Ch. 421..430

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 421-Harper.I get out of bed feeling like I've been run over by a track. I didn't get a stitch of sleep yesterday. You could tell by how sluggish and slow I was this morning.Looking at my phone, I see that it's a little past five in the morning. I know that I won't be able to go back to sleep so I just get up. Gabriel had told me that he had a gym, so I put on some leggings and a sport bra and then leave my room.I had a long day ahead of me. Today is Monday, and it'll be Lilly's first day at school. I wanted to be the one to take her. She seemed a bit nervous when she went to sleep, but she tried downplaying it.The only thing that gave her comfort was knowing that Noah would be with her.She had told me that Noah had promised to introduce her to all his friends. It was so sweet and kind of him. It was clear that he was raised right, and given how kind Ava was towards me, I didn't expect anything else.I walk through the still dark hallways trying to maneuver my way to the gym. I remember Gabriel telling me it was on the top floor so that's where I head.On my way, I pass by Gabriel's room and for a moment I stop. Don't look at me like that. I have no freaking idea why I stopped. There was just something that pulled me to a stop. There was no light and sound so he was probably still asleep.I literally have to force myself to move. The last thing I wanted was him waking and finding me outside his door standing there like a creep.Within minutes, I find the locked doors. The lights were on, but I don't think anything about it. I realized that he sometimes works out at night, so maybe he forgot to switch them of yesterday.I open the door and step inside. I freeze in my trucks. Gabriel was definitely not asleep.Instead, he was t-shirtless on the treadmill. I swear I could see sweat dripping down his chest and, fuck did it do things to me.I wanted to look away, but I couldn't. I couldn't stop staring at his wide chest or the muscles that rippled underneath his skin. My eyes were fixated on him.Drinking him up like they were thirsty."You done staring? Or should I flex my muscles and give you more of the show"his arrogant filled tone, pulls me back to the present.It's then I realize that he was no longer running on the damn thing. Shit. He'd stopped and he'd caught me staring him like a damn perv."I wasn't staring" I mutter, stepping further into the room.My cheeks were probably red from embarrassment."Could've fooled me" he says with a tinge of amusement.I sneak a peek before finding a corner to start my workout. I've haven't seen Gabriel since he dropped us after we spent the day with his family.I wanted to ask him where he was going. Who he was going with. I wanted to remind him that we both agreed that there would be no cheating. I wanted to so much, but I stopped myself.I'm ashamed to say that the whole night I was on edge. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't stop thinking about where he was, what he was doing or more specifically, who he was doing. My mood didn't improve when I woke up the next day, and he still wasn't home. I didn't see him the whole day and went to sleep without laying my eyes on him.Here he was now though, and I don't even know what to act or react. Should I ask? But then that will just come off as me being insecure.Fuck it. I'll just ask. The need for answers was driving me insane."Where have you been? I've haven't seen you since Saturday" I say, trying to sound nonchalant.I move around, pretending that I was looking at the weights, trying to decide which one I wanted to use."Why don't you just ask what you really want to ask without beating around the bush, Harper" his voice drawls near my ear, making me jump.I hadn't even heard him move. Was he a fucking ghost?"Did you cheat?" I ask, pushing the nervousness down.I take in a sharp breath before turning around. I gasp when I realize just how close he was.My eyes travel from his chest to his eyes. There was something in them that I couldn't fully grasp.I start stepping backwards when I realize it was a storm I was seeing behind those gray eyes.He starts following me. "No I didn't cheat, Harper."I swallow hard. "Good, because if you had, I swear-"He doesn't let me finish my sentence. "What would you have done, Harper?"All too late do I realize that he'd cornered me with nowhere else to go."I am a man of my word, and I'm not going to breach the contract," he says before adding. "Though, you must realize how this is fucking hard for me given I haven't had pussy for months, so I'm not against taking what you are offering.""I'm not offering anything!" I snap, trying to push against him, but he doesn't budge."Is that so" he whispers as he leans in. "Then what's with the tight ass leggings and barely there sports bra?"I don't answer him. I couldn't. Not when he was looking like he was starving.He shocks me when he raises his hand from his side and places them on me. It then travels from my hip to my exposed belly. The soft caresse sends shivers down my back. His mouth moves over the pulsing vein in my neck, and I can't stop the shocked gasp that slips from my mouth.I clench my hand and close my eyes to stop my moan when his other.hand slips into my sports bra and grabs my breast. The hand that was.on my hips moves to grab my ass.He pushes me against him, rubbing me against his front.He was hard. So fucking hard. I could feel him through my thin leggings, if my eyes weren' already closed, they would have rolled to the back of my head.I try to stifle the desire, but it's been so long. So fucking long."I bet you want me" his voice is sexy and hoarse.I shake my head vehemently in denial."How I about I prove you wrong" he purrs in my ear.I'm confused at first, but then I realize what he is planning when the hang on my breast disabpears and seconds later, I feel it around the waistband of my leggings.He dips his hand, but before he can get inside my panties, I muster all my strength and push him away.He's taken by surprise and I use that chance to escape."Coward" his mocking voice calls after me, with his laughter ringing in the room.I don't stop.Let him call me whatever the hell he wants, but I wasn't about to let him see just how wet I was for him.Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 422-By the time we were leaving, I had my emotions under control.I didn't want to admit it, but my attraction to Gabriel was still there. It's been years. Almost a decade and yet, it took so little for him to get me excited.I hated that. Hated it because while I was married to Liam, it took a bit of coaxing to get me aroused enough for the act. Don't get me wrong, Liam wasn't a bad sexual partner. He didn't suck at sex, but my arousal didn't come easily when he wanted us to get intimate.It didn't take much from Gabriel. One intense look, and those rough hands on my skin, and I was dripping wet for him. Ready for him to take me. What doesthat say about me? That my ex-husband didn't get this side of me, while the man that shattered me, did?After a quick cold shower, to wash away my arousal and shame, I got dressed and headed for breakfast. The entire time we were having out meals, I avoided Gabriel's knowing gaze."Are you ready for this?" I ask Lilly as she takes her backpack.Surprisingly, Gabriel had announced that he'd also be there for Lilly's first day of school. I didn't argue with him. There was no point in doing it."Yes," she answers cheerily. "Noah told me that their school is awesome. I can't wait to see that for myself."Her nervousness was definitely gone. Not that I was complaining or anything.This was so much better than her being anxious."That's great, darling" I tell her before taking her hand. "Now, let's get moving before you're late on your first day."The ride down the elevator is silent. I was stiff standing next to Gabriel while Lilly stood in front of us. His presence was overwhelming, to say the least. I wanted to get as far away from him as possible, but there wasn't anywhere to go.Lilly literally bounces out of the elevator when we get to the first floor. She's the strangest child I've ever met. I mean who gets excited on their first day of school? Most children are terrified of being the new student."Hurry up!" she demands, as she basically rushes out.She's ahead of us, Gabriel's steps are eating up the space between them quickly, so I am left running after them to catch up."Oh my gosh!" Lilly stops abruptly.I look up to find a sleek limousine parked in Gabriel's reserved spot.She turns to her father with excitement. "You're taking me to school in a limousine?""It's your first day at a new school. You deserve to arrive in style," Gabriel grins at her.Arrive in style? One of his Bentley's would have done the job, but a limousine?Yep. Definitely going to have a problem with him spoiling her. "Thank you so much," She screams before launching herself at Gabriel, who easily picks her up. "I've never driven in a limo before."As much as I hated him spoiling our daughter, I couldn't take this from her. She was happy. What kind of mother would I be if I denied her this?"Come then, Lilly" I tell her. "If we don't hurry up, we are going to be seriously late."We get in the car and I'm relieved when Lilly sit between her father and me. I just don't know I could handle his body heat seeping through to me. Not when I still had the memories of early this morning playing in my head.We don't really talk much. Lilly is a chatter box and fills up the silence that would have descended had it just been us.Within minutes, we are pulling into the Academy's compound. Seeing the building up head starts giving me anxiety. All of a sudden, I am now the one who's nervous. Nervous for my baby girl. When the driver parks, Gabriel gets out and helps us out of the car."Come," he takes Lilly's hand and motions for me to follow them.It doesn't take long for Lilly to be admitted and settled."You don't have to worry; we will give Lilly a guide. Someone who will show her around."I was hoping that Noah will be her guide, but apparently, they give guides according to gender. So, Lilly's guide will be another girl."Have a great first day, darling," I whisper as I kiss her forehead."I will mom."After saying goodbye to her father, she leaves the office and we follow suit. We were already fate for work, büt it didn't matter. Lilly was our priority."Do you think she'll be okay?" I ask Gabriel once we were seated in the car.It was like the first day of kindergarten all over again. I wasz nervous, jittery and anxious. I know she's a big girl now, and she can take care of herself, but I just can't help being a mom and worrying.Gabriel surprises me when he takes my hand in his. His thumb caresses my palm softly, eliciting a shocked gasp from me."Don't worry," he says, his intense eyes staring at me. "She'll be okay, and if she's not, Noah will be there with her."I don't know why I don't stop him as he continues to touch me softly. &should have. It washt @good idea to haye him touch me like that even if it's innocent, but I just couldn't bring myself to care.Fuck! I was a confusing messed up bitch. I don't want him to touch me, but then want him to. In my defense, I néed the comfort."We need to talk about what happened this morning" he interrupts the silence by saying.Hell no. I wasn't ready for that.Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 423-I try to pull my hand away, but it's no use. He has it firmly in place, refusing to let go. His grip didn't hurt, but it was tight enough that I couldn't pull my hand out of his. "Harper" he warns when I try to pull my hand again.Why was he making this hard? Couldn't he just let the issue go?"There is nothing to talk about" I hiss, glaring at his handsome face.The fact that I almost succumbed to his touch was embarrassing enough. Now he wanted to embarrass me further but hashing it out on our way to work."There is where you are wrong" he snags my waist and pulls me close to him."We have a lot to talk about."What the hell was he doing? Had he completely lost his marbles? There was definitely something wrong with Gabriel, because he was acting so out of character.Was he trying to toy with me? Is that what this was? A game for him."Let go of me Gabriel," I hiss, as those unsettling thoughts settle in my head.Fuck! It still fucking hurts. It hurts that he didn't want