Ch. 411..420

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 411-I knew that their reaction would be explosive. It's not every day that you're told you have a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter you didn't know about.

My father starts pacing, and I just fucking know what he's thinking. Dad trained both me and Rowan. We always know what he's thinking because we think in the same way.

He was probably wondering how this happened. Wondering if I took a paternity test to make sure that Lilly was indeed my daughter. He would also be thinking if Harper had managed somehow to fool me, trap me. He's in a thinking mode, trying to work all the angles.

"H-How did this happen? How do you have a wife and daughter all of a sudden?" mom stammered, trying to form the words.

Her face was still etched in shock. Her eyes shifting from me to Harper who was staring at the floor silently. She was nervous. Panicking on the inside. There was this strong push to hold her. To give her reassurance through my touch.

My strong reaction towards her puzzled me. It wasn't like this before when we were married, so what the hell changed? Why is it that all of a sudden, I wanted to do things I never wanted to do before? "Answer your mother, Gabe" dad's authoritative voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"We were involved a few years back" I started. "I didn't know that I'd gotten her pregnant when I kicked her out of my life. It wasn't until recently that I found out that she had my child."

I didn't want to tell them that we were married before. Those same strange feelings pushed me to protect her. My parents would be livid if they found out that her brother had threatened me. I know my parents; I especially know my mother. She doesn't take kindly to those who mess with her boys. What Ava went through by my mother's hands is a clear example of what happens when someone messes with us.

Andrew wanted me to marry Harper because he knew she had a crush on me.

After all, we did move in the same circle. I'm still convinced that she was in on it, but my parents don't need to know that part. I don't want them to hate her.

"So, she hid your child from you for years?" mom demanded, and I could feel her anger rising.

"Yes, but it's because I wasn't really kind to her."

My dad stopped, before taking a seat next to my mom. "What does that even mean?"

I sigh, not really ready to have this conversation but knowing that I need to. "It simply means that I she wasn't at fault. I was a total douchebag to her. I was immature and a fucking chip on my shoulder, so I took it out on her. If I were in her shoes, I would have done the same. I'm glad she didn't tell me because looking back at that younger version I'm fucking sure I would not have accepted her pregnancy"

Everyone is quiet when I'm done speaking. Harper is looking at me with wide eyes, dad's look is indescribable and mom is looking at me with disappointment.

I continue speaking, burying myself in deeper shit. "I'm not like Rowan, who immediately took responsibility when Ava got pregnant. With how was then, I would probably have asked Harper to get rid of the pregnancy."

"I'm disappointed to hear you say that, Gabe… very disappointed" mom whispered sadly.

"When did you get together?" Dad asked immediately mom stopped speaking.

"A few months after Ava and Rowan got married" I answered.

"I remember that time, Rowan was acting out, getting drunk and doing drugs while you were sleeping with anything that walked, that means you cheated on her multiple times" Dad commented thoughtfully.

I don't say a fucking thing, because what could I say? What he said is the truth. did cheat on Harper and didn't even bother to hide it. I rarely spent time at the house we stayed in and would only see her occasionally. I despised her for colluding with her brother to threaten and trap me.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 412-Thanks to her brother, I knew she wanted me and it gave me the best weapon against her. I wanted to hurt her, to destroy and cause her pain for taking my freedom from me. It didn't take a genius to figure out cheating on her would hurt her and so I did and I made sure she knew it. I wanted her to regret ever thinking of trapping me. It worked and every time I saw her, I saw the pain in her eyes. I know it makes me a monster, but it satisfied me seeing that pain there.

"And how did you meet again after years?" mom proceeded when I didn't comment on dad's observation.

"I tracked her down," I shrugged my shoulders. "The board wanted me to get married and settle down and so I did."

My mom's eyes shifted to Harper. "And you agreed to marry him despite the despicable way he treated you?"

I wince at my mom's words. I hated disappointing her, but I couldn't escape this.

In the same way I did, Harper shrugged. "He has something I want, so I agreed."

Mom and dad looked at each other before turning back to us.

"What do you mean?" dad inquired, scrutinizing her.

"My family's company," Harper simply answered.

"What would Gabe be doing with your family's company?" this came from mom, whose eyes were closed into slits.

Harper shrugs. "I don't know. All I know is what he told me. That he took it after my brother died. I didn't even know it was still there. I thought it died with my brother because after all it was going bankrupt" There is a beat of silence before they ask the question. I could see it in their eyes. They were dying to know who she is and who her brother is. It was clear as day.

