Giving Love A Second Shot Novel – When her billionaire husband Matthew destroyed the last bit of dignity in her, Carmella packed her bags, left, and sent a divorce agreement to him without hesitation. Four years later, Carmella suddenly returned as a famous international actress. It was inevitable that both of them would cross paths again. In the process, both made shocking discoveries about each other. Wait, her step-sister was his first love, and he did not sign the divorce agreement? She changed – no longer the meek girl, and she had a son who looked like him. I Am Pregnant “Ms. Slater, I’m pregnant. The baby is Mr. Gibson’s, and here’s the pregnancy test report,” announced a woman, who deftly slid a document across the desk with her delicate fingers. Carmella Slater glanced at the paper before lifting her gaze to meet the woman’s eyes. “So? Need my help to get you an ob-gyn appointment, Ms. Yale?” “That won’t be necessary,” the woman replied, shaking her head. She caressed her still-flat belly with a self-satisfied grin. “I just came by to give you the scoop. Mr. Gibson’s gone and gotten me pregnant.” “And?” Carmella pressed, unfazed. She knew this woman—Fiona Yale—a model whose face had recently exploded over billboards and feeds alike. Two months earlier, she and Carmella’s husband, Matthew Gibson, had been the flavor of the gossip rags, snapped entering into lavish hotels.
The story had quickly gained traction online, forcing Gibson Group to quash the rumors promptly. For Carmella, though, it was another verse of the same old song. Fiona was just the latest in a long line—the twenty-first, if anyone was keeping track. And by now, the sharp twinges of betrayal seemed to feel a lot like routine. Carmella picked up the pregnancy report from the desk and checked the dates. They lined up just right. Fiona seemed to read her mind, her smile deepening mischievously. “No mistake, it was exactly two months ago, that night with Mr. Gibson…” Her voice dropped off as she looked down, her cheeks flushing. Carmella snickered. “Ms. Yale, as you’ve made it abundantly clear, Mr. Gibson is the father. But I’m just his secretary. What’s the endgame here? Or let me guess, you can’t get hold of him and you’re hoping I’ll play messenger?” Fiona’s confident smile seized up. Carmella had hit the nail on the head. Ever since that night two months ago, Matthew had blocked her number. She’d just managed to claw her way into his orbit, and there was no chance she’d let a catch like him escape now. “I’ve done my homework on you. You’ve been with Mr. Gibson the longest. I can’t imagine there’s nothing between you two. Consider this pregnancy report both a warning and a favor. You must know Mr. Gibson is out of your league, but me…” She paused, her hand returning to her stomach. “I am not like you at all. I’ve got the looks, the class, and soon, his child.” “If you back me up, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of. But if you turn me down…” Fiona’s sweetness drained from her face, giving way to a cold hardness. “When I take the Gibson name, you’re the first on my list.”
Carmella’s lips curled up in amusement at Fiona’s warning and carrot-and-stick approach. It was truly a first for her, to encounter a woman like Fiona who had the nerve to seek an alliance with her, Matthew’s wife. She leaned in, probing, “Considering you’re so set on becoming Mrs. Gibson, you must know what he detests the most, right?” “What?” Fiona asked instinctively, stunned. “He can’t stand liars, and, oh, fake beauty,” Carmella disclosed. “You… What do you mean by that?” Fiona’s annoyance flared up. Carmella stood up, a chill in her gaze. “Ms. Yale, you know what I’m talking about. All the nips and tucks and the real story behind the pregnancy. And, let’s be honest, even with the surgery, do you really think you look good? Does your face truly appeal?” Fiona was hit by a wave of realization as she finally saw the woman in front of her in full light. She had to admit, Carmella was drop-dead gorgeous. In her light, Fiona felt utterly plain and unremarkable. Fiona’s face turned pale and then flushed red—emotions colliding within her. But before she could even process it all, Carmella had already dialed security, coolly arranging to have her escorted out. Barely half an hour had passed since Fiona’s departure when the office door was kicked open. Carmella glanced up and there was Matthew, looking like a thundercloud.
