will be by later on to help move the furniture” She stares a bit before shrugging her shoulders. We head to the cashier and I pay for the furniture we’ve chosen.

There were restaurants and eateries near the furniture store so we don’t have to go far.

“Fancy or fast and greasy?” I ask her already feeling my stomach start to rumble.

“Definitely fast and greasy…is that something you even have to ask?” I grin at her.

We find one pretty quickly and soon enough, we are settled. Our food arrive about ten minutes later. We basically ordered the same thing. Fries, burger, chicken wings and milkshakes.

Our conversation flows easily. We don’t talk about anything important. We joke, we eat and have a fun in each other’s company. For a moment, I forget about my troubles and it felt nice.

“I’m so full I can barely think straight” Letty says, making me laugh.

She had this satisfied look in her eyes and it was just adorable.

“You look like you just had an orgasm” I joke.

She smirks. “I did, I had a food orgasm” Laughing I tell her that there is nothing like that. Food and orgasms shouldn’t be used in the same sentence.

“There is…food brings pleasure and even if it’s not the same as the pleasure I get when Travis‘ dick I gag. “Don’t you dare finish that sentence…haven’t you ever had of TMI” I look at her in horror. ” The last thing I want is to hear what you and Travis do behind closed doors” “Oops” she says sheepishly.

No sister wants to hear about their brother having sex. They especially don’t want it being described.

My phone beeps and I check the incoming message.

“I have to go…Ethan will be leaving work soon and I want to be there when he gets to my new place” “Okay. It’s about time I head out too. My feet are killing me” We pay our bills and leave.

“Thanks for your help today” “Anytime, Ava” We say goodbye and she leaves. I walk the short distance to the furniture store.

I didn’t see them until it was too late. Mainly because I was focused on texting Ethan to let him know that I’d be home by the time he gets there.

“Seriously!” her annoying voice makes me lift my head.

Emma was standing next Travis at the parking lot. She was staring at me like she contemplated murder.

I didn’t want her kind of drama so I turn about to move around them but her words stop me.

316 “Are you happy now? bitterness and anger laced her voice *15 BONUS Against my better judgement. I turn back around and face her. Travis just stood there stoically.

like a damn statue “Happy about what?” I ask het, my eyebrows furrowed.

“Don’t play dumb with me! Are you happy now that Rowan broke things off with me” she seethes.

“This was your plan all along wasn’t it?” I knew something had happened between them, but I never expected or thought that Rowan would break things off. He loved her after all.

“I don’t know why you think I would be happy about that when it doesn’t concern me” I answer emotionlessly “Stop pretending” she shouts drawing the attention of others.

I look to Travis. “Would you mind controlling your hysterical sister? The last thing I want is her attacking me because she thinks I had something to do with whatever drama is going on between her and her man” “You’re also my sister, Ava” he says softly.

“I haven’t been your sister in a long time, Travis. Or have you forgotten the many times you told me that yourself” He keeps quiet and looks down. I wait for the pain, but it doesn’t come. I heave a sigh of relief.

My happiness is short lived when Emma takes a step towards me.

“If you think you’ve won then you’re wrong Ava. Rowan is mine and I’ll go through anyone who tries to take him from me. I am not going to let you win. This time I will fight you to the death if I have to” she spits. (2)

I take a step back and raise my hand. “Whoa, first of all, Rowan isn’t a possession. He’s a living breathing person. Second of all, there will be no fighting to the death. If you want him you can have him. Keep him for all I care, marry him, fuck him, and give him a whole lot of babies. Just get it in your fucking head that I. Do. Not. Want. Him” I was getting tired of repeating the same thing over and over again. Why was it so hard to believe that I no longer wanted Rowan?

“You expect me to believe that bullshit? You were always obsessed with him” she says sneering and I snort in return *And now it looks like you’re the one obsessed with him now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go.

You’ve already wasted enough of my time” “I’m not done talking to you, you bitch” I ignore her but her next words make me freeze.

“I swear, Ava, if you walk away, I will find that bastard son of yours and make him pay for everything. After all, he is the other reason I lost everything” I hear a sharp gasp from Travis, but it doesn’t register in my mind.

I don’t think when I move.

I twist around and push her Slamming her against a van. I use my forearm on her neck, pinning her to the van and choking the daylights from her.

The self–defense classes I took were paying off and as of a week ago, I was a licensed gun holder.

Ethan advised me to start carrying it around after the fire at my house.

Nothing registers when I take my gun and point it to her temple. (1)

“If you ever and I mean ever threaten Noah again and I will end you. I will bury your body so deep it will take a century to dig it up. Don’t fuck with me Emma. I’ve tolerated you enough and it ends today” I snarl, feeling crazed.

