Chased by my Ex Husband Novel PDF Download/Read Free Online

 

Chased by my Ex Husband Synopsis

Grace Whitlock had always loved Ethan Calder, the hotshot billionaire and her sister's fiance.

When her sister escapes right on the wedding day, Grace steps in her place, becoming Ethan's wife.

She gives him three precious years of her life, only for him to deliver the divorce papers right after her sister returns.

After her trust shatters and she loses everything she holds dear,

she vows to avenge herself against her ex-husband and her scheming sister.

In her quest for revenge, she comes across another man who ignites a passion in her veins that leaves her breathless and squirming.

What happens when Ethan finds out that his wife is moving onto another hotshot faster than a speed of light?

Will he let her go or will he hold her in for eternity.

Chapter 1 

Divorce Agreement

the divorce and end this. ” Ethan says, cold and indifferent.

Now, I understand that one incident can change your life forever.

Three years ago, an incident like that turned my life upside down when my sister fled 

her wedding, leaving me to marry her fiancé.

But, I loved him so I didn’t consider it a bad incident. Instead, it was a stroke of luck that 

the man I adored became my husband.

But today, another incident awaits me. The life I built is on the verge of destruction.

I stare at him in disbelief. He doesn’t look like the man who doted on me for three years. 

He looks like the man who can’t stand me because he wants to be with another woman.

I look down at the Divorce Agreement placed on the table. My heart twists painfully.

It’s funny how a signature can bind you into a marriagea relationship you are 

supposed to cherish with all you have. But a signature can also end this relationship as 

if it were always fragile and meaningless.

“ Please—Please don’t do this, Ethan. ” I whisper, unable to stop the tears from flowing 

down my cheeks.

“ Why are you making a fuss, Grace? It was already planned that once we found Lily, I 

would divorce you. That’s the reason I agreed to marry you! ” His tone is accusatory. 

His eyes, void of emotions glare at me icily.

My world spins out of control. Lily, my sister is back and my worst nightmares have 

come true.

“ Three years, Ethan. We have been married for—for three years. And she returned just 

a month ago. ” I cry out.

“ Does that change anything? You are in her place. You need to leave and return 

everything to her. ” He scoffs coldly.

“ Three years ago, she fled and left you waiting on the altar, Ethan! ” I sob. “ Back then, 

I left everything, my dreams, my studies, my career, and stepped into her spot to marry 

you. ” “ She left the altar because of you! Because you told her that you love me and made her 

feel guilty for having me. Don’t act innocent now! ” He raises his voice.

My breath hitches. Why does it hurt so much to hear that he thinks everything was my 

fault?

“ I have told you again and again! ” I grip my hair, crying out. “ I didn’t tell her that! I 

loved you but I loved her too. She is my sister, Ethan. I wouldn’t ruin her marriage. Why 

can’t you believe me? ”

“ Why else would she run? She loved me. You destroyed her life by forcing her to marry 

another man and leaving me to you. Now, she is alone and broken and it’s all because 

of you. But I won’t let you torture her anymore. Once you sign the divorce, I will marry 

her as I should have all those years ago. ” Ethan roars, and grabs a glass from the table 

before smashing it on theground.

I jump in my spot. Fear twists my guts. I look down at the shattered pieces before 

glancing at him.

When Lily returned one month ago and met us, Ethan told me I shouldn’t worry.

But I should have known. The look of love on his face was not fake. Ishould have 

known that she would poison his mind sooner or later, that she would tell a stupid lie 

that I made her run.

What is a three-year marriage worth in front of a woman like my sister, Lily anyway? 

She is the epitome of success and beauty. Men drool over how unreal and sexy she is. 

My husband is not different either.

But I want to scream and tell him that she never loved him. She wanted him for his 

money. But once she found a man richer than him, she fled the marriage.

She dumped him and didn’t care how it destroyed him or the reputation of our family.

I should tell him how miserable he looked when he stood on the altar, confused and 

angry while waiting for a woman who was long gone.

I want to tell him that his misery hurt my heart so I abandoned everything and took Lily’s 

place to mend the broken heart of a man I loved my whole life.

But how do I break his heart like this? Even if I do, will he even believe me?

“ I loved her! You knew I loved her. All along, you knew andyet you sabotaged our 

lives. You destroyed everyone’s happiness and you are still denying it!? ” Like a raging 

beast, Ethan storms towards me and grips my jaw harshly.

My teeth sink into my inner cheeks. I gasp, tears pooling in my eyes.

My heart feels like someone has stabbed it. It’s bleeding and it hurts. Why does he not 

care?

“ I di...didn’t Ethan. Please—Please trust me. ” I sniffle, gripping his wrist to free myself.

“ Trust you? A disgusting woman like you who can ruin her sister’s life? How can I trust 

you?! ” He is seething.

His green eyes are bloodshot with anger and an intention to kill.

He squeezes my jaw harder. I scream, sensing the metallic taste of blood in my mouth.

“ I don’t want to hurt you, Grace. Don’t force my hand. Sign these papers and you are 

free to go. I won’t seek revenge for what you did. I will even give you enough money to 

survive for the rest of your life. ” His fingers dig into my flesh, earning another hiss.

His handsome face appears distorted in my blurry vision. I reach out, trying to touch his 

cheek but he swats my hand away harshly.

“ Don’t touch me with your filthy hands! ” Ethan growls dangerously.