He was decked out in a sharp, black suit that showed off his athletic build. His usually charming mug had a mask of restrained anger. ‘Who managed to piss Mathew off this much?’ Carmella’s mind raced, and instinctively, she edged back a couple of steps. But before she could spit out a word, he seized her arm forcefully. Carmella froze. In all the time they’d been married, Matthew hadn’t laid a finger on her. Three years in and it was like they were just two people living parallel lives. At work, he acted like she was just part of the background, never engaging in chit-chat unless it was about the job. That was why the whole company was in the dark about them being married. But there he was, holding onto her arm. ‘What’s his deal?’ she wondered. She Is Back Matthew’s grip tightened as he drew nearer, his distinctive, appealing scent wrapping around Carmella. She gazed at him dazedly, and for a moment, she almost believed he had finally taken notice of her. Yet, the next second, she was flung back into the chair, a shock of pain hitting her hard. “Matthew…” she winced. “Cut the nonsense, Carmella! You want this so much, don’t you? Well, you got it!” he barked. Carmella shook with fear, desperately trying to wriggle out from under him. She’d longed to be close to him, but this wasn’t the way she’d imagined it at all.
Matthew, however, was so furious that he was almost animalistic, allowing no room for her to fight back. “So you want a baby with me that bad? To poison me, really?” His fingers dug into her chin, his voice biting and frosty, each word cutting to the bone. Carmella’s eyes widened in shock. ‘Poison him?’ “I… uh…” Her attempt at an explanation was abruptly silenced by his lips. All at once, a searing pain between her legs shot through her, bringing tears to her eyes immediately. At seven, she first saw him; at seventeen, she quietly vowed to keep him in her heart. But now… For a split second, Matthew stiffened as he saw the tears in Carmella’s eyes. A flash of regret sparked deep inside him, but it was snuffed out just as quickly when he thought of what she’d done. His eyes went cold in an instant. He leaned in, his voice sharp as glass. “Does it hurt, Carmella? Remember this. Remember it forever.” He wanted her to never forget the pain, to always know the unspeakable lengths she had gone to be with him. But he was far from done. “Look at yourself now, Carmella. You’re more adept than those who are paid for it!” Carmella’s complexion turned ashen. Despite her body’s initial resistance, it gradually yielded, softened by the years of love she had harbored for him. He felt her give in, and disdain deepened in his eyes.
Time elapsed, and eventually, Carmella was left lying on the ground like a broken doll, while he stood there with barely a wrinkle in his suit. “Get yourself together, then come to my office. I better not see you like this again—it turns my stomach,” he commanded, frowning deeply as he averted his eyes from her. Then he straightened his attire and walked out without a single glance back. Dazedly, Carmella curled up on the floor, her hair disheveled and partially covering her face, which wore no hint of emotion—be it joy or sorrow. Carmella’s body was racked with pain, but it paled in comparison to the ache in her heart. She had never imagined things with Matthew would take such a turn, that he would treat her like a plaything and then utter such vile words. After a long while, she got to her feet, her gaze briefly landing on her clothes strewn about, now ruined. She stepped into the adjoining bathroom to freshen up and change. Ironically, she ended up in Matthew’s clothes. She had bought him so many over the last three years, none of which he wore. ‘What a waste,’ she thought, the corners of her mouth twitching into a bitter smile as tears slid down her face. Pulled together, Carmella stood outside Matthew’s office door. She knocked, once again the cool, collected secretary she was known to be. “Come in,” came Matthew’s icy voice from inside. She opened the door and stepped into the spacious, minimally decorated office that reflected its owner’s refined tastes. Matthew lounged in his chair, legs casually crossed, looking up at her with the same old chilly gaze, as if the earlier incident had never happened. Carmella dropped her head hastily.