“Avalet her go” Travis pleads with fear in his voice.

“If you ever so much as look at my son wrong or I find out you’ve hurt him, I will destroy you Emma. There won’t be a place in this world you’ll be able to run from me. Am I understood?” I see the fear in her eyes as she nods. After a minute I let her go and she begins chocking.

“How could you do this to your own sister? You make me sick” Travis shouts at me as he comes to Emma’s side. Helping her up./6 “She’s not my fucking sister” I hiss catching him by surprise. “You told me to stay away from her and I’ve done that. Now am asking you to keep her away from me. I won’t have anyone threatening my son and I will burn the whole fucking world to the ground if it means protecting him.

“You heard what she said concerning Noah. She threatened him yet you have the guts to stand there and scold me?” I glare at both of them.

“Ava…” he begins to say, apology in his eyes but I interrupt him.

“Shut your fucking mouth, I don’t want to hear what you have to say. As of this day forward, you’re no longer a part of Noah’s life. He doesn’t need a pathetic excuse of an uncle who can’t even stand up for him against his bitch of a sister” (2)

He looks heartbroken but I don’t give a fuck. He made his views known when he tried making me feel bad and completely ignored the threat Emma made.

“As for you” I turn to Emma. “Think long and hard about ever going against me. I’m not the same pathetic girl you left behind, push me too hard and I’ll push back. Trust me when I say you won’t like it when I retaliate” She’s shaking. Looking at me with wide and terrified eyes. Her eyes are drawn to my hand when I put the gun back inside the waist band of my jeans.

I turn to leave but before I do, I give her one last look.

“What have you became? Going around threatening innocent children and all for what? A man?

You’ve changed so much I hardly recognize you and despite being jealous of you when we were younger, I also admired you. Ask yourself, are you still the woman Rowan fell in love with years ago? Or have you become someone he can never love?” With that I walk away. Hoping that Emma will realize what she’s become before it’s too late and she does something she can’t take back or worse, hurts someone innocent.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 46-Fighting each other I was still quite pissed off when I arrived at my new house. It was going to take me some time to get used to calling it my home.

I park the truck and get out only to be surprised. Rowan of all people was sitting outside my house. I approach him with a glare on my face.

“If you’re here to scold me about Emma, you can just walk your ass back to your car and leave” I tell him pointing at his sleek black Ashton Martin.

I swear, if he was here to cause me trouble, I was going to beat his ass all the way to space and back.

“What are you talking about?” he asks standing up. A look of confusion on his face.

“I’m sure that little bitch called you and told you a bunch of lies didn’t she?” I seethe, remembering what Emma said, I tap my foot waiting for him to confirm it. I mean why else would he be here minutes after my showdown with Emma?

“I don’t know what the fuck you’re going on about, but I’m not here for whatever went down between you two” he says running his hands through his hair.

“Then why are you here?” I ask, curiously.

“Travis called and said you might need help unpacking furniture” he walks towards me and I take a step back.

At the mention of his name, my fury rises again. Those two were something else. Sometimes I wonder how the fuck I was related to them. 3 “Don’t even mention his fucking name to me” I snap.

He has known Noah since he was born. So how the fuck could he just stand there and let Emma threaten him. Then scolding me for getting angry was just ridiculous.

“What did he do?” “He stood by when Emma threatened Noah and then had the gets to admonish me when I almost blew her fucking brains” 1/5 415 BONUS I wait for him to blow up on me like he usually does. I wait for him to take her side. He doesn’t, which comes as a big surprised “She did what?” his voice booms and it may be my imagination, but I swear, I feel the earth shake at his voice.

I swallow, not sure what to do now. I expected him to fight me.

“I didn’t want to fight with her, so I walked away. She stopped me by saying she would make Noah pay given he was part of the reason why she lost you” I take a step back at the storm raging in his eyes. Danger coats his eyes and electricity cracks in the air around. He looked ready to murder. A look I never thought he would ever have when it comes to Emma.

“If she so much as touches a hair on his head, it will be the last thing she ever does” he growls dangerously. His voice taking a deeper note.

I’m shocked. I won’t lie. His threat was clear. The look in his eyes told me that he wasn’t bluffing.

That he would really end her if she hurts Noah “Calm down” I try soothing. “I’m sure after the warning I gave her, she won’t so much as look in Noah’s direction” I saw the fear in Emma’s eyes and I know at that moment she knew that she had crossed a line. A line she knew would get her in trouble.

I had no sisterly love towards her. It ended a long time ago. She knew that, which also means she knew that I wouldn’t hesitate to hurt her if she hurt my son.

