Ch. 431..440

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 431-His tone ensured that there was no-room for argument. You either agreed or I agreed.

“Yes, Mr. Wood,” she stammers, fear etched in her face at the blatant threat.

“Now, go back to work. We don’t pay you to come to work to make friends in the hopes of getting favors.” Her cheeks turn pink in embarrassment before she quickly turns around and scurries away. The rest, just pretend like they didn’t see yet another lashing.

with that, he gently ushers me to the elevator. Once it closes, I turn to him.

“you and your brother can be terrifying when you want to,” I tell him in honesty.

I've heard of them. Heard of the Wood duo. Even my parents were scared of them back then, and they were not even I Ey * Vw SSeSe— twenty-three. They could easily intimidate anyone. Those who cross them, let’s just say they never recovered I mean Ava and I are a perfect example of just how they can destroy you.

He shrugs as if it was nothing. “It comes with the territory. It’s either eat or be eaten.” “How did you find out about Rebecca, because I’m sure you showing up wasn’t just a coincidence.” I ask completely puzzled.

I don’t know why. For some reason it was just easy to talk to Rowan. Maybe because I’ve seen a different side of him. A warmer and down-to-earth Rowan.

He is completely different from the cold, bitter and angry guy I left when I chose to flee this country years ago.

“Because of the news, Gabe was afraid that there were some who would try to cause you trouble. He monitored you through the cameras when Chi istopher asked you to get the reports, Since he's in a meeting, he couldn’t come to you when that woman cornered you, so he sent me.” I try to stop them, but I can’t.

Yeah, I can’t stop those stupid warm fuzzy feelings that are currently filling up my body.

“I didn’t need the help, but thanks nonetheless” I mutter, trying to get myself under control.

“Any time, Harper,” he responds with a smile.

We get to the top floor and get out of the elevator. After Rowan says goodbye, I hand over the reports to Christopher, before heading to my little office.

I get busy with work, losing track of time.

It wasn’t until there is a firm knock on my door, that I realize I've sitting on my chair for hours.

[The door opens to reveal Gabe who had boxes of what I assume is food, if I were to go by the smell.

“I brought lunch,” he drawls.

"Christopher said you've been cooped up in here for hours." "check my phone, only to realize that it wasn indeed lungh time! Gabriel crosses the room before taking a seat. He motions for me to join him and weirdly enough I do. I get up from behind my desk and take the chair opposite him.

He removes the foods from the bags, before handing some to me. I don't know what the heck/'doing?im spould be putting a stop to this. To whatever was happening, but I don't.

Instead, I take the food and breathe in the aroma before dig in.

We eat in silence, and I'm so fucking grateful when he doesn’t bring up what happened yesterday.

I “I want to take you out for dinner on Saturday” he informs me once we are done eating.

“Gabriel” I go to say, but he cuts me off.

I "It's no fucking secret that I want you, Harper" he states in a husky voice. "So, I'm going to do anything in my power to have you jim telling you this just so you are prepared, because this time, I'll be the one chasing after you." Fuck. What the hell do you say to something like that? Him coming after me isn't the problem, the problem is, am I ready for him? I'm I ready for what this means?

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 432-“It’s been decided, Sierra and I are now best friends,” Lilly says as she walks into the kitchen where I was having my coffee while our cook prepared breakfast.

It is Saturday, so I didn’t have work and she didn’t have school. Today we could just chill, lazy around and just relax. After the hectic days I had at work, I needed a break.

“you like her that much, huh?” I sip my coffee, trying to hide my smile.

“Definitely,” she gets up on the bar stool before taking a banana. “We have alot in common. She loves exploring and reading, just like me.” When she first told

me about Sierra, never thought that it would lead to them being best friends. I should have seen it I coming given that Lilly would talk about her every day at dinner.

I My lovely girl has never had a bestfriend.

Like I said, she shied away from forming close friendships with the other children at her former school.

I never really understood whether it was because she cared more about studying than playing, or she just didn’t connect with them, or it was because she thought she was mature, and they were too childish for her taste. Either way, she just never clicked with them like she had with Sierra.