From the day she married into the Gibson family, she’d been bracing herself for a rocky road. She thought she’d be immune to his cold stares by now, yet standing there, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of complete disgrace. The room fell into an unsettling quiet. Finally, Carmella lifted her eyes, and in a hoarse voice, she asked, “Mr. Gibson, what do you need?” Matthew scoffed, the corner of his mouth twitching as he sneered, “She’s back, so make yourself scarce. I don’t want her catching even a glimpse of you or getting wind about… whatever this is between us. Otherwise…” His Warning ‘She’s back?’ Carmella’s body stiffened. The very woman was no stranger to her. Even without a physical presence in her life, this woman was like a constant echo, a curse etched into the marrow of their marriage. A wave of sadness choked Carmella. Matthew had always been cold to her, but when he talked about that woman, his tone softened, filled with a gentleness that made Carmella burn with jealousy. She watched him, her stare steady until he seemed annoyed. It hit her then—how the sun-like boy had turned into a distant memory, fading more each day. Swallowing her bitterness, Carmella found the nerve to voice a question that had haunted her for years. “Matthew, in these three years, have you ever…” The words hung in the air, unfinished but understood. “No!” He cut her off, sharp and final. Carmella’s heart sank.
Even though she had braced for it, a part of her had hoped, against all odds. She had devoted the best years of her life to him. For eight whole years, Matthew had been her world, the driving force behind all her love and affection. Now, the scorn in his eyes felt like a slap in the face—it mocked her unrequited feelings, her desperation, and her humble, one-sided adoration. She laughed, realizing how silly her question was. She remembered all too well why she married him three years ago. How could she forget? If he had even a trace of affection for her, she wouldn’t find herself so humiliated today. Matthew’s brow furrowed. He couldn’t understand why Carmella would laugh, or why she was so eerily calm about hearing another woman’s name from him. ‘Is she up to something?’ he thought, instantly filled with a mix of revulsion and annoyance. “Carmella! If you’ve spilled anything to her, anything she shouldn’t know, believe me, you’re going to regret it.” Carmella laughed so hard that tears sprang to her eyes. For three years, she had been a perfect wife—doing what was expected and more. She carried herself with grace, skillfully navigating the space between him and his family, never complaining about his constant absence or the rumors of other women. She had always believed that if she were patient enough, he’d eventually fall for her, but… ‘She’s back, and now you’re here, warning me to keep quiet about us, huh?’ she mused to herself, disappointed. “Fine,” she said, her voice finally even, “Don’t worry, she won’t find out.” And deep down, she knew it wouldn’t matter soon. In a few days, there would be nothing left tying her to him, and that woman would never know. The office fell quiet once again. Matthew squinted at Carmella in front of him. Droplets of water glistened in her hair, and her makeup-free face was unexpectedly captivating. Even though he despised her, he couldn’t deny she was stunning. In fact, no one he’d met could hold a candle to her. ‘What a pity. Such beauty is wasted on someone so repulsive.’ His eyes turned cold, the irritation bubbling up inside him. “Get out, now,” he snapped.
“Yes, Mr. Gibson.” Carmella kept her gaze lowered as she stepped back, moving slowly towards the door. Just when she reached it, she paused abruptly, clutched the doorknob, and whispered, “I’m sorry.” She Has Left ‘What?’ Matthew stared at her, puzzled and momentarily thrown off. Her quiet voice broke through again, “I’m sorry, Matthew. You’ve suffered in this marriage.” And with that, she left, her exit leaving a deep quiet behind. Matthew felt something stir in his chest, a strange flutter he couldn’t quite understand—he was losing something important. For once, his cool, self-assured expression was shaken by a brief wave of panic. In the living room of the Gibson manor, Carmella stood there, her emotions a jumble. She knew who had drugged Matthew and why. However… “Mella.” Beatrice Gibson, Matthew’s mother, addressed her gently by her nickname and produced a check. The amount was precisely what Carmella needed. “Listen, Mella,” Beatrice said softly, her voice calm and kind, “I know what Matthew has put you through, and it’s been terribly hard on you, but given our family’s curse, please don’t hold it against me. This money is to make things right, to help you out. No matter the situation with the baby, it’s yours. Your grandma’s still in the hospital and the bills are piling up. You need it.”
