The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback

Chapter 15:

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The next morning, Lilliana saw Alicia's message, and fury boiled inside her. She stormed into the room, her voice sharp and cutting as she confronted Joshua.

“Explain yourself. What did you want me to ‘think carefully’ about?” His words dripped with accusation. “What kind of shady business have you gotten yourself into this time?”

Joshua, who had spent the entire night preparing his excuse, remained calmly calm. He knew she would attack him like this.

"She's impulsive, you know. After what happened, I was worried she might cause a scandal on the Internet, so I paid her to keep quiet."

Lilliana’s eyes narrowed, skepticism etched on her face. “And why didn't you think to talk to me about this first?”

Joshua used his usual charm, pulling her close, wrapping his arms around her like a comforting blanket.

“Don't make a big deal out of it, my love. If I was interested in her, do you think I would have gone to all this trouble?” His voice was soft, almost pleading, as he gave her a tender kiss on her lips.

His explanation seemed reasonable, and despite her doubts, Lilliana was inclined to believe him.

Little by little, the tension in her shoulders dissipated and she let herself be carried away by the warmth of his embrace.

“It's okay,” she whispered after a moment, resting her head on her chest. “But don't contact her again.”

“Of course.” Joshua, sensing victory, reassured her with a quick nod. “Besides, I paid Caden a fortune to keep him out of our way. “This is all… for us.” His words worked like a charm.

Pouting like a spoiled child, Lilliana snuggled into him and murmured, “It's okay, I forgive you.”

But in her mind, Alice was far from forgiven. She would give that bitch a piece of her mind in due time.

Those two slaps, satisfying as they were, had nearly given Lilliana a concussion.

Alicia knew Lilliana wouldn't let it go, and to avoid dragging Monica into the inevitable storm, she quietly rented a new apartment. As she packed her bags, Monica hovered nearby, looking worried.

“Are you sure you have enough money?” Monica asked, looking at Alicia with concern.

He knew full well that Alice had left her marriage with nothing, so he pulled out his phone and started typing. “Here, let me transfer you some money.”

Alicia quickly squeezed Monica's hand, stopping her. “I’m fine,” she assured her friend with a soft smile. “Remember, I did some side hustle work before all this.”

sudden recollection. "Oh, yes,

like she remembered something else. “Guess what? Yesterday, Gerry Hopkins announced his new movie, and Lilliana

with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. “Well, considering how famous she is,

scoffed. “I mean, how dare she? She's way over her head. Doesn’t she know

mischief on her face.

smile. “I have to go. Try

apartment, Alicia quickly sent her polished resume to Gerry's

ring and Gerry's name lit

relaxed and amused. “Are you really trying to challenge

laughed softly, her lips curling into a smile. “There's still a long way to go until the release date. By then, you'll have to choose between the two of us. Treat it like a

haven't changed, Alice: you're still competing with everyone, just like in

shrugged lightly. “I’m just here

mockery. “But I don't have enough time to

softly, lowering her voice as she said something that

of silence, he spoke again, this time a little more seriously. “Okay, I’ll look into it and get

be waiting," Alice replied softly, with a slight smile at

the playful glint in his

scoffed in disbelief. “Has she gone completely

smiled, but then his

thinking of hiring

eyes as he leaned back in his chair. “You've got to be kidding me. Have you lost

"I have my reasons."

burst out laughing, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he

by this point, Caden's patience had run out. Not wanting to waste time with

Gerry's number flashed on his screen

Gerry's voice was full of defiance, of daring. “How about this, Caden? Let's make a bet. I'll bet on Alicia, you'll bet on Lilliana. “The loser gives up a piece

through the phone, making

have leaned back, considering for a moment before finally agreeing. “Fine,” he said, his tone firm. “Your

I was just about

mischievously. “Don't bother.

contract a few days ago. But now, with Alicia entering the mix, Caden's

without hesitation,

be a quick visit, she headed for the

do you have an