“I'm glad to hear that, my sunshine” I reach out, pull her to me, and kiss her temple before releasing her. “I'm happy to hear that you've finally found a girl you are genuinely happy to be around.” Honestly, I haven't met Sierra, but I could kiss her right now for bringing Lilly out of her cocoon.

I “I’m happy too,” she says with a smile “Did you know that Sierra is only a year older than me? But because she’s really smart, she skipped one grade. That's why she’s in the same grade as Noah even though Noah is older than her.” I Well, that is something I didn’t know. But then again, how could I have known?

Before I can say anything, she continues.

“1 also want to skip a grade or two. I am as smart as she is, and besides, most of my friends aren’t even in my class.” If I am being honest, I wasn't really sure about her skipping classes. Sure, I did notice that, apart from Sierra, her other close friends are Noah and his best friend Gunner. There are also a few others, but most of them are in Noah's class, so I do get why she would want to be in the same grade.

«we'll talk about it if your teacher ever brings it up, okay?” I finally tell her I I'm not saying that I don’t believe she’s bright enough to be allowed to skip grades, all I'm saying is that schools can be tricky to navigate at times and they don’t always offer that kind of chance to I 2 kid.

I She nods her head, her smile never slipping from her face, “By the way, can we have Sierra over for a sleep-over one day?” Yeah, my girl is definitely bewitched.

Remember I mentioned she’s never invited anyone over for a sleepover and has never attended one even though she got numerous invites. What the hell was this? Not that I am complaining or anything.

«you'll have to ask your dad, Lilly" I smile and l literally amgst burst at the seepiswith Exoitement seeing my baby coming out of her shell.

“Ask me what?”

Gabriel's deep, husky and sleepy voice sounds from behind us. Both Lilly and I turn to stare at himo He had on pajaniapants, and a black fitting t-shirt. His hair was messy in a sexy way and he was barefoot. Call me crazy, but there is just something sexy about that.

"I was wondering if I could invite my friend Sierra over for, a sleep ever one day,"Lity fills him in, as Gabriel walks to her and kisses her temple.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 433-“Isn’t that the girl Noah hates?” Gabriel asks with a raised eyebrow, I I'm surprised by his question, so I ask fone of my own “You know about her?” “Yes, I remember Noah had once invited everyone except her to his birthday party.

Ava didn’t like that at all, and it had caused a huge fight between them. Noah eventually caved, because this is Ava we are talking about and he loves his mom.

Sierra came to the party, but Noah ignored her the whole time. She spent most of that party exploring or glued to Ava’s side.” Lilly like the girl she is, she just rolls her eyes before chiming in. “Noah only hates her because Sierra likes him.

I don’t get it, but she is kind of cool and I like her.

Yesterday we became official best friends.” Gabriel gives her a warm smile. “You can have her over for a sleep-over anytime, Lilly. Anything for you.” This time I'm the one who rolls my eyes.

I Gabriel was going to spoil Lilly.

I Thankfully, I'll be there to make sure she I doesn’tturnintoa spoilt brat.

We don’t speak a lot after that. Breakfast was served and we all dug in. Lilly finishes before the rest of us and leaves to go to her room.

I finish my breakfast and bring my utensils to the sink. I was just about to leave when Gabriel grabs my hand and leaved.

“About our date tonight” he starts, as I try to ignore the currents that were zapping inside me from his touch.

I gently pull my hands from his and fold them under my ribs. “It’s pretty presumptions of you to think that I am going on that date when I didn’t even u agree to it.” “I’m not being presumptuous, I'm just confident,” he says with a shrug anda panty melting smile.

I More like cocky if you ask me.

I “Besides,” he continues. “It’s just a date, what do you have to lose?” He was right. What did I have to lose? Besides, who would pass up the chance of a child free night, good food and good wine? “Fine,” I agree, but it’s only because of the good food. “Is that all?” He shakes his head, before handing me a black credit card. “I meant to give you this, but it kept slipping my mind. Lilly got a new wardrobe and, as my wife, you need one too. Go shopping and buy yourself some things. You can even get a sexy dress to show off your curves for oul date.” He says the last part with a wink, making me roll my eves. I look at the card, debating whether I should take it. [ know I how our world works. I've been there before, and I know fashion is everything.

