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.

silence first. "When did you

by a baseball cap and mask. But she could feel his stare, sharp and unyielding. The scent of her perfume lingered in the air as he reached out, his hand sliding across her

she forced a coy laugh. "Not now, Neal.

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

spine. So that's why Neal had come

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

in a hurry, Lauren. I came

could feel his anger simmering beneath the surface. Now more

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

the engine, Lauren turned on the interior light

saw the scars crisscrossing her back-some fresh, others

"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 to Gavin

arms, voice thick with emotion. "Why

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

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

tears streaming down her cheeks.

You mean it?" His

one who's ever truly cared

hands roaming greedily. "I

suppressing her disgust. "I