Rowan tries to calm down, but it’s a difficult feat. He has always had a temper and getting it under novelbin control was difficult. He put a tight lid on it, but sometimes it barely contained it when he lost it.

“Look…“I begin, but his eyes go unfocused.

They were trained behind me. /The anger I saw in his eyes minutes ago multiplies ten folds just as I hear a car door slam behind me.

I let out a tired sigh knowing it was Ethan. Ethan didn’t like Rowan and looking at Rowan, the feeling was very mutual.

“What’s he doing here?” they both ask at the same time.

I step away to look at both of them. They are glaring at each other. Brows furrowed and fists clenched Their jaw tightly locked.

“It looks like you’re both here to help me move the furniture, so can we get a move on it?” I don’t give them a chance to answer, instead I turn and head towards the truck. (2)

I unlock it, before turning to face them. Six hands were better than four. Besides, some of the pieces looked heavy. It would be easier for both of them to carry instead of just me and Ethan.

“Will you stop having a stare down and come help me?” I ask when none of them move.

Rowan grunts then stomps towards me. Ethan soon follows.

“So what will you carry first?” I mumble when none of them move to do anything.

They were beginning to get on my nerve. I was sure none would leave, if I asked them, but they were also not helping. If I knew this was going to happen, I would have just hired someone.

Finally, Ethan moves first and grabs one end of the sofa. After clenching and unclenching his jaw, Rowan takes the other end.

They silently move and take the sofa into the living room. Picking what I could easily carry, I take them inside.

We work quietly. I did try to engage them, but they both seemed to be in a terrible mood.

Thirty minutes or so, most of the heavy stuff had been moved. I was getting some throw pillows when I heard a crash. I rushed inside the house to find Ethan and Rowan, rolling on the floor, punching each other.

“Stay the fuck away from her” Rowan growls, landing a punch on Ethan’s face.

I stare at them in shock. My mind refusing to believe that they were behaving like children fighting over a toy. Not that they were fighting over me. Rowan would never fight over me.

“The hell I will…you had your fucking chance and you blew it” Ethan shouts. He lands a hit, managing to punch Rowan in the gut.

“Would you two stop it!” I shriek, but no one pays me attention.

They continue fighting. Creating a mess in my house. Dropping the pillows, I go get a bowl of water. I don’t think when I empty it on top of both their heads.

3/5 They come out of it and stare at me like I’m the one that had lost her mind.

“What they hell are you two thinking? Fighting and making a mess in my house” I scream at both of them, completely pissed at their stupid behavior.

“He started it” Ethan mumbles like a petulant child.

“I don’t care who started it!” I take a deep breath before turning to Rowan. “What the hell has gotten into you? What is your problem?” His eyes flashes. “My problem is that you’re dating this asshole!” I so didn’t expect him to say that. I mean, why would he have a problem with who I date?

“Who I date is none of your business, Rowan. Besides, shouldn’t you be happy that he’s occupying my time and I’m no longer bothering you” I say folding my hands across my chest.

“If you had been dating anyone else then I wouldn’t fucking care, but this bastard is a whole other story” (

“Would you stop calling him names!” I didn’t like it one bit.

Ethan didn’t deserve being called names and being disrespected by my ex–husband. What Rowan was doing was uncalled for.

“Why can’t you see it? Why can’t you see he’s not the man he pretends to be? Open your fucking eyes and see the real him. Are you so fucking desperate to be loved, so desperate to have a man that you’re ignoring the truth that’s staring at you right in the fucking face?” he mocked. D The words hit me like shards of glass. Their sharp edges biting into my skin and heart.

“Get out of my fucking house, Rowan. I won’t let you disrespect Ethan or me” I seethed as my hands balled into fists. The need to hit him almost consuming me.

He glares at me. His eyes sending daggers. “If you can’t see reason, then I’ll gladly leave. I won’t stay here and see you making googly eyes at an asshole who has a hidden agenda and is only using you” He turns, but before leaving he gives me one last look. “Mark my words, Ava, the bastard isn’t who he says he is and he will hurt you. When he does you’ll have no one to blame but yourself because I warned you and you didn’t listen” With those disturbing words, he storms out my house. Banging the door behind him.

Rowan is wrong. I don’t know what’s gotten into him but he is wrong. Ethan would never hurt me.

Unlike Rowan, he actually cares for me.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 47-That night Rowan “What the hell happened to you?” Gabe asks looking at the ice pack that was plastered to my face.

“Ethan” I just grunt. Not in the mood to deal with my brother. novelbin Fuck! I still can’t believe that I got into a fight with the fucking idiot. I was just so pissed and I let his words get to me.

“The cop?” He asks curiously. “Ava’s new man?” At that I blow. I take the ice pack and throw it against the wall.

“He’s not her fucking man” I snap standing up.