I Twas no longer the simple Harper I used I to be. Sure, I am not into the lates fashion and dressing up to pe noticed, but Talsolad fil that my clothes are old and worn out. I don't remember the last time I went shopping and bought something for myself. My focus was always Lilly and keeping a roof over our heads, especially after Liam passed.

“I'm off,” I announce, making them turn

I mumble a thanks as I take it, grateful that he doesn't stop me again when I leave. Getting to my room, I shover and then get ready.

When I'm done, I get out and find Gabriel in the living room, sitting on the couch with a tablet. Lilly, who was present was on the carpet with her books spread out.

) towards me. "Will you go to the office?" Gabriel told me that he would sometimes need. to)go to the office of Saturdays; so I was just confirming. I needed to know I who will be watching Lilly.

I He shakes his head. “Nope. Lilly and I get to spend the whole day together.

Isn’t that right princess?”

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 434-“Yes, dad,” Lilly answers with a sweet smile, before her focus goes back to her books.

“Alright then, I'll see you in a couple of hours.” “Pamper yourself, Harper. You can even go to the spa if you want to,” Gabriel calls behind me.

I just wave him off, before stepping into the elevator. Minutes later, I'm on my way to the mall.

We get to the mall and I get out of the car after thanking the driver. I start at the first floor, making my way up the floors. I decide against a spa day. I just wanted to shop today and then go back home.

Four hours later, my hands were full of shopping bags and I had yet to find something good for the date tonight Deciding to take a break before I continued, I spot a small cozy café. It looked like the perfect place to enjoy a good milkshake in this hot weather.

Damn, I just wanted to put these ' shopping bags down. Our driver told me that he wouldn't leave till I'm done.

Maybe I can call him and ask him to come pick them up. I couldn’t continue shopping while lagging them around.

I enter the café, my mind focused on finding a table. I could hear a group of women as I walked to the front to make my order, but I didn’t pay attention. Well, that is until someone called my name.

“Harper?” I turn around to find Ava and two other women seated on a table behind me.

“Hi, sorry I didn’t see you there,” I began sheepishly, hoping they didn’t think I was a snob. “My focus was getting off my feet and getting a cold drink.” “No problem, come join us,” she says sweetly.

I look between the three women, not really sure if Id be intruding. I knew Ava, but I didn’t know the rest. The last thing I wanted was for them to think I was I intruding on them.

“Wouldn't I be intruding?” I ask, staring at them.

“No, not all” She replied. “This is Scarlet, but we call her Letty, and this is Connie.

This over here, is Harper, Gabe’s wife.” she introduced them before introducing me.

“Oh my gosh, you're so beautiful” Letty gushes. “Travis is going to be so jealous when I tell him I met Gabe’s wife before he did. He's been going on and on about how Gabe got married and didn’t tell him.

He is also miffed that Gabe refused to tell him who his wife is.” “please sit down,” Connie tells me with a I smile, pulling the chair beside her.

“Phank you. Let me just make my order. 4 I'll be right back,” I tell them as ['place my bags on the floor.

I Irush over to the counter quickly. Put in I an order for an Oreo milkshake before get back to the table.

“Don’t you agree, Harper?” Ava asks when I sit down, but I just stare at her in confusion.

“I’m not sure what I’m supposed to agree with.” She fully turns to me when I tell her that.

"Letty doesn't understand why I easily forgave Emma when I can't seem to forgive Mother and Travis. Shg also doesn't understand why everyone else got forgiveness except those two, including Rowan and his family."

I'm a little behind, but I do know Travis is Emma and Ava's brother. I also don't

really understand how she was able to forgive Rowan given the shit hel put herthrough, but i choose to remain silent, so she continues.

