Once His Now My Own Novel by SHAN

Stella’s POV

The court had officially declared our divorce, yet Ethan still stood every day at the entrance of my company, clutching a bouquet of red roses as if they could undo everything.

Usually, I’d walk past him without a glance, but today was different. Too many eyes were on us–on me–and I couldn’t shake the

memories flooding back. It was just like that Valentine’s Day, but back then, it had been me offering the roses, full of hope.

I remembered the sting of the thorns piercing my palms as Ethan had thrown the bouquet back at me, laughing with Lily as my blood my mind. splattered on the pavement. His words still echoed in

“Does it make you happy to see that dumb hag hurt?” He hadn‘ even spared me a glance as he walked away, arm around Lily, leaving me bleeding and broken.

Ethan’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Stella, I know I was wrong. Today’s Valentine’s Day. Please, give me a chance to make it right.” His hopeful tone only fueled my disgust. I smiled, taking the roses from him, but as soon as I felt the familiar prickle of thorns, I let them fall. The roses tumbled to the ground, the stems bending and snapping, thorns embedding themselves into Ethan’s palms. Blood dripped from his hands, just as it had from mine.

Ethan winced, his face pale. “Stella…”

I wiped my hands on my clothes, as though shaking off something dirty. “Sorry, I couldn’t hold them properly.”

I didn‘

wait for a response. Turning on my heel, I walked away, the sound of murmurs and whispers rising behind me.

Today wasn’t just Valentine’s Day–it was also the day I won the design competition championship. Standing on stage, clutching my award, I felt invincible.

On stage, when the host asked me what “Light of Freedom”

Alu said. “This piece represents every

Stella’s POV

The court had officially declared our divorce, yet Ethan still stood every day at the entrance of my company, clutching a bouquet of red roses as if they could undo everything.

Usually, I’d walk past him without a glance, but today was different. Too many eyes were on us–on me–and I couldn’t shake the memories flooding back. It was just like that Valentine’s Day, but back then, it had been me offering the roses, full of hope.

I remembered the sting of the thorns piercing my palms as Ethan had thrown the bouquet back at me, laughing with Lily as my blood splattered on the pavement. His words still echoed in my mind:

“Does it make you happy to see that dumb hag hurt?” He hadn‘ even spared me a glance as he walked away, arm around Lily, leaving me bleeding and broken.

Ethan’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Stella, I know I was wrong. Today’s Valentine’s Day. Please, give me a chance to make it right.” His hopeful tone only fueled my disgust. I smiled, taking the roses from him, but as soon as I felt the familiar prickle of thorns, I let them fall. The roses tumbled to the ground, the stems bending and snapping, thorns embedding themselves into Ethan’s palms. Blood dripped from his hands, just as it had from mine.

Ethan winced, his face pale. “Stella…”

I wiped my hands on my clothes, as though shaking off something dirty. “Sorry, I couldn’t hold them properly.”

I didn’t wait for a response. Turning on my heel, I walked away, the sound of murmurs and whispers rising behind me.

Today wasn’t just Valentine’s Day–it was also the day I won the design competition championship. Standing on stage, clutching my award, I felt invincible.

On stage, when the host asked me what “Light of Freedom”

Lstood tall and proudly said, “This piece represents every woman’s right to her own freedom. It doesn’t depend on age or status. Once they have freedom, they’ll be cloaked in an unbeatable light.”

The applause was deafening, but as I scanned the room, I saw him. Ethan. Watching from the corner, his face filled with something I couldn’t care less about anymore–regret, awe, maybe even longing.

When the ceremony ended, he rushed over, eyes lit with excitement. “Stella, I didn’t realize… You‘ re incredible.”

I stepped back, keeping a distance between us. “I know I’m incredible, Ethan. I didn’t need you to tell me that. Now, could you kindly get out of my life? You‘ re becoming a pathetic nuisance.”

The words hit him like a slap, and for once, Ethan had no retort. He left in silence, his head hanging low.

Outside, lightning cracked the sky, thunder rumbling in its wake. The storm mirrored the chaos of the past year, but inside me, everything was eerily calm.

Later that evening, the company held a celebration party. The atmosphere was electric, with laughter, clinking glasses, and congratulations pouring in. After a few too many drinks, Jacob found his moment.

“Stella, I’ve been following you on your social media for years. Even when I was abroad, I couldn’t stop thinking about you.” His voice was soft, his eyes sincere. “The flight we ‘accidentally‘ met on? That wasn’t a coincidence. I came back because I heard you were getting divorced.”

His hand found mine in the dim light, his touch gentle but firm.

“I’ve been single all this time, waiting for a chance with you. Would you consider me?”

I pulled my hand back, draining my glass. “I’m not ready for anything serious, Jacob. We’ll see.

He nodded, earnest as ever. “I’ll wait.”

I shrugged, unbothered. “Suit yourself.”

As I turned away, my attention was caught by the TV in the corner of the room. A news flash scrolled across the screen:

[A serious car accident has occurred on Camper Bridge. Ethan Lewis, CEO of Lewis Corporation, died at the scene. With the recent heavy rains, we urge all citizens to drive safely.]

The room seemed to freeze for a moment, but I felt nothing. Not grief, not shock–just… nothing. Ethan was gone, and I was finally free.

I looked out the window at the storm raging outside, but it couldn’t touch me. For the first time in a long while, I was untouchable–above the wind, above the rain, above everything Ethan had ever done to me.

Freedom, at last.