Carmella stared at the check, a burning sensation on her cheeks as if she’d been slapped. Pain throbbed in her heart. She couldn’t help but scoff at herself internally, ‘I married for money, didn’t I? Now that it’s here, why am I hesitating?’ “Thank you,” she said as she accepted the check. Just then, the servant exclaimed in surprise, “Mr. Gibson!” Carmella’s heart sank. She turned around and there was Matthew, a few feet away, looking at her with frost in his eyes—his gaze fixed on the check in her hand. He scoffed, thinking, ‘I thought she might actually be different after her speech, but looks like I was the one fooled. Is there anything she wouldn’t do for money?’ “Matthew, you’re back! Right on time! You should really spend more time with Mella…” Beatrice began awkwardly, trying to bridge the uncomfortable silence. But Matthew just brushed by, heading straight for the stairs without a word. “Matthew! You…” Beatrice called out after him. “It’s fine,” Carmella intervened, stopping Beatrice. The older woman sighed, patted Carmella’s hand, and retreated to her room. Carmella sat alone in the quiet living room, lost in thought. Three years ago, her grandma Francesca Bailey had been gravely injured in a car accident. At her lowest, Beatrice came to her with a deal—marry Matthew, and the Gibsons would provide the best possible medical care for Francesca. Carmella had agreed, resorting to drastic measures to become Matthew’s wife.
He had been the boy she adored since youth. She had held on for three years, clinging to a fading hope. But his mention of another woman’s return had turned her perseverance into a mockery. Carmella carefully tucked the check into her pocket. It was, in every sense, her “sell-out” fee. With a self-deprecating smile, she gathered her identification documents and some clothes, then left the Gibson manor with just a small bag. The servants who spotted her thought she was off on another business trip. She stopped briefly to glance back at the house. “So long, Matthew. Enjoy your freedom. I’m done loving you.” Gone For Good Carmella was gone. For a whole month, there was no sign of her—at the office, at home, like she never existed. Matthew sat before his computer, staring at the employee attendance sheet on his computer. The empty space next to Carmella’s name stuck out like a sore thumb. Annoyance flickered across his face as he thought about her absence. ‘Does she really think she can get to me by playing a disappearing act?’ he sneered in his head. Without wasting a beat, he barked out an order over the phone, “Clear out Carmella’s office and ditch all her stuff.” On the other end, Matthew’s assistant, Henri Zeller, hesitated, eyeing the document in his hand. “Uh, Mr. Gibson, about Mrs. Gibson’s…” he started, unsure. “What now? You gonna defy me?” Matthew cut in, icy as ever. Henri shook a bit. “No, Mr. Gibson. It’s just—Mrs. Gibson just called,” he blurted out nervously, “and there’s this document…” Inside the company, Henri was the only one who knew Carmella was actually Matthew’s wife. Beatrice had assigned Henri to Matthew, so he knew just how deep Carmella’s feelings went.
But now… Clutching those papers, Henri ended the call in a rush and headed straight for the CEO’s office. In the CEO’s office, Matthew casually flipped through the files, half-expecting another sob story or some kind of manipulation from Carmella. His lip curled in disdain. Yet, his reaction was one of stunned silence when he unfolded the papers to reveal bold, enlarged letters stating: [Divorce Agreement.] After a long, heavy silence, he let the papers flop onto the desk. Henri, standing a careful distance away, ventured cautiously,”Mr. Gibson, want me to call the lawyers?” Matthew sneered. “You think she’d leave so easily?” Henri mustered some courage before speaking, “Ms. Slater asked you to sign it and get the divorce papers ready. She says it’s the cleanest way to split.” Matthew remained silent, his eyes cold and dismissive. ‘A divorce, Carmella? Another one of your games?’ he thought. “Have you lost your senses, Henri? You think she can just come and go as she pleases? Who does she think she is?” Matthew’s grip tightened on the divorce papers before he fed them angrily into the shredder.
He glared up at Henri and snapped, “Where is she? Tell her I’m not playing her silly games.” Henri’s lips twitched. ‘She’s really gone, Mr. Gibson. This isn’t a game or a tactic. Mrs. Gibson is gone for good!’ “Why so quiet?” Matthew frowned. “Mrs. Gibson… has left,” Henri finally disclosed. “She left?” Matthew was confused. Henri nodded under Matthew’s intense gaze. “Yeah, she’s on a plane to Yowhayton as we speak.” ‘You’re really something, Carmella.’ A wave of fury washed over Matthew’s face. His eyes, usually deep and controlled, blazed with anger. He remembered the divorce papers—Carmella had asked for nothing, not even him in her life anymore. On the plane, Carmella softly touched her still-flat stomach, which gave no hint of the tiny life growing inside. She’d always dreamt of a child with Matthew, yet it never happened—until now, ironically as she’d given up on loving him. A new life, utterly unexpected, had made its quiet entrance. Knowing how Matthew could uncover any secret, she used her connections to orchestrate her escape. Is That Her Four years later, a tweet announced: [According to our reporters, internationally acclaimed actress Carmella has just landed at Clusia Airport.