"Who is your brother, Harper?" dad leaned forward.

"I don't know if you remember him… Andrew Beckett"

She tried to hide it, but I saw it. How her face scrunched up in pain for a moment when she mentioned his name, before getting her emotions in check. I didn't really know how. their relationship was, and I never bothered to care, but it's obvious that she's still in pain. That even after all these years, she was still mourning her brother.

"You're from the Becket family?” Dad asked, surprise coating his voice."1 remember they had a daughter and no one knew what happened to you after your entire family died. He finished insensitively.

Harper winced at that last statement, just as mom pinched dad's arms.

"Woman, why the hell did you pinch me?" he cursed loudly.

Mom just glared at him, before throwing her head in Harper's direction. Harper's eyes were now cast down, staring intently at the carpet…

That same need to comfort her was riding me hard. I fold my hands into fists, just to stop myself from reaching out and holding her hands.

Dad realizes his mistake. "I'm sorry Harper, that was insensitive of me"

"It's okay, it happened a long time ago" she whispered sadly.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean it hurts any less, does it?" mom asked her in a gentle voice.

"No, it doesn't" she murmured, and I could clearly see her struggling to keep her emotions in check.

There was an awkward silence after that, while every fiber in my body pushed me to hold her. Instead of giving in I push away that need and focus on my parents.

"Okay, I think that's enough for today" Mom's voice cut through the silence "And right now all I want is a proper introduction with my granddaughter."

Her smile was genuine when she talked about Lilly, but deep downt knew this conversation was far from over 'll really get it from them when it's just the three of us.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 413-Harper.

I couldn't stop fidgeting even as Gabriel and I followed behind his parents. To be honest, the talk in the office went better than I expected. I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't their calmness, or maybe it was the calm before the storm?

I also didn't understand why Gabriel didn't tell them that we had been married before. Despite how our marriage ended, it was the most logical thing to do. I didn't like that he'd kept them in the dark. "Are you okay?" his voice pulled me back to the present.

I looked up at him only to find his eyes staring intently at me. They were so piercing, it's like he was reading me down to my soul. Pulling my eyes from him, I focused forward. "Yes, I'm still a bit nervous, I don't know why, though" I answered truthfully.

The worst part was already over, so I don't even know why I was still anxious.

Maybe it's because I was going to be spending the day with his family. Maybe it's because I could still feel his lingering breath on my skin when he almost kissed me. Hell, maybe it's because he took the whole blame for our failed relationship.

I didn't expect that from him. I didn't expect that he'd actually accept that he'd been the biggest douche bag back then. I was also still in shock at his revelation that back then he would probably never have accepted my pregnancy.

To be honest, I never thought of that. When I'd decided to keep my pregnancy a secret it was because I didn't like the kind of person he was. I didn't want my baby around his toxicity. I didn't want my baby around a man who would willingly hurt his or her mother without a care in the world. To me, Gabriel was the devil incarnate.

Even though those were my thoughts, my reasons, not once did I ever think that he'd reject my pregnancy or ask me to get rid of it. It never once crossed my mind, and maybe it should have.

Trying to push those thoughts away, I fist my hands and focused on the pain as my nails dug into my skin. Everything that was happening, that has been happening since he found me was messing with my head.

Gabriel was a villain. He's been a villain since he broke my heart and treated me like trash. Now though, I was getting glimpses of a different man, and my mind was confused. Scratch that, I was getting pissed because I couldn't reconcile the man that he was and the man that I'd been seeing glimpses of. It was fucking with my head and heart and I hated that.

"Harper" he called gently, and I once again looked at him.

"Hmm?"

"You're not okay, maybe we should leave and do this another day" he responded, his eyes searching mine.

I was about to agree, but I stopped when we got outside.

Lilly was playing with a beautiful little girl who looked to be about two years old and a boy who was about two years older than her. She looked so happy and at ease, and I couldn't take that away from her.

Her smile brightened when her grandparents approached her. They said a few words to her and she responded right before she flung herself at them. They both embraced her and gave her tight hugs. "No" I said, "Lilly loves it here and she seems to be enjoying herself. We can stay for a little while"

"You want to head over to the rest of the family?" he asked after a few minutes of silence.

"Let me just watch for a while, I love seeing Lilly this happy and free."

Rowan soon joined with drinks and snacks for the kids. It didn't take a genius to figure out that the boy was his son He was a mini-copy of him. It was like Rowan had been cloned, and the result was the boy. This boy was the son he had with Ava.

"What's the name of Rowan's son?" I asked, still studying them.