My emotions were raw and close to the surface. I still don’t understand why Ava can’t see that the fucker is a fraud.

I haven’t been able to get anything deeper about him. The reports paint him as an okay guy.

Nothing out of the ordinary, but my gut tell me otherwise. There was just something about him that rubbed me wrong. Something that he was hiding. My gut has never been wrong before.

“From what I hear, he is…what happened?” I take a deep breath, trying to cool down the fire burning inside me.

“We were helping Ava move furniture into her new house and he told me to back off. Said that she was his and he wasn’t going to allow me to ruin things” I admit finally.

Gabe stares at me like he can’t believe what I just said. Like I was trying to figure out what the hell was wrong with me.

“Seriously? That’s what made you get into a fight with him” “Yes!” He sighs before sitting down. “In case you haven’t noticed, she’s no longer your wife and given that he is dating her, he has every reason to ask you to back off. Isn’t that the same thing you asked of Ava when you started dating Emma?” I fist my hand in frustration. Why is it that no one saw what I saw. No one realized the truth? How “It’s not about that” I seethed. “There is just something about the man that isn’t fucking right. Why can none of you see that?” I start pacing my home office. My fury burning so close to the surface. I was almost losing it. First I hear that Emma threatened Noah and that Travis did nothing. Then I had to watch while Ethan and Ava made googly eyes at each other.

She was so taken by him. So enthralled that she couldn’t see a fucking thing. What the hell was wrong with her? She’s the most cautious person I know, yet she let him into her life without even question anything.

“What are you talking about?” he asks giving me his whole attention.

I don’t stop pacing. I just couldn’t sit down with all the fucking emotions inside me.

“I don’t know how to fucking explain it, but there is just something I don’t like about him.

Something doesn’t feel right with him” It doesn’t make any fucking sense, but I can’t ignore the feeling. That’s why I have my P.I investigating him.

Gabe says nothing for a while and when he does, I feel like punching the crap out of him.

“Could it be that you’re jealous of him?” “The fuck I am” I bellow. “Why the hell would I be jealous of him? I don’t have any fucking feelings for Ava, remember?” What he was saying was absurd. I could never be jealous when it comes to Ava. She is my son’s mother and I’m looking after him. That’s all.

“Look, you were married to her for nine fucking years, it’s hard to stay with someone for that long and not develop any feelings towards them. Especially someone who isn’t truly evil” I stare at him in shock, before shaking my head. “There’s no fucking way that I developed feelings for her. I stayed married to her because of Noah. My heart always belonged to Emma and you know that. That’s the reason I couldn’t develop any feelings for her” He had completely lost his fucking mind. It’s not unusual for people to stay married even though they don’t love each other. Nine years couldn’t change the fact that I wasn’t Ava biggest fan.

Especially not after the stunt she pulled to get me to sleep with her. “Then explain to me why you feel so strongly about her dating Ethan?” he insists.

“I already fucking told you! I wouldn’t have cared if she dated any other man, but something is just fishy with that cop” We were going round in circles and it was only making me more pissed. I thought at least he would understand but looks like he doesn’t. Instead he has this stupid notion that I’m angry because I have feelings for Ava and that I’m jealous.

“I’ll be the first to admit that what Ava did nine years ago was wrong. We treated her horribly for it, but what if she wasn’t lying when she said she was drunk? What if she was telling the truth?” “That’s impossible” “Is it? We all wanted you with Emma. We’ll except for Ava. After what happened, we wanted someone to blame. It was easier to blame the girl who had been obsessed with you for years than to accept that both of you had made a mistake” (3)

Looking at him quietly, I stand frozen. What the fuck had gotten into him?

I watch as he takes out his phone and dials a phone number.

“What are you doing?” I question him suspiciously.

“Something we should have done a long time…I’m finding out the truth about that night” he says.

We wait a bit and then someone answers the phone. I stare at him numbly as he ask the person to get him the video footage from the bar and the hotel. He then commands him to get it within an hour.

“I don’t know what you’re trying to achieve by digging this shit up” I tell him after he hangs up the phone.

It was all in the past. We all knew what happened, so what the hell was digging up the past going to achieve?

“A part from knowing the truth? Well, it will clear things for you. Like I said, I believe you feel something for Ava and you have felt it for a long time. Your bitterness at what you believe is her betrayal is what keeps you from admitting the truth” he looks at me straight in the eyes.

His grey eyes which are similar to mine, challenging me to argue with him.

I turn on my heels and take a seat. I refuse to let him see how bothered I am by all this. I’m still his shady character led to him insisting that I was blocking my feelings for Ava We don’t speak. I was now pissed at him too, but he didn’t seem to notice or care because he was busy doing something on his phone.