Rumors suggest that she has been abroad for the last few years, turning down multiple offers to work in Clusia. What’s behind her sudden return?] The internet was abuzz with talk of Carmella’s comeback to Clusia to advance her acting career. Soon, headlines ran: [International star Carmella spotted in Clusia.] Veronica Scott, glancing at the latest Twitter updates, smirked as she turned to Fiona. “What do you know about Carmella?” Fiona’s expression soured at Veronica’s question. Over the years, her career in the entertainment industry had been lukewarm at best, and though once a prominent figure in the industry, she had been overshadowed by Veronica, who had ascended to stardom through more covert tactics. Never had Fiona imagined she would find herself in a calm conversation with Veronica about Carmella. Fiona had met Carmella once and couldn’t wrap her head around how an ex-secretary had burst onto the global scene, snatching up awards and becoming a leading actress just three years after her first gig. “Look, if she actually comes back, it spells trouble for us.
She’s an international heavyweight—only three years in and the whole world knows her name. If she hits the ground running here in Clusia, we’ll be left in the dust,” Fiona said. Her mind swirled with envy when she thought about how that secretary she used to look down on had become a celebrated movie star towering above her. “It’s troubling news for us, whether she returns to Clusia or not,” Veronica replied coolly. “You’re aware of her massive fame and fanbase. Even before she steps foot in Clusia, she’s already taken many opportunities that could have been ours. Endorsements, film roles, you name it. Carmella is the first name on every director’s list.” Fiona chuckled wryly. “So, what are you gonna do about it, huh?” Veronica eyed Fiona, her response nonchalant. “Doesn’t really hit me too hard if I lose a couple of gigs. I’ve got Matthew. And you?” Fiona scoffed, her gaze sharp with disdain. “Since it doesn’t seem to bother you, Ms. Scott, why bother coming to me? Just go enjoy being the lady of the Gibson family.” Fiona just couldn’t stand Veronica. ‘Zero talent and yet she carries herself like she’s the next best actress. The only reason she got anywhere was thanks to Matthew’s connections.
The nerve of her to strut around like she owned the place! Every time I saw her smug face, I wanted to wipe that grin right off. Without Matthew’s help, where would she be? Flaunting what, exactly? But I’mself-made—I climbed the ladder on my own merit, each rung a testament to my grit, unlike Veronica!’ Fiona thought, but those words stayed trapped in her chest. With nearly a decade in the entertainment biz, she was savvy enough to avoid the drama. Tangling with Veronica, with her powerful boyfriend’s shadow cast behind her, was asking for trouble. Veronica, picking up on Fiona’s silent vibe, drawled, “I’m just tryin’ to lend you a hand here, Fiona. We’ve been at it for ages, and I get it—it’s been rough for you. But between us, you’re not exactly my biggest worry. Carmella’s the real deal. With HiLife Media and her ace manager pulling strings, do you honestly think you’ve got a shot?” Fiona kept mum but couldn’t hide a knowing smirk. She saw right through Veronica—the idea of Carmella coming back had her spooked. Despite all her posturing, Veronica was clearly sweating the thought of Carmella stealing her thunder. “Why don’t you hit up your buddy Matthew for help? He’s got the clout here in Druflas. Taking down one rival starlet should be a breeze for him, shouldn’t it?” Fiona tossed the suggestion out casually. Veronica’s face tightened, her cool slipping. If she could’ve counted on Matthew, Fiona wouldn’t be on her radar.