“ Filthy hands? ” My blood runs cold. “ you touched me first! You made love to me many 

nights, Ethan. Why didn’t you find me filthy when you were doing it? ”

“ Did you think I touched you because you managed to melt my heart with your stupid 

tricks? ” He laughs mockingly. It’s a deafening sound that shatters my heart.

“ Why? ” I whisper, my voice sounding muffled in my ringingears.

“ Don’t act oblivious. You were supposed to give me a child as a wife. ” His icy glare 

burns into my face, destroying everything in me. “ But you can’t even do that. You are 

probably barren. It’s divine punishment, Grace. It suits you. A woman like you doesn’t 

deserve to be a mother. ”

His words echo in my ears. I try to breathe but the pain is so strong that I can’t. My 

chest tightens, agony filling every inch of me.

“ What would you have done if I gave birth to your child, Ethan? ” I whisper in defeat.

“ The child would have belonged to Lily. I wouldn’t let you raise my heir. ” He answers 

cruelly and leaves my jaw with a jerk.

Instinctively, I place my hand on my stomach. I was supposed to tell Ethan today about 

the life growing inside me, but suddenly, I can’t. He will take my child away and give it to 

Lily.

How can I bear it?

“ Once I return, I don’t want to see your face around, Grace. Sign the papers or I will 

destroy you this time! ” Ethan warns coldly and storms out.

I am left alone in the lounge. I stare at the papers as my head spins with thoughts. What 

do I do now?

In our three years of marriage, he was never cold to me. Until Lily returned to destroy 

our lives, Ethan and I were happy.

‘ I think spending a life with you won’t be that bad, My Grace. ’ That’s what Ethan said to 

me two months ago and then we made love all night.

He used to touch me with a passion that would burn my body and leave me with a 

pleasant soreness for a few days. He showered me with presents and pampered me 

like a Princess.

But two weeks ago, he came back home and threw a vase at me in anger.

I didn’t know what to do because I never faced his wrath before.

He accused me a lot that day, told me that I ruined him and Lily and that I would never 

find happiness in this life.

It took me a while to figure out what he meant. Lily had dumped all her faults on me to 

take back what she thought belonged to her.

My Ethan. My Husband. He was supposed to be her man.

All my efforts to convince him that I did nothing but save his reputation when I decided 

to marry him were in vain.

I was happy to marry him, I wouldn’t lie but...I never wanted him to become my 

possession. I would have been happy even if he had married Lily.

But he doesn’t believe that. No matter what I say, he always takesLily’s side.

Now, I realize it. It’s because he loves her and not me. It’s because my family loves Lily 

more and they are also asking me to divorce Ethan.

Everyone wants me to sign the papers, and forget that I ever married Ethan Calder. But 

how do I do that?

I just love him so much. I don’t want Lily to leech off him for her selfish reasons then 

there is the child I am carrying. How do I raise this baby without a father all alone?

“ Madam. ” Serena, the head maid rushes in and breaks me out of the trance.

I look up at her elderly face. Pity is written over her expressions, breaking my heart 

further.

“ You were not picking up the call so your family sent their driver. ” She informs me.

“ What? ” I ask, my voice hoarse from crying.

“ You are supposed to attend your sister’s birthday party. ” She reminds.

I take in a shuddery breath, recalling the invitation from my family and the threat that if I 

don’t attend, they will disown me.

“ Tell him to wait for five minutes. I will be out. ” I whisper and rise to my feet.

I don’t know what awaits me at the birthday party that they want me to attend so 

desperately, but I can tell it’s going to change my life forever. 

Chapter 2 

Birthday Party

Grace

When I arrive at the venue, dressed in a green cocktail dress, the birthday party is 

already in full swing.People are mingling and the soft piano tune is playing in the 

background.

After I step inside the Hall of the Whitlock’s Mansion that is my home, several eyes turn 

to me. Most of them are family members who are aware of Lily’s side of the story. They 

hate me for trying to ruin their reputation three years ago by forcing Lily to make a run.

They won’t believe me either because my elder sister is the beloved child. She is 

excellent at everything she does, and her beauty can charm a stone heart.

That’s what she is doing even now. She is standing in the middle of the Hall with a 

group of people around her.

Her dark locks cascade down her back in waves, complimenting her fair skin and small 

face. Her grey eyes are enchanting, unlike my black eyes and simple features. 

Confidence reeks off her. She commands attention wherever she goes.

In comparison, I don’t feel comfortable among people. I like staying in and doing things 

with the people I love instead of socializing. It just shows and people think I hate them.

“ Gracie! ” Her sweet voice rings in my ears all of a sudden.

I blink, shifting my attention to her. All eyes are on me.

My parents who are beside her share a look of anger and disappointment. While the 

other family members look me up and down in a humiliating way.

I told myself that I am used to this treatment but every time, they look at me like I should 

have died a long time ago, something breaks inside me. Yet, I endure everything in 

hopes that soon, Ethan will come to his senses and return to me. The world doesn’t 

matter as long as he is there.

“ Come here! ” Lily smiles widely, her red lips looking alluring.

With a heavy heart, I saunter over and stand beside her. Instantly, Lily embraces me 

tightly.

“ What took you so long, Baby sis? Do you hate me so much that you didn’t want to 

attend my birthday party? ” She whispers sadly.

“ What kind of sister are you? After doing all those evil deeds, you are still arrogant. ” 

Mom snaps angrily

“ Mom, please don’t be angry with Gracie. You know she just loved Ethan too much. I 

left because she wanted him but it’s not her fault. It was my choice. ” Lily pulls apart and 

turns to our mother who is glaring me down.

