How to Train Your Ex-Billionaire novel Chapter 17

It felt like Yvan's heart was splitting open, something vital draining away from inside him...

He stood frozen, the phone still pressed to his ear.

He didn't hear a word of what Karen said next.

Her words just kept echoing in his mind.

“She's married, she even has a child... She and her husband are deeply in love, a happy family of three. She's long forgotten you.”

She was married! There was no chance for them anymore!

Yvan swayed, a wave of dizziness washing over him.

Getting no response, Karen said “hello” a few more times before hanging up.

Yvan remained on the balcony, completely motionless, as if turned to stone.

So, in Winifred's eyes, he was just a footnote, an insignificant passerby.

She hadn't waited for him. She'd simply turned and fallen into someone else's arms.

A sudden, profound regret washed over Yvan.

Why had he agreed to the breakup she'd suggested? Why had he said something so stupid, like if they were done, she should never appear before him again?

Winifred had always been gentle, always listened to him. If he had just insisted, maybe she would have changed her mind.

But his damned pride had gotten in the way.

Subconsciously, he’d always seen himself as the one on the pedestal and Winifred as the one looking up.

That’s why he couldn’t handle it when she was the one to break up with him. It's why he hadn't contacted her in seven years.

He’d thought he could move on, that she would be the one drowning in tears, regretting their split.

Who knew he would be the pathetic one, the one who couldn't let go, while Winifred had already started a new life.

Yvan clutched his head in his hands, overwhelmed with anguish.

“Stop drinking. What is it?”

“...It's Winifred,” Yvan mumbled, his eyes staring blankly into the distance.

“What? Winifred?”

Todd’s jaw dropped. He hadn't heard that name in six or seven years.

He knew the inside story about Yvan and Winifred from seven years ago. It had started as an arrangement, which Todd understood—having too many admirers could be a real headache.

After high school graduation, Todd had assumed their partnership would naturally dissolve.

But then one day, before college started, Todd was shocked to see Yvan and Winifred walking down the street, holding hands.

That’s right. Hand in hand.

Todd was floored. What was going on? Weren't they just pretending?