I don’t know how long we sat in my office when his phone pinged I watch him closely as his face turns to shock them mortification. My curiosity gets the better of me. I now want to see what’s gotten him so disturbed. “Gabe?” I cautiously call his name.

He looks up. His eyes haunted as he silently gives me his phone. I take it with shaky hands, knowing I won’t like what I see.

Slowly, I look down at his phone. I watch as everything unfolds. I watch as the truth I held on for so long crumbles. I watch as the real events of that night are revealed.

Cursing, I stand up. Unable to bear the impact of what that video meant.

Ava had been telling the truth the whole time. We were both drunk, meaning for the past nine years she was blamed and punished for something that wasn’t her fault.

“Fuck!” I shout, unable to contain the crushing weight inside me.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 48-Gut feeling Anonymous POV I pace around my apartment feeling on edge. I’ve tried calling the bastard but he’s not picking up He has been quiet since he burned down Ava’s house. That more than anything scares the crap out of me because I don’t know what he is planning.

If I don’t know what he’s planning then I can’t come up with a counter attack incase he messes up like Black Serpent.

Picking up my phone, I call one of my men.

“Boss?” Blake answers in the first ring.

“Have you been able to locate him?” I ask him.

I’m never one to worry. Never one to be anxious about things, but I was this time. I just got this bad fucking feeling that something was going to happen.

I couldn’t shake the feeling of doom that was wrecking havoc inside me.

“No…it’s like he’s fallen completely off radar.” He replies, making me curse. “No one has been able to locate him” When I found out that the Black Serpent had been caught, I knew that I had to get rid of him.

It wouldn’t have been long before the police caught up to him, so I blew his brains off. I couldn’t let him lead them straight to me.

I was right after all. It didn’t take long for the cops to catch up to him. Luckily I had taken care of him already.

I know people like him. Mainly because he is made from the same cloth I am. If he had been caught, then he would have given me up to save his sorry ass. (1)

He didn’t have any loyalty towards me, so he would have easily given me up. I couldn’t let that happen. Not when I had worked so fucking hard to get to where I was.

Everything turned out perfectly. He died. The police lost their only advantage and I got a new hitman.

“Boss” Blake calls my name, pulling from my thoughts.

“What is it?“My mind was racing.

Like I said, this wasn’t like me, but something just didn’t feel right. I didn’t like the gut feeling I was getting.

“I said we’ll keep an eye out and let you know incase something turns up” he mumbles through the phone.

I grunt. “Fine. Just fucking find him. I want to know where he is ASAP” 1 I hang up the phone and continue pacing. Feeling so restless and on edge. This isn’t how imagined things going. Somewhere in the middle, things got mixed up and now I feel like i’m running out of time. Like I have a noose tied around my neck.

“Fuck!” I shout before punching the wall next me.

I just feel it. Just know that things will come undone. That every thing I’ve done. Every secret I’ve kept and every lie I’ve told will soon be revealed. 2 I don’t know if I’m fucking ready for that. Don’t know if I’m ready for the backlash I’m sure to get.

Picking up my phone again, I call the one woman who has the ability to calm me down. The one that has always understood and stood by my side.

“Hi, mom” I greet as I sit down, trying to control my restlessness.

“Hey honey” she shouts excitedly. “It’s so good to hear from you. I’ve missed you so much” At her voice, I sink into the couch. Tension leaves my body and I melt.

“I’ve missed you too mom, more than you can imagine” I mumble into the phone, feeling like a child again.

All my fears and worries fade away.

“Not that I don’t like hearing from you, but why did you call? Shouldn’t you be at work?” She asks.

I don’t know how to explain that to her. How do I tell her that I called because I needed to hear her voice one last time before things fell apart? How do I tell her that I wanted her comfort one last time because I doubt I’ll get it when she finds out what I’ve done? (5 2/4 “Nothing Just needed to hear your voice” I simply answer, my voice catching at the end.

“Are you alright sweetie?” She asks concerned. It’s in her voice I smile at the pet name she has had for me since I was kid. “I’m okay, just stressed with work.

That’s all” “You work too much. You need to take a vacation or something. It’s not like you can’t afford it” she chuckles.

I hear shuffling, then the unmistakable sound of pots and pans. She was either cooking or baking.

I can bet all my damn money that she was baking. She loved baking more than anything.

“I’ll take a vacation when things settle…there’s just so much going on right now” I partly lie.

With the pending doom that was hanging over me, I doubt I will ever get that vacation. I’m not a good person. I fucking know that, but it doesn’t stop me from praying that things go my way.

“Fine.” She gives in. “But at least take a weekend off and just relax. It will be good for you. It’ll clear your mind and give you a chance to look at things from a whole new perspective” she advices.