She is good at blaming me and acting innocent at the same time. It’s nothing new. All 

our lives, Mom and Dad cherished her like their treasure.

Whenever she wanted something, they got it for her. Even if that thing belonged to me, 

even if it was something I loved and would cry days over, my parents would snatch it 

away and give it to her.

In the end, they would tell me that my sister needed it more than I did, that I was strong 

and would get over it but Lily wouldn’t.

Lily is innocent. Lily is sensitive. Lily’s heart is weak. You should give up everything for 

your elder sister. Don’t compete with her.

“ Such a shameless sister! Wanting your sister’s man and yet acting innocent! ” Aunt 

Maria scoffs from the side.

A self-deprecating smile plays on my lips. How does my husband belong to her? I don’t 

understand that.

These people were grateful when I married Ethan in place of Lily who abandoned him 

without a thought but now, they hate me for it because she is back.

“ She was always like this. It’s my fault for not correcting her before. ” Mom sighs, 

placing a hand on her chest.

“ Salma. It’s fine. It’s not your fault. The children are responsible for their mistakes. ” 

Dad embraces Mom and shoots me a glare.

His eyes tell me that he hates me. Everyone does.

“ What are you waiting for? Apologize to your Mom and sister! ” Dad adds.

“ Dad, please don’t be too harsh. Gracie didn’t mean to upset us. ” Lily rushes to their 

side and hugs Dad’s arm.

Like this, they look like a perfect family—the three of them. I don’t exist anywhere.

What have I done?

Why must I endure this?

Silently, I stare at him as my heart aches inside my chest. Why can’t they love me too?

“ Grace! ” Dad yells, attracting the attention of others around us.

My heart leaps to my throat. I blink, pushing the tears back.

“ Dad, Mom... ” I whisper, doing my best to speak without a break in my voice. “ I won’t 

apologize because I did nothing wrong. I married Ethan because you wanted me to 

marry him. I left everything to save your reputation. How am I to blame now? ”

“ How dare you! You ungrateful child! ” Mom shrieks, lifting her hand to strike me.

Slap!

The harsh sound echoes in my ears. My head turns to the side.

My parents have never liked me but they didn’t hit me either. I touch my cheek, disbelief 

making me numb for a few moments.

“ She is shameless! ”

“ Her mother is teaching her manners now. ”

“ She deserves it for wanting her sister’s man. ”

People gossip, not caring to keep their voices down. I suck in a struggling breath and 

turn to look at my parents. Mom’s eyes betray a hint of shock. But I am sure I look 

worse.

“ Mom, please don’t hit Gracie. It’s all my fault. ” Lily sniffles and clings to Mom.

Instantly, the shock from Mom’s eyes disappears and anger fills her again. She points a 

trembling finger in my face.

“ You better stop causing trouble, Grace or we will disown a terrible child like you! We 

don’t want someone who stabs her sister in the back. ”

I utter, my hands shaking by my side. “ I stabbed her in the back?... ”

“ Stop denying it! The least you can do is to apologize like a decent person. ” Dad 

scoffs, his old face frowning i stare at him, as my mind races with several thoughts. There is no one for me here. It 

was better to get disowned instead of suffering this humiliation.

I turn around to leave but Lily rushes to my side and grabs my arm. “ please don’t leave, 

Gracie. Mom was angry just now but she loves you. You know that! She has always 

loved you more than me. ”

I sigh. “ Lily”

“ You need to watch the gift I prepared for you. ” She leans in and whispers into my ear 

wickedly.

Others are unaware of what she said. Before I can ask her anything, she goes back to 

crying and begging me to stay.

I find my body frozen on the spot, my heart aching inside my chest. Why can’t they ever 

see through her?

Slowly, my eyes lift to the man standing in the corner, sipping his wine leisurely. My 

heart misses a beat as his green eyes stare into mine.

Ethan looks unfazed by the slap, by the humiliation and the treatment I get. Instead, he 

looks like he wants to approach and take part in this.

So this is what has become of us?

A part of my heart turns cold. My eyes harden as I jerk my arm free from Lily. I walk 

ahead briskly, unable to stand this anymore.

“ What’s that? ” A woman gasps.

“ Is that Grace Whitlock? ” Other voices join in.

I come to a slow halt. I don’t know why but I feel like something horrible awaits me. If I 

turn around, I might never be able to stand straight again. 

Chapter 3 

My Baby

Grace

Gathering my courage, I turn on my heels. Everyone’s eyes seem to be glued to the 

screen in the distance. I follow their line of sight and the world indeed stops and my 

knees weaken.

On the screen, the slideshow of several pictures plays. It’s me anda man I can 

recognize. We are sitting in a dimly lit room, too close.

I gasp and stumble back a few steps.

A week ago, Lily called me out to talk. When I went to the VIP room of the club where 

she called me, a man was already waiting. He groped me forcefully and I barely 

escaped from him. I thought it was a drunken accident but now, it turns out Lily had 

planned that long ago.

“ She not only stole her sister’s man but she is also a cheater! ”

“ A filthy cheater! ”

“ Grace Whitlock turns out to have peculiar tastes. She doesn’t want a man. She wants 

men. ”

Laughter and accusations filter in. The ground shakes beneath my feet. It’s like 

everything I ever stand for in life has been cruelly snatched from me.

Another slap lands on my face. I gasp, shifting my attention to Mom who is seething in 

front of me.

Before I can recover, she grabs my hair and slaps me again.

