Our fated divorce novel

On the third day after moving into the hotel , Abigail still hadn't stepped outside her room . Like a form of self - imposed punishment , she pulled out every photo she'd taken of Lucas over the past few years and forced herself to examine them one by one . Her therapist had once called it " desensitization . " As long as one hurt themselves badly enough , eventually the nerves would go numb . On the evening of the fourth day , the door was kicked open . Bethany Murphy stormed in with a bottle of vodka in hand . One look at the wrecked roo started bulging .

This book had been added on your bookshelf . She said , " Abigail , look at yourself . What the hell have you turned into ? " She slammed the bottle onto the table , grabbed Abigail by the collar , and shook her . " You used to be the famous Abigail . Now you're chasing one man like your life depends on it . What ? Lucas cheating on you once isn't enough ? Do you need to go through more of it before you're satisfied ? " Dizzy from the shaking , Abigail laughed hoarsely . She grabbed the bottle and took a long swig . " Bethany , do you think ... .. I'm a total failure ?

" I stopped painting for him and forced myself to learn finance reports I 0.00 % 18.18 Chapter 2 288 Vouchers never cared about . And what did I get ? He still thinks I do nothing all day . Adrienne steps in to take a few drinks for him , and he frets about her for hours . Me ? Other than that old reputation , I honestly feel like I've got nothing left . " She went back over those seven years , and to her own shock , they were nothing but a blank . Maybe there was a reason Lucas looked down on her after all . She couldn't keep up with him anymore .

She didn't understand the ruthless world of early - stage capital markets . She couldn't help his career at all . " Bullshit !" Bethany snapped . " Have you been gaslit so hard that you can't think straight anymore ? Back then , the entire art world worshipped you . If This book had been added on your bookshelf . Lucas's trash company , would you have disappeared? " Overseas galleries are still asking where you are . Your name is still trending on ArtPrice . " You're talented , you've got taste , you're beautiful , and most of all , your heart is real .

Tell me , what about you isn't good enough for that cold - blooded bastard ? " Abigail froze . " I ... Can I still paint ? " " Of course you can ! " Bethany snapped , furious at her . " He's been tearing you down for so long that you don't even realize it . Tell me , when you're around him , do you even dare wear something bold and expensive anymore ? " 18.72 % 18:18 Chapter 2 288 Vouchers Abigail looked down at the dull , shapeless lounge clothes she had on .

Lucas liked everything minimalist and looked down on anything flashy , so she'd replaced her entire wardrobe with black , white , and gray . " Come on , " she said suddenly , pushing the bottle away and wobbling to her feet . " Let's go shopping . I want the most expensive dress in the store . " She'd been trapped for too long by rules she set just to please him that she'd almost forgotten she used to be a free bird . Inside the VIP lounge of a top - tier luxury mall , Abigail picked out a deep burgundy silk dress . The cut was daring , fluid , like fire made fabric .

She was just about to ask the sales associate to wrap it up when a familiar voice sounded behind her . " Mr. Faulkner , that dress looks amazing . " Abigail's body stiffened . She turned around and met Lucas's calm , unreadable gaze . Adrienne was hooked around his arm . When she saw Abigail , she covered her mouth in exaggerated surprise . " Oh ! Mrs. Faulkner , you're here too ? Mr. Faulkner has been pulling all - nighters for that project . Shouldn't you be taking care of him instead of shopping ? " Abigail didn't bother responding .

She glanced once at their intimate posture , then turned and handed her card to the sales associate . " I'll take it . " 39.46 % 18:18 Chapter 2 288 Vouchers Just then , Lucas grabbed her wrist . " That dress doesn't suit you , " Lucas said casually , as if it were a given . " It's too flashy . Let Adrienne have it . She's doing a roadshow next week and needs something presentable . " The warmth on her wrist felt like a branding iron , burning enough to chill her to the bone . Abigail stared at him and enunciated every word . "I want this dress .

" When she stepped out after changing , Bethany had just parked and come up . She took one look at Abigail and let out a whistle . " Now that's the Ms. Wagner the art world knows . You look dangerously good ! " Lucas looked at the woman in front of him , momentarily stunned by how unfamiliar and striking she looked . Then his brow furrowed . Adrienne caught the flicker in his eyes immediately . She lowered her head , voice soft and wounded . " Mrs. Faulkner looks incredible . She's like a movie star ... I'm not like that . Even if I wore it , I probably wouldn't pull it off .

" Lucas snapped back to himself , his expression darkening . " Abigail , take it off . " His tone hardened . " Don't make me repeat myself . Adrienne represents the company's image . You barely go out , so what's the point of wearing something this expensive ? " Bethany stepped in front of Abigail and laughed coldly . " Why not ? Mr. Faulkner , you're worth billions . Are you telling me you can't buy a 59.71 % 18:18 Chapter 2 11 288 Vouchers dress for your little office darling ? Do you really have to take Abby's ? Or are you just trying to get her to pay again ? " Adrienne's face went pale .

Her eyes reddened instantly as she tugged on Lucas's sleeve . " Mr. Faulkner , it's okay . Don't argue with Mrs. Faulkner because of me ... She's already upset about that night you drove me home ... " Lucas patted the back of her hand and turned to the sales associate . He said , " Wrap up every size of this dress . Except for the one Abigail is wearing , let Adrienne pick the rest . " Watching how effortlessly he took Adrienne's side , Abigail felt like her heart was being cut open with a dull blade . She said , " No need . " Suddenly , the dress felt filthy on her skin .

She changed out of it in record time , tossed it onto the couch , grabbed Bethany , who was ready to explode , and turned to leave . Abigail said coolly , " Since she likes picking up what other people leave behind , she can have all of it . " Lucas watched her walk away . For some reason , what lingered in his mind wasn't her words , but the vacant look in her eyes . " Wait , " he called to the sales associate . " Take a similar style to the one that lady just tried on and wrap it up .

" 81.02 % 18 18 Chapter 3 288 ( Vouchers Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella's storytelling style is immersive and addictive-perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.