This is one of the reasons why I fucking love my mom. She has the best advices. She’s one of the few intelligent women I know and she doesn’t shy away from showing it.

She is right. Since there was nothing I can do right now about the hitman I hired, maybe I should take a break. One weekend won’t hurt.

“Thanks mom…I really needed to hear that” I tell her gratefully.

I loved the woman more than life. She was just the fucking best and no words can explain what she means to me.

“Anytime sweetie, you know I love” she says after a heart beat.

“I love you too, mom” I whisper, feeling fucking emotional all of a sudden.

I was about to say more, but I’m interrupted by an incoming call.

It was Blake.

“I have to go, mom. Take care and say hi to everyone” I tell her, desperate to hear what Blake has to tell me.

“I will sweetie…take care and don’t be stranger” there is a hint of a smile in her voice.

After I agree, we hang up and I immediately call Blake.

“What do you have for me?” I ground. All traces of softness gone from my voice.

I hoped that he had news about Hawk. As the hitman likes to be called. He was at Ava party and managed to scare her. Then he burned down her house the very next day. novelbin I asked him why he did it. Unlike what the police suspected, he didn’t do it because he wanted to kill her. He knew she wasn’t in the house. He did it to scare her.

He told me that he liked playing with his victims before he finally killed them. Just like a cat plays with a mouse. He said he likes instilling fear in his victims before ending them.

Since then, he has been quiet. Planning. He hasn’t revealed his plan and he disappeared a week ago. I’m clueless about what he plans to do and that freaks me out.

“Well!” I snap, when after a minute or so, he still hasn’t said anything.

“We managed to trace him and by what we’re collecting, he has Ava” he says in one breath.

The air gets stuck in my lungs, before I finally release it. I heave a sigh and stand up.

I take my gun. “Send me the location” I tell him before hanging up It was time to finish this once and for all.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 49-Kidnapped Ava It’s been about two months after my house was burned to the ground. So far nothing has happened to me in those few months.

There hasn’t been any more attacks. It’s been quiet and I was hoping the bastard had given up on killing me.

The chief told me not to get my hopes high. He advised to stay on guard and be on the lookout.

According to him, such people don’t give up easily. He told me that he or she was probably bidding their time. Planning. Waiting for the perfect time to attack.

I get what he was saying, but it’s hard not to have hope when they have been quiet. It’s easy to relax and let my guard down when it seems like they’ve left me alone.

These past few months have been the best of my life. Of course it can’t compare to those moments I’m with Noah, but they have been pretty great nonetheless.

What made them the best was Ethan. Every moment I’ve been with him has taught me something new about myself.

I love being around him and if I’m honest with myself, then I’ll admit that I’ve developed feelings for him.

He’s everything I’ve ever wanted Rowan to be. Kind, loving and attentive. Not to mention that the sex is amazing. I see the soft look in his eyes as he stares at me and I always fucking hope that he feels the same way I do.

I can see myself building a life with him. That is if he wants me.

Most would probably say that I’m moving too fast. Maybe I am, but I don’t think so. I’ve wasted nine years loving a man that didn’t deserve my love. Nine years with a man that hated me. Of course when I get a chance to be happy I’m going to grab it with both hands. It’s not even something to think about or debate.

My phone ringing brings me out of my happy thoughts of Ethan. I was a woman on cloud nine and nothing could bring me down.

“Where the hell are you?” Letty’s screaming voice comes through the speaker.

We were having our weekly meet up and I was a little bit late. Blame it on Ethan and his expert tongue “Chill woman. I’m just pulling up” I roll my eyes even though she can’t see me.

Letty doesn’t like lateness, which is funny because she’s late like eighty percent of the time.

“Fine!” She huffs before hanging up.

I park my car and get out. Rushing into the club, I spot her in the VIP section almost immediately.

Today we decided to do something different. We usually meet in restaurants, but Letty wanted to unwind. I immediately agreed. I’ve never been to an actual club and I’ve only ever drunk twice.

The night Rowan and I messed up and the night Ethan and I first slept together, both I went to bars.

It’s funny really. The first time I slept with both men, I was drinking. With Ethan, though, I was tipsy and I remember everything. With Rowan, I only remember bits and pieces.

“Finally” she says when I take a seat opposite her.

Given we were in the VIP section, it wasn’t that noisy and so I could hear her clearly.

“Sorry, I got caught up doing something” I smirk.

She grins at me already knowing what I was caught up doing. I didn’t need to dive into the details.

It was simple for her to understand.

“Then cheers to you babe!” She shrieks in happiness.

She picks her glass up and hold it up in the air before downing it. With the way she was behaving, I’m going to take a guess and assume that she was already tipsy.

