Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. Lauren stepped out, her heels clicking against the marble floor, a designer bag dangling from her arm. She swayed her hips, every inch of her radiating confidence.

She'd just parted ways with Gavin, and her bag was now heavier-carrying a card loaded with half a million dollars and a dazzling gemstone necklace. Lauren was in high spirits, humming a cheerful tune as she strolled toward her car.

But just as her fingers brushed the door handle, a shadow lunged at her from behind.

Startled, Lauren opened her mouth to scream, only for a rough hand to clamp down over her lips.

"Mmmph-!"

Panic surged through her. She struggled desperately, eyes wide with terror.

"Hey, don't be scared-it's me, Lauren," a familiar voice whispered urgently in her

ear.

Lauren froze. Neal? What was he doing here?

"Don't scream," Neal said, releasing her at last. "We just need to talk."

Her heart pounded in her chest. Of all people, she never expected Neal to show up in Northborough-especially now. He was a wanted man; being seen with him could spell disaster.

She glanced around anxiously, voice low and tense. "Get in the car. Let's find somewhere safe to talk."

Neal nodded, and together they slipped into the car. Lauren drove out of the underground garage, her mind racing as she navigated the city streets.

broke the silence first. "When did you get

But she could feel his stare, sharp and unyielding. The scent of her perfume lingered in the air as

her gut, but she forced a

used to say Saul couldn't give you what you needed, but at least he offered stability. That's why I let you go. So

chill ran down Lauren's spine. So that's why Neal had come

Life with the Lockwoods has been unbearable. I only went to Gavin for help, not

a bitter laugh. "I'm not in a hurry, Lauren. I came back for answers. Find us somewhere

surface. Now more than ever, she had to

the outskirts of town, where abandoned warehouses dotted the landscape-places more private,

on the interior light and, without a word,

the scars crisscrossing her back-some fresh, others faded,

"What happened to you?"

with tears. “Blame me if you want, Neal... I know I've hurt you. But Saul-he beats me nearly every day. I can't take it anymore. I went

thick

on the run, Neal. I couldn't stand

I'll take care of Saul. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. Just wait for

nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I

it?" His voice

the only one who's ever truly cared for me. I trust you, Neal. I know you'd never let

greedily. "I love you,

closed her eyes, suppressing her disgust. "I love you too,