Unforgettable Pleasure

No Longer Mrs. Cooley: The Architect's Return

Xiao Xiaosu

I went to the City Clerk’s office for a routine copy of my marriage license to finalize a trust fund audit. I expected a simple piece of paper, but the clerk’s pitying look told me my entire life was a lie. "The license was never finalized, Ms. Oliver. In the eyes of the state, you are single." The three-hundred-guest wedding at the Plaza and the Vogue features meant nothing. My husband, Gray Cooley, had intentionally filed the documents with a "procedural defect" so he could discard me without a legal divorce. Moments later, an iCloud invite titled "Our Little Secret" popped up on my screen. It was a photo of my best friend, Brylee, holding a positive pregnancy test at our Hamptons estate. Gray’s text to her was the final blow: "Happy anniversary, babe. This baby is the best gift. Once the trust unlocks today, we’re done with the charade." I soon discovered they were even stealing my career, reassigning my architectural masterpiece to Brylee while preparing my eviction notice. Gray's mother called me a "barren mule" in a leaked recording, mocking the infertility I suffered after saving Gray’s life in a construction accident. I wasn't a wife; I was a three-year placeholder used to secure his inheritance. How could the man I bled for treat me like a disposable prop? How could my best friend carry his child while pretending to comfort me through my darkest moments? The betrayal burned until it turned into a cold, hard stone of fury. I didn't cry. Instead, I walked into the penthouse of the Barretts, the Cooleys' most powerful rivals. I signed a marriage contract with Kane Barrett, the man the tabloids called the "Beast of Wall Street." "I want a wedding," I told his father, my voice steady and lethal. "Bigger than the one I had with Gray." If they wanted me gone, they would have to watch me become the woman who owns their world.

Modern Revenge Divorce

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"ROXY"

Downing another drink, I slid the shot glass back towards Ritchie, the barman. "Fill me up again Ritch."

"What's the magic word?" He teased with his usual cocky grin as he reached for the tequila bottle.

I pretended to think for a moment before giving him a sweet and innocent smile and replied,

"Alcohol."

He laughed and poured two shots. Moving nearer to me, he handed one over then clinked the second glass against mine before we tossed back the contents together. I knew Ritchie well by now. This club being my regular haunt, I often ran into him here both when he was on and off the clock.

We got on really well when I first met him, so well that we ended up spending the rest of the night chatting and drinking. Not that it ended there. After many drinks, we'd ended up going back to his place and hooking up.

He gave me a little wink before making his way over to some new arrivals at the bar. I don't usually keep in contact with my one night stands but with Ritchie, there wasn't much of a choice as I run into him so much. Luckily he isn't the type to make things awkward and that night was soon left in the past, these days us being just good friends. Something I'm happy about. He's a laugh and good company, after all.

I watched him serve some new customers for a moment before a familiar tune started up and an instant rush flowed through me. As I found myself standing and making my way across the room, my body instantly alive and moving to one of my favourite tracks.

The beat of the music coursed through me, the lights of the club illuminating the crowded dance floor. I'd barely been dancing for a few minutes before I felt a hard body press against my back. Hands gripped my waist, holding me closer. Before I could react, a voice I recognised called out to me over the music.

"Fancy seeing you here."

I laughed as I realised who it was and continued to dance, sure to sway my hips in just the right way so as to brush against him. I heard him groan before he bowed his head, speaking into my ear.

"If you keep doing that , you know what will happen."

A warm heat flushed through my chest at his words. I knew exactly what would happen, from a recent experience. I placed my hands over his, sliding them lower down my body until they rested on my hips.

"Maybe I want it to happen." I replied.

Before I could say or do anything else, he spun me around to face him. My long dark hair fanning out around me, his mischievous grin and the twinkle in his bright blue eyes instantly brought back memories of a few nights earlier. How he had touched me, kissed me, pleased me. He was definitely one of my better hook ups. One I definitely wouldn't mind another round with.

"Well I know I wouldn't mind a repeat of the other night." Dylan said.

"Is that so?"

I leant closer. My body pressed against him, as his hands made their way lower until they settled on my ass. My own travelling up his arms, resting on his broad shoulders. I felt the rumble in his chest as he let out a small moan. Tilting my head up, I let my gaze meet his before flicking down to his mouth. I remembered the feel of his lips against mine, the alcohol buzzed through me and I instantly wanted to feel them again.

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