No Second Chances For My Ex

Caspian Thorne and I were the most notorious antagonists in our rarefied social circle.

Hed indulge in the citys high-end escorts, and Id use his social media credentials to post pleas for a sugar mama. I'd frequent the best male strip clubs, and he'd forge a stack of fake HIV reports for me, distributing them across every exclusive gentlemans club in town.

Later, when his favorite new girl, Hailey, had the audacity to confront me, I slapped her so hard she saw stars.

To retaliate, he strapped me to a post on a private speedway, allowing his little darling to drive a car straight at me at full speed.

But at the last second, he lunged, a desperate, broken man, shielding me with his own body.

His ribs cracked, blood filling his mouth, yet he managed a faint, despairing smile.

Dont cry, Mrs. Thorne.

The kid is pregnant and high-strung; I had to give her a dramatic way to vent, didnt I?

Im fine. Dont look so devastated. When I get out of here, Ill take her on a trip. What designer bag do you want? Ill bring you back two.

I shook my head, tears streaming.

He didnt know. I wasnt crying for him.

I was three months pregnant, too.

And just now, as I was paralyzed on the ground, terrified by his little darlings attack, I felt the life inside me spill out, turning to a pool of hot, wretched blood.

The tears wouldn't stop.

Caspian looked at me with open disgust.

Mrs. Thorne, I know youre concerned, but crying like that? You look truly hideous.

He lifted his gaze to the young woman just getting out of the car. His eyes were sickeningly soft.

Try to learn from her, Mrs. Thorne. Shes always elegant, always composed. Unlike you, who just lookscheap.

I followed his gaze. Hailey, barely twenty, was indeed graceful and composed. Shed maintained a haughty, unbothered posture, even when I was hitting her.

Three days ago, I was at the hospital visiting my mother, Helen.

I ran right into Caspian and his new conquest.

She was nothing but a cheap, gold-digging girl, yet she clung to his arm and looked me up and down with utter contempt.

Well, look who it is. Dont you ever go home, old lady?

Were you happy with those HIV reports I sent out last week?

It was my idea, actually. Its hilariousI just mentioned it in passing, and Caspian actually went and printed them out and spread the gossip everywhere for you!

I hear it trended on social media. Rich Wife with AIDS! So scandalous!

How will you ever show your face in public again, Auntie?

It was a naked provocation.

Caspian just watched her, a doting, indulgent look on his face, allowing her to humiliate me without consequence.

When I instinctively glanced his way, he gently pinched her chin, his expression full of sickening affection.

Naughty girl. My wife is a terror; arent you afraid shell throw a fit and hit you?

Hailey gave a smug, triumphant smile.

She wouldnt dare. Not with you here, darling. Who would protect her?

Caspian had certainly kept her sheltered. Ignorant, reckless, and utterly naive.

So, I didnt disappoint them.

Right in front of Caspian, I grabbed a handful of her hair and violently slapped her across the face several times.

Over her sharp screams, I smiled with a terrifying calm.

Didnt your sugar daddy ever tell you that I bite?

To provoke me like that and expect to walk away untouched? Are you stupid, or do you think I am?

Get out of my sight before I lose it. Im warning you: if I see you again, Ill beat you senseless.

The girl had guts. Even as I pinned her head down, forcing her to her knees, she refused to break.

She only protected her stomach and glared up at Caspian when I raised my foot to kick her.

Caspian! Your rabid dog is attacking me! Arent you going to control her?

The next second, my wrist was seized.

The man who used to fret over a minor scrape on my skin now coldly, expressionlessly, snapped my wrist bone.

Caspians smile was still gentle, but his eyes were pure ice.

Haileys mouth is just so much fun, like shes laced with poison.

Mrs. Thorne, I need you to show some restraint. Take your anger out on me. If she gets hurt, Ill be truly upset.

He didn't spare a thought for my broken hand. But when she whimpered in pain, he instantly swept her up and rushed her toward the Emergency Room.

Watching his frantic back retreat, I still couldnt understand. The man who was once willing to die for me could change so completely, so easily.

I managed a bitter, twisted smile, pulling the sonogram from my purse and tearing it to shreds. It had been a surprise for him. Now, it wasn't necessary.