"Noah"

Gabriel didn't know, but he would always agonize over Rowan whenever he came home drunk. Rowan was a mess after Emma broke things off. He got even worse when Ava got pregnant and he married her.

It was painful to hear all what Rowan was going through, but it was more so painful to imagine the kind of pain Ava was in. Having live with a man that loved your sister and agonized everyday at losing her was a special kind of hell.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 414-Rowan seemed happy right now, so like I said, I'm assuming he got back together with Emma. That was the only possible scenario. From what Gabriel used to tell me, Rowan had hated Ava with a passion, just like Gabriel hated me.

My eyes move to the little girl. She looked a bit familiar, but I couldn't place her face. Maybe she's Rowan and Emma's daughter though she looks nothing like the Emma I remembered. Then again, genes can be weird sometimes.

"And the little girl?"

"Her name is Iris” he answered, his proximity doing some weird things to me.

Moving away, I tried to keep a little distance between us.

I continued watching Iris, who was a ball of energy. She had these pretty blue eyes that I could see shining all the way to where I was standing. She didn't look like Emma, but if I remember correctly, Emma had blue eyes, so Iris probably got them from her.

"So, Rowan finally got together with Emma" I said softly. "When did they get together and how did Ava handle it?"

Emma wasn't really a bad person. We all went to the same school though she was older than me. Ava was the one who was my age.

Unlike other popular girls, she wasn't a mean girl who was bitchy and looked down on others. She was kind, smart and down-to-earth. That was what made her even more popular in school. She was friends even with the unpopular kids who nobody would talk to or associate with.

That being said, I felt a more kindred spirit with Ava. We both weren't popular.

Both of us loved two brothers who didn't give us the time of day. Both of us got married to those same brothers and were treated like shit… and we both got pregnant due to a drunk night. The only difference with us, was that I had a family that loved me while Ava didn't.

My heart went to her, knowing how Rowan getting back together with Emma must have caused her pain. I saw the wedding ring on his finger, so he must have married Emma.

Is it weird that I want to look for Ava? To comfort her for the pain she must be going through. I, more than anyone, know how painful unrequited love is.

The reason why I left this city, apart from the fact that I'd lost my entire family, is that I didn't want to see Gabriel move on. I didn't want to see him find his match and slowly fall in love didn't want to see him getting married to the woman that was able té capture his heart and start a family with her.

It killed me just imagining that, so how could I live it? How could I live here in this city knowing he'll never, be mine? This was also the very reason why I stopped reading gossip magazines and watching gossip shows. I just didn't want to know. I didn't want to see him give some other woman what he couldn't give me. His heart.

So, I'm guessing this must be hard for Ava. Everyone knows how long she has loved Rowan. She loved him just as long as I loved Gabriel. It must hurt knowing Rowan was now with his one true love (this is what Gabriel used to call Emma; Rowan's one true love)

"I didn't catch that" Gabriel's voice sounded right next to my ear.

Pulling away, I looked back at Rowan. "I asked when Rowan and Emma got back together"

"What are you talking about?"

I turn to him only to find his face awash with confusion.

"Rowan looks happy now, something that I never saw after he got married to Ava. He looks like he did back when he was with Emma so I'm assuming they got back together, married and had Iris given her blue eyes which are similar to Emma's"

For some weird reason, he looks at me like I'd grown two heads. Maybe I was mistaken and Rowan was married to someone else? "What are you talking about?" he asked, confusion still evident in his voice. "Rowan isn't married to Emma. He's married to Ava" My eyes widen at that revelation. Well color me shocked. I did not see that coming. I guess a lot has changed since I was gone.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 415-"He's married to Ava?" I asked, completely and utterly shocked.

"Yes" he answered, then his eyes narrowed. "Why do you seem so shocked by that news?"

Shrugging, I answered. "Probably because I am."

And I was. I never once saw this coming. Not one fucking bit. Like I said, Rowan loathed Ava, so how did he end up with her? How the hell did things change so much that he was now all rainbows and shit?

The Rowan I remembered was moody, angry, bitter and had a chip the size of a whole galaxy on his shoulder. He had a constant frown etched on his face and

had rarely smiled. All that change happened after he slept with Ava and broke things off with Emma.

This new version of him reminded me of when he was still with Emma. His face used to light up whenever he saw her or was near her. He constantly smiled as if the mere presence of Emma in his life made him happy.

Given all these, you can understand my skepticism that Ava made him this happy. Unless something changed while I was gone. Something huge. Or maybe they just decided to stay together for the sake of their children.

