After 100 Twisted Games Goodbye Ex-Husband Chapter 17
Julian Finds Me
The next morning, Ethan gave me a kiss.
We had breakfast together.
He left for work.
Reminded me to lock the door.
Not to open it for strangers.
I smiled.
“I’m a grown woman.
I can take care of myself.
Go on.”
Ethan’s eyes softened.
He kissed my forehead.
Then reluctantly stepped into the elevator.
After he left, I cleaned the kitchen.
Was about to take the trash out.
The moment I opened the door, I saw that nightmare face.
The one I never wanted to see again.
Julian stood in the hallway.
His tall frame blocked the entire space.
His eyes were bloodshot.
When he spoke, his voice was hoarse.
“You owe me an explanation.”
My heart leapt into my throat.
Instinctively, I tried to shut the door.
But his hand shot out.
Wedged it open.
The strength difference was insurmountable.
Even with all my effort, Julian pushed his way in effortlessly.
He grabbed me.
Held me so tight it felt like he’d crush me into his body.
“Let go!
Get out!” I struggled desperately.
It was useless.
“Hazel, did you have fun faking your death?
Watching me lose my mind over you—does that make you happy?”
“I’m not Hazel!
Get out or I’m calling the police!”
My heart pounded.
My brain raced.
I had to get rid of him.
Damn it.
I’d worked so hard to fake my death and escape.
Why did Julian find me so easily?
Would I never be free of him?
Julian looked devastated.
His arms tightened even more.
“You think I can’t see?
I had someone investigate.
You faked your death.
Changed your identity with help from some guy named Ethan.
You even married him.”
“Why?
She’s MY woman.
How could she marry someone else?”
Julian felt betrayed.
His heart was exploding.
That guy was just a nobody.
A low-level office worker.
He couldn’t compare to Julian in any way.
Why would I marry him?
I finally broke free.
Slapped him hard across the face.
Smack.
The sound echoed through the apartment.
Julian’s cheek turned red immediately.
“Julian, I’m warning you.” I was panting.
My voice shook.
“I never want to see you again.
Disappear from my life.
Forever.”
Julian’s whole body went rigid.
His blood felt like it was flowing backward.
He stared into my eyes.
Those clear, beautiful eyes that used to look at him with such tenderness.
Now they only held disgust.
Hatred.
No.
This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.
We shouldn’t have ended up here.
“Hazel, let me explain.”
Julian stepped back slightly.
His eyes reddened.
“I’ve only ever loved you.
Bella was just an actress I hired.
I was terrified of losing you, so I tested you that way.
I didn’t know she’d swap the gun.”
“And Nana.
The baby.
I’m so sorry.
But why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?
If I’d known, I never would’ve let you play that game… No, it was all Bella’s fault.
I’ve dealt with her.
She lost both her legs.
She’s in a psych ward.
If that’s not enough, I’ll make her disappear quietly.”
Julian’s voice broke as he recalled everything.
But the way I looked at him only grew more terrified.
I grabbed a fruit knife from the table.
Pointed it at him.
Backed away.
“Hazel, don’t look at me like that.” Julian’s eyes filled with pain.
His voice trembled.
“I’d never hurt you.
I’ll handle your divorce.
Come back with me.
We’ll get married.”
My eyes flashed with scorn.
“Julian, the Hazel you’re talking about?
She died in your game a long time ago.”
“No.
She died the first time you watched her suffer and did nothing.
Now when I see you, I only feel sick.
You remind me of nothing but pain.”
“My husband and I are very happy.
I will never divorce him.
If you push me, I swear you’ll watch me die in front of you again.”
Julian’s eyes darkened.
Afraid I’d actually do it, he quickly backed toward the door.
“Okay, Hazel.
I won’t push you.
Just put the knife down!”
He couldn’t lose me again.
He needed me alive.
I watched him retreat completely.
Then I moved forward.
Slammed the door.
Locked it.
A moment later, his footsteps faded.
He was gone.
I collapsed against the floor.
Weak.
Took a shaky breath.
My whole body was drenched in cold sweat.
I’d barely won this new life.
I wouldn’t let anyone destroy it.
But what about Ethan?
I hesitated.
The Voss family was untouchable in this city.
Julian was obsessed.
Ethan had finally found peace.
What if Julian tried to hurt him?
No.
I couldn’t let my history with Julian ruin Ethan’s life.
