Stunning the World After Divorce
14 min left
Chapter 16 You Can Only Pick One
Caroline watched the reporters scatter like rats, her whole body trembling with fury.
She turned to glare at Caleb, noticing confusion on his face too.
Just as Caroline was about to question him, someone stepped out of the lead car.
The figure murmured a few words to the crew, shooing away the press, then turned toward her building.
The bright lights illuminated his figure. A black coat outlined his tall frame, and the earring glittered. It was Anthony.
He still wore that faint smile on his face.
The second she recognized him, Caroline and Caleb locked eyes and blurted out in unison, “What’s he doing here?”
Caleb let out a sneer. “He bailed you out of lockup himself, and now he’s showing up at your doorstep. And you’ve got the nerve to ask me why he’s here?”
Before long, a polite knock sounded at the door.
Anthony’s refined voice floated through. “Caroline, you home?”
Caroline frowned, unsure whether to confront him or investigate
1/7
09:40
Chapter 16 You Can Only Pick One
secretly. But the door shifted.
It cracked open an inch.
She realized Caleb had forgotten to lock it in his rush!
14 min left
With an awkward showdown looming, Caroline’s mind raced.
She raised her voice quickly. “Hang on! I’m changing!”
Anthony, ever the gentleman, paused mid–push. “Of course.”
She grabbed Caleb and shoved him toward the bedroom. “Get in there and stay put till he’s gone.”
The scene was absurd. Caleb looked like a guilty lover caught in the act, while Anthony was the unsuspecting husband returning home.
Caleb’s face darkened to a scowl as he hissed, “You’re making me hide? Are you out of your mind? What, I’m supposed to sit in there listening to you two flirt?”
She gave him a hard shove. “Quit yapping and move! Step out, and I’ll make sure the whole city knows your dirty laundry by morning!”
With that, she smoothed her clothes in a hurry and called out, “Alright, come on in.”
2/7
09:41
Chapter 16 You Can Only Pick One
Then, Anthony stepped inside.
14 min left
Caroline cut straight to it. “Anthony, why’d you chase off those reporters? How’d you even know where I live? What exactly do
you want?”
“You know I’ve always wanted you,” he confessed, locking eyes with her. “I started looking into you a year ago. I’ve got your every move mapped out.
“Those reporters? Forget them. I saw the trending mess and knew tonight would be chaos. I didn’t want them hounding you, so I cleared them out.
“You dropped a bombshell online. The media’s gonna swarm you like wolves, and that’s a headache you don’t need.”
Just then, a sudden crash sounded from the bedroom.
Anthony’s eyes flicked toward the shut door.
Caroline rolled her eyes. “Ignore it. Probably just a dog downstairs.”
She steered the conversation back. “I haven’t quit my job yet, and the divorce isn’t final. Your bailing me out was already crossing a line. I appreciate it, but I’ve paid you back.”
“The thing is, your stunt today threw a wrench in my plans. Mr. Garcia, if your company’s vibe is meddling in employees‘
3/7
09:41
Chapter 16 You Can Only Pick One
personal lives, I might need to rethink jumping ship.”
“You think I’ve done all this just to poach you for a job?”
Caroline’s guard shot up. “What do you mean?”
14 min left
Anthony didn’t answer. Instead, he shrugged off his heavy coat.
Her eyes widened in shock.
Underneath, he wore a shirt made entirely of interwoven pearls.
The gaps between them were wide, revealing his toned chest and lean waist.
He stepped closer, the pearls clinking together with a crisp, suggestive chime.
“What if I told you I’ve been watching over you because I fell for you ages ago?”
His words hit like a thunderclap.
Caroline was flooded with emotion.
All she felt was fury. Blinding, scorching fury.
“We’ve barely met! Are you drunk or high?” Her brows furrowed tightly. “Say that again, and I’m calling the cops!”
4/7
09:41
Chapter 16 You Can Only Pick One
But Anthony kept closing in, forcing her to backpedal.
14 min left
“I first saw you across a negotiation table, and your brilliance hooked me. I fell for you, but you were married, so I kept my distance.
“But your tweet today? It’s clear your marriage is toast. And me? I’ve got a way to get you out clean.”
Caroline’s voice turned frigid. “If your ‘way‘ is sleeping with me, that’s not a divorce, that’s getting kicked to the curb.”
“Your husband’s already with Michelle. He doesn’t care how you end this marriage. And wouldn’t it be more satisfying to show him you’ve moved on to someone better?”
Before he finished, the bedroom door flew open with a bang.
“I do care!”
Caleb stormed out and clocked Anthony square in the face. “How dare you mess with my wife?”
For once, Caroline thought Caleb was heroic,
It felt like the most righteous thing he’d ever done!
Anthony wasn’t short, but he was no match for Caleb.
The punch sent him sprawling, pearls scattering across the floor,
5/7
09:41
Chapter 16 You Can Only Pick One
14 min left
baring his trim waist.
He winced in pain.
As Anthony struggled, Caroline caught a glimpse of a tattoo on his lower abdomen.
It stood out, oddly so.
The Garcia family was Chicago royalty, and Anthony’s upbringing was strict as hell. She felt his elders would’ve never let a tattoo slide.
She squinted for a better look, but Caleb stepped in front, blocking her view with a mocking jab. “What, enjoying the view?”
Caroline’s temper flared.
Anthony seized the moment. “Mr. Martin, you’ve seen today’s hashtags. That’s all you, man. You lost your rights here. Why are you creeping in her bedroom? She doesn’t want you. Only stalker here is you.”
Caleb smirked. “At least I’m not dressed like a stripper.”
“I just set the mood for a wild night. My fit’s on point.”
“You’re a walking sleaze show.” Caleb taunted. “Head to toe, you scream ‘cheap.“”
6/7
Chapter 16 You Can Only Pick One
14 min left
Caroline bit back a laugh. These two idiots…
But Anthony dragged her in. “Look, Caroline, I’m here to help. Ditch this loser for good. Right now–him or me?”
Write your comment
1