me in the past, and now he is trying to toy with me."Why?" he asks, his lips close to my ears. "Do I make you uncomfortable? Do I arouse you? Is that why you don't want me touching you? Because you know my touch makes you wet."I scoff at his words, trying to hide the effect of his words. I don't want him to touch me simply because I don't. There isn't any other reason. I refuse to accept any other reason."You are wrong" I snap at him when he still refuses to release me.We were going to be at the office in a few minutes. I needed to get whatever it is that is happening under control.Gabriel was dangerous, and I wasn't saying that because he's among the most powerful men in the city. He was a danger to me. To my heart. I couldn't be the naïve girl I was to fall for him. It would only end up in disaster."I'm not fucking wrong, and you know it" he breathes, "You forget I had your breast in my hand while at the gym. Your erect nipple was proof enough that I aroused you."Panic washes over me at his declaration. How the hell did I allow things to get that far?Snickering, I narrow my eyes."Please, that's a normal reaction for a woman who hasn't had sex in two years.You are a man, Gabriel, one who was rubbing his dick against me. Of course my body would react. It's nothing special, any man would have gotten the same reaction had they done the same."At my words, his eyes darken, his jaw locks and his grip tightens. I get a sick kind of satisfaction when see the anger in his eyes. His ego just ka hit at my words, and fucking love it."Is that so?" there was something dangerous in his tone as he gritted those words.I nod my head numbly. My mind was screaming warnings, but I chose to ignore them. What the worst that he could do?Damn it. I shouldn't have said that.Faster than the fucking flash, Gabriel has me up, and on top of him, with my legs on each side of his hips, straddling him. My skirt rides up, revealing a bit of my black panties.How do I get myself in these situations?I try to wiggle and get myself free, าวน์เน์ but I only end up making things worse. Gabriel releases a groan when I rub against him and I try to stifle a moan at the friction."That lip bite tells me all I need to know, Harper," he purrs so close to my mouth that I'm tempted to kiss his soft lips.My mind goes blank and all I can see are his lips. Those fucking tempting lips. I try to pulleny eyes away. To fdeus on something else, but it's no use.He leans in, about to kiss me, when a sharp knock echoes through the room."We are here, Mr. Wood," the driver's voice comes through the intercom."Shit" Gabriel curses and I scramble to get off his lap, almost falling in the process.My heart was pounding, and my hands were shaking. I almost gaye in again, minutes aftery told him that he didn't affect me. What the hell was wrong with me?I avoid his eyes, as I fix my clothes.When I'm done, I take pay bagneady to get away from him and the same.damn situation I keep finding myself in.Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 424-I was just getting out of the car when, out of nowhere, he grabs my hand, pulling it harshly. I'm startled by the action and I lift my head in confusion only to find his eyes blazing."Where the fuck is your ring?" he spits, his eyes glaring at me.Shit! What the hell?I slowly look from him, to my empty ring finger. Have you ever been confused about a situation? Like you know what you're being asked, know the answer, but you're still confused? Well, that's me right now. "Harper, where is your ring?" he grits out while getting out of the car.I watch his body unfold from the car, and then he is towering over me. His overwhelming presence renders me mute.A little shake from him brings me back to the present."I don't understand what's happening right now," I mutter, still not sure why the hell he was livid over something so insignificant.His face grows darker if that's even possible. It's like my answer just snapped something inside him."What's happening is that you're not wearing the ring I gave you and I want to know why," he growls, his face tight.Dumbly I reply, "I didn't see the need to."In my defense, my brain cells were already short-circuited from what happened in the gym and the car just a few minutes ago."You don't see the need?"I nod numbly, still staring, as his face grew even tighter.Sensing the danger, I try to step back, but it's of no use. His hands shoot out to stop me from my retreat."I gave you the ring because I expected you to fucking wear it. Now where is it?"he pushes out in a taut voice."In my bag"At my answer, he grabs my bag. I watch silently and in shock as he rummages through it, before pulling his hand out. When he does, the ring he gave me is in his hand.Taking my hand, he pushes the ring onto my finger before glaring at me."Don't fucking take it off," his warning is clear, so instead of antagonizing him anymore, I just nod my head.He then hands me my handbag, walks past me and leaves me in the underground parking lot alone. Sighing in tiredness and frustration, I follow him.Gosh, this day sucked. Like really sucked.I haven't been able to pay attention to anything since I started working. If my head wasn't obsessing over my odd situation with Gabriel, then it was wondering how Lilly was doing at school.I was tired and irritable and I could barely focus on my work. I kept checking the time because I couldn't wait for five o'clock so that I could go home and just rest.I'd thought of just asking Gabriel for permission, but I though against it. I needed to learn as much as possible. I couldn't ask for sick leave just because it was a shitty day.At lunchtime, Gabriel had asked me to join him for lunch when I'd gone to hand him some documents. Let's just say that I'm a coward. I didn't want to face him, so I told him that I was busy and didn't have time to eat lunch with him.He didn't say a word, but with the way his jaw clenched, I knew he didn't like my answer. I didn't wait around, instead I fled to my office. It's alarming the number of times I've fled away from Gabriel. "Look at what we have here."Which brings me to now. It's about four thirty in the afternoon and looking at Milly, I know that my day is about