“You should get this drink…it’s the shit” she says then calls the bartender and ask him to bring me a glass.

A few minutes later, he is back with my drink. I taste it and my eyes bulge wide.

“Told you it was good” she smiles.

“It really is” I answer in amazement.

It is just as I like it. Nice and sweet. I don’t like the bitter taste of alcohol. That’s why I rarely have 215 +15 BONUS “So, how have things been?” I ask her after a while.

“Not bad, but it has been a hectic week” she answers with a sigh.

“Anything I can help with?” “If you can give me an extra pair of hands, legs and a new brain then yes” she leans back against the couch.

I chuckle. “Now that’s something I can’t help you with” “And you? Have you managed to get in touch with Rowan?” She inquires.

Since the day he and Ethan fought, I haven’t been able to get in touch with him. Even when it’s concerning Noah. When I call he doesn’t pick up. When I send him a message I get a response from his lawyer instead.

I should be happy. I’m the one that came up with that idea in the first place, but something about it doesn’t feel right. It was like he was avoiding me and for the life of me, I couldn’t understand why.

I sigh. “Nope. He doesn’t want to talk to me and I won’t force issues…besides, I’m the one that asked him to keep his distance. He’s probably for once respecting my wishes” “I highly doubt it” she murmurs with a far away look.

“You know something?” “Not really, but I’m suspecting something happened” I look at her in doubt. The only thing that might have happened is if Emma asked him to stay away from me. I doubt that though. Rowan isn’t someone to do as he’s told. Especially if whatever he’s being told involves Noah.

I shake my head to clear it. “I doesn’t matter. None of it matters for today. We are here to have fun and let loose” “You’re right” she says happily as she checks her phone. “Shoot. I need to use the bathroom. Be right back” 2 She doesn’t give me a chance to respond before she rushes away.

I wait, but she doesn’t come back. I wait for another five minutes, but she’s still not back. I start to get worried Standing up I begin walking to go check on her I start to panic when I don’t find her in the bathroom. I rush back to the VIP section.

“Have you seen the woman I was with a few minutes ago?” I ask the bartender.

He smiles at me. “Yes, I saw her leaving through the back door.” “Thanks” I murmur and leave. Wondering why the hell she would leave without informing.

Especially since her phone and purse were still inside.

I get out and start looking around. I don’t find her. I was getting my phone out to call Travis when someone knocks me on the back of the head. I fall unconscious.

When I wake up, my vision is a bit blurry and my head is throbbing. It takes a while for me to realize that I have been kidnapped.

My hands were tied and I was hanging from the ceiling. I shake the chains, struggling to get out.

“Don’t bother…you won’t be leaving this place alive” a gruff voice to my left says.

I look around before my eyes finally land on him. I was in a sort of warehouse. It seemed to be abandoned because there was nothing in it.

The man that had spoken looked to be in his late thirties with thinning blonde hair. He had a beard which surrounded a pair of thin lips. Amber eyes stared at me with evil intent.

“Who are you and what do you want?” I was afraid.

“Who I am isn’t important as for what I want, you already know” he answers with a shrug.

It was just like I had feared. My luck had ran out. Now I was here with this mad man and I doubt anyone would get to me in time.

“Please let me go…I beg you, I have a son” I plead in a shaky voice.

I can’t control the tears that fall down my face at the thought of dying and leaving Noah.

“No can’t do…I’m being paid big bucks to kill you” “If it’s money you want then I can give you all you want. I’m rich” I try reason with him.

If that’s all he wanted then I could fulfil his desires. It wouldn’t be that hard to transfer money into “wish it was all about the money, but I took a job and I always finish my assignment.” He smiles like that is something to be proud of.

It would be if it was any other job but not when you’re a cold blooded killer.

*Please I’ll do anything. I’ll give you anything” He stands up and walks towards me. He runs his knife down my face.

“You’re pretty and I would like to have you, but still, you’re not worth losing my reputation for” he whispers into my ear sending chills down my spine.

I’m saved from his disgusting touch when the large door opens. We both turn and for a moment I’m happy. I’ve been saved.

His next words, though, shatter my illusion.

“Boss, look what I’ve got” he smiling proudly. “I promised you I’d get the job done” Everything inside me freezes as the weight of betrayal sits on my heart. I couldn’t believe my ears. The person I least expected turned out to be my enemy.

How the hell did I not see this coming?

 

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 50-Missing Rowan I’m a coward Plain and simple. Two fucking months and I still can’t myself to face Ava of even talk to her What was I supposed to tell her? What could I tell the woman I thought had tricked me when it had turned out that she wasn’t at fault?

