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

could feel his stare, sharp and unyielding. The scent of her perfume lingered in the air as he reached out, his hand sliding across

forced a coy laugh. "Not now,

and cold. "Are 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 you go.

that's why Neal had come because of Gavin.

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

in a hurry, Lauren. I came back for answers. Find us somewhere quiet, then we'll

the surface. Now more

the car toward the outskirts of town, where abandoned warehouses dotted the landscape-places more private, away from prying

derelict buildings. After shutting off the engine, Lauren turned on the interior light and, without a

eyes widened in horror as he saw the scars crisscrossing her

"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

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

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

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

down her

You mean it?" His voice was

weakly. "After all these years, I finally realized you're the only one who's ever truly cared for me. I trust you, Neal. I know you'd

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

closed her eyes, suppressing her disgust.