“I’m busy, Ms. Scott. I have a film to shoot this afternoon, so if you’ll excuse me,” Fiona declared, already on to Veronica’s game. She knew Veronica was fishing to pit her against Carmella. ‘Want to use me to deal with your enemy? Gream on!’ she thought smugly. “Think it over, will you? I’m dining with Matthew tonight,” Veronica tossed back. A syrupy smile spread on her face as she snatched up her purse. A shadow crossed Fiona’s expression. She’d once tried—and failed—to charm Matthew herself. That mess had nearly sunk her career. The sting of rejection still bit deep. She couldn’t fathom how Matthew had fallen for someone like Veronica. As Veronica walked off, her smile flipped into a fleeting, wicked sneer. Meanwhile, Carmella was stealthily exiting the VIP lane in disguise. She scanned her surroundings cautiously. Four years ago, she had left Clusia in a sorry state, and now she was back under similar conditions. Last time, it was a desperate getaway, but now, she needed to dodge her own fans—they were a little too much. Her assistant, Melanie Garcia, got swamped by a crowd of Carmella’s fans as soon as they stepped off the plane. Melanie, worried about both Carmella and her young son, Mateo Slater, had to pull a fast one on the fans to get them out without causing a scene. “Mella…” Mateo called out. He knew his mom was a big deal, always catching her on TV and picking up on everyone’s love for her. Yet, he hadn’t expected her fame to be so overwhelming. Just moments earlier, he had nearly been injured by the swarm of fervent fans.
Clinging a little tighter to Carmella, Mateo called again, a touch of fear in his voice, “Mella!” ‘Mella?’ Hearing the name, Matthew, who was heading home from a business trip, froze. He turned towards the small, familiar voice and saw a woman in a baseball cap, her makeup thick and a tad overdone. It was the kid in her arms who had called out. Carmella peered down at Mateo, her heart sinking with guilt. His face was all panic and fear—a tough thing for such a little guy to handle, all because she was famous. Four Years “I’m sorry, Darling,” Carmella whispered. ‘Is that her voice?’ Matthew stopped in his tracks. He spun around, but the person he’d just heard had vanished. ‘Carmella? Was that really her?’ he wondered. “Mr. Gibson?” Henri noticed Matthew’s sudden pause. He hesitated, not sure if he should bring up that Veronica had called again. Matthew scanned the area, hoping to spot the figure from his memories, but he found nothing. ‘It can’t be her. She’s been gone for so long. Why would she come back?’ he reasoned. Shaking it off, he put on his usual poker face. He turned to Henri and asked, “What’s up?” “Ms. Scott called. She’s wondering when you’ll be back. She’s made dinner and wants to know if you’ll…” Henri reported. Matthew cut him off, “I don’t have time for that.” “Mr. Gibson…” Henri hesitated, glancing at the incoming call. ‘Why does Mr. Gibson keep her around if he doesn’t seem to care?’ he wondered silently.
Matthew glanced at Henri before taking the phone and answering it. “Matthew,” Veronica’s voice came through. “What is it?” His tone was flat, devoid of warmth. There was a pause. Then Veronica tried, “You’re back in town? Can I see you tonight? Maybe dinner? It’s been forever since we ate together.” Silence hung between them, then Matthew responded icily, “I’m busy.” “But Matthew…” Veronica’s voice wavered. His cold brush-offs weren’t new. At first, Veronica thought maybe he was still upset about her leaving ages ago, but now it was clear. He just wasn’t into spending time with her. “Don’t call me unless it’s urgent,” Matthew stated bluntly before hanging up. Deflated, Veronica let out her frustration in a curse, “Screw it!” Ever since her return four years ago, she noticed how much Matthew had changed. She longed for the days when he was kinder to her. If he were still that guy, Carmella’s comeback wouldn’t have her feeling so on edge. But she knew the score; Matthew wasn’t the same. Gone were the days she could count on him for anything and everything. Now, she had to step carefully, nurturing the remnants of their history together, just to keep a grip on the here and now. After settling Mateo at home, Carmella received a call from Melanie informing her that the investors for the film “Circle of Life” wanted to meet her. Reluctantly, Carmella agreed to go, recognizing the investors’ influential role in the industry. She arrived at the private room Melanie mentioned, pushing the door open to find the director and film crew already assembled. All eyes turned toward her as she entered. “Sorry, I’m late,” Carmella apologized.
