After 100 Twisted Games Goodbye Ex-Husband Chapter 18
I Will Protect You
That night, when Ethan came home, I told him everything.
“Ethan, he found me.
I’m in danger now.
He’s twisted enough to do anything.
I don’t want to drag you into this.
If you want a divorce…”
I couldn’t finish.
My voice broke.
This morning I’d told Julian I’d never divorce.
That my husband and I were happy.
But Ethan had saved me.
I couldn’t let him get hurt.
A flash of cold menace flickered in Ethan’s eyes.
But his hands gently gripped my shoulders.
His voice stayed calm.
“Hazel, I’m your husband.”
“Right now, you should lean on me.
Not push me away.”
I froze.
Then he pulled me into his arms.
“Don’t worry.
I’ve got this.
Just keep living here safely.”
His voice felt like warm water flowing into my heart.
It melted some of the fear.
But I still felt uneasy.
Ethan installed a camera at the front door.
Another in the living room.
He even set up an emergency alarm.
If I couldn’t call for help, I could press it.
He’d get the signal immediately.
I nodded.
Urged him to get to work.
I’d used my savings to open a bakery.
I was good at baking.
The cakes I made always amazed Julian.
A luxury car pulled up outside.
Julian stepped out.
Holding a huge bouquet of roses.
The shop was empty.
He walked right in.
“Hazel.” His eyes were full of longing and regret.
He approached the counter.
“Fresh Ecuadorian roses.
Your favorite.
Put them in the shop.”
My face was guarded.
“Why are you still here?
I made myself clear yesterday.”
“Haha, Hazel, that’s hurtful.” Julian forced a smile.
Set the flowers down gently.
Tried to buy a tart.
“I just want things to go back to normal.”
I didn’t want to argue.
I packed a tart.
Didn’t charge him.
Just wanted him gone.
“No, Hazel.
Then I’d owe you even more.”
Julian’s smile turned unsettling.
He clutched the tart like treasure.
Eyes locked on me.
“You go ahead.
I’ll head out.”
After he left, I exhaled shakily.
This was Julian.
Fast.
Thorough.
He’d already figured out where I worked.
He was like that.
When he wanted something, he’d get it.
No matter the method.
I was on edge all day.
Even gave a customer the wrong change once.
By the time I closed up and got home, I finally relaxed a little.
Ethan had to work late.
I got a text from an unknown number.
“Hazel, did you eat?
I had someone make your favorite crab wontons.
I’ll have them delivered soon.”
Obviously Julian.
I blocked the number immediately.
But the next day, the third day, the fourth—it continued.
He always showed up at my shop.
Bought one pastry.
Texted me at night from different numbers.
His presence made female customers giddy.
They thought it was sweet that a handsome guy came by regularly.
They’d get to admire him too.
But it only deepened my terror.
I didn’t know how to make Julian leave.
Because he was walking the line legally.
I couldn’t prove he was doing anything wrong.
It became a recurring nightmare.
Several times I dreamed he chained me up.
That I couldn’t escape.
“Hazel?” Julian stood in front of me.
Tilted his head.
Looked confused.
“Spacing out?
I’ll take a chocolate cake.”
My fingers went white.
My hands shook as I packed the cake.
I was on the verge of breaking.
Julian seemed to enjoy my reaction.
He chuckled low in his throat.
As if to say: *See?
Even after you left me.
Married someone else.
I can still control you.*
You can’t escape.
Then the door chime rang.
A tall figure walked in.
Strode straight to me.
Pulled me protectively into his arms.
“Hey, babe.” Ethan kissed my forehead.
Raised an eyebrow at Julian.
“Heard there’s been a creep hanging around.
Want me to throw him out?”
