140 Love Me or Regret Me
The wine glass was cold. But not as cold as the man in front of her.
His forearm flexed as he pressed the glass against her chin. His body radiated control, strength–like he could hurt someone badly and not lose sleep over it.
Lacey’s face was swollen, her mascara smudged, tears raning her into something almost unrecognizable. Whispers spread like wildfire around the room.
“Someone actually messed with Dorian’s girl? Who is sly?”
“She’s toast. No one goes after Vale’s woman and walks away clean.”
Cassian and the guys finally arrived.
Their eyes landed on Arden, standing quictly next to Dorian. She looked stunning–red dress, glowing skin. posture elegant and calm.
And Dorian?
The man who used to make tabloid scandals just to force a divorce… Was now standing beside her like she was his center of gravity.
The ever–detached Dorian, looking at her like she mattered more than the world.
Theo let out a low whistle. “So this guy had a wife like that all along, and still pulled that crap for three years? Something’s seriously wrong with him.”
Cassian narrowed his eyes. “The man’s built like a machine. Don’t tell me it’s a performance issue.”
Damon nearly spat out his drink. “Cassian, say that again in front of him and you’ll need dental surgery.”
Cassian smirked, unbothered in his white shirt. “I’m just saying, he’s got a wife he never touched, then he flew overseas the same day they registered the marriage. Maybe he is broken.”
“Like window shopping for years and never buying,” Theo added. “You’ve got that kind of woman at home and just… nothing?”
Barry glanced over at Arden, then back at Dorian, fascinated.
He said slowly, “I’m calling it now–if Dorian falls for her and can’t have her, he’s going to lose his mind. No doubt he’ll regret every cold shoulder, every cruel word.
Theo grinned. “I want front–row seats to the breakdown. The man begging, groveling, maybe even on his knees? That’s my kind of ending.”
Cassian and Damon exchanged looks but said nothing.
They’d heard everything Lacey said–and they remembered what went down at Haflin Global.
She’d pulled the same act back then. And Dorian? He just stood there, watching. Cold and silent. But tonight? He wasn’t letting it slide. Now, he was furious.
They watched Dorian crouched in front of Lacey, voice calm but eyes dangerous. “You hear me?” he asked, voice razor–sharp.
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hapter 140tove Mear Regret Me
Lacey trembled. “1-1 heard you
I’m your savior, she whispered. “You can’t treat me like this.”
Dorian stood, dropped the wine glass on the table behind him. Lucien handed him a cloth napkin. He wiped his hands slowly, deliberately.
Then he laughed, dry and cold. “Savior? Say that again.
She couldn’t. Because it wasn’t true. She wasn’t the one who saved him. And he knew it.
Dorian’s stare turned colder. She used to have that perft little doll–face pity card. Now, swollen and tear- streaked, she just looked pathetic.
She tried to reach for him, to grab his pant leg. Dorian stepped back like she was contagious. His face showed open disgust.
She missed, landing hard again. Flat on the floor.
Just then, Alice arrived.
Glass of red wine in hand, she caught sight of Lacey curled up like a mess on the ground and instantly frowned.
This girl again? Still clinging, still scheming. Just like her mother–always chasing things that didn’t belong to her.
Alice stepped closer, keeping distance. “Lacey, how long are you planning to keep up this performance? Aren’t you embarrassed?”
Caleb looked up at the voice.
The woman wore a modern dress in soft green–regal, composed, beautiful in a way that didn’t seek attention but effortlessly commanded it.
She was protecting her sister. And he respected that.
“I’m not lying!” Lacey shrieked. “Arden pushed me!”
She wasn’t ready to give up. Vivienne had told her the girl from Northmere meant something to Dorian. So why was it notworking?
The woman who slapped her earlier took a step forward Lacey flinched.
“You want to try lying again?” Dorian’s voice dropped. “Explain what really happened last time. Right here, in front of everyone.”
His voice dripped with disgust. Like she wasn’t even worth the effort to crush.
178
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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The readers' comments on the novel: Everything was a deal until divorce