“ How dare you! How dare you shame our family like this?! What kind of a bitch did I 

raise in my house? ” Her screams force people to look our way.

Her hands slam into my shoulders, my cheeks, and my head as she hits me over a 

mistake I never made.

It feels like the world has ended. Why do I deserve this?

“ I didI did nothing. ” I cry out, raising my arms in front of my face to defend myself.

Dad grabs Mom’s shoulders and pulls her back. I lower my trembling arms, trying to 

reach out and explain myself.

“ Dad, I—”

“ I refuse to admit a shameless woman like you is my daughter! ” Dad roars in a voice 

that steals my breath.

I stumble a few steps back, “ Dad. ”

“ Get out of my house! Get out and don’t show your face again. I disown you today! ” He 

yells, his face turning red with anger.

Suddenly, his eyes roll back into his head. Mom and Lily scream, running to his side.

“ Dad! ” I shriek, trying to get tohim too but Mom pushes me away, causing me to fall on 

my butt.

Pain shoots up my tailbone. I wince, still trying to reach out desperately.

He is my Dad. I love him. Even if he hates me, I still love him.

“ Will you leave after killing him? Is that what you want? ” Mom screeches. 

Her eyes show a mixture of hate and disgust, both emotions I can’t come to terms with.

“ N—No. Don’t—don’t die. ” I stutter, rising to my wobbly legs.

Amongst the crowd, I search for the man who means the most to me. Anger simmers 

beneath his eyes as he looks at me. Tears pool in my eyes.

I shake my head, muttering. “ I didn’t. No, I didn’t. ”

But who am I kidding?

Ethan is not looking for an explanation. He believes the pictures which were clicked with 

a twisted angle.

Instead of protecting me at a time like this, despite knowing that I loved him and 

devoted myself to him...he stands there, with the surety that I betrayed his trust.

Is this what I earnedafter three years of marriage? My world crumbles as reality slaps 

me in the face.

Without love, there is no trust.

Without trust, there is no love.

I stumble out of the Hall as people watch the slideshow on repeat mode and my Dad 

faints on the floor. Rainstarts pouring but I can’t care.

Blindly, I run to save myself from the allegations, from the disgusted gazes, from 

people. They scare me so much.

In my haze, I don’t notice the loud clinking of heels behind me. When I do, it’s too late. 

She has caught up.

“ Gracie! Don’t run! ” Lily yells.

I pause and face her. She stops in front of me, a twisted smirk playing on her lips.

“ How did you like your gift? ” A laugh escapes her mouth.

“ Wh...Why? We...We are sisters. ” Tears get washed away in the rain but the saltiness 

lingers.

“ You stole what was mine. I never share, Gracie. You should have known. ” She 

whispers menacingly and slowly closes the distance between us.

“ I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to take anything from you. ” I sob, stepping back shakily.

“ Lily! ” Ethan appears in the rain, running towards us.

He didn’t come for me. But he has come for her.

“ But you did, Gracie, and I think, I will have to take extreme measures to get rid of you. 

” Her voice lowers.

Something flashes in her eyes, an emotion so evil it makes me tremble all over.

“ What? ” I utter.

“ You think you can give birth to Ethan’s child? ” She grins.

Chills run down my spine. “ Lily”

“ That right is mine! ” She whisper-yells and grabs my arms.

The sudden grip startles me. I don’t get the time to register what’s happening or prepare 

for what’s coming next.

“ Don’t hit me, Gracie! I had no part in this. ” Lily cries out, forcefully raising my hand to 

hit her cheek.

I try to break free but she is stronger, constantly pulling me forward to make me hurt 

her.

“ Grace Whitlock! ” Ethan closes in on us.

With a harsh push, he shoves me back on the road behind me. A car zooms ahead. The 

world slows down as I get hit by the speeding metal. 

I don’t even get the time to scream. My body rises in the air and then hits the road.

Pain shoots in every inch of my body. I try to breathe but find my lungs aching. The 

world spins in front of my eyes, red painting my vision.

Amidst the searing agony, my hand touches my belly and my blurred gaze lifts to Ethan. 

He is looming over Lily who fell due to the hard push.

“ E...Eth...Ethan. ” I croak, my head arching off the hard road.

Please, help me. I—I am with your child.

He looks up as if he heard my silent plea. His eyes glare at me hatefully.

Instead of coming to me, his wife, he picks up Lily in his arms and turns away from me, 

leaving me bleeding in the middle of the road.

A lone tear slips out of my eye. My Baby. 

Chapter 4 A Stranger

Grace

The beeping noise of the machines attached to my body wakes me up from the slumber. I blink 

numerous times, trying to remember what happened and how I came here.

The hate on Ethan’s face when he left with Lily is the first thing I recall. Instantly, I shoot up in 

my bed and touch my stomach.

Something is wrong.

I can feel it.

My Baby!

“ What...What happened to my Baby?! ” I scream.

Nurses rush in. My shoulders are pushed down in an attempt to lay me down. Doctors follow 

suit. They are saying something but my mind is stuck in a few words.

“ You had a miscarriage... ”

“ You were lucky to survive. ”

A violent force takes over me as I struggle and thrash and find the will to destroy the world.

It hurts. It hurts so much.

I can’t see anymore. I just want to turn back time and save my Baby.

Heart-wrenching screams and sobs leave my mouth. I don’t recognize this woman, this wild, 

tortured soul who feels broken and defeated.

To suppress my anguish, someone gives me an injection. I remember the moment I start to lose 

consciousness and slip into a dreamland.