“No, you’re not. Come sit with me,” Melanie responded, standing to pull a chair beside her for Carmella. In a subdued tone, she added, “Our main financier hasn’t arrived yet. We’re still waiting.” Carmella caught sight of the empty chair at the head of the table, a knot forming in her stomach—she had this nagging feeling she was about to bump into someone she’d rather avoid. Since coming back to town, Carmella felt like it was only a matter of time before their paths crossed, although she wished it wouldn’t happen too soon. Lost in thought, she barely noticed when the door opened again. Matthew strode in, mid-conversation on his phone, handling what sounded like a pressing matter. He caught a glimpse of Carmella, her face a familiar sight among the crowd. Carmella, meanwhile, was talking shop with a portly man. “Yeah, I’ve been abroad for a bit,” she told him, “just figured it’s time to check out the scene back home. No solid plans yet—I’m still figuring things out. Maybe you’ll have something for me down the line, Mr. Zucker?” She wore a faint smile as she answered his queries with ease. Then, she gave Melanie a sidelong glance. “Make sure to get Mr. Zucker’s phone number…” “Okay,” Melanie replied.
Carmella nodded and took a discreet sip of her drink. Navigating social gatherings like this wasn’t exactly Carmella’s forte. Although Melanie and the company team were accustomed to organizing such events, this was Carmella’s first time attending one. She had never liked these types of events, but now found herself without an option but to endure. Just as she was about to concoct an excuse to leave, a voice called out, “Mr. Gibson, there you are!” Matthew responded with a hum,his face unreadable. His eyes quickly sought out Carmella, never straying from her since he entered the room. The sight of that familiar face made his heart skip a beat. This woman, who had vanished four years ago leaving only a divorce agreement and no goodbye, the one he knew the whereabouts of but never dared to contact, had unexpectedly reappeared. She’d come back, crashing into his world out of the blue, catching him completely off guard. His hands clenched in his pockets. Four years—it had been that long since he last saw her. She was back, changed, walking a fine line between the woman he knew and a complete stranger. Confidence radiated off of her; she wasn’t the timid, yes-woman she had been during their three-year marriage. This Carmella was like someone with a brand-new soul. Matthew’s entrance created a palpable tension in the room. Dennis Lark and the other entertainment industry veterans quickly noticed Matthew’s odd behavior toward the top actress who had just returned. For a moment, they were unsure whether he was captivated by or displeased with the famous actress. In the charged silence, no one dared to speak.
“Mr. Gibson.” Carmella broke the ice in a measured tone Matthew frowned. After four years apart, he no longer remembered the Carmella who had always sought to please him, whose attention was solely focused on him, and who had seemed so fragile after enduring his cruel treatment. ‘Four years… She had been gone for all that time,’ he thought. ‘And I’ve come to realize just how determined she can be.’ Carmella lifted her eyes to meet Matthew’s inscrutable deep gaze. Years had passed, yet those eyes were as unfathomable as ever, impossible to read. Feeling the familiar pressure and awkwardness under that stare, she shifted her gaze away. “Mr. Gibson, ever heard of playing it cool? It’s not polite to stare at a lady like that,” she said, a trace of challenge in her voice. Her Scumbag Ex Matthew stood motionless, his intense gaze fixed on Carmella. The familiar, suffocating pressure made it hard for her to breathe. It had been four years since she’d seen Matthew, and she was convinced she didn’t care anymore. But here she was, her heart skipping a beat as their eyes met, questioning her own indifference. Wanting to put distance between them, Carmella stood up, offering a polite smile. “Mr. Lark, I’m not feeling well. Could you please discuss any further details with my manager? I need to return to the hotel.” Dennis, sensing the underlying tension, nodded understandingly. “Of course, take care of yourself,” he replied. “Thank you, Mr. Lark,” Carmella replied, picked up her purse, and headed for the door. As she stepped out, Matthew quickly caught up to her and grasped her wrist. “You disappear for four years without a word, and now you just show up out of nowhere?” She spun around, perplexed by his anger when she thought he had been the one who wanted her gone. “Since when do I need to check in with you, Matthew? It’s not like you own Druflas,” she retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm though a flicker of fear passed through her as she met his furious gaze. “Absolutely, you’re right. Druflas isn’t owned by my family, but you were my wife, you still are my wife! Why did you leave without a word? Did you ever think about me?” The anger Matthew had been holding back finally unleashed.
