Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 262

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. Lauren stepped out, her heels clicking against the marble floor, a designer bag dangling from her arm. She swayed her hips, every inch of her radiating confidence.

She'd just parted ways with Gavin, and her bag was now heavier-carrying a card loaded with half a million dollars and a dazzling gemstone necklace. Lauren was in high spirits, humming a cheerful tune as she strolled toward her car.

But just as her fingers brushed the door handle, a shadow lunged at her from behind.

Startled, Lauren opened her mouth to scream, only for a rough hand to clamp down over her lips.

"Mmmph-!"

Panic surged through her. She struggled desperately, eyes wide with terror.

"Hey, don't be scared-it's me, Lauren," a familiar voice whispered urgently in her

ear.

Lauren froze. Neal? What was he doing here?

"Don't scream," Neal said, releasing her at last. "We just need to talk."

Her heart pounded in her chest. Of all people, she never expected Neal to show up in Northborough-especially now. He was a wanted man; being seen with him could spell disaster.

She glanced around anxiously, voice low and tense. "Get in the car. Let's find somewhere safe to talk."

of the underground garage, her

broke the silence first.

a baseball cap and mask. But she could feel his stare, sharp and unyielding.

gut, but she forced a coy

give you what you needed, but at

Neal had come because of Gavin. But how did he find

choice. Life with the Lockwoods

Lauren. I came back for answers. Find us somewhere quiet, then

the surface. Now more than ever, she

the outskirts of town, where abandoned warehouses dotted the landscape-places more private, away from

turned on the

horror as he saw the scars crisscrossing her back-some fresh, others

"What happened to you?"

her head, her voice trembling with tears. “Blame me if you want, Neal... I know I've hurt you. But Saul-he beats me nearly every day. I can't take

thick with emotion. "Why didn't

the run, Neal. I couldn't stand the thought of

risk everything-again and again." Neal's anger melted away as he hugged her tighter. "Lauren, listen to me. I'll take care of Saul. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. Just wait for me, all right? Once I'm done with him,

tears streaming down her cheeks.

it?" His

I finally realized you're the only one who's ever truly cared

hands roaming greedily.

her disgust.