I "Here is my reasoning when it comes to l Emma. The only beef I had with Emma l was her being an total bitch yhen she came back, and even though it grated on my nerves, I understood her, after all I did sleep with her boyfriend, drunk or not. It lasted a couple of months, but despite that, she did save my life.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 435-I Mother and Travis, on the other hand; treated me like shit for years. You see I where I am coming from? Almost a decade of putting up with them treating me like I was nothing. Which is easier to forgive? A couple of months of being treated like shit or years?” She pauses takes a deep breath, the continues “As for Rowan’s family, it wasn’t easy to forgive them, but we are working through it. It was however easy to let go because at they end of the day, they were only looking out for Rowan. I wasn't family so they had no loyalty to me. I’m not saying that what they did is right though. They mostly just ignored me.

Mother and Travis were supposed to be my family and yet the turned their backs on me. For years they treated me like I didn’t matter. For years they broke me

down in favor of Emma. I know what I did was shitty, but I got my Karma and even then, even seeing this, they continued to I dish out their own kind of Karma. They were rude, cold and intentionally hurt me over and over again, and I again I repeat, it went on for years. How am I supposed to get over that?” Everyone is silent even after she stops talking. I get what she means. And I completely understand her. It’s easier to heal a fresh wound than one that has been repeatedly stabbed over and over again.

stare at her, and again I notice she has carefully avoided saying anything about Rowan.

“Look,” I begin. “I don’t want to agree or disagree with you, but I'm the wrong person to ask about this. You know my story, and you also know that I'm still struggling with forgiving Gabriel for what he did.” d . Letty jumps in. “Ooh, I sense a story there.” I simply smile, but don’t say anything.

I’m not sure I'll ever be ready to talk I about my previous marriage to Gabriel.

I I Isenseeyesonme, and I turn to find Ava's brown eyes fixed on me. They were intense and seemed to search my soul.

“Anyway, I've got news” Connie says, getting everyone’s attention and clearing the somewhat tense atmosphere.

“Go on, share it” Letty pushes with excitement.

“well, Reaper will be coming home soon” Connies happily says, as joy radiates from her. “Just a month to go and he will no longer be in hiding. I can’t wait. I'm so happy and excited. I honestly never thought I'd fall in love, but loving Reaper is totally worth.” “That's amazing news,” Ava beams in happiness. “Finally, Iris will get to see her uncle more.” Eh what? Doesn't Iris see Gabriel ona regular basis? I The others gush and give her hugs. They I were both happy for their friends. And I just like Letty said, I also sense a story there. I don’t have to wait long because they fill me in on everything. Including who Reaper is, how he and Connie met and also how he’s related to Iris.

When they are done, I fall back on my chair completely shocked. The shit Ava went through was hard, but it’s amazing how she survived. She’s been so much, and she’s still standing strong.

After that, we talk about anything and everything under the sun. Just like Lilly, I never connected With any of the woren? dalfed friends at home.

Not like I connected with Ava, Letty and Connie. It was honestly fun hanging out with them.

When we parted ways and I went home, 1 couldn't help but feel liken meeting them at that café was the beginning of something new. A blossoming of friendship.

I'll loved every minute I spent with them. The content is on. CO IT"

I Being around them just felt right.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 436-Iwas a nervous wreck. Everything inside me screamed, and I didn’t know how to calm myself down.

I “How do Ilook?” I ask the three women (I who were on video chat with me.

It’s funny how I just clicked with them. I had never had girlfriends before, but Ava, Letty and Connie were quickly becoming my girls. I was surprised at how everything flowed with them and how easy it was for me to open up to them.

When I'd told them that I was going on a date with Gabriel, they'd been excited for me and even helped me brainstorm the kind of makeup I should go with and how to do my hair.

“Hot,” Ava replies with a smile that lights up her face.

Letty jumps in after “Sexy,” -y TY wie . “I'ddo you if I were into women,” Connie says seriously, making me laugh.

"My new friends helped me shop for-my dress. The moment they found out about the date and that I had yet to find a dress, I" they volunteered to help me scout shops I in order to get the perfect dress.

Ilook at myself in the mirror, appreciating how I looked. I wasn’t vain, but I looked pretty damn delectable.

We’d settled on a red bodycon, midi dress with a round neckline, long sleeves and an open back. I wanted something that was sexy, but classy at the same time. Ava had agreed that showing just enough to tease was going to drive Gabriel.