to get even worse.Sighing, I face her, "What do you want, Milly?"This bitch has been cornering me every chance she can get. I let the snide remarks go, but I don't know~~~ how for how long I can keep doing that. At first, I thought it was cute I how she tried to intimidate me, but slowly by slowly, I'm starting to lose patience.She had her entourage behind her. Two women who were as mean as she was.Her eyes skim over me in disgust, before landing on my hand. Her eyes widen and I'm confused until I realize she's looking at my ring."Oh my god, you're married!" she practically screams the words.We were in the common area and there were a few of us there. They all turn and look at me at her words."You are a married woman and yet you have no shame sleeping with Gabriel just to advance in life. How disgusting can you be?" she shrills as if she's actually offended.I stare at her in shock. Unable to believe she would say such things about me.That she would announce it in front of everyone just to shame and degrade me."Stop it. You know nothing." I snap when I finally get over my shock at her audacity.Sneering, she steps into my personalspace. "Why should I? It's clear that you're sleeping with the boss and the ring on your finger suggests you're married. So, not only are you a gold-digging slut, you are also a cheater."I look around, noting as those around me started whispering among themselves.I feel even mortified when more employees start entering the room.Milly, who never misses a chance, sees this as an opportunity to embarrass me further."Does your husband know that you're having an affair with your boss? Does Gabriel know you have a husband or do you take off and hide your ring when he's fucking you?"I could feel myself shaking. Remember when I said that I was starting to lose patience with her? Well, I am about to blow.I was just about to respond when Carol, another of Milly's followers rushes in, going straight to Milly."Milly stop it" she hisses in warning. "The company's social media page has just announced-"Milly pushes her away before Carol can finish her sentence, making her stumble in the process.Turning to face the room, Milly addresses them. "I hate it when a woman uses her body to advancelat work, Spreading her legs just to get ahead of others. Don't you just hate it? It's sad that Harper here doesn't know how to get by except by being a slut for her boss."They were whispering and nodding among themselves. Fuck this was so embarrassing. My jaw was olehched apd mythands were itching to slap her. I was about to do just that when Gabriel's voice booms throughout the room."What the fuck did you just say about my wife?" he snarled walking across the room, his domineering presence suffocated the air.Gabriel crosses the room and then stands beside me, glaring at Milly."Wife?" she stutters.When it dawns on her what Gabriel just said, the confidence she had minutes ago shatters into tinny million pieces.I smirk when she swallows and fear fills her eyes.Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 425-[I “Wife?” Milly repeats the words as if she I just can’t comprehend them.I “Did I stutter?” Gabriel asks with an edge {to his tone.I The whole room was now silent. { I Everyone who had been murmuring and pointing at me was now staring at the ground.I really didn’t need Gabriel fighting my battles for me. I’ve grown a long way from the insecure and timid girl that would allow people to walk all over her.That being said, it doesn’t mean that I don’t like how he came to my defense.Milly was trembling. Like full body shakes. Her body was still and fear was etched on her face. For the first time since I came to work here, she didn’t look like the arrogant woman I was used to.ERE a A With the way she carried herself, you ) would think that she owned the damn company. She bosses others around, she’s rude and malicious, always treating others (especially women) like they were I beneath her or something.I rarely go down to the other floors, but if I'm needed to, Milly is always there spouting nonsense and treating me like shit.“I’m sorry Gabriel, I didn’t know she was your wife,” She whispers, her tone begging.The dangerous air around Gabriel intensifies to an almost choking level. Did the stupid woman have a death wish? “Who the fuck are you to call me by given name?” Gabriel asks harshly.He didn’t need to shout or yell, but the intensity of his words was enough to produce the same outcome."Milly flinched at his harsh tone and at the ) realization she just called her boss by his name.u ' “I-I'm sorry Mr. W-Wood,” she I stammers, the words barely leaving her lips.Ignoring her, Gabriel takes my hand and moves us to the middle of the room.My hands clench his as I start to get nervous.Everyone's eyes were on us and I didn’t like the attention.“Let me make an official introduction,” Gabriel’s voice resonates through the room. “This is my wife, Harper Wood.” He waits a few seconds for his words to sink in before continuing.“I’ve been made aware of the rumors surrounding her. She's is not my mistress as some of you have been saying. She’s my wife and I expect her to be treated in the same manner you would treat my family. Anything said against her is a fh direct insult to me, going against her is ) akin to going against me. No one and I I mean no one is allowed to bully heror I swear you'll have me to deal with.Twill fuck your life so badly; you'll still be trying to piece it back together fifty years later. Am I fucking clear?” @» I stand there with my hands in his, completely shocked. I don’t know what I expected but this isn’t it. I didn’t expect him to threaten his own employees for my sake.There is a collective murmur of agreement, before silence descends in the room again."I know that not everyone is here, but spread the fucking word," Gabriel continues, before turning his chilling stare to Milly VAs for you, who do you think you are to try and embarrass my wife?" Milly folds more to herself if that's even possible. She looks so small and fragile The content is on.I right now, it’s almost laughable."I didn't mean it, Mr. Wood," she I whispers in a brittle voice. "I didn*tknow she's your wife." | "And that gives you