Chapter 5
She remembered when she’d sprained her ankle once–barely even a twist–and he’d carried her to the campus clinic with actual tears in his eyes.
Over the years, plenty of women had tried the “damsel in distress” routine to get his attention.
He’d shut them down cold every single time, wouldn’t even look their way.
Now that exclusive tenderness belonged to someone else.
Noelia squeezed her eyes shut as tears streamed down her face, her heart turning to stone.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Leister: Babe, got stuck at the office. I’ll swing by to get you soon.
light…
The pain hit so hard it felt numb: Don’t bother.
don’t need you anymore, Leister.
Rain had started without her noticing.
Voelia wandered the streets aimlessly, soaked through but feeling absolutely nothing.
Back home, she took a scalding shower and walked to the calendar, slashing a big X through the 26th.
Twenty–seven days left.
joon she’d be free of this nightmare,
Then Leister could play house with his precious little princess all he wanted.
That night was hell–tossing and turning with a splitting headache and climbing fever.
Half delirious, she reached for the empty space beside her. “Leister, I feel awful… Leister…”
Her hand met cold, empty sheets.
Reality hit like a slap–he was with Anita right now.
Probably tangled up in bed, doing God knows what.
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Baby Ex Don’t Cry. I’m Smiling at My Wedding with Tycoon Knight
13.34
Chapter 5
Of course he wouldn’t remember his wife existed.
The bitterness was choking her.
She bit her lip hard, threw off the covers, and drove herself to Mount Sinai.
Alone.
She checked herself in alone, saw the doctor alone, got admitted alone, sat through the IV alone.
The old Leister would’ve lost his absolute mind seeing her like this.
The woman he’d called his “everything,” the one he’d moved heaven and earth to marry–how could she be suffering like this?
A bitter laugh escaped her.
Wheeling her IV stand toward the vending machines, she stepped into the hallway and froze solid.
There was Leister, arm wrapped around Anita’s tiny waist, gazing down at her like she’d hung the moon as they chatted and
aughed.
Noelia’s vision went nuclear.
Anita spotted her immediately and melted even closer to Leister, her face pale and fragile.
Oh! Miss Montez? What brings you here? Are you feeling okay?”
eister went rigid, following Anita’s gaze to see Noelia standing there like a ghost.
le practically threw Anita off him, making her stumble. A flash of pure calculation crossed her eyes.
Noelia, this isn’t–I just ran into Anita after those assholes cornered her. I was only helping-”
de rushed over, words tumbling out in a panic.
Where was her assistant? She absolutely needed you to personally escort her to the ER?”
Voelia’s voice was deadly quiet as she glanced at Anita’s bandaged leg.
Anita dabbed at her tears like a professional. “My assistant wasn’t there tonight when those drunk guys cornered me. If Mr. Devereux hadn’t shown up… I honestly don’t know what would’ve happened. He was sweet enough to make sure I got here safely.”
Perfect performance–tears streaming, looking absolutely pitiful.
Thanking him while really grinding salt in Noella’s wounds.
Showing off exactly how much Leister spoiled her.
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14.28
Chapter 5
“Right… I see.” Noelia felt like her chest was caving in.
Leister’s expression darkened as he shot Anita a warning look, then gently touched Noelia’s arm.
“She’s just some actress, babe. I only stepped in because it affects our business. Otherwise, I wouldn’t give her the time of day.”
Just some actress?
Anita’s face went through mortification, rage, and hurt as fresh tears spilled.
She bit her lip, forcing wounded dignity.
‘Of course, I’m nobody worth Miss Montez worrying about. I’m sorry for causing drama–I’ll just go…”
she limped away dramatically.
Leister clearly felt like shit watching her go.
}ut seeing Noelia’s face, he swallowed whatever he was feeling and guided her back to the room, frantically consulting with he doctor before ordering soup and trying to spoon–feed her himself.
The nurses were practically swooning over his devotion.
Joelia felt absolutely nothing.
he didn’t want his goddamn leftovers.
ler phone lit up with a TikTok Live notification.
In screen, Anita stood by the East River addressing her camera: “My man felt terrible about tonight, so he’s throwing me the nost insane fireworks show! Plus these crazy drone displays! Everyone should come watch!”
he comments were savage:
ave ANY idea how much that costs? Keep dreaming!]
bullshit!]
d perfectly, “I’m serious! You’ll see!”
denly luxury yacht and diamond emojis started flooding the screen with massive tips from someone called @Crazy AboutU
Then fireworks exploded across the Manhattan skyline in brilliant, cascading colors.
Anita’s smile could’ve powered Times Square. “See? Told you guyst”
Holy shit, this dude’s loaded! He’s giving Leister Devereux vibes!]
Remember when Leister dropped millions on fireworks for Noelia’s birthday? That was real love right there!]
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Baby Ex Don’t Cry. I’m Smiling at My Wedding with Tycoon Knight
13.04
Chapter 5
Noelia’s vision blurred as she looked toward the hospital balcony where Leister stood, smiling down at his phone with pure
adoration.
He was @CrazyAboutU.
Noticing her stare, he quickly pocketed his phone and returned with the cooled chicken soup, spoon ready.
“Come on, baby, just a little. It’s not hot anymore. You need to eat something or you’ll crash.”
Noelia gripped her phone until her knuckles went white, watching him perform the perfect husband act.
How are you such an incredible actor, Leister?
She closed her eyes and pushed the spoon away. “I’m not hungry. I feel sick.”
Rolling over, she pretended to sleep while tears soaked the pillow.
Three years ago, Leister had given her a fireworks display that made every woman in New York green with envy–millions of dollars literally burning in the sky.
Afterward, he’d just shrugged: “My wife’s happiness is worth everything. I make money to blow it on her.”
That quote had dominated social media for weeks, making everyone jealous as hell.
She’d been so stupidly happy then.
Now he was giving that same exclusive treatment to another woman.
Warm arms wrapped around her from behind.
I’m sorry, babe. Don’t be mad, okay? I’ll sleep on the couch for a month if you want. What can I cook you tomorrow? Anything you’re craving?”
“I saw you watching those fireworks outside. When you’re out of here, I’ll throw you an even bigger show, I promise!”
The irony was suffocating
She pushed him away, clinging to one pathetic shred of hope. “About Anita’s contract–what’s your real thoughts?”
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