That evening, I returned to the villa with the prepared divorce papers.

But the moment I walked in, his security detail pinned me to the ground.

Caspian looked down at me, his eyes full of that weary condescension.

The little one is pregnant and quite difficult to handle. I had to find a way to let her get her aggression out.

Youll just have to deal with it, Mrs. Thorne.

Before I could even speak, someone covered my mouth and tied me up.

As I was dragged to the racetrack, I felt a chilling sense of despair. For a moment, I actually hoped to just die. It would be better than this endless cycle of pain, where the wounds were torn open again and again.

But when Hailey slammed the gas and the car screamed toward me, Caspian's expression finally shifted.

He dove at me, just like he did when he was eighteen, shielding me completely.

Even though Hailey, white as a sheet, managed to slam the brakes, the impact still sent Caspian flying, coughing up blood.

I sank to the ground, tears falling in uncontrolled, desperate torrents.

He sighed, wiping the moisture from my cheek with his thumb. But the words he spoke were like shards of glass.

Hailey rushed over, striking a tearful, dramatic blow to his injured chest.

Caspian, what was that? Are you so attached to this old woman?

What is so special about her that youd risk your life? Tell me! Are you still in love with her? If you are, Ill just leave!

Caspian winced in pain but clung to her. He turned his chilling gaze on me, giving the slightest, imperceptible sneer.

Oh, my little princess, I wasnt trying to save her. I was worried about you.

You know Mrs. Thorne is a venomous dog. If youd hit her and she went crazy and sued you, how miserable would that be for you?

There, now. Think of it as killing a chicken to scare the monkey. If she ever touches you again, well just stop all of Helens medical treatments, okay?

They flirted, they made amends, completely oblivious to my humiliation.

He hadnt saved me out of love; hed saved me to prevent his mistress from getting into legal trouble. Even my mothers life was merely a bargaining chip he used to placate his lover.

My wrist throbbed, and a searing pain pulsed in my abdomen. But none of it could compare to the desolate wasteland in my heart.

Blood was now staining the ground between my legs, but I hardly noticed. I struggled to stand and threw the prepared divorce papers with all my strength, hitting Caspian in the face.

I stared at him, my eyes blazing with contempt.

Since youre so devoted, Mr. Thorne, why dont you sign those papers and make an honest woman out of her?

Caspian didnt even look. He tore them to shreds and threw the pieces back at me.

Stop this childish game, Mrs. Thorne.

You know we cant get divorced. Its not about me not wanting to. Its about youyou and your comatose mother cant survive without my money.

My breath hitched. I froze.

This wasn't the first time this had happened.

Everyone said Mrs. Thorne was madly in love with Mr. Thorne. She was willing to endure his abuses, to fight him viciously, but shed never leave. They laughed at methe scorned wife, the eternal doormat.

But no one knew that when Caspian and I first got together, he was the one who adored me unconditionally.

I was eighteen. My deadbeat father, a gambling addict, went on a drunken rampage. He slashed my mothers head with a knife, then turned the blade on me.

Caspian burst in, threw himself over me, and took eight full stab wounds meant for me.

When the police arrived, his back was a bloody, mangled mess. Yet, with blood smeared across his face, he smiled at me, a soft, loving smile.

Tessa, dont cry. It doesnt hurt.

Youre safe. I swear, as long as Im alive, no one will ever hurt you again.

My mother became a vegetable. To give her the best care, he worked himself into a monsterMr. Thorne.

Later, just as he promised, no one dared touch Mrs. Thorne. But he changed. He became reckless and cruel, pushing me into the abyss again and again.

Hailey shoved me aside with a challenging smirk, helping Caspian walk toward the exit.

As they passed, Caspian smiled carelessly.

Mrs. Thorne, my patience has its limits.

Even if you don't care about yourself, think about your mother. Without me, she will die.

I know you feel wronged, but if you want your mother to live, you need to accept your life. Next time you bring up divorce, you better think it through. Dont cry when I actually sign it.

I knew he was right. I should keep enduring, so my mother could get the best treatment, at least to keep her breathing.

