Breaking Free from the Ex-Husband novel Chapter 5

aid put it back. You hear me?” he snarled.

“Yes,” she said quickly, not pushing her luck. Then she spun and barked new orders at the movers.

Heriberto unbuttoned the top of his shirt, still irritated. “What did Iris say before she left?”

“Mrs. Hale, she-”

“Mrs. Hale?” he cut in, turning to scowl at Mara. “What did you just call her?”

Mara quickly looked down, a spark of satisfaction flickering in her eyes. “Ms. Aguilera didn’t say anything. She just walked out like she didn’t care.”

He grabbed a glass nearby and smashed it. “Have someone keep an eye on her,” he said, his jaw tight.

“Yes, Mr. Hale.”

***

Iris and Nathaniel pulled into Bluehaven Estates.

It was one of the most upscale properties in Ardiham. Each unit took up a full floor, and the security was airtight.

She was still asleep when the car rolled into the garage.

Nathaniel stepped out and gently lifted her into his arms.

But as soon as the elevator doors closed, she woke up.

“Nathaniel, put me down.”

“You sure you’re okay?” he asked.

She nodded.

He didn’t argue and set her down carefully.

She glanced at the panel. Only 37 was lit. She hit 38.

Nathaniel looked down at the floor and let out a dry laugh. “You’ve never stayed up there. Why not just crash at mine for now? I’ll have your place cleaned before you move in.

“Wait, the new product test results came out, right?”

Iris shook her head, brushing it off. “Can you ask the secretary to set up a video conference in thirty minutes?”

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Chapter 5

He frowned, shocked. “You’re thinking about work right now? You never used to be like this.”

She gave a bitter smile, eyes dropping to her belly. “It’s different now. I’ve got two kids to raise.”

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Back then, work had been a passion, but her energy had gone elsewhere, not into management or product develop-

ment.

But now, everything changed.

Nathaniel followed her gaze. After a pause, he asked, “After everything he did, you’re still keeping his babies?”

He’d never doubted Iris before.

But after watching her pour everything into Heriberto for years, he couldn’t help feeling for her now.

“No.” She looked up and shook her head, smiling. “Heriberto’s got nothing to do with them anymore.”

***

The conference dragged on for over three hours.

When it finally ended, Iris was ready to stand and stretch. Then a pop–up flashed in the corner of her screen.

It was a tabloid headline: “Heriberto Whisks Melanie Away: Books Entire Revolving Restaurant, Gifts Multi–Million- Dollar Antique Cello.”

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