the right to tell her 1 those unspeakable things whenreally the woman you were describing is you?" Gabriel glares at her. "Should I tell everyone how you've been trying to get into my bed for years even though I didn't fucking want you?Should I tell them how you offered to be my booty call?" There is a gasp of shock all through the room, and Milly loos like she's been slapped. Horror fills her face as everyone starts murmuring.I look up to stare at Gabriel. He's eyes are razor focused on Milly. I know what’s he’s doing, he is embarrassing her the way she embarrassed me, only difference is, I know he’s telling the truth.ph Milly is silent as tears run down her face.) She's embarrassed. You can clearly see it in her eyes and in the way she shrinks I into herself.) "Christopher?"Gabriel call, and Chris I rushes to where we were standing. "Have her investigated. "He then turns back to her. "I never bothered or cared, but you crossed the fucking line when you decided to fuck with my wife.You're suspended until further notice.If the investigations reveal you've stepped out of line, you are out of this company. And to the rest of you, let this be an example. No one messes with Harper and gets away with it."Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 426-f With that, he links our hands, turns {around and pulls me out of the room. The I last thing I see before we leave is Milly’s I fear. Her fear tells me all I need to know.I Yeah, that investigation report isn’t going to be singing praises of her.We get into the elevator in silence and ride up. When it opens, Gabriel leads me to his office.“Are you okay?” he asks me when we are inside. “I gave our media team the go ahead to announce our marriage. I just went down to let you know since you weren't in your office when I came across that disgusting scene.” I pull my handfrom his and then stare at him. “I’m okay. It’s nothing to worry about.” “Are you sure?” (l - drag “Positive” ) We remain in silence for a while. I can see I I he wants to say something more, but ' something is holding him back. His intense eyes causes me to shift i uncomfortably.“If there is nothing else, I'd like to leave for home. I've been anxious all day because of Lilly” I mumble, unable to meet his eyes.“Sure, I'll be home once I'm done here." I nod my head before turning to leave.It’s not that I didn’t appreciate what he did for me, it’s just his actions have made me more confused.When we were married before, Gabriel never wanted to be associated with me.He didn’t want anyone knowing he had married me, so he hid me and our marriage. Now he has just announced it and threatened anyone who dared to hurt me. I was at a loss for words on how to I deal with it.) Going to my office, I arrange my desk, { f pack my things, then leave.Christopher was nowhere to be seen, so I just leave.I Getting to the underground lot, I find our I driver waiting for me. After greeting him, I get in and minutes later, he peels off. I lean back against the leather chair and close my eyes while contemplating things. By the time we get to the apartment building, I'm still as confused as I was when this whole thing started.Pushing those thoughts to the back of my mind, I focus on my daughter.“Lilly?” I call the minute I get home.She rushes out of her bedroom seconds later before throwing herself at me.“Mom!” her happiness eases something inside me.“How was school?” I hug her before hanging up my coat, removing my shoes I and dropping my handbag on the couch.i “It was awesome. So awesome. I loved I it,” she gushes in happiness. - I heave a sigh of relief. I shouldn’t have I been worried after all. She seems more than okay.“My guide was a girl named Sierra and she’s the best. I like her so much, and I think we are going to be good friends.She’s so cool and smart,” she tells me in a singsong voice. “Noah also introduced me to his best friend called Gunner and some of his other friends, who were also nice, but I liked Sierra more.” Lilly can be a bit of a loner at times.So to know that she made friends on her first day eases my heart.“Really?” I take her hand and pull her towards the sofa where I sit us down.“Yes.” She answers. “Though, I think she has the biggest crush on Noah. Noah on"the other hand seems to hate her. I don't) know why when she's so nice."I Give me the tea, why don't yguß she looks totally confused, Pam too, but I Who knows the minds of kids, right? I From there she proceeds to tell me everything that happened at school. I swear to you, she didn't leave a detail out.She talks throughout dinner and even after.Probably due to the day's excitement, she falls asleep before Gabriel, get she falls asleep before Gabriel, get home. Heig going to be disappointed, but she could barely keep her eyes open.I wanted to go to bed too, but I decided against it. Now that kom calmery know that need to thank Gabriel for what he did for me.So with decision in mind, I stay waiting for him, while going through the media frenzy the announcement of our marriage had causedEx-Husbands Regret Chapter 427-I Gabe.I stare blankly at the papers in front of I me. Iwas still pissed. So fucking pissed.1 {mean who the fuck did Milly think she I was, talking shit to Harper? Unable to focus, I push myself up and start pacing. My mind was running a thousand miles a second. I was thinking, trying to come up with ideas and each of them were on different ways I could make her life a living hell.Why are you so angry? It’s not like you treated Harper any better when you were married years ago.My inner voice taunts me, but I don’t want to listen because it was fucking right.I never considered her feelings before, and kept hurting her over and overagain, so what's changed?I saw the shock and surprise in Harper's eyes when I pulled her to the middle of the room and threatened anyone who dared to hurt her.When we were in my office, she looked at me like she didn’t know me. Like she didn’t understand me and why I chose to stand by her. It was clear as day that she had no idea what to think of me or my actions.Running my hands down my face, I sigh in frustration. Could I honestly blame her for her reaction when I treated her like shit in the past? When I heard the insults Milly was throwing at Harper, something inside me just snapped. This overwhelming need to protect her and destroy anyone who dares to hurt her took over, and I found myself yelling at Milly.It all felt so fucking strange, but right at the same time. I don’t even know how to fucking explain it without sounding like a complete lunatic.