"It's really not nice to assume things about other people" Gabriel's voice interrupted my thoughts.

I turned to face. "I wasn't assuming anything, Gabriel. I just went by what I knew.

I'm not saying this to be mean or anything, but it's hard to imagine Rowan happy with Ava when he clearly hated her and for a long time too. What was I supposed to think? The only possible explanation in my head, given the hatred he had for Ava was that they'd divorced and he'd married Emma"

There was a beat of silence as he just stared at me. It was like he didn't know what to do with me or how to handle what I had just told him.

When he didn't speak, I continued. "It's unfathomable that someone can get from that high degree of hate to pure love. I would say it's nearly impossible for that to happen. It would take a divine miracle." "It's been years, Harper. People change," he uttered in a soft voice.

As the words left his mouth, I couldn't help but wonder if he was talking about Rowan or himself. Instead of dwelling so much on it, I pushed that thought away, not really ready to accept his words. "So how did they reconcile? Or are they still together because of the kids?" I asked casually and curiously.

"As you thought, they did get a divorce. In fact, it was Ava that asked for one. A few months later, James died and Emma came back for the burial. We all thought that with Emma back it would be a done deal that she and Rowan would get back together. They did, but it didn't last. None of us, including Rowan, counted on the effect it would have on him when Ava started moving on with another man."

Gabriel then proceeded to give me a quick run down of everything that happened. It was a short summary, but it had every important detail. By the time he was done, I couldn't believe it. "Well," I muttered still reeling from the shock.

"I never thought I'd see the day when Rowan was in love with Ava"

Just then Ava walked out of the house using a different door. As if sensing her; Rowan turned to his wife, his eyes and face lighting up at seeing her. She smiled and after placing some food on the table, went to her husband.

Rowan quickly snagged Ava around the waist before bringing her close to him.

Right in the middle of the backyard, he kissed her, not really caring that others were around.

When he pulled away, she said something that made him throw his head back and laugh. He then stared at her like she was the only one that mattered. Like she was the most important woman in his eyes.

"Wow" the words slipped out of my mouth without me meaning to.

elmet If I had thought the way he used to stare at Emma was beautiful and captivating, then I was so damn wrong. Nothing compares to the way he stares at Ava. Ava had Rowan wrapped around her finger. It was clear to see that she held his heart in her hands.

"Come on" Gabriel took my hand and started dragging me to the rest of the family. "I'm starving."

I couldn't help but shiver when his warm hand engulfed mine & tried to pull away, buthê wouldn't have it. He firmly held mine in place.

"I believe you're the only one who doesn't know about Harper and Lilly, Ava,"

Gabriel told Ava once we got to the rest.

"Oh, I already know about them. I was just waiting for the official introduction,"

she answered, her eyes shining.

Ava is a natural beauty, but when she smiled, it took her beauty to a whole new level.

Gabriel groaned beside me, before looking at his brother. "Seriously Ro, you couldn't keep this one thing a secret from Ava?"

"Nope," Rowan smiled while popping the p at the end. "There are no secrets between us."

Gabriel's jab was meant to shame his brother, but Rowan didn't look m ashamed ab all. In fact, he looked really pleased with himself.

Ava rolled her eyes and pulled me in for a hug, "Forget about these twa overgrown babies, Min Ava, but you already khow that, given, we had some classes together in high school."

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 416-"Hi" for some weird reason, I squeaked the word.

Coming face to face with Ava was like coming face to face with your secret crush. I was all of a sudden sweaty and nervous. Instead of answering, she pulled me into a tight hug. It was a warm hug. It felt like hugging a soft and fluffy teddy bear.

"It's nice to officially meet you, Harper. Welcome to the family" she whispered right before she stepped away.

Gabriel then led me to the out-door setup that had multiple foods on the table.

He moved me so that I was sitting right beside him.

Did he get that I hated his proximity for a reason?

Within seconds, everyone was digging in.

"So, Harper, what do you do?" Gabriel's mom asked.

I swallowed, when everyone turned to look. I hated it when attention was focused on me.

"I'm an interior designer," I replied, while trying to maintain eye contact.

If there was one thing my mother taught me, it's that eye contact was important, especially when it came to people from our world. The rich and influential viewed avoiding eye contact as a sign of weakness. My mother instilled in us to never show that weakness, no matter what.

"That's just perfect," Ava added. "I've been dying to change things in a few of the Hope houses. Maybe you can help with that."

Lilly, ever the curious little thing, catches that quickly. "What are Hope houses?"

