Rise of the Formidable Ex-wife (Lucia and Alex) novel Chapter 141

Chapter 141

The duarhell chimed at exactly two o’clock in the afternunN.

jumped up from the couch where she had been pretending to read, her waiting by the window for the past hour, watching every car that passed by

“They’re here The whisper came to Lena, who was

rranging fresh flowers

Lena smoothed down her dress and checked her reflection

the hallway mirror ‘Dolor

“They’ll love you.” Monica assured her, though her own voice trembled “You’re possible not to love” Mrs. Chen appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apront ‘Shall I answer the door dea

“No, I’ll get it.” Monica took a deep breath to steady herself. ‘This is something I need to do.”

She walked to the front door on shaking legs, her hand hesitating on the brass handle. What if they had changed their minds? What if they were only coming out of obligation? What if seeing her in this beautiful house made them feel awkward or resentful?

Monica opened the door to find Ria and Lucas standing on the doorstep, bot looking as nervous as she felt. Ria carried a small gift bag, and Lucas held a bouquet of sunflowers, Monica’s favorite flowers since childhood

“HL.” Ria’s voice came soft, her eyes immediately filling with tears at the sight of her youngest sister.

“Hi” Monica’s own voice broke.

For a moment, the three siblings just stared at each other across the threshold. Monica looked healthier than she had in months. Her cheeks had color, her hair was clean and styled, and she was wearing clothes that actually fit her properly. But more than her physical appearance, there was something different in her eyes. Hope, maybe. Or peace

“You look so much better.” Lucas’s voice came thick with emotion. “You look like yourself again.”

“I feel like myself again. Most days, anyway.”

Ria stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Monica, holding her tight. ‘I’m so sorry we didn’t see how bad things were getting. I’m so sorry we didn’t protect you.”

“You saved me when it mattered most.” Monica hugged her sister back hard. “You brought Mom to get me.”

Lucas joined the embrace, and for a moment the three Hart children stood together on the doorstep, holding each other like they were afraid to let go.

“Are you going to invite them in, or are we having this reunion on the porch?” Lena’s voice came from behind them, warm with amusement.

Monica pulled back from her siblings with a laugh. “Sorry! Come in, come in. Ria, Lucas, this is Lena. Lena, these are my brother and sister.”

Lena stepped forward with a bright smile, though Monica could see the pervousness in her eyes. “I’ve heard so much about you both. Monica talks about you all the time.”

Ria studied Lena’s face, taking in her genuine warmth and obvious affection for Monica. “Thank you for taking care of our sister. Thank you for being her friend when she needed one.*

“She’s been taking care of me too.” Lena’s response came quick and honest. “Having a sister has been the best thing that’s happened to me in years.”

They moved into the living room, which Mrs. Chen had prepared with fresh flowers, warm cookies, and iced tea. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows, making everything feel bright and welcoming.

“This house is incredible.” Lucas looked around at the elegant furniture and artwork. “It’s like something from a magazine “Mom has really good taste.” Pride filled Monica’s voice. “And Alexander let me help decorate my room. Do you want to see

it?”

“We’d love to.” Ria spoke for both of them.

As they climbed the stairs together, Monica pointed out different rooms and shared stories about her new life. “That’s Lena s room, next to mine. And that’s the library where Alexander works sometimes. He has so many books about business and engineering.”

Monica’s bedroom took Ria’s breath away. The pale blue walls were covered with new artwork, some pieces Monica had created herself, others that Lucia had chosen to inspire her. Art supplies covered the desk by the window, and the bed looked like something from a dream with its fluffy pillows and soft quilts.

Chapter 141

“It’s beautiful.” Ria’s whisper came eut broken as she ran her fingers along the smooth surface of the desk. “You’ve been drawing agami.“

A Ittle. It feels good to create things instead of destroying them.”

Lena sat on the edge of the bed, watching the interaction between the siblings with interest. “Monica showed me some of her old sketchbooks. She’s incredibly talented.

“She always was.” Lucas picked up one of Monica’s new drawings. “Even when we were little, she could draw things that looked real.”

*I want to take art classes again.” Shyness crep into Monica’s voice. “Mom said she’d help me find a good teacher.” “Mom.” Ria repeated the word softly. “It’s so good to hear you call her that again.”

They spent the next hour in Monica’s room, catching up on everything that had happened since she left their father’s house. Ria and Lucas shared stories about school and their friends, while Monica told them about her therapy sessions and her growing relationship with Lena.

“What’s it like living here?” Lucas asked. “Really living here, I mean. Not just visiting.”

Monica considered the question carefully. “It’s peaceful. Nobody screams at each other. Nobody breaks things when they re angry. Lena and I do homework together, and Alexander helps us with hard problems. Mom makes breakfast every morning, and we all eat together.”

“That sounds nice.” Wistfulness filled Ria’s voice. “I can’t remember the last time our family had breakfast together” “How are things at home?” Monica asked, though she could see the answer in her siblings’ faces.

