No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 81

CHAPTER 081

CHAPTER 081

LAUREN’S POV

+25 BONUS

After I was done with the meeting, I stepped out of the boardroom, finally free for the day. My body felt heavy, the kind of exhaustion that sank into your shoulders and made even walking feel like a task. What I needed more than anything was a long, cold shower once I got back home – a chance to let the stress slide off me. The thought of the water rushing over me was comforting enough that I almost forgot I wasn’t alone in the corridor.

But of course, I didn’t make it very far before someone stopped me.

“Lauren,” a voice called from behind me.

I turned around, a little startled, and saw the manager approaching. His shoes clicked softly against the floor as he closed the distance between us. I straightened my posture quickly and pulled up a polite smile.

“Good presentation today, congratulations,” he said once he reached me. His tone was even, not overly warm, but certainly not dismissive either.

Unlike the manager back at the headquarters who was cold, calculating, and sometimes even condescending

this one carried himself differently. He wasn’t exactly friendly, but there was a trace of decency in his manner, a level of professionalism that made him more tolerable. Nicer, yes, though not by much.

“Thank you very much, sir,” I replied, accepting his extended hand for a firm handshake.

He didn’t let go immediately. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, his expression growing more serious. “I stopped you because I wanted to inform you about something. It’s very important. In fact, it’s huge. But…” he paused, almost hesitating, “I’m not sure you’ll like it.”

The firmness in his voice, coupled with the grave look on his face, made my curiosity spike. I straightened my back even more, suddenly alert.

“Okay, sir. What is it?” I asked.

He drew in a breath, as though preparing himself to break some heavy news. “The…”

He didn’t get to finish. The phone in his hand buzzed loudly, interrupting him mid–sentence. His eyes dropped instantly to the screen, and for the first time since our conversation began, I saw a flash of genuine surprise cross his face.

Adjusting his glasses, he muttered almost to himself, “It’s Mr. Hale.”

I raised an eyebrow, unable to hide my surprise. Of all people.

Even I knew how rare it was for him to call this particular branch directly. This company was his, yes.

The manager cleared his throat quickly, his composure returning. “I need to take this. I’ll send you an email concerning what I wanted to tell you.”

And just like that, he was already striding toward his office, his phone pressed against his ear. His long strides carried him so quickly that by the time he finished his last sentence, he was practically at the door.

CHAPTER 081

+25 BONUS

I didn’t even bother to reply. What was the point? He was already gone, his attention swallowed up by the voice on the other end of the line. I just gave a small nod to myself and turned back toward the exit, my heels clicking lightly as I walked away.

The cool afternoon air brushed against my face the moment I pushed open the glass doors leading outside. Relief washed over me. Finally, I could breathe again. My hand slipped into my pocket automatically, and I fished out my car keys.

The sight of the small fob in my hand made me smile without meaning to. That’s right. I have a car now. Not just any cara Range Rover Vogue.

My dream car.

Even after all this time, I still felt a thrill every time I approached it in the lot, sleek and commanding with its bold frame and shining black paint. I had worked for this, earned it, and there was something deeply satisfying in knowing that it was mine, bought with my own effort, not handed to me out of pity or convenience.

Funny enough, I remembered how many times I used to beg Ethan for this exact car. I would bring it up casually, sometimes seriously, sometimes playfully, but he always refused. He always said no. Instead, he would choose for me, deciding on what he thought was “better” for me. A car that fit his vision of who I should be, not who I actually was.

Never caring how I felt, I don’t blame him. That’s what you get when you have to rely on someone for everything, even down to your feeding – you just have to take what you get, whether you like it or not. That was my reality once. I used to swallow the disappointment just because I had no other choice.

But that was Lauren of five years ago.

Now, things are different. Now, I can get what I want, when I want. And the best part is that I don’t have to beg, plead, or wait on someone else’s mercy to live the life I deserve. I’m so proud of myself that I’ve reached this level in my life, where I don’t need anyone to dictate what I can or can’t have. I worked hard to get here. I fought sleepless nights, heavy tears, and struggles no one else saw, and I made it through. I promised myself and my daughter, Elena, that I would get to this stage, and slowly but surely, I have.

Do I have billions sitting in my account? No. Do I own private jets or yachts? Not yet. But do I have independence, stability, and the confidence to say I’m standing on my own? Absolutely. And sometimes, that means more than any yacht or mansion money can buy.

I switched on the car engine and it purred to life, quiet but firm, the way a good car should sound. It wasn’t flashy or loud, but it carried presence.

My gates slid open automatically as I drove in, the sound of the metal rolling back echoing faintly in the calm afternoon. It didn’t take long before I parked neatly and turned the engine off. The silence that followed was almost comforting.

I let out a small sigh, leaning back in the seat for a moment. When I glanced at the time on the dashboard, I frowned slightly, it was already 3 p.m. Even though I left work earlier than usual today, the damn traffic had swallowed up most of my time. That’s Milan for you, I thought with a roll of my eyes. No matter how much you plan, the traffic always finds a way to win.

And it wasn’t just traffic. I had also made a stop at the supermarket to pick up more groceries.

2/3

CHAPTER 081

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