I’m ashamed of myself. Ashamed of all the things I did to her. Ashamed of letting her take the blame. I’m ashamed that I stood by while everyone treated her like shit, because I thought that novelbin she deserved it.

I don’t know how to face her. How to look her in the eyes and apologize. I don’t fucking know how to apologize to anyone simply because I’ve never been in the wrong. I am always fucking right except when it comes to Ava I take a sip of my whiskey as I try to drown that fucking guilt. It doesn’t do much but at least for a few minutes I can pretend that my whole fucking world wasn’t turned upside down with the truth “Sir, Mr Sharp is here to see you. He looks a bit distressed” my housekeeper interrupts me by saying.

“Let him in” I simply answer before turning away.

When the truth came out, Gabe couldn’t hold it in anymore. He shared the video with everyone. So now both families know that Ava wasn’t lying when she said she was drunk.

Everyone felt guilty except for Emma. She still held on to her grudge, saying it doesn’t excuse the fact that she went after a guy that wasn’t hers.

My relationship with Emma hasn’t improved. She keeps pushing, but for some reason I just can’t bring myself to give in.

I don’t know what the fuck is going on with me. I wanted a chance with Emma. A future with her, yet here I am pushing her away for some unknown reason.

I turn when Travis enters my office.

“What going on?” I ask when I realize that Martha was right. He looked distressed.

“I don’t know, but I need your help. He grabs onto his hair. Tm freaking out” I stand up from my seat and round the desk. I sit on it then pull a glass, pour some whiskey before handing it over to him “Calm me down and tell me what happened” I tell him in a controlled and calm voice He takes a few deep breaths before answering “I got an unexpected call from Ava, before she could say anything though, I heard a small scream and then nothing. I tried calling back but there wasn’t an answer. I tried calling Letty because they were going out together but I can’t reach her either. It’s been almost two hours and none of them is answering their phones” I straighten at what he said. My brows pulling down in worry. Ava would never call Travis willingly so something happened. Something was wrong.

“Do you know where they went?” I ask already taking my phone out.

“No. Letty didn’t tell me” Drake picks up on the first ring. “Get me the location of Ava’s car” “On it” he says before hanging up.

I got a tracker on her car without her knowing. It was the easiest way I knew to keep track on her and protect her since she asked me to withdraw her security details.

Seconds later I get details of where her car is parked. I’m surprised to realize that it was parked near one of my many clubs.

“Let’s go” I tell Travis and we leave.

It doesn’t take us long to get to our destination. We get out and get immediate entry into the club.

After speaking to one of the bartenders and showing him a picture of Ava and Letty, he shows us the private booth they chose.

“Both their purses and Letty’s phone are still here” Travis comments as he goes through Letty’s bag.

“Have you seen them since they came in?” I ask Matt, the bartender.

“No, they came in and ordered some drinks. They talked for a while. The girl with black hair stood up and went to the bathroom before going outside. Soon the brunet followed her out. None of them.

came back inside” I was fuming My insides churning in anger “You didn’t fucking think to check on them to make sure they were alright?” I explode then pin the imbecile to the wall.

The idiot let out a girlish scream. Fear flashing in his eyes.

“I swear I didn’t notice it’s been really busy today and I just didn’t pay much attention that they hadn’t come back until now” he cowers as if he was trying to blend in with the wall.

“What’s going on here?” A voice I recognize asks.

I turn to my manager. My anger and worry still choking me.

“What kinds of idiots do you hire nowadays, Francis?” I ask him turning around to fully face him.

He gasps and tries to compose himself now that he realizes that I am not a normal customer.

“Wh–what do you mean Mr. Woods?” Francis stammers, his face going ashen.

“Please explain it to him, Travis, because I don’t think I can without killing and ending their sorry asses.” I pace as Travis explains the situation to Francis, who gets paler with each word.

“You said that they both went outside?” I face the bartender.

He nods his head in answer.

“Get me the CCTV footage” I command before leaving through the back door.

I look outside and find nothing. No clue that can lead us to either of the women. I was about to give up when I kicked something with my shoes.

I look down only to find that it’s a phone. Not just any phone, but I recognize it as the new phone I got Ava. Travis comes out with a tablet just as I was trying to power it on.

“You have to see this” he says urgently, giving me the device.

In the video, Ava is seen coming out of the club then being hit by a man who later carries her unconscious body into a getaway car.

It was obvious that Ava was kidnapped but what the hell happened to Letty?

“At least we got a clear view of the bastard’s face and the car’s registration number” Travis says hopefully 1 ignore him and dial Gabe’s number. He had the best tracker so he was our best shot.

“I need you to find someone for me” I tell him before giving him the details and sending him the video Don’t worry Ava, I’m coming for you.