Chapter 9
Chapter 9
I returned to the apartment to find Louie bustling in the kitchen, the rich aroma of herbs filling the air.
He wanted me to taste how his cooking had improved.
I sat on the couch, watching him work–until a sleek digital invitation popped up on my phone.
Then, the call came.
“Stella,” Zoey’s saccharine voice dripped through the speaker. “Guess what? Nathan and I are getting married! Grandma herself is arranging it. You should come–if you can stomach it.”
I wasn’t surprised at all.
The Carter family prized reputation above all. Of course Grandma would force Nathan to marry his mistress to save face.
I didn’t bother opening the invitation: “Thanks for the invite, Miss Miller, but I’m abroad. I can’t make it back.”
“Still, congratulations on your wedding.”
A sharp laugh crackled through the line. “Oh, don’t act so unbothered! I know you’re seething inside.” Her voice turned venomous. “Face it–Nathan was always meant to be mine. You? Just a pathetic placeholder.”
“And guess what?” She purred. “He’s in London right now–shopping for my engagement ring. That’s how much he adores me.”
Whether Nathan had come to confront me or for her ring didn’t matter anymore.
“You’re overthinking it, Miss Miller. I genuinely congratulate you both.”
“According to Carter family tradition, your wedding will be televised. I’ll watch it on TV. Wishing you happiness in advance.”
Before Zoey could respond, I hung up.
The next evening, Louie coaxed me out for a walk.
But Nathan, who should have been at his wedding, suddenly appeared before us like a specter.
His eyes locked onto Louie’s arm around me, and his face twisted. “So this is the ex?”
I tightened my grip on Louie. “None of your business.”
Nathan blocked our path, disbelief written across his face: “The hell it isn’t! Are you living with him?”
Louie stepped forward, shielding me. “This is between Stella and me. Please respect her choice.”
Then–CRACK!
Nathan’s fist smashed into Louie’s jaw, sending him sprawling onto the pavement.
“Nathan, you bastard! What the hell do you want to do?” I dropped to Louie’s side, checking his split lip. “Are you okay?”
13:02
Trash Husband. Billionaire Ungrade: Dumning the Fake for Real Love
68.50%
Chapter 9
Louie shook his head and stood up.
Seeing this, Nathan’s breath came in ragged bursts. “You–you’re worried about him? I’m your husband!”
Huh? Husband?
He’d long lost that right.
I supported Louie, using my last bit of patience:
“Zoey told me you’re getting married. Congrats. But don’t call yourself my husband–it’s disgusting”
He grabbed my wrist. “Stella, listen! I never wanted her! Grandma forced this–if you just come home, Ill-”
“No need.” I wrenched free. “We’re done.”
He still dreams I’d go back to him. Ridiculous.
I never wanted to endure his torment for another second.
Just then, his phone rang. It was Zoey.
While he answered, I pulled Louie away.
Online, wedding videos were everywhere.
Zoey stood on stage in an elaborate wedding dress, looking utterly desperate.
She paced frantically, calling Nathan repeatedly.
When he finally answered, she screamed hysterically:
“Nathan! Where the hell are you? The wedding started an hour ago! Everyone’s laughing at me!”
But Nathan remained silent as Zoey lost control, destroying the wedding venue.
At dinner, Louie slid a velvet box across the table–just as my phone buzzed. Nathan’s number.
“I won’t marry Zoey. Stella, please give me a chance…”
Before he could finish, a deafening CRASH obliterated his words.
Confused, I hung up, only to see breaking news: Heir to Carter Family Critical After High–Speed Collision.
A grainy photo showed Nathan’s bloodied body being loaded into an ambulance.
I’d just processed the news when I noticed Louie holding out a ring, smiling at me.
Without hesitation, I smiled and extended my hand.
This time, we wouldn’t let go again.
