My Husband Chose His Ex I Became His Regret novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Aidan

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I watch Lila Stark walk out of Storm Tower and into the city, and from this height at least, I can see her shuffle through the crowd on the sidewalk. She seems to hunch inwards so much, like she’s ashamed to be there at all. At twenty- five years old, she has no idea of her beauty; she’s moving as if she has no business being there.

Mark Knight is a moron.

I turn my back to the window and am greeted by the city’s lights pouring into my office, casting shadows on the mahogany desk. There’s a folder in front of me. She signed it.

She had potentials, she just didn’t know it yet.

I reach for my phone and find the picture my assistant took of her when she entered the building. The photo confirms that Lila Stark is a beautiful woman, so stunning, she has beautiful brown eyes, long and full brown hair and a curvy body she hid behind her horrible choice of clothes.

The blouse she wore today, some shapeless, pilled thing that probably cost ten dollars new five years ago. The pants, mid-rise and ill-fitting, bunching at her ankles. Hair that could be glossy and striking instead hangs limp past her shoulders, no style, no dimension. No jewelry except a Target watch that was fading. Foundation two shades too light. Mascara but no other makeup, like she gave up halfway through.

She dresses like a woman who’s been told she doesn’t matter so many times she started believing it and dressing and acting like it.

The file my team gathered tells the full story. Riley Stark married Patricia when Lila was eight years old. Patricia came with two children of her own and a desire for a life full of luxury. Even back then, Riley’s construction company was struggling and Patricia made sure her children had everything: private schools. designer wardrobes whenever they needed them, and Mercedes vehicles for their respective 16th birthdays.

While her step-siblings were living the high life by going to clubs, etc., Lila was waiting tables at age sixteen.

In contrast to Lila, who attended community college part-time while working doubles, her step-siblings all received a monthly amount that far exceeded the average salary-the total amount for all three of them could easily be equal to the average person’s annual salary. Unlike her step-siblings, Lila wore thrift store clothes and pretended she didn’t care.

When Riley Stark Stark’s company reached its breaking point and was sold, he sold off Lila as well…

It was a sale, as it was set up when Lila met Mark Knight. When Riley introduced them at one of his charity events, A compliant daughter-in-law? Access to Riley’s commercial contacts?

The marriage was a merger. Lila was just the signing bonus.

Essentially Robert sold Lila to Mark Knight through the marriage, the marriage was a merger between Riley Stark and Mark Knight. Lila was only a bonus, and with her now being divorced, I’m pretty sure that Robert Stark has lost more than just his daughter; he’s lost his pay check.

I almost feel guilty using her.

15:18 Tue, May 12

Cipher 12

I call Carlos, the head of security, and be answers instantly

“Track her

“She’s at the Roosevelt Hotel, he calmly explains. “Last checked in Room #412”

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“Goddammit_That’s a level D rated hotel when it comes to safety. Let her stay there for tonight, and we’ll start RECONSLUCHION tomorrow.”

When I hang up with Carlos, I immediately dial another number. It’s after midnight but I know that Simone will still be alert and awake.

“Aidan Storm,” she answers in her delightful French accent. “It has been long time. What can I do for you?”

“I need your services to transform a woman completely. Four weeks to transform her completely?”

“Mmm. Are you doing this to yourself or for someone who is an unfortunate creature in need of saving?”

“Definitely the latter.”

“That’s very interesting. Send me photographs and measurements if you have them.”

“I will have my assistant send you what you need by tomorrow morning. Also, Simone, I need you to give this girl a look that would make every person in the room want to be with her, and help her build up enough self confidence that she will believe she can seduce every person in the room.”

There is a long pause of silence before she says, “Are you in love with her?”

“I’m getting revenge on someone else and she will be the weapon.”

“Ah. It sounds like even better.” “The majority of legitimate transformations happen when you harness rage. I will transform her into a devastating person. Not just a devastating person, but a powerful person.”

I contact Dr. Patricia next, the psychologist who helped rebuild my entire mindset after my father’s company crumbled from the inside out, after Mark’s father helped to destroy all that we had built together.

“Aidan, what’s wrong? It’s after midnight.”

“I need you to take on a new client. High priority, self-esteem issues, possible PTSD from emotional abuse. total lack of boundaries and self-worth.”

“Jesus Christ, Aidan, what are you getting yourself into?”

“Justice.”

As I pour my coffee I continued the talk. “She is starting Monday, on a completely cleared schedule for daily sessions. You’ll not be billing the client; you will bill me directly for all treatments.”

“Aidan, do you realize how therapy works? Why would you need to have her in therapy every day?”

“Conventional therapy does not work for me, Patricia. I need Lila to be functional & fierce within 4 weeks

15:18 Tue, May 12

Chapter 12

from today.”

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5 your hari,

Patricia lets out a long sigh. “Okay, send me I ila’s information, and I admonish you again. Aulan, people cannot change on your timeline just because you want them to change.”

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