My intention wasn’t to be seductive or drive him crazy, but I wouldn’t mind if it happened either. gp My long hair was in a low textured bun with loose tendrils framing my face. For my makeup, I went with golden brown eyeshadow, black eyeliner and red matte lips. I paired everything up with a pair of I golden heels and a black leather clutch. i “Seriously, Gabriel won’t be able to take his eyes off you,” Ava says, with an I appreciative glance at my outfit.

I “Thank you, guys, for helping me pick this dress up,” I tell them.

“Anytime, sweetie,” Letty says in a sweet voice and I could tell she meant it.

“Now, have fun and don’t forget to fill us in on how it went.” Connie, who I came to realize is the more silent one of the three, adds, “I’m mostly looking forward to hearing all about Gabe’s reaction.” “Bye, and like Letty said, make sure to have fun,” this comes from Ava.

After bidding them goodnight, I take a deep breath as I stare at myself one last time before turning around to leave.

“Oh my gosh,” Lilly screams when 1 step into the living room, scaring the life out of me. “You look so beautiful mom.” I She rushes to me, before stopping a few inches from me. “Turn around.” I With a laugh, I do as she says and spin around for her perusal.

Liam and I rarely went out on dates. It's not that we couldn’t afford it, there are cheaper places we could have gone to, but we just never really wanted to. We mostly preferred to stay indoors and have family movie nights. gp Like I said, our life was built on friendship and companionship. It was comfortable and that was okay with both of us. I didn’t mind it, but looking back right now, I see our life together for what it was. We both didn’t want to put any effort into it because we had both loved and lost. Our losses were different, but it still hurt all the same, y ed 19 BONUS Maybe if the girl he had loved. The one who took his heart with him had been I alive, they would have had a different life.

There would be date nights where they enjoyed each other's company.

Maybe their life would have been full passion I and fire instead of comfort.

I Lilly’s claps bring me back to the present.

“You look like those models I see on TV.” Bending forward, I kiss her cheek.

“Thank you darling. I'm so glad you approve.” Lilly has never seen me dress up like this.

Seeing her so happy and excited about seeing me dressed up, brings a pang to my heart. I'll always be grateful to Liam accepting us, but what kind of life was I showing my daughter? That it was okay to just be comfortable in marriage? That it was okay fora relationship to lack passion? That it was okay to marry someone you aren't in love with?

Bb A _& She would have started seeing our relationship for what it was. As she got older. She would"

start to understand and she would think it was okay to settle, I was hurt before but it doesn't mean that I no longer believed in love.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 437-I want Lilly to fall in love. Deeply and overhead in love with someone someday.

I I hate that Liam died, and I still miss him, but if we had stayed married, I would I have destroyed Lilly’s image of marriage and love.

But aren’t you doing the same thing right now? You entered into a contract marriage after all. A pesky voice says in my head.

Pushing those thoughts away, I focus on Lilly just as Gabriel walks into the room.

He stops dead in his tracks when his eyes land on me. His mouth falls open, and he looks like he’s completely stopped functioning.

“You are going to catch flies if you keep your mouth open, daddy.” Lilly tells him while giggling.

I smile when he tries to pull himself together.

“You look beautiful, Harper,” he says, swallowing.

“Thank you.” I My three friends were right about the I dress after all. Gabriels eyes were tracing my curves in an appreciative manner.

“We should get going,” I mumble. I press my lips together to stop myself from laughing at his reaction.

Clearing his throat, he pulls himself together. “Yes. We don’t want to be late for our reservation.” After bidding Lilly goodnight, we leave.

The drive to the restaurant is silent. It wasn't an awkward silence even though I was full of nerves. It is a comfortable kind of silence. The kind you don’t need to fill with awkward chatter.

Gabriel drove us, and there is just something about a man as formidable as Gabriel driving that gives me butterflies.

' Itdoesn’t take us long to get to the restaurant Gabriel had reserved. After parking the car, he comes around and ' opens the door for me. With a hand on my I lower back, he guides us to the restaurant.

One look at Gabriel and the matron shows us to our table which was situated in a private area.

“I don’t really know what to do, now that we are here,” I say nervously once we are seated. “What do people do on first dates?” “They get to know each other,” he answers.

