Chapter 2 Alarics expression darkened further as he watched her . Then just buy the damn condoms and get out . Hestia scooped up the scattered bills without a word and left . After making the purchase , she left the items by their door and retreated to her room , locking herself in . That night , the sex sounds from next door were relentless . As if deliberately tormenting her , Alarics tender words to Lilia carried through the walls . God , youre incredible , baby . I love you so much . Stay with me forever , okay ? Promise youll never leave . Those were the same sweet nothings hed once whispered to her . Back when they were young and in love , sharing a cramped Brooklyn walk up with more roaches than furniture . Despite their modest circumstances , theyd been deliriously happy . Shed dreamed of growing old with Alaric , having children, living the perfect life theyd planned . Now those memories felt like scenes from someone elses life . She cried through the night , her pillow soaked by morning . This is the last time Ill cry over him , she promised herself . When she went downstairs , both were already awake . Unlike Alarics previous conquests who were always gone by sunrise , Lilia was the first and only woman to stay for breakfast . The staff was unusually busy . She soon learned why : it was Lilias birthday , and Alaric was throwing an extravagant celebration at their Manhattan penthouse . During the party , their social circle arrived in full force , greeting Lilia as if she was Manhattans new 09:36 My Ex Husband Went Crazy After I Left Him And 3.8 % Chapter 2 queen . Alaric spared no expense in showing her off , keeping their fingers locked together as they accepted . congratulatory toasts . After Lilia blew out her candles , he presented her with a million dollar Cartier necklace . The couple sealed their display with a passionate kiss before their assembled guests . Applause erupted while sympathetic glances darted toward Hestia . God , how pathetic . Shes become such a joke . Id have hidden away in shame . Look at her , acting like nothings wrong . Hestias lips curved in a bitter smile . After everything shed endured , this barely registered . Mid party , Lilia cornered her in a private moment . Really ? Not even gonna ask what the hell Im doing ? Hestia shook her head . Whats the point ? Lilia had been there through it all her only friend who knew the truth . Shed watched Hestia fall apart , seen her break down over Alarics vindictive messages . More than once , Lilia had grabbed her phone , ready to spill everything to Alaric . But Hestia had always stopped her . Some bridges couldnt be rebuilt . Now Lilia faced her , eyes red rimmed and conflicted . Ive always hated how you act like nothing matters . You dont know everything . You dont know Ive loved Alaric for years . You know what he was like after you ghosted him ? Drinking himself stupid , passing out in your old apartment . He kept that stupid photo of you in his wallet for years took a freaking knife fighting off muggers just to keep it . Even now , parading all these women around ? Hes just waiting for you to say those three little words . One I love you and hed drop everything . 09:36 My Ex Husband Went Crazy After I Left Him And 5.1 % Chapter 2 Her voice cracked . Such a proud man , brought so low for you . He hates you because he cant stop loving you . She paused , collecting herself . I hate you too . Because even now , hes still yours . Want to know why Ill stick around longer than his usual conquests ? They all looked like cheap . knockoffs of you But I told him I was his kidney donor . Hestia stood silent , absorbing the verbal bullets . Lilias breathing quickened . Tor my birthday , I want one gift from you : let Alaric go . Completely . After a long silence , Hestia whispered , Fine . Lilia smiled through her tears . Then lets make it count . Make him forget you entirely . With those words , she released her grip on the banister and fell backward down the marble staircase . Five-year-old Annie, who can understand animals, saved Landon Hawthorne, a wealthy businessman, from suicide. Now she's his whole world and he's her legal cheat-code against every villain fate throws ...