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.

first. "When did

cap and mask. But she could feel his stare, sharp and unyielding. The scent of her

forced a coy laugh. "Not now, Neal.

used to say Saul couldn't give you

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

She took a steadying breath. "I had no choice. Life with the Lockwoods has been unbearable. I only

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

the surface. Now

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

off the engine, Lauren turned on the interior

as he saw the scars crisscrossing her back-some fresh,

"What happened to you?"

want, Neal... I know I've hurt you. But Saul-he

his arms, voice thick with

stand the thought of you risking yourself for

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

tears streaming down her cheeks. "I

You mean it?" His voice was

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

face. He kissed her, hands roaming greedily. "I love you, Lauren. God, I

her eyes, suppressing her disgust. "I