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.”

with sudden recollection. "Oh, yes, I

remembered something else. “Guess what? Yesterday, Gerry Hopkins

of amusement and

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

of mischief on her face.

“I have to go. Try not to miss me too much while I'm

quickly sent her polished resume to

didn't take long for her phone to ring and Gerry's name lit up on

“Are you really trying to challenge

still a long way to go until the release date. By then, you'll have to choose between

amusedly. “You haven't changed, Alice: you're still competing with everyone, just like in the old

lightly. “I’m just here to make money, nothing

I can spend,” Gerry replied with a hint of mockery. “But I don't have enough time to indulge

softly, lowering her voice as

spoke again, this time a little more seriously. “Okay,

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

first person Gerry called was Caden, the playful glint in his eyes evident in his tone. “Guess what? “He’s going to confront

in disbelief. “Has she

smiled, but then his tone changed, surprising even

of hiring

he leaned back in his chair. “You've got to be kidding me.

"I have my reasons."

glint in his eyes as he continued, “You'll never guess what he said

run out. Not wanting

flashed on his screen

of defiance, of daring. “How about this, Caden? Let's make a bet. I'll bet on Alicia, you'll bet on Lilliana.

practically oozed through the phone, making Caden

finally agreeing. “Fine,” he said, his tone firm. “Your

yet. I was just about

eyes flickered mischievously. “Don't

contract a few days ago. But now,

knew how these things worked, so without hesitation, Alice headed

a quick visit, she headed for the

me, miss, do you have