In my dreams, I see myself with a family. The Baby,a small, beautiful boy with green eyes runs 

around me.

His gentle laughter fills my ears and the world appears bright. Ethan is closely behind, his eyes 

soft on me like they used to be.

This is my life. My Baby. My Husband.

Before Lily came. And took everything.

When I wake up again, it’s gone. Everything is gone.

I stare blankly at the ceiling. My mind seems to be numb and cold. I don’t have the energy to feel 

anything anymore.

The man I loved and the father of my child pushed me and caused a miscarriage,and instead of 

choosing to save me, he saved Lily.

If he had chosen me, maybe they could have saved the child. We tried for three years for it. I still 

remember how excited I was when the pregnancy test came back positive.

I took Ethan out for dinner to tell him about the good news. Our family was going to be 

complete.

Me, Ethan, and our Baby.

But Lily came to the restaurant that day and the trajectory of my life changed. Ethan forgot I 

wanted to tell him something and rushed to make Lily have dinner with us instead.

I was shocked and hurt. He should have gotten angry. He should have blamed her for leaving. 

Instead, he acted as if he was relieved that she was back in his life.

Now I understand it more clearly. It’s not even about love.

Ethan Calder is just a heartless man. He doesn’t care about anything as long as he gets what he 

wants.

“ Feeling any better? ” A deep voice asks from some corner of the hospital room.

Startled, I blink my eyes and direct my gaze to the wing chair to my right. There sits a stranger, 

clad in an expensive, tailored black suit. His light brown hair shines under the sunlight and his 

blue eyes appear as deep as an ocean. He looks familiar but I don’t know where I saw him before 

but he does look like he walked out of a magazine just now.

“ Who...are you? ” I whisper.

I can no longer register the pain in my body. Doctors say I am lucky to survive with just a 

concussion and unfortunate to lose the child.

“ You were hit by my car. ” The stranger says in a bored tone.

My ears perk up. “ You—”

“ It was not the driver’s fault. You came out of nowhere. ” The arrogant man regards me coolly.

There is a regal air around him. He appears dark, like a villain with his snakelike eyes staring in 

my soul.

I sigh. “ what are you doing here then, Mister? ”

“ Tristin Roberto. ” He answers, resting back in the chair.

I blink in confusion. “ why are you here, Mr. Roberto? ”

“ You would have bled out. No one was coming to save you. ” He waves his hand as if 

explaining the weather.

I try to feel pain in my heart but instead, anger burns. I grit my jaw and avert my eyes away from 

the handsome stranger.

“ You saved me then? ” I whisper.

“ You caused quite a commotion. ” Tristin drawls.

My throat clogs when I think about what I did a few hours ago. “ were you here all along? ”

“ You owe me. ” Tristin says instead of answering.

So, he saw everything. I must have looked like a crazy girl who wanted to kill herself.

“ Thank you, Mr. Roberto. ” I face him and say softly.

It’s indeed fortunate that I survived and didn’t die with my unfortunate Baby because I will make 

them pay. Those who ruined me will beg for mercy and I won’t settle until they cry tears of 

blood.

“ Your eyes are dangerous. ” Tristin smirks, his voice lowering and taking on ahusky note. “ I 

like that. "

My heart misses a beat. “ What? ”

“ I don’t want your gratitude. When I say you owe me... ” He stands to his height, towering over 

me. The room suddenly appears small because a six-foot-something man is standing so close to 

me. “ It means I will collect a favor. ”

“ How? ” My hands shake by my side.

Tristin ends the distance between us and places his hand on my pillow before leaning in. “ You, 

Ms. Whitlock will have to do something for me. ”

He looks like he is ready to ask formy soul. That thought makes my mouth dry. His expensive, 

masculine cologne perfumes the air, drowning the smell of disinfectants and providing 

momentary relief.

“ W...What? ” I stutter, my heartbeat quickening.

He smirks, a small dimple appearing on his left cheek but there is nothing innocent about that 

gesture. I suck in a sharp breath as he leans closer.

Before he can speak, the door to the hospital room slips open and a man growls. “ what’s 

happening here?! ”

Tristin’s lips twitch and his eyes darken. He leans away, fixing his coat with the ease of a 

predator.

I turn to glare at Ethan and scream back. “ What do you think you are doing here?! ” 

Chapter 5 Sister in Law

Grace

“ Who is he and what is he doing here? ” Ethan stalks towards me and grabs my arm harshly.

Forcefully, he sits me up in the bed and gives me a violent jolt. “ Is he the father of the bastard 

that you miscarried? ”

“ What?... ” My heart hardens.

“ You were planning on dumping that child on me, right? But you are a fool to think that I will 

believe you are carrying my child after the whole world saw what kind of a woman you are! ” He 

laughs humorlessly. “ It’s good that the bastard died! ”

Slap!

I slap him across his face. His eyes show confusion before anger takes over.

“ How dare—”

“ Call my child that one more time and I will murder you, Ethan Calder! I will trample all over 

you and show you what happens when you mess with my Baby! ” I scream, pointing my 

trembling finger in his face.

I want to hurt him so badly. My hands itch by my side as he glares down at me, the confusion 

lingering in his eyes.

“ You”

“ Shut up! ” I shriek, hitting his chest with my fists. “ Shut your stupid mouth, Ethan! You are a 

fool, an idiot who believed that bitch Lily and killed your child. You idiot! ”

He grabs my hands and pushes them on my side forcefully. “ what did you say? ”

I glare back, equally hateful as him. “ You know what! You deserve her! A heartless man like 

you deserves a cunning bitch like her! You two suit each other. I hope she sucks you dry and 

leaves you to die on the road. ”

“ Don’t you dare insult Lily! She is your sister. How can you be so disrespectful towards her? ” 

Ethan looks conflicted, his voice betraying the shock.