But why? Why should I allow myself to be trapped in this rotting life?

I lifted my eyes, meeting his with stubborn defiance, and spoke with resolute clarity.

Caspian. I am not playing games.

I said, I want a divorce.

He still didn't know.

Three days ago, my old mentor, Noah, called. He told me about a new drug developed overseas. It had a high chance of curing my mother, though it hadnt hit the market yet. If I was willing, he could get me into the trial.

I agreed immediately.

After hanging up, I rushed to the hospital to give my mother the good news, but I collapsed on the way.

When I woke up, the doctor told me I was three months pregnant.

That thin sonogram report weighed a thousand pounds. The little life in my womb was trying to keep me tethered to him. I had seriously considered telling Caspian, just to give my youth an answer, a clean break.

But now, I didn't need to.

The baby was gone. There was no reason left to stay.

Caspians eyes were filled with nothing but irritation. I was once his only weakness. Now, I was a thorn in his side.

He started to laugh, but the amusement never reached his eyes.

I ignored him, turning to Hailey with a cynical tone.

Well, what a shame. It looks like your Caspian has no intention of making you an honest woman.

As long as I am Mrs. Thorne, you and the illegitimate spawn in your belly will never amount to anything.

The girl didn't disappoint. The tears started immediately.

Caspian gently stroked her head.

My princess, stop crying. My heart is breaking.

Ill sign the papers. Ill sign them right now, okay?

I looked down, my smile bitter. The very thing I had begged him for, the girl could get with two tears.

The signed divorce papers hit my face. Caspian's smile was cold.

Tessa. Ill be waiting for the day you regret this and come crawling back to me.

I watched their retreating backs, laughing through my tears.

I would never regret it. I would never beg him again. Soon, I would take my mother and leave.

For the rest of our lives, we would never have to meet again.

The speedway was far from the city. I couldn't get a cab, so I started walking. Each step was a torment, but my resolve was absolute.

When I reached the hospital, my entire lower body was soaked in blood. The baby was gone.

As the anesthesia took effect, I didnt feel the expected grief; only a profound sense of relief.

After the procedure, I rushed to my mothers room. But the moment I opened the door, a sudden, ice-cold horror engulfed me.

The two entangled figures I saw, naked in my mothers hospital bed, tore away the last shreds of my dignity.

I screamed, charging forward like a lunatic to pull them apart.

My reason shattered. I raised my hand and slapped Caspian with all my remaining strength.

Caspian! How dare you do this in front of my mother!

He licked the blood from his swollen lip and sneered.

Tessa Thorne, by what right do you question me?

Dont forget, youre not Mrs. Thorne anymore. At best, youre a worn-out toy I tossed aside.

I knew he was retaliating.

My whole body was shaking. I roared in uncontrollable rage.

You are a disgusting, pathetic bastard, Caspian!

Get out, both of you. Get your dog and your mistress and get out of my sight!

Hailey hid behind him, smiling at me, a triumphant, challenging glint in her eyes.

Why so angry, old lady? We were just trying to help your half-dead mother.

Maybe a little excitement will wake her up!

My vision went red. I raised my hand to hit her, but she caught my hair and violently smashed my head into the doorframe.

Blood streamed down my forehead, but I barely felt it, grappling with her, fighting dirty and without restraint.

The next second, a piercing scream erupted beside me.

I spun around and saw my mother, her eyes wide with fear and heartbreak.

She was tottering on her feet behind me, clutching a blood-stained scalpel.

Hailey fell to the ground, clutching her stomach.

My mother's fingers were trembling with terror, yet when she saw me, she managed a faint, reassuring smile.

Dont be afraid, my little girl. Mommy will protect you.

Tears streamed down my face. I wanted to hold her, but a powerful force slammed into me. I watched helplessly as Caspian kicked my mother to the ground.

He grabbed her neck, his eyes filled with absolute malice.

Who in the hell gave you the right to touch Hailey?

If anything happens to her, I swear, Ill make both of you pay for it!

He threw my blood-soaked mother onto the floor like a rag doll. Then he picked up Hailey and rushed out, never looking back.

