Remove ads, read new chapters, faster page loading
Currently our revenue is not enough to maintain the website. You can support us by upgrading to premium membership!
Special Offer
Upgrade NowThank you for reading on CrushNovels! We provide free access to all our stories, but maintaining this platform requires ongoing costs. To keep the site running and continue offering free content, we display advertisements. You can close the ads anytime, or upgrade to premium membership ($5/month) for an ad-free reading experience while supporting our mission. You can also earn premium for free by completing simple tasks. We truly appreciate your understanding and support!
Innocence Never Dies by Ace 1 Summary In the first chapter of "Innocence Never Dies," Nora Yates confronts her tumultuous marriage with Travis Luther. As she awakens to find Travis demanding her signature on papers related to an overseas exchange program, she grapples with the realization of her current life being both foreign and familiar. Travis, lacking empathy, insists that she let their son Quinton stay behind, emphasizing her role as a mother.
However, Nora's emotions shift from despair to determination as she asserts that Quinton is also Travis's child, hinting at her desire for independence. As the conversation escalates, Nora's frustration with Travis's controlling nature culminates in her decision to seek a divorce. The moment she utters those words, she feels an overwhelming sense of liberation, as if breaking free from chains that had bound her for years. Travis's dismissive reaction only fuels her resolve, prompting her to take charge of her life despite his attempts to belittle her.
He leaves abruptly, which marks a pivotal moment for Nora, who is now ready to reclaim her identity. Nora's emotional turmoil deepens when she sees a social media post from her sister Lily, showcasing a seemingly perfect moment with Travis and Quinton. The images evoke feelings of betrayal and heartbreak, particularly as she recalls Quinton's innocent wish for Lily to be his mother. This memory strikes a painful chord, reminding her of the sacrifices she made during childbirth and the bond she has with her son, which feels threatened by Lily's manipulations.
Haunted by past injustices, including her wrongful confinement to a psychiatric hospital, Nora reflects on her relationship with Quinton and the misunderstanding that has driven a wedge between them. She recalls the moment when Quinton, influenced by Lily, rejected her and labeled her as a terrible mother. This betrayal cuts deeper than Travis's infidelity, as it reveals the fragility of her connection with her son. As the chapter closes, Nora receives a message from her lawyer regarding custody, prompting her to contemplate her next steps.
Despite the pain and betrayal she has endured, she resolves not to fight for custody, feeling that neither Travis nor Quinton has shown her the respect she deserves. In a moment of clarity, she chooses to let go of the toxic relationships that have caused her suffering, marking a significant turning point in her journey toward reclaiming her sense of self and her innocence. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below "Just sign the papers." As Nora Yates slowly opened her eyes, she was greeted by the sight of Travis Luther's frigid, impatient expression.
He forcefully slid a document across the table, the sound sharp and jarring in the otherwise still air. His voice was devoid of warmth, almost clinical. "You won't need it anyway. The spot in the overseas exchange program-just let Lily have it." Nora felt her heart sink as her gaze fell to the stark black-and-white print before her. It took a moment for the realization to wash over her: she had been reborn into a life that felt foreign yet achingly familiar. Travis, oblivious to the storm brewing within her, only grew more irritable at her silence. "The program's in the UK.
It's for six months. Quinton's still so young-he needs someone here with him. If you leave, what's going to happen to him?" At the mere mention of her son's name, a flicker of warmth ignited in Nora's chest. Quinton Luther. Their child, just six years old, innocent and full of dreams. Nora lifted her gaze, her eyes locking onto Travis's face. Her voice, when it came, was like ice cutting through the tension. "He's your child too, isn't he?" Travis's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean by that?" "Exactly what it sounds like," Nora replied, her tone steady and unyielding.
But Travis, clearly missing the point, only grew more defensive. "Nora, we've been married for seven years. You don't need to use Quinton as a pawn to manipulate me. You never used to be like this." What he truly meant was that he preferred the version of "Mrs. Luther" who was compliant and silent, the one who didn't challenge his authority. "Travis." Nora closed her eyes for a brief moment, collecting herself. When she opened them again, all traces of vulnerability had vanished, replaced by a steely resolve.
Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com
"Let's get a divorce." As the words slipped from her lips, it felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders. The shackles that had held her captive for so long? Shattered. Travis's expression darkened, his voice dripping with disdain. "Stop being dramatic." "Do you think I'm joking?" Nora shot back, her gaze unflinching as she let out a soft, bitter laugh. "I've never been more serious in my life." His face soured further, frustration radiating off him. "If you're trying to play hard to get, it won't work. I've already made my decision.
Stop acting like a child." He stood abruptly, snatching his coat from the rack with a sense of finality. "I have things to do tonight. I won't be back." And with that, he strode out, leaving without so much as a backward glance. Nora scoffed, the sound escaping her lips like a small act of rebellion. She turned on her heel and headed toward the bedroom, determined to call a lawyer. But as she unlocked her phone, a notification flashed across the screen, pulling her attention away.