“Okay, so we can start with something easy, what's your favorite color?” His lips form a devious and seductive grin. “It was black, but I've just changed it tored.” The way his eyes roam over my body, "makes me feel like he’s the big bad-wolf that wants to eat me up whole.

( Ishift uncomfortably, trying to avoid the heat of his stare. A stare that was doing ' crazy things to my body.

“What about you?” he asks.

“I don’t really have a favorite color.

Whatever looks good will be my pick,” I shrug.

My mom used to find it weird that I didn’t have a favorite color. It honestly used to bug her because according to her, she simply couldn’t understand why I didn’t pick one color to love.

I was just about to ask another question when the waiter comes to take our orders.

He leaves after taking them, leaving me to deal with Gabriel's intensity.

“Will you stop looking at me like that?” I demand, because the looks he was giving were distracting.

"He grins "Like what?" "Like you want to bend me over the table (and fuck me," "Well, Harper, that's, exactly what! Wan to do," his voice is deep and husky, and I can't help but wonder how that vibration would feel against my clit.

The air becomes charged, and I swear his eyes darken. The sexual tension that fills the room makes me tighten my legs in an effort to stamp down my desire.

Maybe agreeing to this date was a terrible idea. I should have thought things through.

What am I supposed to say to that? His words left me speechless. I could barely think straight as I tried to stay calm and keep myself collected.

“Is that all you want, Gabriel?” I ask once

1 have my desires under control. "Is sex all you want or is it what you hope to gain from, this date?" His grins falls, and his brows furrow ina frown. Before I can stop him, he grabs my I" hand and holds it in his warm hands.

"'l be honest with you, Harper," he begins, "Right now all I can think about is your curvy naked body under about is your curvy naked body under mine, and fax, dick buried deep inside your warm heat. But no, that's not all I want from you and that's not what I hoped to gain from this date." Cue in my vagina clenching at the image he painted.

Why the hell did he keep catching me off guard? This was supposed to be a straight forward date, but somehow, he was changing the rules.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 438-“Then what do you want? Because you are honestly confusing me here,” I tell him honestly.

“You. I want you, Harper.” I pull my hand from his and straighten in my chair, while looking at him suspiciously.

“You have to realize just how unbelievable you sound right now. You didn’t want me back then. You never wanted me and even went to great heights to drive in the point. How the hell do you expect me to believe that all of a sudden you now want me?” Is it wrong that I'm suspicious of him? That I'm suspicious of his end game. That I'am afraid he could just be charming me Just to get into my pants, That he was playing a game with me. I don’t think I could handle it if that turns out to be case

It would shatter me.

He stares at me in an intense way. His "eyes stay on me for a couple of minutes as if he’s trying to find the right words.

I “Idon’t know what to say, Harper. I don’t I I even think I can explain it to you given i that I barely understand it myself,” he explains in a soft voice. “All I know is that I want you, and not just your body,” Given our marriage before, I was skeptical. I found it hard to believe his words. To believe that he wants me when he used to drill into me that he never would.

“I don’t know what I am supposed to do with that, Gabriel. I don’t know what you want from me.” “Just give me a chance. That's all I ask,” he says, taking my hand again.

I'am so fucking confused, so instead of saying anything, I keep quiet, I am not really sure I'm ready to give him a chance. Hell, I am not even sure I should give him a chance.

I can’t and won't even try to deny the attraction I felt towards him. It’s there, I like a blazing inferno that was ready to } I consume me, but was that enough? I Should that passion be reason enough to give him a chance? I'm saved from the awkwardness of not answering when the waiter serves our food.

We eat and make small talk, and I slowly start to relax and let go of the tension that had eased itself in my bones.

“So, what’s your favorite thing to do when you have free time?” Gabriel asks when we are done with dinner.

“Sleeping,” I answer without even thinking about it.

He grins at me, and he looks nothing like a powerhouse, instead he looks boyish.

“Really?” “Definitely,” I laugh. “Maybe I was-acat in my former life.” At my words, he throws back his head and I laughs. His laugh is so deep and beautiful that for a moment I just stare at him mesmerized.