"They're homes my mom funded to help children who were less fortunate."

Noah is the one that answers. "She's the founder of The Hope Foundation and those houses give the children she helps a place to call home."

Noah was smiling, and you could see just how proud he was of his mother. You could also see the love he had for her. It seemed that both father and son loved Ava unconditionally.

Lilly frowns, but then her face clears as if a light bulb just went on in her mind.

"I know about the Hope Foundation. It's one of the biggest children's foundations in the country. No one knew who the founder is for the longest time."

Everyone just stares at Lilly like she's an alien from space. I, on the other hand, was quite proud of my daughter's extensive knowledge.

"No wonder you looked so familiar," Lilly told Ava. "You're Ava Sharp, though you changed your last name. Your foundation is worth millions of dollars and you're the richest woman in the country and the six richest overall."

Damn she was good… That's the thing about Lilly, she takes in information like a sponge absorbs water. Anything to do with money, Lilly probably knows all about it.

"How do you know about all this, sweetheart?" Gabriel's dad asked after the shock wore off.

Lilly shrugged like it wasn't really a big deal, and to her, it wasn't. "I know things.want to be a billionaire when + grow up and in order to achieve my dream, I need to study the rich and how they make money."

All eyes turned to me and I almost froze. The keyword being, almost.

"She loves numbers" I added, "Actually, anything to do with finance."

"And you encourage this?" my mother-in-law asked.

"Of course," I replied. "It's her dream, so why would I stand in her way? Anything I can do to support and help her with achieving them, I will do it in a heartbeat."

You could clearly see she was fighting back tears. "She's just like her daddy.

Gabriel also used to obsess over numbers when he was younger."

"Mom", Gabriel complained, and for a moment I forgot that he was a grown-up man. It's like he was back to being a little boy.

Seeing him like this, so different from the cold man I was used to, was overwhelming to say the least.

Why couldn't he be like this when we were married? Why didn't he show me this side of him when we were together? Why now when I wanted nothing to do with him? Standing up, I excused myself. "Excuse me, I need to use the washroom."

His mother points me in the right direction and I basically flee.

When I get to the washrooms, I sigh in relief before leaning against the countertop, I didn't want tafell like this dich & want to feel the attraction between Gabriel and He already shattered me once. How can I risk it?

There was a knock on the door, causing me to scramble to blink back my unshed tears.

"A minute" I called out, trying to get myself together. Once I felt more like myself again, I walkeckto the dobP.

apd open edit. Fo my surprise, Ava was standing against the wall. "Are you okay?" she asked. "You looked so overwhelmed back there."

"How did you forgive Rowan? How did you move past everything?" the question just slipped past my lips without me meaning to. "He was horrible to you, yet you are now together."

"You love Gabriel, don't you?" she asked softly, her eyes conveying understanding.

I pulled my eyes from hers. “I used to, but it still hurts, sometimes."

She surprised me even more when she pulled my hand in hers and squeezed it.

"You and I are going to be really good friends, Harper, and just know that if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."

I was grateful for her offer of friendship, but I couldn't help but notice that she had not answered my question.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 417-Gabriel.

"Will you two be okay for the night?" I asked as I opened the car door for Harper and Lilly.

"Yes" she answered, totally avoiding my eyes. "Don't worry, we'll both probably crash the moment we get inside" "Okay", I moved forward and kissed Lilly on the cheek. She already looked ready to drop. "Goodnight sweetheart"

"Goodnight daddy" she murmured.

Damn. I don't think I'll ever get used to her calling me that. Like I said before, when I found out about Lilly, I just planned to use her as a last resort to get what I wanted from Harper. Now though, it's a totally different story.

Every time she called me that, today, my heart swelled. I felt some kind of warmth seeping deep inside me. It was so different. Nothing I have ever experienced before.

With a small wave and a goodnight from Harper, they turn and leave. After making sure that they were safely inside the building, I turned and got back inside my car, ignoring the look Harper gave me. It was full of distrust. Like she thought that I was about to go get together with another woman. In other words, she thought I was going to cheat.

I didn't tell her where I was going, when I announced that I would be dropping them off at the penthouse. I didn't feel the need to tell her, but I know I should have.

Pushing those thoughts away, I turned on the ignition and pulled out of parking.

Ai was headed to one of our clubs to meet up with Rowan. Travis wasn't joining us because he was still abroad on business. He's looking for investors, trying to recover after Ava's birth parents almost ran their company into bankruptcy.