Red-eyed and furious, he stared at Carmella, the woman who had slipped away silently. He couldn’t fathom how she had left so easily, without a trace. Carmella was taken aback by his swearing. Members of the Gibson family were known for their polished demeanor, especially Matthew, who was regarded as a paragon of decorum. It was shocking to hear him curse. For some reason, she felt a hint of accomplishment for eliciting such a reaction out of him. “Mr. Gibson, you seem to have forgotten. We’ve had no relationship for the past four years. I sent you the divorce agreement, so watch your words and avoid any misunderstandings,” Carmella responded sharply. The mention of divorce papers hit a nerve. Matthew’s grip tightened. He was quick to remind her. “Sorry to break it to you, but I never signed those papers. You’re still my wife.” Carmella’s eyes widened in shock. She had assumed he’d be eager to finalize the divorce, eager to move on with someone he truly loved, since their three-year marriage had meant nothing to him. ‘So why hasn’t he signed it?’ Carmella had thought she understood Matthew, but now realized she had never really known him at all. “Signed or not, it’s time we made it official. Let’s head down to the courthouse,” she said coolly, yanking her arm free without sparing the man a glance. She glanced around, then pulled out her sunglasses and a mask, covering her flawless features. Turning to Matthew, who looked icily back at her, she asked, “Shall we go, Mr. Gibson?” “You want a divorce? Not a chance,” Matthew sneered, surprised at her insistence on not returning home with him but instead demanding a formal divorce. Carmella’s face hardened. “What’s your deal, Matthew? There’s no love here. If you won’t end this amicably, I’ll sue.” “Do you really think you can handle a divorce lawsuit?” Matthew challenged. Carmella fell into silence. Given her situation, going public with her marital issues or lawyering up for a divorce wasn’t in the cards. Internally, she fumed, ‘This guy’s really a scumbag!’ Determined not to waste her breath, she pushed past Matthew, who was blocking her way.
Caught off guard, he staggered back, watching her leave, his expression souring with each step she took. Seeing Carmella again was stirring up a storm of emotions he hadn’t expected. He’d convinced himself he disliked her, but her silent, decisive exit felt like a gut punch. Despite everything, he’d kept track of her over the last four years, too reluctant to actually reach out. Her absence hadn’t been the relief he’d thought it would be—it gnawed at him, a mix of discomfort and yearning. Now, he had to admit that despite their rocky past, Carmella still held a place in his heart. Carmella’s entire day soured from the moment she saw Matthew, and the unease lingered throughout her first night back in town. After a restless few hours of sleep, Melanie woke her up at dawn. Quickly getting ready, Carmella stepped out of the hotel to see Henri waiting patiently at the entrance. “Mrs. Gibson,” he said, a greeting that instantly rubbed Carmella the wrong way.
She gave him a frosty look. “Mr. Zeller, for the last time, I am not Mrs. Gibson anymore. I’m divorced. Please stop calling me that.” “Okay, Mrs. Gibson,” Henri responded. Carmella was left momentarily speechless by his nonchalant tone and knew by his faint grin he wasn’t taking her seriously. Her day was going south already. Henri, still smirking, pressed on. “Mrs. Gibson, if you’d follow me. Mr. Gibson is waiting in the car for you.” Without a word, Carmella turned her back on him, ignoring the Porsche parked nearby, and headed to her own car with Melanie in tow. “Mrs. Gibson,” Henri’s voice trailed off when Carmella shot him another glacial look. He hesitated, his confidence wavering as he watched her leave, wondering if he should follow. ‘What a tough way to make a living,’ he thought. Melanie glanced back at Henri, who stood glued to his spot, and remembered how he’d insisted on calling Carmella “Mrs. Gibson”. Her brows knitted in question. “Do you know him, Mella? Was he your jerk of an ex’s assistant?” “Yeah,” Carmella confirmed. “Since he’s here, does that mean your scumbag ex-husband is around too?” Melanie probed.