He must have not expected me to talk back like this. I know he was waiting for me to cry and 

beg him to believe that the baby was his.

How ironic!

All my devotion went to hell after he saw a few manipulated pictures. But I don’t even find it 

surprising anymore.

What’s surprising is that...I am done. I don’t feel anything now that I look at him but a memory 

keeps revolving in my head.

He pushed me. He caused the miscarriage. He left me to die.

I whisper through my gritted jaw. “ Sister? ”

“ Grace—”

“ She is nothing to me anymore. And you, Ethan Calder, are nothing! Congratulations, you did 

it! I hate you. I hate you with every fiber of my being. Bring me the divorce agreement right now 

so I can free myself from scum like you. ” I jerk my handsout of his cold hands and push at his 

chest.

“ You will sign the divorce? ” His eyes twitch. “ is this a trick to get me to change my mind? ”

I can’t help but laugh. He wanted the divorce before, but now, instead of running to get it, he is 

asking me if Iam joking? What an idiot!

“ You killed your child, Ethan. ” I whisper, pain erupting in my heart all over again. “ Your 

child, do you get it, stupid man? After what you did, do you think I want anything to do with 

you? ”

“ What happened was unfortunate, Gracie. But don’t blame Ethan anymore, please. It was my 

fault. ” Lily rushes inside the room and grabs Ethan’s arm. “ besides, you slept with so many 

men...how can we be sure that it was Ethan’s child? ”

“ Yes, it’s your fault. So go cry somewhere else. Get your filthy face out of my sight! ” I yell, 

earning a shocked look from her.

She must not have expected this either. But she should know. This time, they did it. Now, the 

Gracie they knew has died with my child that they murdered.

I can’t stand her repulsive face. Instinctively, I pick up the vase on the side table and throw it in 

her direction.

Unsurprisingly, Ethan steps in front of her. The vase hits his back and shatters. He winces. Now, 

he knows what it feels like to get hit bya vase.

“ How dare you, Grace?! Have you lost your mind? ” Ethan roars, losing his usual calm.

“ Lost my mind? ” I laugh humorlessly. “ Let me show you what losing one’s mind is like! ”

I push the duvet away and jump from the bed. I can’t care less about the pain. I am going to 

show them what’s it like to mock a broken mother.

They think they can proudly show their faces around after cheating behind my back, killing my 

child, and ruining my life? They are living in a daydream and now, it’s time to wake them.

I pick up the tray from the side table and throw it in their direction. Lily screams and runs around 

wildly while Ethan spreads his arms in front of her to protect her.

“ Grace! ”

“ What a hero you are! When your baby was dying, where were you?! ” I shriek, getting my 

hands on other things.

I only see red. I throw one thing after another to them. Ethan shouts, Lily cries but I can not stop. 

I want to ruin them. I need something to stop this pain in my heart, this sense of loss that seems 

to cling to my entire being.

Ethan grits his teeth and stalks towards me angrily. His hand grips my jaw like he did yesterday 

and almost broke it.

Instead of taking it like he expected, I smack him again. His face turns to the side, confusion 

turning to fullblown horror.

“ You think I am mad? ” I laugh cruelly. “ let me show you clearly, Ethan. ”

His arms try to refrain me but my hate knows no bounds. I scratch his face, his neck. Hit him 

everywhere I can reach.

“ What are you doing to the patient? ” A doctor runs in, trying to break us free.

The nurses have to follow in too to hold me back as I kick and punch the scumbag.

“ Calm down, Miss or we will have to sedate you. ” The doctor warns.

I settle down and glare at their horrified faces. “ Now, you know what being mad looks like. But 

don’t be surprised just yet. After today, you will get a complete introduction. Every time you 

appear with your ugly faces in front of me, I will reach out to tear you apart! ”

Lily trembles, and clings to Ethan’s side. He looks like he has been to war. His face is bloody, 

just like his neck and hands.

Their pain satisfies me but I know it can’t bring my baby back. Nothing can make it happen. My 

hands shiver by my side as I think about the reality. Tears began to pool in my eyes again.

“ What an exciting scene. ” A throaty voice comments from the background.

I forgot about Tristin. I free myself from the nurse and inhale a deep breath to calm myself.

“ Mr. Roberto—”

“ Tristin. ” Lily gasps, her face a mask of terror.

“ You haven’t changed one bit, Lily. ” Tristin’s voice is pure ice.

“ You...What are you... ” Lily’s gaze switches between me and him.

“ Do you know him? ” Ethan frowns.

“ He...He is just someone I know. ” Lily gulps.

“ Now you refuse to recognize me. I feel sad, sister-in-law. ” Tristin hums, shocking the hell out 

of me.

Chapter 6 Deal of Hatred

Deal of Hatred

Ethan

"Sister in law?" A frown marks my forehead.

"Ethan..." Suddenly, Lily gasps.

I look to my right to find her body going limp. Before she can hit the floor, I grab her waist and hold her up.

"Lily?" 1 pat her pale cheek.

These bastards have done it. They made this poor girl faint because of heartache.

"Doctor, check on her! " I shout.

The doctors and nurses standing beside Grace rush in our direction.

"Shift the patient to a room." The doctor issues the order.

