The Underestimated Ex-husband

Battles of the Mind

“Adrian, are you still holding onto that thing?” Seraphina asked with her voice sharper than usual as she stopped in front of him but he didn’t lift his head because his eyes were glued to the broken necklace resting in his palm.

“It’s ruined” she added while folding her arms. “You’ve been staring at it for over an hour. What do you think will happen? That it’ll fix itself?”

Adrian finally muttered “You don’t understand.”

“Then explain it to me” She crouched in front of him, reaching for the chain. “Give it to me. I’ll find someone to repair it.”

“No” His grip tightened instantly.

Her brows furrowed “Adrian, stop being stubborn, I know the best jeweler in the city, and they can restore anything. You think clinging to broken pieces will bring your mother back?”

That word hit him like a strike and his head snapped up with his eyes dark “Don’t say it like that, this isn’t just a piece of jewelry; it’s her memory and the only thing I have left of her, and it’s gone because of them.”

Seraphina’s lips pressed into a thin line and she softened for once. Then slowly she held out her hand again “Let me fix it. I swear I won’t let anything happen to it.”

His breath shook as though he was holding back years of grief and he finally let the chain slide from his palm into hers.

“Thank you” he whispered but almost inaudible.

Her heart twisted and she wanted to hug him but instead tucked the necklace carefully into her purse “You don’t have to thank me, Adrian! Just stop looking like you’ve lost everything. You’re still here, and you still have a future.”

His laugh was bitter “A future? Did you hear him downstairs? My so-called brother-in-law. They’re already throwing names around, replacing me like I was nothing.”

“So that’s what’s eating you” Seraphina tilted her head with her tone sharp now, “Don’t tell me you still care about that woman after everything she’s done?”

His silence gave her the answer and she clenched her jaw swallowing down the sting of jealousy.

“You’re pathetic” she muttered, “Still thinking of her while I’m right here standing by you.”

He looked at her final with his eyes stormy but unreadable.

Seraphina broke the tension with a sudden change of topic, as she rose, poured herself a drink and forced a smile “Fine. I won’t push. I want to tell you something important anyway. I’m hosting a charity banquet tomorrow night. My first one. Big names will be there, and I want you to come.”

Adrian leaned back, rubbing his forehead “Seraphina… I can’t.”

“Yes, you can” She walked back with her eyes glinting with mischief. “Don’t give me that ‘I’m tired’ excuse. This means everything to me.”

“I just…” he sighed, “I don’t want to be around people right now.”

Before he could finish, she sat his lap with her arms circling his neck.

“Seraphina… get off” His voice was sharp but she didn’t budge.

“No.” She leaned her forehead against his, while feigning innocence, “Do you know how terrified I am? It’s my first big event. If you don’t show up, I’ll crumble in front of everyone.”

He stiffened, glaring “You’ll survive. You always do.”

Her pout deepened, her tone dripping with playfulness and need “Please? Just this once. Be there for me. I’ll never ask you for anything again.”

He closed his eyes for a moment, and then, against his will, a laugh slipped out “You’re impossible.”

Her smile spread instantly “So that’s a yes.”

He shook his head, resigned “Fine. I’ll go.”

“Good” She stood up from his lap victoriously, “You won’t regret it.”

Meanwhile, there was trouble in the same town.

Margaret’s voice screeched over the phone trembling with rage “Elena! You won’t believe what your ex-husband did! That bastard humiliated us; me and Ryan! He had us beaten down like criminals!”

On the other end, Elena froze “What? What are you talking about?”

“I saw it with my own eyes!” Margaret yelled. “He’s running around with some rich woman, parading her like a trophy. She had bodyguards—bodyguards! They pinned us to the ground like animals! Adrian doesn’t care about you anymore. He’s moved on.”

Elena’s throat tightened “No… Adrian wouldn’t…”

Ryan’s voice cut in, furious “Don’t defend him, Sister! That bastard smashed my face into the floor! And that woman threatened me like she owned the whole damn city. He stood there, letting it happen!”

Margaret added, spitting venom “He’s cheating on you, Elena! He’s already crawling into someone else’s bed while you’re still mourning what you had”

Elena pressed her fingers to her temple, heart pounding “Stop. Just stop. I don’t want to hear it.”

“You’d better hear it!” Ryan shouted. “You’re blind if you think he’s still the same man. He’s trash! He even let that woman insult our family. Are you going to let him trample all over us?!”

Elena’s voice cracked “Enough, Ryan! Enough! I can’t deal with this right now.”

“You’d better deal with it!” Margaret snapped. “Or you’ll lose everything. That woman isn’t ordinary, she’s dangerous. And Adrian’s already chosen her side.”

Elena’s eyes burned, but she forced herself to steady her tone “I’m busy. I have an event tonight.”

“What event?” Margaret barked.

“A charity banquet” Elena said flatly. “I’m going with Victor.”

The line went dead silent for two seconds, and then Ryan’s voice exploded with excitement “Victor? Victor Blackwood?! Sister, don’t play with me. Is he really there with you?!”

“Yes”

Ryan’s tone flipped instantly, cheerful and eager “Brother-in-law! Can you hear me? It’s Ryan! Elena’s younger brother. I’ve heard so much about you and it’s an honor!”

“Ryan!” Elena hissed, mortified “Shut up! Victor and I are just business partners. Apologize!”

On cue, Victor’s calm, velvety voice came through the speaker “It’s fine, Elena. No need to scold him. Being acknowledged by your family…” he chuckled lightly “…I take that as an honor.”

“See, Sister?” Ryan laughed proudly. “He doesn’t mind! That’s a real man! Not like Adrian, that useless ex-convict!”

“Stop it!” Elena’s chest heaved, with her voice sharp. “Get yourselves checked at the hospital. That’s all I’m saying.”

And she hung up, her hand trembling.

There was silence in the car for a while.

Victor glanced at her with his tone soothing “Don’t let them upset you, and don’t let their drama ruin your night because you’ve done more than enough for them.”

She tried to smile but her heart was in turmoil.

Victor leaned closer while adjusting his cufflinks “Besides, you don’t need to think about Adrian anymore. Focus on yourself. With me here, you’ll get what you want.”

She turned to him cautiously “What do you mean?”

He smirked “Tonight, with me by your side, you’ll secure cooperation with Starlight Group. I’ve already arranged it.”

Her breath caught “You… what? Starlight Group?”

“Yes” His tone was smooth and confident. “They’ll sign with you. Consider it my gift. As long as you’re with me, nothing will stand in your way.”

Elena’s lips trembled “Victor…”

He smiled faintly “All I ask is that you don’t look back. Adrian is your past, and I am your future.”

She forced a nod, but Margaret’s words clawed at her mind: Adrian with another woman. Adrian choosing someone else. Adrian forgetting you.

Her fingers tightened in her lap as doubt and anger battled in her chest.