“Boss?” 1 look up, only to realize that Christopher was in my office. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t hear him coming in.“7m about to leave. Is there anything you need before I go?” he asks.“No” I shake my head.“Okay then, have a wonderful evening” he bids and, once I nod my head, leaves.I'm left alone in my office with my head in turmoil. My mind thought of nothing else except for Harper and Lilly.I return to my desk when my phone starts ringing. Sitting down, I pick it up and answer, not really bothering to check the caller ID.“Seriously Gabe,” his voice growls out from the phone’s speakers. “Why the "fuck am I finding out through the tabloids that one of my best friends got married, instead of his fucking mouth?” 1 would recognize Travis's voice anywhere. After all, we've known each I other since we were in diapers.“Hello to you too,” I say, leaning against my chair.«Js that all you have to say?” Sighing, I take a deep breath. I really didn’t have the energy to deal with his shit.“What do you want me to say? I got married, end of story,” I reply in irritation."you're an asshole, you know that?" " 1 never claimed otherwise, Travisit, was tired and fucking iritable. I häveh't been able to sleep, and the effects were catching up with me.I “Seriously, Gabe, tell me everything. How ) did you meet her? What is she like? Do I I know her-" ( I 1 cut him off before he could continue."So, you're into gossip now? Don't you I have anything important to do?Besides, I all the information you"need tolkhow is in the tabloids.") was behaving like a jackass, but I didn't fucking care. I wanted this conversation over and done with.“At least tell me how she managed to bag the city’s number one playboy,” he pushes, not giving up."Goodbye Travis." "Wait-» I end the phone call before he can manage to ask more stupid ass questions. It rigs seconds later, but I press the red button ending the call.It’s as I was doing this, that I noticed the I numerous missed calls and messages from my family, board of director’s, business partners, and friends. They I must have called when I'd gone looking for Harper. Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 428-1 Deciding to ignore them, I stand up-once I" again, get my coat and leave my office. I knew I wasn’t going to get any work done, so why the hell should I even try? I text my driver asking him to get the car ready before jumping into the elevator. I Minutes later, I'm in the underground parking lot. I “Mr. Wood,” he bows slightly while opening the car door for me.I give him a nod as I enter. He gets in and we start moving.To kill time, I decide to check out the tabloids.GABRIEL WOOD FINALLY SETTLES DOWN, ACCORDING TO THE STATEMENTS RELEASED ON ALL THE WOOD CORPORATION SOCIAL MEDIA FORUMS.Wr "19 BONUS y THE CITY'S MOST ELIGIBLE BACHEL( IR, GABRIEL WOOD, IS NO LONGER SINGLE HEARTTHROB, GABRIEL W( JOD, FINALLY TIES THE KNOT.I GABRIEL WOOD IS NO LONGER ON THE I MARKET WHO IS THE LUCKY LADY THAT GOT GABRIEL WOOD TO PUT A RING ON IT? I On and on they went. Some of the I theories they had were stupid, while some had some truth in them.When we get to apartment building, I shut off my phone before getting out.After biding my driver goodnight, I head straight for my home.I'm surprised when I find Harper in the living room waiting for me.“You're finally home,” she says distractedly. “Have you seen the gossip columns? Some of the things they're saying are utterly ridiculous.” chuckle, “Yeah, but it doesn’t matter. Is Lilly asleep? How was her first day?” After removing my shoes, I walk barefoot to the kitchen to get a glass of water.I “Yes, she’s already asleep. She could I barely keep her eyes open. And you were right when you told me not to worry, she had a great day” she says, following me to the kitchen.“That’s good” “Definitely” she mumbles. “Can you believe this? Apparently, I had to bribe you to marry me. Here's another one, I threatened and forced you to marry me because why else would you settle down?” I smirk at her righteous anger. If they only knew that it was the other way around. That I am the one who threatened her into marrying me.Seeing her focus on the tablet, I pull it I J +15 BON i away from her hand, making her look up “Is there a reason why you're still up? 4 You're usually asleep the minute Lilly goes down.” Remember the edge I was feeling in the I office? Well, it’s fucking gone. Being near her right now just eased something inside me.She fumbles with her hands, as if she’s nervous. “I wanted to say thank you for what you did today. You could have just ignored it and let everything play out, but you didn’t.” “You don’t have to thank me, Harper.You're my fucking wife and I took vows to protect you.” She narrows her eyes at me and I know what she’s thinking. I could punch myself right now.I move forward, stepping into her space, “I know I was a shitty husband before, i but I was an immature and stupid boy.Things are different this time, I'm different, and I plan to do things h differently." There were questions swimming in her eyes, but all I could see at the moment I were her red lips.Almost in a trance that I’m sure she cast, I Iean forward and kiss her. Just like I imagined, her lips are soft.Her taste fills me, and fuck! I could get addicted to it.I coax and tease her until she finally opens up, and I deepen the kiss, The colt that goes thou eat the almost brings me to her. Kissing a woman has never felt this good.All too soon, she pulls away. She stares at me speechless and confused before turning around without another word.-— , Iwatch her leave, before she disappears. I stay frozen on my spot as the kiss replays in my head over añe over again, and the taste of lips lingers. She tasted like I heaven.I thought this marriage would be easy, I but Iam starting to realize that I'm definitely fucked. 