"If something happens to her, I will not let you rest Grace. You should know I won't let you go anymore!" I hiss at the girl who is supposed to be my wife.

"Oh?" She snorts. "Well, I hope she doesn't die yet. I want her to suffer until her miserable end."

I can't believe my ears. Her words are poisonous.

All this while, she sweet talked and continued to smile like a fool. I thought she was easy-going and caring but it turns out... She was simply a snake in hiding

Now, she is showing her true colours.

"I will deal with you later. " I hiss to hide my shock.

"Hurry up, Mr. Calder. "The doctor urges.

Immediately, 1 pick up Lily in my arms and rush out of Grace's room.

"Remember the divorce, Ethan Calder! I can't bear to be your wife for a minute longer. "The crazy woman shouts hatefully.

1 grit my jaw and carry Lily to another private room.

Right now, this poor girl needs all my focus. She was wronged three years ago. That's not enough for Grace. That's why she is torturing Lily again.

I can't believe that I once thought about falling in love with Grace. But I can't be blamed.

She was sweet. Her body was sinful. Her smile made the world brighten up.

With her, I felt my heart full and my body satiated.

Who knew what she was hiding behind that perfect girl act?

If Lily had not returned and told me everything, I would have been fooled forever. Grace would have continued her ventures with different men, cheating behind my back all the while telling me that she loved me.

Something burns inside my chest whenever I think about what she did.

However, her behaviour from earlier is worrying me.

Why did she keep screaming that I killed my child? That bastard couldn't have belonged to me, right?

"Nothing seems to be wrong with her. "The doctor mumbles in confusion.

"What do you mean?" I hiss angrily.

"Mr. Calder. She seems to be alright. 1-"

"Ethan!" Lily screams, sitting up in the hospital bed.

Startled, I cup her cheeks and make her face me." Hey, I am right here. What happened?"

"Ethan, Oh God." Tears stream down her cheeks as she holds my hands.

"Lily..."

"Ethan, they will hurt me again. Please, please save me. "She cries out and hides her face in my chest.

"I am here, Lily. No one will touch you." Anger swirls behind my eyes while 1 pat her soft hair to bring her out of that trance.

"Ethan, he burned me. He-He beat me and he forced me to do bad things. " She keeps sobbing hysterically.

I can't believe that this is the strong woman I fell in love with. Three years ago, Lily was the epitome of strength and kindness.

But all because of Grace, she had to leave me and marry that psychopath Sebastian Roberto. That man abused her emotionally and physically.

That's why Lily is like this.

If he was still alive, I would have killed that Bastard with my hands.

"Shhh, Lily. I am here for you. No one will hurt you again." I rock her softly.

"Ethan, let's get married hmm? Let's just start a new life, away from everyone?" She sniffles, pulling her face out of my chest.

Unconsciously, I draw my hands back. No doubt, 1 want to marry the love of my life but...

"Grace wants a divorce, Ethan. I think she is involved with Tristin. I think she knew what was happening to me all this time. She is so cruel, Ethan. You should just let her go." She adds with a whisper.

My hands curl. The anger I felt before intensifies tenfold.

Grace wants to leave me for another man?

She knew what was happening to Lily and didn't say a word?

How can she be so ruthless?

Does she think I will set her free so easily? After how she cheated on me, humiliated me and betrayed my trust...

I refuse to let this matter settle. "Ethan-"

"I will marry you, Lily. " I cup her cheek again. " But after some time. If I marry you immediately, people will think we had an affair. I don't want anyone to talk about our pure relationship in that light, okay?"

Until then, I will avenge myself against Grace. She will cry and beg for forgiveness before I let her go.

And I...

I will be the one to kick her to the curb.

Not her.

"You promise, Ethan?" Lily leans into my palm.

"I promise, you will be my wife. Just like you were always supposed to be. "I brush my thumb over her cheek gently.

Lily nods. She is not a woman who will pester me mindlessly. She won't whine and cling to me until I agree, unlike Grace who never stopped talking and whining.

The doctors check up on Lily again. There is nothing serious going on.

She just fainted because of stress. I suppress the anger I feel after hearing that and stay beside Lily until she falls asleep.

When I am sure she won't wake up, I approach the room on the corner of the corridor.

The door is open and I can see the back of the petite woman. She looks good, even in a simple brown sweater and black pants.

Suddenly, she turns around and faces me. Her dark eyes widen in shock before rage simmers in the depths of her eyes.

"Was the beating from earlier not enough for you?" She sneers like a viper.

I smirk "You do believe you can get away with everything, right? That's why...right when you realized that you can't fool me and pin that bastard on me, you asked for a divorce to find your next victim. "

I stalk towards her. Her eyes redden instantly.

"I told you to-

Before she can shout or grab something to throw my way, I pin her on the wall and glare into her eyes. Her fists hit my chest, relentlessly refusing to give in.

I catch her wrists in one hand and slam them on the wall above her head. She winces, her eyes becoming moist with unshed tears.

"You enjoyed playing with me, didn't you? You knew everything about Lily yet didn't say a word because you knew I will go after her, right? "I growl, tightening my grip over her wrists.

"Yes, I did. So what?! " Instead of denying me, she scoffs proudly.

I see red. I want to wring that small neck and end her life.

But no! "So what?" I chuckle humourlessly. "So what, you ask?"

"Leave me, Ethan!" She demands, trying to twist her hands out of my hold.

I watch her squirm and struggle to get away. She was the one who was always eager to get close. Now, she wants to get away?

"I refuse!" I hiss.