“Is something wrong?” his voice unfreezes me and I shake my head.

“No,” I reply “There is no problem at all.” The rest of the evening is spent in a comfortable atmosphere as we talked and just enjoyed each other’s company, something I never thought would happen.

By the time we leave the restaurant, it’s already late into the night. Since it was chilly outside, Gabriel takes his coat off and drapes it over my shoulders, He helps me inside the car, but doesn’t Start the car immediately after he gets in.

He turns to me with a serious expression.

"I'm dying to kiss you. Can I kiss you Harper?" I'think about it. As much as I wanted so much to kiss him? As much ashy body begged me to seal our lips, I couldn't do that. Not when I was still unsure and confused about where I stood in his life.

“I’m sorry, but, no” I tell him in a confident voice.

Even though I rejected him partly because of my confusion, the other part was because I wanted to test him, would he insist? Would he get mad? Deep down I know he isn't that kind of man, but I couldn't help myself.

He smiles at me, proving me right about the kind of man he was. “I will have your kisses soon enough, when I win you over.” I don't say a word, and he starts the car seconds later. As we make the drive back game, i couldn't help but wonder if all this was just a phase for him or was he really serious

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 439-9 Emma.

I'was in the kitchen having breakfast, but my food wouldn’t go down easily.

Every I time tried to swallow it would get stuck because of how nervous and anxious I was.

“Are you okay?” my mother asks when I finally give up and let the fork and knife drop from my hands.

“I don’t know mom, I’m nervous,” my voice sounds shaky even to my own ears.

God. What was I thinking? Was this even a good idea to begin with? Was I even ready for this or am I just trying to stall? The questions keep pounding in my

head as I look at my food in disgust. My appetite was severely lacking, and it’s been that way for months, but today it’s so much worse.

Mom grabs my hand in hers, before rubbing them gently. Her face softens as she looks at me.

“I know it’s scary sweetheart, but you have to do this,” she tells me gently with a small smile. “It’s for your own good.

I Youwon't be able to move on until you heal your wounds.” I hear her. I know she’s right, but that still doesn’t make it easy.

Molly had left a couple of days ago, but not before booking me a therapy session.

I'd already promised that I'd give it a try, so I couldn’t back out now. I didn’t want to disappoint her too. Not like I'd disappointed everyone else in my life.

“I’m just afraid I guess,” I whisper, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall.

“I’m afraid that my therapist will confirm just how much of a bad person I am.” Mom kisses my hand, and I find comfort in that. “Her work isn't to judge you, and she won't. Her work is to help you heal and that’s what she'll do if you only let her.” Right now, I feel young again. I feel like the girl who would always run to her I mother for reassurance when she was doubting herself or feeling insecure. I did love my dad. I love him so fucking much, and I miss him every day, but mom has always been my pillar.

“you're right, I'm just nervous” I sigh in contentment before lifting her hand and rubbing it against my cheeks.

She smiles at me, and even though it’s genuine, I still see the sadness in them.

1 know she still feels horrible about how she treated Ava. Just like me, mom and Travis are battling their own regret.

Ava has refused to have anything to do with them. She doesn’t want them in her life and has completely cut them off. 1 know it pains them, but I also don’t know what to do to help them. Ava completely embraced her biological parents and left mom and Travis in the dirt “Maybe I'm not the only one who needs therapy,” I softly suggest.

i Clearing her throat, she pulls her hand away. “I don’t know what you mean, Emma.” I release a sigh, not really surprised by her reaction. My mother is stubborn (I guess I get that trait from her). She would never willingly accept that she needs helps.

“you know what am talking about, Mom.

You need to talk things out with a therapist. You need to let go of the guilt and regrets you are holding to. You need this just as much as Ido” Her lips press in a firm line and she doesn’t say anything. I don’t push it.

Maybe I will in a few days, but not right now. Guilt and regret are strong I emotions. Ones that can freeze you in the past, refusing to let go of you. This family, the Sharp family, seems to have a lot of them. We all needed to heal.

Since I couldn’t keep down the toast and I eggs, I eat my banana and drink my I coffee. When I'm done, I stand up, ready to leave.

