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.

the silence first. "When did you

cap and mask. But she could feel his stare, sharp and

her gut, but she forced

you enjoying yourself with Gavin? You used to say Saul couldn't give you what you needed, but at least he offered stability. That's why I let

why Neal had come because of Gavin. But

steadying breath. "I had no choice. Life with the Lockwoods has been

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

his anger simmering beneath the surface. Now more than ever, she had to keep her

warehouses dotted the landscape-places more private, away from prying eyes and security

pulled up outside one of the derelict buildings. After shutting off the engine, Lauren turned on the interior light and, without a word, began taking

widened in horror as he saw the scars crisscrossing her back-some fresh, others faded,

"What happened to you?"

“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

voice thick with

the run, Neal. I couldn't stand the thought of you

I'll take care of Saul. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. Just wait for me, all right? Once I'm

streaming down

mean it?" His voice was

"After all these years, I finally realized you're the only one who's ever truly cared

roaming greedily. "I love you, Lauren. God, I

her eyes, suppressing her