It was a post from Lily Yates-her so-called "sister." "Didn't expect that even now, someone would still indulge my silly little wishes. The city lights from the Ferris wheel were magical tonight. Huge thanks to my two princes, one big and one small~" The post was accompanied by nine photos, each one a snapshot of a perfect moment. In them, Lily sat inside a brightly lit Ferris wheel car, her makeup flawless, a saccharine smile plastered across her face.
On one side, she had her arm draped around Quinton, and on the other, she clung to Travis, the three of them radiating an aura of happiness that felt like a dagger to Nora's heart. She had even tagged Nora with an audacious caption: "Sis, just borrowing your darling son and husband for the night. Promise I'll return them soon-don't be mad!" Nora stared at the screen, her heart twisting painfully in her chest. She shut her eyes tightly, trying to suppress the bitter ache that threatened to consume her. It wasn't Travis's betrayal that cut the deepest. It was Quinton.
She could still vividly recall his sixth birthday, the moment when he had blown out the candles on his cake. She had leaned in, beaming with maternal pride, and asked him what he had wished for. "I wish Aunt Lily could be my mommy," he had declared without a moment's hesitation. The words had struck her like a bolt of lightning, leaving her hands and feet numb, her heart shattering into a million pieces. Nora had nearly lost her life bringing Quinton into this world. The complications had been severe, the blood loss catastrophic. He had been cut from her, a miracle of life born from her pain.
Yet, the only person Quinton looked up to was his father. In his innocent eyes, Travis-the man who was often absent-was the one tirelessly working for their family, while it was Nora who cooked, played, and cared for him every single day. In her previous life, after being unjustly confined to a psychiatric hospital, Quinton had come to visit her once. Behind the thick, impenetrable glass, his young face had been twisted with anger and disgust. "You tried to hurt Aunt Lily! I can't believe you're my mom. You're horrible!
If you don't apologize to her, I'll tell Dad to lock you up forever!" Nora had opened her mouth, desperate to explain, but the hatred in his eyes had silenced her completely. That so-called "attack" on Lily? It had been a setup. Lily had orchestrated the entire thing, hiring thugs to stage a fake incident and then pinning the blame on Nora. The plan had been sloppy; any decent investigation would have unraveled the truth. But no one cared to look deeper. No one offered her the benefit of the doubt. Everyone simply assumed she was jealous, spiteful, and mentally unstable.
In the end, it was Lily herself who had casually suggested, "I don't blame my sister. She's probably just under too much stress. Maybe she's having a breakdown. We should get her checked into a psychiatric hospital." And just like that, a flippant remark had become her death sentence. Nora's phone buzzed again, jolting her back to the present moment. It was a message from the lawyer: "You and your husband have a six-year-old. In custody battles, the child's preferences hold weight at this age.
If you're planning to fight for custody, I'd recommend speaking with him first." Nora's fingers hovered over the screen, her eyes cold and resolute. She typed her response: "No need. I'm not fighting for custody." Even a dog knows loyalty. But after all these years, neither her husband nor her son had shown her the slightest shred of respect. Fine. Then she didn't want either of them. Conclusion In this pivotal moment of Nora's life, she finally embraces the truth of her own worth, severing the ties that have bound her to a toxic marriage and an ungrateful family.
The emotional turmoil she experienced throughout her years of subservience to Travis and the heart-wrenching betrayal by Lily have both culminated in a powerful awakening. By choosing to let go of the dream of a perfect family and the illusion of love, Nora transforms her pain into a fierce declaration of independence. The decision to not fight for custody is not born from defeat but rather from a place of self-respect and clarity. She recognizes that her son's affection has been manipulated, and she refuses to be a pawn in a game that has already been rigged against her.
As she steps into her newfound resolve, Nora's journey shifts from one of victimhood to empowerment. The innocence she once clung to may have been shattered, but it has also paved the way for a more profound understanding of her own strength. The echoes of Quinton's innocent wish and the memories of her sacrifices linger, yet they no longer define her. Instead, they serve as a reminder of the love she is capable of giving-love that deserves to be reciprocated.
Will she find the courage to confront the betrayal of those she once held dear? The stakes are high, especially with the looming threat of Lily's influence over Quinton. Nora's struggle to maintain a connection with her son while navigating the treacherous waters of betrayal and manipulation will set the stage for a gripping conflict. Moreover, the chapter will likely introduce new characters and alliances that could either aid or hinder Nora in her quest for independence. Perhaps a supportive friend or a mentor will emerge, providing her with the guidance she desperately needs.
As she contemplates her next steps, the choices she makes will lead to unforeseen consequences that could alter the course of her life forever. Readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating whether Nora will rise from the ashes of her past or succumb to the weight of her isolation. The battle for her own happiness is just beginning, and it promises to be anything but easy.
Register for membership to remove ads.
Register Now - $5/monthShare novels to remove ads and enjoy ad-free reading!
Share Now - Remove AdsOur website offers a complete collection of GoodNovel novels. Readers can easily search and read any GoodNovel story online. Click here to browse all GoodNovel short novels
Join Telegram Group