They did try with ours, but it was nearly impossible given that our companies are in the same league. Despite their failure to destroy us, it doesn't mean that they weren't able to cost us some billion-dollar projects.

"Incoming call from Rowan," Siri's robotic voice came through the handset.

"Would like to answer it"

"Yes"

"Answering Rowan's calls"

"How far are you?" Rowan asked the moment the call was connected.

"About thirty minutes” I replied, stepping on the gas. “I'm just from dropping off Harper and Lilly. Are you already there?" "Yeah"

"On my way then," I told him and seconds later, he hung up.

If I'm being honest, today went better than I'd expected. My parents were angry with me and not Harper. That was more than I'd wanted.

Lilly had fun with Noah and Iris. I also saw a bond forming between them. It was marvelous to watch her fit in effortlessly with my family. As for Harper, she was a bit shy, but Mom and Ava easily welcomed her into the folds.

For a moment, I saw her panic and nervousness. I felt her discomfort and the internal fight she was m battling uck was I thankful when she emerged from the washrooms with Ava by her side, and looking calmer.

I get to the club in twenty minutes instead of thirty. Parking my car in the reserved area, I get out and walk to the entrance.

"Mr. Wood," the bouncer greets, bowing a little.

I heard groupies calling my name, wanting a free pass in, but l ignored We offer the best and people pay loads just to get in. It also doesn't hurt that our clubs are luxurious.

Heading to the VVIP section, I found Rowan seated, having a glass of brandy going by the betle next to him Thelgood thing about owning your own club, is having your own private bar and your own personal bartender.

"Want a drink?" Rowan asked, pointing to the bottle with his own glass.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 418-I nodded, then dropped on the sofa as he poured me a glass. One that I needed.

"I have to agree with what mum said, Lilly is just like you. She surprised me with just how sharp she is. How she knows a lot when it comes to money." he said after taking a sip from his glass.

I smiled proudly. "It's the same way Noah is your mini-me. He's so spot on when it comes to knowing which companies have potential."

And it was true. Noah was sharp when it came to company potentials, just like Rowan. Rowan can read new company potential, even already established companies.

It's because of him that we've never made a bad investment when acquiring a new company.

"I have a feeling those two will take the business world by storm. They'll bring Woods corporation to even higher heights. Just like us, they'll be the perfect duo." he voiced the same thing I was thinking. Taking my glass, I gulped the whole content down before adding more. The liquid burned as it traveled down my throat, but I didn't mind. After taking the second glass, I started feeling the tension leave my body.

"So, tell me" Rowan began. "What has been eating you the whole day? I could literally feel how tense you were."

"I almost kissed Harper" I blurted out without thinking.

"And?" he asked teasingly. "She's your wife. I would think you do more than just kissing."

Sighing, I ran my hands down my face. "You don't get it. Our marriage is a fucking contract. I am not supposed to feel anything for her. I didn't before, so why now?"

"Maybe because things are different, Gabe. You're both different people now, you've both grown and matured. It's obvious that things won't be the same."

"She's changed all right" I murmured. "The kitten has grown claws, and she isn't afraid to fight back. I find it-" I stopped, because I couldn't find the right words.

"Hot? Sexy? Attractive?" he asked, using the very words I was avoiding. "I know you, brother, and I know you're attracted to strong, confident women who can give as good as they get."

Fuck. He was absolutely right. I find Harper's new personality so fucking attractive. Every day I see her in those sexy nightgowns, it makes me want to bend her over the counter and fuck her into a coma.

"I shouldn't want her, but it's like my mind has forgotten that I hate her and it is driving me insane. Just today thad to fight myself to keep myself from touching her and comforting her."

He stays quiet for a while before speaking. "And Harper?"

"I doubt she'd ever want me to touch her. She fucking hates me"

"Well, I don't blame her. It's a normal reaction given how much you hurt her. Remember what you told ms back then about Ava? 4L3 the same.

thing! Harper is just trying to protect her heart. Experience has taught her.

that her heart isn't safe with you. Of course, she'll do everything she can to make sure you'll never hurt her again."

Running my hands through my hair, I stared intently at the amber liquid in my hand.

My fucking mind is a mess when it comes to Harper. I hated her. This, Whole thing should be easy to pull off; Why isn't it?" I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper.

Two years. That's how long I was supposed to tolerate her in my life, Defore we got divarded, e and she once again left my life. It was supposed to be fucking easy.

Rowan smiled, before leaning against the couch. "You'll soon learn that nothing is ever easy when you finally find your match, Gabe."

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 419-Emma.

