My Ex-Husband Wants Me Again

Ralph narrowed his eyes, feeling uneasy. His intuition, honed through years of experience, told him not to act rashly until he knew everything about his opponent. Pearl wasn't as cheerful as she was before her "resurrection." It was as though she was now as ruthless and cunning as his oldest brother, Ken had been.

Ralph forced a smile. "Pearl, give us time. We've plenty of things." Ralph had resumed the fawning demeanor he had taken before Pearl's father.

Pearl smiled coldly. Ralph thought her father and her were soft-hearted and wouldn't be ruthless to them. He was wrong. "Sure, I'll give you time." 'Time to pay,' she thought.

Pearl sneered but didn't rush them further. She needed to single out a few people as examples to show the consequences of crossing her, and Ralph's family was the best choice. But resolving it with just one move would give them too easy of an out. She wanted to make them pay slowly and painfully.

Pearl turned to return to her room, but a vase suddenly fell before her. She glanced at it. Ralph picked it up hurriedly and flattered her, "This is a gem I found, Pearl. It's said to belong to a queen. I can give you if you want."

Pearl sneered. She took it and threw it carelessly. The vase made a crisp sound as it shattered.

As Ralph's heart ached, Pearl said, "It's a replica."

*****

The night was quiet. Woolery Court finally settled down. Pearl finished her bath and changed into a simple outfit before going to her parents' room. Their portraits were on the table. Her father was handsome and dignified, while her mother was graceful and elegant. Pearl's eyes reddened. She caressed the portraits and choked out, "I'm back." She looked at them, feeling empty and lonely.

Pearl's parents died three years ago. Things had changed drastically since.

Pearl had grown up cherished by her parents. Besides school, her greatest joy was browsing for news online about Marc.

It had been seven years since her abduction at fourteen, but Pearl couldn't forget her savior. Her father was finally convinced and would suggest marriage to the Males family. She waited eagerly for good news when her parents left for Machodean, but only received news of their deaths. Her parents had died in a car accident on a highway. Their car had exploded, leaving their bodies burnt beyond recognition. Pearl didn't want to believe it but forensic examination confirmed their deaths.

Pearl's world had collapsed. If it weren't for Pearl, perhaps her parents wouldn't have died. But Pearl couldn't blame herself. Her parents would have wanted her to live well.

Her phone rang suddenly. Pearl answered it and asked, "What's up?"

It was Hubert Law, the seventh son of the Law family. "I've news, but I'm not sure if I should tell you."

Pearl commanded impatiently, "Spill it."

Hubert said, "Your ex announced he's marrying Clarissa in four days."

Pearl's heart clenched painfully. Their divorce proceedings would be completed in that time. She thought, 'Is he that eager to marry his beloved?'