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

stare, sharp and unyielding. The scent of her perfume lingered in the

her gut, but she forced a coy laugh. "Not

say Saul couldn't give you what you needed, but at least he offered

why Neal had come because of Gavin. But how

get the wrong idea, Neal..." She took a steadying breath. "I had no choice. Life with the Lockwoods has been unbearable. I only

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

his anger simmering beneath the surface. Now more

the car toward the outskirts of town, where abandoned warehouses dotted

outside one of the derelict buildings. After shutting off the engine, Lauren turned on the interior

as he saw the scars crisscrossing

"What happened to you?"

with tears. “Blame me if you want, Neal... I know I've hurt you. But Saul-he

into his arms, voice thick with emotion. "Why didn't you

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

as he hugged her tighter. "Lauren, listen to me. I'll take care of Saul. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. Just wait for me, all

nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I

You mean it?" His

"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 disgust. "I love you too,