"Are you sure about this?" Molly asked, her worried eyes scanning my face.

"Are you absolutely sure you want to do this?"

Was I sure? Heck no. I don't know what will happen. I don't know how he'll react, but I have to do something, right? "Yes" I nod, straightening my back in determination.

I know I messed up big time. I know that what's happening to me is my fault. It's karma catching up with me, but I can't let it stop me. I can't sit around mopping wishing things were different.

I put on the pretty sundress I'd chosen. It was white and had some blue flowers on it. I wanted to look presentable, down to earth and warm. I wanted to look inviting. Someone you feel at ease by just looking at them. Sundresses always give that illusion.

"You do realize he might slam the door shut on you face at first look?" Molly adds, bouncing on my bed like a little kid.

I've thought about nothing since I decided to matters in my own. I've thought of nothing else, but how to change things between Gunner and I. I know it'll be hard. I've neglected him so many times over the years that his love for me probably died.

It fucking hurts my heart knowing that he views Ava more as a mother than me.

Mom has told me countless of times how much he spends time at Rowan and Ava's home. It fucking hearts but I don't have anyone to blame.

Each day I wake up with guilt that consumes both my heart and soul. Each day brings a fresh onslaught of pain that I can't escape from. It guts me each time when I open my eyes and realize the shit and pain, I've caused.

My hearts constricts and I feel myself drowning in the darkness that's been consuming. More than anything, I want to know my baby, but I also want a respite from the constant heartache.

"Emma? Are you even listening?" Molly's voice pulls me from the edge of the abyss.

"Yes" I lie, and maneuver myself to my dressing table to do my make-up.

I've become like a shadow of myself. Everything in my life has lost its meaning.

I'm so fucking lost that some days I think it would be easier if I just ended it all.

Working used to be my life. I enjoyed it. Loved it. I also loved social gatherings.

Whether it was galas, charity dinners or just a simple laid back event. I loved them. Now, though, I don't even want to wake up most of the time.

I pick up my brush and just stared at myself in the mirror. Agony, guilt and regret stare back at me. This feeling of being out of control, lost, was like a cancer that was slowly destroying me from the inside out. Trying to bury those thoughts, I run my brush through my hair before picking up my concealer. I've always had clear skin, so I didn't need much make-up. Just a concealer to hide my dark under eyes. Sighing, Molly stands up and walks over to me before placing a hand on my shoulder. "Have you thought about what we talked about? You should start seeing a therapist."

"And what good will that do?" I ask, applying the concealer before blending it.

"I can see it in your eyes. Every day, your light dims just a little bit. You have a lot to unpack. A lot of guilt, self-hatred and bitterness towards yourself. You need to talk to someone who can professionally help you before it's too late."

I didn't want to hear any talk about a therapist. I can't imagine telling my best friend all that I'm feeling, let alone a stranger. Where would I even start? That I'm having a hard time, drowning and the most appealing solution right now is suicide?

"I just don't see the need," I murmur and place my concealer down after I'm done with it.

I then take out my lip balm and apply a thin layer on my chapped and dry lips.

There, I was done.

"You may not, but you'll understand once you begin. Let me book you a few sessions. If, at the end, you still don't feel the need or any change, then you can stop going," she tells me gently, in a warm voice. "You have to realize that until you can forgive yourself, you can't move past this, and it will always have a hold on you."

I nod then stand up. Giving her the best smile I could muster, I twirl around.

"How do I look?"

She returns the smile. "Better."

Eeh! I'll take that. As long as I don't look like a zombie, then it's good enough for me.

Today was Sunday so I knew that Calvin and Gunner were home. They rarely go out on Sundays choosing to relax and chill with each other.

Calvin named it 'a boy's day He tried involving me by telling me the little things he and Calvin did, but I always rebuffed him. Now, I regret not listening to those small details about my own son.

"I have to go" I whisper, while searching the room for my smarket purse. Once I spot it, I cross the room to pick it up before turning to Molly and saying, "Wish me luck."

"Good luck"

"Do you want me to drive you somewhere, ma'am," one of our drivers tells me once I am outside. He was just placing mats inside the car.

"Not today Henry" I reply softly.

He nods before handing me the key. Getting in, I start the engine before peeling out of our driveway.

It wasn't a long drive. Just a couple of minutes, but that was enough to send me into hyperventilation.

No! I needed to do this.

I walk the short distance, my hand clenched in front of me as I tried to calm down my nervous and racing heart.

Getting to the door, I raise my hand and ring the bell. Minutes later, I hear footsteps right before the door is opened.