"'Il get going" | say, then kiss my mother's cheeks. "Il, see you when i get back "Okay, darling. Let me know how it goes." With a nod, I leave.

The drive to my appointment is a blur. My unseeing eyes stared m outside while my thoughts continued to form a ruckus in my head. I was in turmoil and I felt numb.

Nothing but guilt and regret registered in my head and heart. I didn’t feel happy.

1 didn’t feel sad. I didn’t feel anything really, except those two fucking emotions. My heart was in shambles, so was my life. I just didn’t know how to get myself out of this rut.

“Appointment for Emma Sharp,” I tell the secretary once I'm inside.

She gives me a bright smile, but I find it hard to reciprocate.

“Right, just take a seat. Dr. Mia is just finishing up with another patient,” she tells me kindly after checking her computer.

I nod my head and take a seat on one of the comfortable white leather seats. I wait patiently, hot really sure if these sessions were going to help, or if it was already too late for redemption.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 440-" Ifumble and twist my hands as I wait-for my therapist to be done with her current client. I'm so tempted to flee, but that would just make me look like a coward. I I was already tired of being one.

My phone rings, pulling from my thoughts. I sigh in relief, so grateful and happy for the interruption. Without even checking the caller ID, I swipe the screen and accept the call.

“Are you there, yet?” her voice comes through the phone.

I don’t have to guess who it is. Her voice is ingrained on my brain. I would know it anywhere. Even in my dreams.

“Hello to you too,” I reply sarcastically, and lean back against the chair, feeling myself start to relax.

The room was painted in a warm orange color. You would think it would look ugly, but it doesn’t. It makes the room feel I welcoming. It also gives you the impression of a warm sunset. re Color isn’t the only thing that makes this room welcoming. There are also the soft and fluffy pillows. The live potted plants, flowers and interesting art. I guess the whole interior is meant to put you at ease.

“Hey, now are you there?” Molly asks again, not wasting any time. “I just had to call and confirm you actually went for your appointment.” Sighing, I answer. “I'm here, don’t worry about it” I hear release a breath through the phone.

She must have been really worried that I wouldn’t come to appointment given how I was against therapy to begin with.

“Thank God! I was so worried, Emma.

You'll see, this will be a good thing” 1 don’t say anything, because what was there to say. I wasn’t really sure if it would be a good thing on not.

Instead on dwelling on that, my eyes wonders to the art on the wall. Awoman crouched down; her face hidden. Her spine was visible and so were her ribs.

She seemed to be in pain (well that is my interpretation) as smoky tendrils of darkness came out from her.

I tried to interpret it. Was this some kind of warning? That maybe healing won't be easy. That I'd will painful and it’ll leave me bared for my therapist to see.

Maybe it meant that for me to heal, I needed to let go of the darkness that was holding me prisoner from the inside.

“Emma?” her voice once again pulls me back to reality.

“I don’t know if it will be a good thing.

We'll just have to wait and see,” I reply absentmindedly and give her the only answer I can.

I “I’m just glad that you went, that’s what important to me. That you are willing to I try” I smile even though she can’t even see me. I know we have our disagreements especially when it came to Gunner and Calvin, but Molly has never judged me.

Instead, she’s been there for me through my worst.

“Thanks, Molly” I tell her, just as the secretary lifts her ringing phone and signals to me.

“I need to go” I tell her. “I think my session is about to begin” “Okay. Good luck and don’t forget to call and tell me how it goes” “will do” After saying goodbye, I hang up the phone and throw it inside my bag. I then stand up and go to the front desk.

“She’ll be with you in a minute” the

I secretary says and I just nod my head. A minute or so later, the door handle twists and opens. I stand rooted to the ground I when Ava comes out.

She stumbles to a halt and we just stare at l each other with nothing but shock.

“Emma?” she whispers, her eyes wide open.

I probably look the same.

My eyes roam over her. I haven't seen her since her wedding and that was a couple of months ago. My"

eyes stop at her mid-area. It wasn't that visible making it easy to miss her baby bump given the loose dress she had on.

“Hi” I give her an awkward wave, since I had no idea what to do.