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 429-f Harper.

The next morning, Gabriel was nowhere I tobeseen as took my breakfast and got I ready to leave for work. It was as we were getting in the car and I asked the driver where Gabriel was, did I learn that he had already left for work.

This is the first time we've gone to work separately since I started working for him. I didn’t know whether I was relieved or not.

Since he wasn’t around, I decided to drop Lilly off at school first. Her excitement had yet to die. The whole ride to school she kept talking about Sierra. I know my daughter, and I know she’s never been this excited or happy when it comes to another girl.

Sure, she had friends back home where we lived, but none of them were that talked about. I would say that those girls I were more of acquaintances than friends I tomy baby girl.

f She never had them over for sleep-overs, and if any of them invited her, she would come up with reasons why she couldn’t I attend. She never talked that much about I them; not like she was talking about this I Sierra who she’s only known for justa day. I Anyway, whatever makes her happy, makes me happy. If Sierra is capable of bringing out this girlish, squealing and giggling persona of Lilly, then who am I to stand in the way? For once, I'am happy to see my baby girl being a child. She has always been too mature for her age. Always carrying herself like she was thirty instead of a little girl. To be honest, seeing this, makes me glad that I agreed with Gabriel to pay for the expensive school.

After I dropped off Lilly, I went to work wy "VY eVnWe feeling at ease. The car had barely parked, when she was out of it and running off I after telling me a hurried and quick I goodbye. It made me laugh, just how ( excited she was.

/ “Mrs. Wood, we are here,” the driver's ) voice pulls me from my musings.