At first, Calvin's eyes register shock before they quickly shut down and become cold.

"What the fuck are you doing here?"

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 420-Calvin.

"What the fuck are you doing at my house, Emma" I say through gritted teeth.

Gunner and I were busy repainting his room, before the doorbell rang. The last thing I wanted was for him to hear me shouting and come down only to see this bitch.

I glare at her as I feel my anger rise within me. My fists are clenched, and my jaw is clamped tightly in an effort to stop me from blowing up.

"I-I" she doesn't finish the sentence, and it just pisses me off even more.

Fuck this! I get out of the house and close the door behind me. I needed to get rid of her.

"I asked you a fucking question, Emma!" I snap, gripping the door handle like a vise, just to center myself.

After all the shit she's put me and Gunner through, she now has the audacity to show up on my doorstep?

The pain and heartache of over almost a decade. Did she really think that I would easily forget it? That I'd put it behind me and pretend like she didn't reap my heart out over and over again. Pretend that she didn't put my soul through a fucking mincer and shredded me to pieces?

It fucking hurts. It still fucking hurts even now. The pain is constantly there. The scars aren't fucking healed and I doubt they'll ever will.

"Please, I just want to see him. I want to see Gunner?" she pleads, tears filling her eyes, but seeing them does nothing.

I feel nothing as I stare at her ashen and sad face. I feel nothing at seeing the pain and guilt in her eyes. She doesn't try to hide her emotions but they still don't move me. I swore to myself that I'd never allow myself to be used and manipulated by her.

"Really? I thought you didn't want him" I scoff, folding my arms across my chest.

"Weren't you the one that was insistent on not having anything to do with him years ago, why the change of heart?"

I sneer when her lips start trembling and her face twists as if she was in physical pain.

"He's my son"

"Is that right?" I ask. "You are nothing but an egg donor. It's unfortunate that Gunner had to have you as a mother to be honest. If you want to see the true meaning of being a mom, then look at Ava. She's a fucking mother, and you're nothing but an immature spoiled brat that thinks people are toys she can play with."

Another onslaught of pain flashes in her eyes and she stumbles back as if I've hit her.

"Ava is twice the woman and mother you'll ever be. With all your beauty and brains, what did it get you? Always feeling like you're better than her, but in real sense you aren't even fucking close. You were a nasty bitch to her and look at her now. She has the man you've always wanted, a son and daughter while you have nothing."

My words were aimed at eviscerating her. They were meant to destroy her and bring her to her knees. She's always hated Ava. Always hated being compared to her, so I knew this would destroy her. Call me cruel, but seeing her in pain eases something inside me. After the shit she put me through, she deserves this and more.

Despite the pain I wanted to inflict, I couldn't hide my self-loathing. She isn't wholly to blame. I take some of the blame because I allowed her to use for so long.

I wanted her. I loved her. She was my soul, yet she never felt anything for me. I stayed with her and tolerated her treatment because I'd hoped that one day she'd come to love me. That she'd see just how good we were together and that she didn't need Rowan's love. Not when she had my heart in her fucking hand.

That day never came though. Over and over again she proved just how selfish and self-centered she was. She cared about nobody but herself and that stupid love she held on to for a man that cheated on her with her sister.

When my eyes opened and I had enough, my love turned sour. I hated her. Loathed her with everything that I am.

At Right though. When my son is asleep and I'm lying alone in my huge bed, I allow myself to hate myself too, because I gave her the power to treat me as she did.

"Please, Calvin" he begging pulls me back to her.

She's changed. She's lost weight and some color. She is nothing like the woman I remembered. Her light was gone, and she looked like a shadow of her former self.

"Please what, Emma?" I push her hand away when she tries to touch me. "You think you can regain what you lost now that the man you've held on to for so long doesn't want you? You have to be fucking insane to think I'll let you use my son fucking band-aid for your bleeding heart!"

"I just want to make amends, please let me."

"Get lost, Emma. It's too late for your fucking apologies" I snarl.

I was about to turn around when the door opens and Gunner pops his head out.

"Dad-" his words stop when he sees the woman that gave birth to him.

"Gunner" Emma calls in a whispered voice. "I came to see you"

Gunner's eyes quickly flash over her before landing on me. Despite everything, I love my son.

It pains me to have to ask him, but if he wants Emma to be in his life, then I can't stop him.

"Do you want to see her?" I gently ask, trying to mask my hatred and anger at Emma.

"No" he all but snarls the words.

That's all I needed to hear.

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