Regretting the Wife He Threw Away novel Chapter 262

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. Lauren stepped out, her heels clicking against the marble floor, a designer bag dangling from her arm. She swayed her hips, every inch of her radiating confidence.

She’d just parted ways with Gavin, and her bag was now heavier—carrying a card loaded with half a million dollars and a dazzling gemstone necklace. Lauren was in high spirits, humming a cheerful tune as she strolled toward her car.

But just as her fingers brushed the door handle, a shadow lunged at her from behind.

Startled, Lauren opened her mouth to scream, only for a rough hand to clamp down over her lips.

“Mmmph—!”

Panic surged through her. She struggled desperately, eyes wide with terror.

“Hey, don’t be scared—it’s me, Lauren,” a familiar voice whispered urgently in her ear.

Lauren froze. Neal? What was he doing here?

“Don’t scream,” Neal said, releasing her at last. “We just need to talk.”

Her heart pounded in her chest. Of all people, she never expected Neal to show up in Northborough—especially now. He was a wanted man; being seen with him could spell disaster.

She glanced around anxiously, voice low and tense. “Get in the car. Let’s find somewhere safe to talk.”

Neal nodded, and together they slipped into the car. Lauren drove out of the underground garage, her mind racing as she navigated the city streets.

She broke the silence first. “When did you get back?”

“Two days ago,” Neal replied, his face obscured by a baseball cap and mask. But she could feel his stare, sharp and unyielding. The scent of her perfume lingered in the air as he reached out, his hand sliding across her waist.

Revulsion twisted in her gut, but she forced a coy laugh. “Not now, Neal. I’m driving.”

His voice dropped, dark and cold. “Are you enjoying yourself with Gavin? You used to say Saul couldn’t give you what you needed, but at least he offered stability. That’s why I let you go. So why Gavin now?”

A chill ran down Lauren’s spine. So that’s why Neal had come—because of Gavin. But how did he find out?

“Don’t get the wrong idea, Neal…” She took a steadying breath. “I had no choice. Life with the Lockwoods has been unbearable. I only went to Gavin for help, not to betray you.”

Neal let out a bitter laugh. “I’m not in a hurry, Lauren. I came back for answers. Find us somewhere quiet, then we’ll talk.”

She could feel his anger simmering beneath the surface. Now more than ever, she had to keep her composure.

Lauren steered the car toward the outskirts of town, where abandoned warehouses dotted the landscape—places more private, away from prying eyes and security cameras.

She pulled up outside one of the derelict buildings. After shutting off the engine, Lauren turned on the interior light and, without a word, began taking off her shirt, turning her back to Neal.

His eyes widened in horror as he saw the scars crisscrossing her back—some fresh, others faded, all brutal.

“What happened to you?”