Rise of the Formidable Ex-wife (Lucia and Alex) novel Chapter 138

Chapter 138

“Monica’s bedroom door was closed when Lucia and Alexander reached the top of the stairs, but the sound of crying came

through the wood Soft, broken sobs that made Lucia’s chest ache.

Lucia knocked gently. “Monica Sweetheart, can we come in?”

The crying stopped for a moment. Then came a small, shaky voice. “Is he gone?”

“He’s gone, baby. He left”

The door opened a crack. Monica’s face appeared, red and swollen from tears. Pler eyes were wide with fear, darting past Lucia and Alexander as if she expected Marco to suddenly appear behind them.

“Are you sure?” The whisper came barely audible.

I’m sure. Alexander watched him drive away. He’s not coming back tonight.”

nica opened the door wider, and Lucia saw that Lena was sitting on the bed behind her, holding Monica’s hand. Both

looked terrified, their faces pale and drawn.

la stepped into the room and

1. Monica’s whole body sho

He’s going to make me go b

“No, he’s not.” Lucia stroke

“You heard him. He said

“He can say whatever

Monica pulled back if I have to live the

Lucia cupped M you with ever environmen

“He’s my

“Ther

you

Monica into her arms. Her daughter pollapsed against her, the sobs returning full

gers clutching at Lucia’s shirt like she was afraid to let go.

rds came muffled against Lucia’s shoulder. “He’s going to take me away from you.”

r, feeling how thin her daughter had become. “I won’t let that happen.”

le said he’d take me back by force.”

ot taking you anywhere.”

a face filled with panic. “But what if he does? What if a judge makes me go back? What

hands, forcing her daughter to meet her eyes. “Listen to me. Really listen. I will fight for go to court. I will hire the best lawyers. I will show every judge in this state what kind of You are not going back to that house.”

ght say I have to live with him.”

or medical records. We’ll show them the evidence of neglect. We’ll show them what happened to

s voice came fierce, protective. “No judge is going to send you back to a place where you hurt

believe me? What if they think I’m making it up?”

ward, his presence calm and steady. “Monica, look at me.”

ightened eyes to him.

1. We have documentation. We have photographs. We have witness statements from your siblings. We We need to prove that you weren’t safe there.”

ey too. He has lawyers.”

r

er ones.” Alexander’s voice came firm but gentle. “And more importantly, we have the truth. Your father can wyers in the world, but he can’t change the facts.”

ed between Lucia and Alexander, her lower lip trembling. “I don’t want to go back. I can’t go back there.” Lucia pulled her close again. “I promise you, baby. You won’t.”

home od up from the bed, her own eyes bright with unshed tears. “We won’t let him take you, Monica. This is your

reached out with one hand, and Lena took it, squeezing tight. “I’m scared.”

w you are.” Lucia kissed the top of Monica’s head. “But you’re safe here. We’re all going to protect you.”

if he comes back tonight? What if h

ear in Monica’s voice was so re

ed their daughter so badly

nade a decision. “The

eyes widened.

not leavin

abs me while I’m sleeping?”

throat tighten. This was what Marco had done. He’d

bedroom.

Chapter 138

Alexander nodded in agreement. “And I’ll have security do extra rounds tonight. Nobody is getting through those gates.”

San! slap too?” bena’s question came quiet but hopeful Like a sleepover?”

Monica looked at Lena with something like gratitude. “You want to?”

“Of course I do. You’re my sister now. Sisters stick together”

Lucia felt warmth spread through her chest despite the fear and anger still churning there. Lena had embraced Monica so completely, so naturally. There was no jealousy, no resentment. Just pure acceptance and love.

“A family sleepover it is.” Alexander’s mouth coxxyed into a small smile. “I’ll go get some extra blankets and pillows.

As Alexander left the room, Lucia guided Monica back to the bed. The three of them sat together, Monica in the middle, Lena and Lucia on either side.

“I heard everything he said.” Monica’s voice came small, asharned. “I tried not to listen, but his voice was so loud. He was yelling at you.”

“I know, sweetheart. I’m sorry you had to hear that.”

“He said you kidnapped me. He said you attacked Margaret.” Monica looked up at Lucia with worried eyes. “Did you really hurt her?”

Lucia took a breath, choosing her words carefully. “Margaret tried to stop me from bringing you home. We fought. I defended myself and I protected you.”

“She’s saying you beat her up for no reason.”

“Margaret is lying. Just like your father is lying.” Lucia’s voice came steady, calm. “They’re trying to make themselves look like victims so that I look like the bad person.”

“But you’re not the bad person. You came to save me.”

“I know that. You know that. And soon, everyone else will know that too.”

Monica was quiet for a moment, her fingers picking at the bandages on her arms. “What did he mean when he said you could keep me if you divorced Alexander and went back to him?”

Lucia felt anger spike through her again. “He’s trying to manipulate me. He thinks he can use you as a bargaining chip to get what he wants.”

“What does he want?”

“He wants his old life back. The one where he had control over everything and everyone.”

“Are you going to do it?” Monica’s voice wavered. “Are you going to go back to him so I can stay here?”

“No.” The word came immediate and absolute. “I’m not going back to your father. Not for any reason.”

“But then he’ll take me away.”

“He’ll try. But he’ll fail.” Lucia turned Monica to face her fully. “Listen to me carefully. I am not choosing between you and Alexander. I am choosing both of you. I am choosing this family. I am choosing safety and love and health. Your father doesn’t get to make those kinds of demands anymore.”

“He sounded so angry. Like he really meant it when he said he’d make you pay.”

r

“He probably did mean it. But that doesn’t mean he can actually do anything.” Lucia brushed a strand of hair from Monica’s face. “Your father is desperate. He’s lost everything because of his own choices, and now he’s lashing out at everyone around him.”

Lena leaned her head on Monica’s shoulder. “My dad won’t let anything happen to you. He’s really protective.”

“He seems nice.” Monica’s voice came tentative. “Is he really okay with me being here? I mean, I’m not his daughter.” “You are now.” Lena lifted her head to look at Monica. “Dad doesn’t do things halfway. If he says you’re family, you’re family Alexander returned with an armful of blankets and pillows. “Who’s ready for the most comfortable sleepover in history?” Despite everything, Monica managed a tiny smile. “You don’t have to do all this.”

“I know.” Alexander started arranging blankets on the floor beside the bed. “But I want to. You’ve been through something traumatic tonight. Nobody should have to face that alone.”

Lucia watched as Alexander created a cozy nest of pillows and blankets on the carpet. He moved with quiet efficiency, making sure everything was perfect. This man who had every reason to resent Marco’s children had instead welcomed them with open arms.

“Mom?” Monica’s voice pulled Lucia’s attention back. “What if the nightmares come back?”

Chapter 138

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