The surgery light stayed on all night. He knelt outside the door the whole time.

When they confirmed the baby was gone, he looked at me with pure hatred.

He grabbed my collar and dragged me to the foot of a remote mountain. He pointed to the temple at the summit, a cruel smile on his face.

Your mother killed my child. You will atone for her sin.

Crawl up. One prayer for every step you take. Pray for my child.

His eyes were savage. I knew this was not a game; he was truly enraged.

I didn't argue. I bit back the pain and knelt down.

One step, one bow. By the time I reached the summit, my knees were raw flesh and blood, and my forehead was lacerated. Every inch of my body screamed with agony; my consciousness began to fade.

Caspian had me locked in the chapel. I was pinned to the floor. He leaned down, his face utterly devoid of emotion, and handed me a tablet.

On the screen, my mother was curled up, shaking uncontrollably in her hospital bed.

The next instant, the door was kicked open. A group of disheveled, menacing figuresjunkies and unhoused menpoured in.

They swarmed her, tearing off her gown. Her broken, desperate screams tore through me, making my entire body tremble with sharp, excruciating pain.

I cried hysterically, slamming my head against the floor, begging Caspian.

Please! I beg you, let my mother go!

Caspian, if you need revenge, take it on me! Ill give you my life. Just let her go!

A flicker of hesitation crossed Caspians eyes when he saw my utter despair. But he didnt relent. He just pulled me close.

His chilling voice whispered in my ear.

Tessa, your mother made a mistake, and she must be punished.

Dont worry. I wont let anything happen to her. As soon as Hailey feels better, Ill bring you both home. No more fighting, alright?

I grabbed his shirt, the tears turning into a desperate, wretched cry.

Caspian, I wont fight anymore! Never again! Please, let my mother go!

He gently pried my fingers off his shirt and affectionately stroked my face.

Thats a good girl, Tessa. Just stay here and reflect for a while. When Hailey calms down, Ill come back for you.

He didn't look at me again. He turned and walked out of the chapel.

The door slammed shut, plunging the room into darkness.

I scrambled to the tablet, my trembling hands clutching it.

The men finished, zipping up their trousers, their faces sickly satisfied, and then they left the room.

My mother lay there, covered in blood and filth, like a dying fish.

After a long time, the door to the room opened again. Hailey walked in, leaning on someone for support.

She stood over my mother with a victorious expression, then brutally slapped her twice.

Filthy old thing. Just as pathetic as your daughter!

How was that? Was it fun? All those men after being asleep for so long? You must be thrilled.

She grabbed my mothers hair, forcing her to look into the camera.

Your daughter is watching this whole depraved show.

Youve been asleep for so long, you probably dont know how miserable your daughter is. A discarded wife who stayed with him, without a shred of dignity, just for you.

Caspian said that as long as youre alive, Tessa will never leave him. No matter how much he humiliates her, shell just endure it.

If you dont die, shell only suffer more. If you really love her, then you should just die!

My mother raised her head, her eyes vacant, and smiled.

Fine. Ill die. Just let my daughter go.

I clutched the tablet, shaking with hopeless despair.

No! Mom, please, dont!

She couldn't hear my cries. With desperate resolve, she crawled to the window, pushed it open, and threw herself out.

From eighteen stories up, she would be completely shattered.

My chest felt like it was being pierced by a thousand arrows. The pain was beyond imagining.

I struggled to my feet, throwing myself at the bolted door of the chapel.

Again and again, I slammed into it. My shoulder felt like it was breaking, and blood poured from my forehead.

I didn't care.

My mother was gone. The light in my world had been extinguished

Caspian tended to Hailey all night.

He finally left her room at dawn, his face exhausted, and motioned to his assistant.

Mrs. Thorne is afraid of the dark. An entire night locked up should have taught her a lesson.

Bring her home. And her mother, too. Tell Tessa Ill be back to see her in a couple of days.

He looked up, smiling, only to see his assistant fall to his knees, his face ashen.

Mr. Thorne, Mrs. Thornes mother she jumped out the window and died yesterday.

The people at the temple said that last night, Mrs. Thorne violently broke the door down and then, in front of everyone, jumped off the cliff.