God! Iwill never get used to that name.

When I was married to Gabriel, no one ever called me that. Well, because no one knew we were married. Now all of our staff at home are calling by his name, and it’s taking time to get used.

Looking around, I realize that we were in the underground parking lot. After thanking him, I get out and head to the elevators.

I'was nervous about seeing Gabriel. As much as I tried, I couldn’t forget the brief kiss yesterday. No matter how short it had been, it was still able to shake me to my core.

, Liam and I kissed most of the time, but it ' was a kiss of familiarity and friendship. It lacked passion and fire. Kissing Gabriel was akin to kissing a live wire. The I electric currents that went through my I body almost numbed me.

Even now, I can / still taste him. I can still feel his soft yet firm lips.

I shake my head, trying to push those thoughts away and banish the images. I was here to work, not think about my husband’s lips. I get on the elevator and the press the floor number.

“Morning, Christopher,” I say after getting out of the elevator and walking to his desk.

“Good morning, sugar… How was your night?” he stops what he was doing and asks.

This is one of the many things I love about Christopher. He doesn'treat me anydiferently just because 1 am the boss's wife.

I Itake a moment to think about it before } answering. "Sleepless." і Не waggles his eyebrows and gives me al teasing smirk. "Is that so?"d len takes axiouté for me to understand what he thinks I meant. I wanted to correct him, but how can I without I ruining our image? Gabriel and I are married, so, of course, others expect us to be having sex. I can't tell him we are not, given that he doesn't know the terms of our marriage.

Instead, I clear my throat. "Anyway, is there anything you want me to do before, we Settle in for the day?" Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 430-“yes, please” he answers, “Could you please collect the weekly reports from the I departments. Due to yesterday's event, I wasn’t able to get them.” I “Sure, no problem. Let me just put my bag in my office, then I'll get them.” I leave after he nods. Rushing to my office, I quickly put my things away before leaving for the other departments.When I get to the first department, the atmosphere is tense as I step into the space. Everyone, and I mean, everyone, turns to stare at me. I hate the attention and I wish they could just mind their fucking business. Ignoring them, I do what I came to do before leaving.I never got to make friends, because Milly spread the rumor that Iwas a hoe who was sleeping with Gabriel, That was enough for others to judge me and keepaway.I breathe a sigh of relief when I get to the last department. There are some who give me welcoming smiles, but I don’t pay I them attention. Now that the news was I out, of course they’d try to play nice. Iam I well aware that there are people who will befriend you simply because of what they hope you can do for them.“Hi, Harper,” one of Milly’s minion, Rebecca says, blocking my way as I was heading to the lift.I sigh “What do you want Rebecca?” «I was hoping we could be friends,” the red-head tells me innocently.Was this bitch delusional? I didn’t mean to, but the laugh slips from my lips before I can stop it. “You're joking right?” “Why would I? I mean I tried to stop Milly from humiliating you yesterday. She I wouldn't listen to me though. That should count, right?” I think back and remember that she-did try to tell Milly something about the company releasing a statement.I “If that was your way of trying to get into / my good graces, let me just tell you that you failed. We both know you didn’t do it out of the goodness of your heart, so stop with the stupid charade.” Her face changes and the sweet look she had slips. There she is, the bitch I was used to.“you're being really mean right now, when all I want is to be your friend.” she says through clenched teeth.I could feel others eyes at my back, but I didn’t give a damn. This bitch right here was starting to piss me off.“Mean? Mean is you and your friends spreading degrading rumors about me.[Mean is calling me a slut when we both know who the real sluts are. Mean is the way you've treated me since I started working in this company.” I take a deep breath before continuing.“I don’t want your friendship nor do I need it. I'm not stupid, Rebecca, we both know the reason why you want to be my friend is because I'm Gabriel’s wife and even if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t want to associate with the likes of you. Now, get the fuck out of my way, I have things to do.” I finish “you're being a bitch.” she says glaring at me.“Says the bigger bitch,” I reply, just as the elevator door opens.“Is there a problem here?” a deep voice fills the room.I look behind Rebecca surprised to find Rowan standing next to the elevator doors.I Rebecca turns around so quickly she almost falls in the process.. "No problem, Mr. Wood "Diein't seem like ittorme!"'Rowan says in a really deadly tone. He then turns to me and signals for me to come to him.I / Ido as he says and go to stand next to him.Rebecca pales, as blood drains from her face."I don't appreciate people calling my sister-in-law names," his eyebrows are pulled together in a glare."Especially if it I happens incout very own compahy. if pisses me off. You'll do well to remember that Harper is a Wood. You'll fucking stay away from her if she wants you too, and if she ever gives a command, and you don't obey her, you'll regret it. Dol make myself clear?"