Ria and Lucas exchanged glances before Lucas answered. “Not great. Dad’s been drinking more since you left. He and Margaret fight constantly. And he’s still obsessed with getting you back.”

“I’m not going back.” Firmness filled Monica’s voice. “Ever. This is

“We know. And we’re glad you’re safe.”

my home now.”

Lena had been quiet during this exchange, but now she spoke up. “You could come here too, you know. If things get really bad. Mom and Dad wouldn’t mind.”

Ria’s eyes widened. “That’s very kind, but we couldn’t impose on your family like that.”

“It wouldn’t be imposing.” Lena interrupted. “It would be family. I’ve always wanted brothers and sisters. My mom died when I was seven, and it’s just been Dad and me for so long.”

“Your mom died?” Ria’s question came gentle.

“Cancer. I was too young to really understand what was happening, but I remember feeling so alone. Having Monica here has shown me what it’s like to have a sister. And I can see how much she misses you both.”

Lucas looked around the beautiful room, then at Lena’s earnest face. “You really wouldn’t mind if we visited sometimes?” “I’d love it. We could have game nights, or movie marathons, or I could teach you to cook. I’ve been teaching Monica, and she’s actually getting pretty good at it.”

The afternoon passed quickly as the four young people bonded over shared stories and laughter. Lena showed Ria and Lucas around the rest of the house, including the library, the art studio, and the garden where they sometimes had picnics.

“I can see why Monica is so happy here.” Ria spoke as they sat by the pool, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of pink and gold. “This place feels like what a home should feel like.”

“Safe.” Lucas agreed. “Nobody’s walking on eggshells, waiting for the next explosion.”

Lena nodded. “Dad always says that homes should be places where you feel protected from the world, not places you need protection from.”

“Your dad sounds wonderful.” Ria’s voice came soft.

“He is. And so is your mom. Ever since i met her, she has loved me like her own.”

As the sky darkened and stars began to appear, they heard the sound of a car in the driveway. Through the windows, they could see headlights approaching the house.

“Mom and Alexander are back.” Monica announced, jumping up from her chair by the pool.

They all moved to the front windows to watch as two figures emerged from the sleek black car. Lucia looked tired but content, her work clothes neat despite the long day. Alexander walked beside her, carrying her briefcase and talking quietly about something that made her smile.

“They look happy together.” Ria observed.

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“They are.” Lena confirmed. “Dad is a different person when Mom’s around. Lighter somehow. And Mom glows when she Late about us, all of us, inchiding you two”

The front door opened, and Lucia’s voice carried through the house. “Girls? We’re home!”

“In here!” Monica called back hết voice bubbling with excitement.

Footsteps approached the living room, and then Lucia appeared in the doorway. Her face lit up when she saw Ria and Lucas sitting comfortably with Monica and Lena, all of them looking relaxed and happy

“How was your day?” The question came even though her smile suggested she already knew the answer.

“Perfect.” Monica jumped up to hug her mother. “Just perfect.”

Alexander appeared behind Lucia, taking in the scene with obvious satisfaction. The room was full of young people who belonged together, who had found their way back to each other despite everything that had tried to tear them apart.

“I see our family has grown today.” His words came warm, welcoming.

Lena beamed at her father. “They fit right in, Dad. Just like I knew they would.”

Ria and Lucas stood, suddenly uncertain. They were in their mother’s new home, meeting her new husband, seeing the life she had built without them.

Lucia crossed the room and pulled both of them into a hug. “I’m so glad you came. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“We weren’t sure you’d want to see us.” Ria’s voice came muffled against her mother’s shoulder.

“I always want to see you. All of you. You’re my children. Nothing changes that.”

Alexander stepped forward, his presence calm and solid. “You’re welcome here anytime. This is Monica’s home, which makes it your home too.”

Lucas looked at this man who had replaced his father in his mother’s life. But instead of resentment, he felt something like relief. Alexander didn’t look at Lucia the way Marco did, with possession and control. He looked at her with respect and

care.

“Thank you.” The words came simple but genuine. “For taking care of Mom. For taking care of Monica.”

“It’s not a burden.” Alexander’s response came easy. “It’s a privilege.”

As the evening settled around them, with Lucia and Alexander finally home, the house felt complete in a way it never had before. Four young people who had been separated by circumstances beyond their control were together again, surrounded by adults who understood that love could heal/even the deepest wounds.

But as Ria and Lucas prepared to leave, as they hugged their sister goodbye and promised to visit again soon, Lucia couldn’ t shake the worry in her chest.

They were going back to that house. Back to Marco and his drinking and his rage. Back to Margaret and the constant fighting.

And there was nothing Lucia could do to protect them.

Not yet.

The real test of their reunion was just beginning.

But for now, in this moment, everything felt exactly as it should be.

Even though Lucia knew it wouldn’t last.

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