"What?" She stops, her big eyes looking at me.

"I refuse to divorce. "I state calmly. "I will let you go when I am done with you, Grace Whitlock! I will be the one to divorce you!"

After saying what had been on my mind, I slam my lips over her mouth, sealing the deal of hatred.

Chapter 7

Grace

The sudden kiss startles me. But I regain my senses quickly and bite his lips, hard.

Ethan groans and pulls away. "What the-"

My knee hits his crotch. Instantly, his hold loosens around me as he cups his treasure and bends down.

Taking this chance, 1 grab my bag from the bed and hurry towards the door.

"You-"

"Don't take me lightly, Ethan Calder. " I seethe, and pause in the doorway.

His face turns red with pain. A little part of my heart still aches when I see him like this. But I tuck it

away.

I won't fall for him again. Not in this life!

With the back of my hand, I wipe my lips that taste like him. "Don't disgust me with your touch. You are filthy, Ethan. A terrible man. "

"You-You will pay. "He hisses through his teeth.

Before he can straighten up again, I rush out of the hospital room.

I know the kind of crazy Ethan Calder can be. The city is scared of the man who is the King of the Calder Empire.

Being alone with him, after he has disregarded everything is dangerous.

"Catch her!" I hear him roar to his men.

What does he want now? He killed my child and is getting the divorce he so desperately wants. Why is he after me then?

I huff, getting out of the hospital. Several men clad in black suits surround me from all sides.

People halt in their way and record the scene on their phones.

"Mrs. Calder, please come back with us. Boss wants you there. "Ethan's assistant, Josh steps ahead and says sternly.

"Tell him to go to hell!" I scoff and tighten my grip on my bag.

"You leave us no choice than to take you back by force." He gestures towards the other men, giving them the green signal to start dragging me.

They hesitate for a moment. Until recently, I was their young Madam, the only woman their Boss cherished and pampered. Now, I was to be treated like cattle.

"What are you waiting for? It's Boss' order. " Josh snaps.

They progress towards me. I glare at them.

"Don't you dare-"

I freeze when several men come running from the opposite direction. They are clad in expensive black suits, just like Ethan's men but they are bulkier and look scary. Like a bunch of gangsters, with tattoos and scars.

"What's happening?" I murmur.

"Ms. Grace. Our Boss is waiting for you in his car. Please follow us. "One of them turns to me and says politely. "Boss? Who?" I frown.

He doesn't reply, just waits for me to start walking.

"Mrs. Calder. Boss is still waiting for you to come back to the hospital room. " Josh's loud voice reaches my ears.

I look at him, then at the men who are facing each other. It's like a scene from a movie where a gang war is about to unfold.

My heartbeat quickens. "What is...happening?"

"Grace Whitlock!" Ethan hisses, standing at the entrance of the hospital.

I look at him. His face is still red but from anger this time.

Fury burns in my veins but I know it's not a good time. If he locks me up somewhere, I won't be able to protect myself without any support.

Without further delay, I turn towards the black Mayback waiting in the distance and walk in that direction.

"Grace! Come back here if you don't want to suffer. "Ethan growls.

I ignore his threats. "I already suffered with you, Ethan. You killed our child. What more can you do?"

"Grace!"

Behind me, I can hear the clash of men. Angry voices and fists slamming into each other's faces but I don't stop.

The man who addressed me earlier follows me to the car and opens the door for me. As I expected, the man sitting inside is none other than the mysterious Tristin Roberto.

He is staring out the window coldly. I slip beside him on the backseat. Sweat coats my palms as the door closes, leaving me in an enclosed space with a stranger.

"Your husband is an interesting character. "He says, in that deep voice that makes me shudder.

"Why did you help me again?" I whisper, clenching my hands into fists.

"He is an idiot. "Tristin's lips twitch.

Slowly, his face turns towards me. He gives off a different vibe than earlier. He appears dark, twisted, and cold. His eyes, the ocean blue color have deepened into a darker blue.

"Mr. Roberto..." I trail off.

Suddenly, it's too hard to speak. The space in the expensive car seems too small to breathe properly.

"Drive." He commands, without looking away from me.

I glance outside the window to see Ethan glaring at the tinted window. I can see how enraged he is. It satisfies a sick part of me.

"You want revenge." Tristin says hoarsely.

I blink, shifting my attention to him." what is it to you? You left in a hurry earlier so I thought we were done. Why have you returned now?"

"Work for me." The man says without blinking.

My eyes widen. "what...kind of work?"

Tristin unsettles something inside me. His eyes display a menace that is hard to find in normal people. It's like he is a Devil, ready to claim the soul of every sinner. A devil out on a mission.

"You are an architect. " His eyes lower to my lips.

"How do you know..." My heart misses a beat. " did you run a background check on me?"

"You are smart, Grace." Tristin takes out a handkerchief from his suit's jacket and offers it to me.

I take it in my unsure fingers, wondering what I am supposed to do with it. "Mr. Roberto, can you please be more straightforward?"

Tristin eyes his handkerchief in my hand and takes a slow breath. A heavy silence falls between us which is both, awkward and intriguing.

A moment later, he snatches the handkerchief back. I glance at my hand which is hanging in the air.

He presses the handkerchief to the corner of my lips. My body jolts violently.

Unconsciously, I reach out to his hand but stop myself from touching him midway. My muscles stiffen as I look into his eyes which are focused on my lips.

"You heard earlier. Lily, your sister was my sister-in-law." His voice betrays no emotions, but his eyes darken on me.