Never Fall in Love - Outline, Summary, and Excerpt
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Wanda Patterson never wanted to date again. After escaping an abusive three-year relationship, she tried to avoid all men. Still traumatized from the experience with Ferdinand West, she struggled to make it in the world alone. Losing her parents as a child didnât help, and her strict uncle barely let Wanda leave the house until college. Now at 25, sheâs determined to make her way. Then she bucks into her childhood neighbor, Evan Barton. Now the owner of a chain of bakeries across the United States and a millionaire. Then things turn dark when her ex-husband Ferdinand tries to force her to return.Â
Evan Barton, at age 30, always cared about Wanda. But while they were neighbors, they never really got along and were often enemies. It devastated him when she moved away at 13 when her parents died. They knew each other well despite their age difference. That stopped when Wandaâs strict uncle cut off contact. He came to accept never seeing her again. So imagine Evanâs surprise seeing her at one of his locations chatting with one of their bakers. At first, theyâre wary of each other but glad to reunite. Evan invites her to an event, but things go awry when Ferdinand shows up, declaring that he and Wanda are getting back together. Thatâs when Evan finds out about Wandaâs devastating past. He comes up with the idea of a fake engagement to scare Ferdinand off, and she has to live on Evanâs estate. The pair get close and fall in love. But can romance bloom with Ferdinand in the background, determined to take Wanda away at any cost?
Wanda - a 25-year-old woman whoâs damaged from past trauma. Sheâs trying to move on when she bumps into Evan. Wandaâs 5â7 with dark hair that used to be blonde, blue eyes, white skin, and a petite figure. Wanda worked as a receptionist at a rental agency while focused on staying safe. Wanda was in a three-year abusive marriage with Ferdinand. At around age 24, she got the strength to leave. Now at 25, and a year later, sheâs moved on. She also lost her parents at a young age and had to move in with her overprotective uncle, who kept her away from the world as much as he could. She finally got away from him when she went to college. So, Wanda had a lot of damaging things happen in her life. Wanda wanted to find love but was scared of meeting another abusive man.
Evan - 30-year-old businessman and millionaire Alpha Male. Reuniting with Wanda was unexpected. Evanâs 6ft tall, athletic build, tanned white skin, wavy blonde hair, and grey eyes. Evan felt he was too busy for romance.
Wanda tried to move forward after being free of Ferdinand, her abusive ex-husband, for one year. After an abusive three-year marriage, she avoids men when she can. While not hating them, Wandaâs still extra careful. Sheâs also had other devastating traumas (she lost her parents at a young age and went to live with an overprotective uncle) that left her damaged and wary. Wanda worked as a receptionist (also mentioned in chapter four) at a rental agency. While Wanda tried negotiating with one of the bakers at The Dramatic Bakery. Sheâs reunited with her childhood neighbor and old enemy, Evan Barton. She found him incredibly handsome. Theyâre not friends but kept things as civil as possible. Evan invited Wanda to an event, and she accepted.
Evan was glad to have Wanda by his side despite them being enemies. She was beautiful and shy, which he found cute. Evan recalled the past when despite their feuds as kids, he stood up for Wanda. Like when a boy nearly shoved her into the street because she wouldnât flirt with him. Evan punched the guy, and Wanda was never bothered again. But the high-class event went awry when Ferdinand West, a new up and commer in business, declared that he and his ex were getting back together. When it was revealed to be Wanda, she fled the event. Evan later learned about the abusive past, and his alpha male side activated. He would protect Wanda, no matter what.Â
Wanda was horrified that Ferdinand found her. Worse, she called the police station and discovered her restraining order against her ex-husband was rescinded. Ferdinand called and told her that they were getting back together, and she would tell everyone that the abuse accusations were lies. Wanda refused and hung up in tears.
Evan visited Wanda at her receptionist job to check on her. Wanda blushed upon seeing Evan so unexpectedly. She took a short break so they could chat.
When Ferdinand tried to get into the building, security refused. Wandaâs horrified when security notified her of Ferdinandâs presence. Evan offered to sneak her out the back and into his limo. Evan suggested taking Wanda back to his place since Ferdinand seemed to know her movements. Wanda was nervous, but Evan promised his home was secure, so she agreed. Wanda called her boss and gave a quick explanation. The boss allowed Wanda to leave and told her to stay safe.
Wanda was at Evanâs place and felt terrified. She agreed to be at Evanâs home to hide from Ferdinand but was still scared. Ferdinand kept calling and texting her phone. Evan called the police, demanding they reinstate the restraining order. The stress caused Wanda to faint, and Evan cared for her. Wanda felt like everything was falling apart. But at least she had Evan. However, theyâre still sort of enemies and bickered with each other.
Evan was at his workplace when Ferdinand visited. Evan had arranged time off for Wanda with her boss. That way, Wanda could lay low. The ex demands why Evanâs in his business and hiding Wanda away. Evan told Ferdinand that he wouldnât let harm come to Wanda.Â
Ferdinand then threatened to destroy Evan if he didnât back off. Evan made it clear that he wasnât scared of abusive losers(Wanda told Evan that Ferdinand was abusive in chapter two). That if Ferdinand had been a good husband, it was unlikely that Wanda wouldâve ended the marriage.
Wanda went to the market with a pair of Evanâs security men. She was surprised to see her uncle. But things went sour when he commanded Wanda to return to Ferdinandâstating that a man hitting a woman wasnât a big deal. The uncle added that Evan would give a lot of money if Wanda returned as Ferdinandâs wife. A devastated Wanda left the market in tears. She couldnât believe her uncle would accept a bribe from Ferdinand.
Evan was furious upon hearing what happened at the market. He had a restraining order placed on the uncle to keep Wanda extra safe. Evan had a more challenging time getting one for Ferdinand regarding Wanda. Ferdinandâs legal team argued that Wandaâs delicate mental state invalidated her abuse claims. But Evan got a small victory because he recorded Ferdinand threatening him at his business. So Evan got a restraining order against Ferdinand for himself and anyone associating with him, which included Wanda, as long as the pair were near each other. Ferdinand had to stay away.
Wanda was glad that she had some form of distance from Ferdinand. Even though she had to stay around Evan to do it, being around a hot guy youâre supposed to hate wasnât bad when he was kind. Wanda got a call that someone had set her workplace on fire, and she knew it was Ferdinand. Her ex-husband wouldnât let her go.
Evan had an idea. He and Wanda would fake a relationship and pretend to be engaged. She was hesitant, but Evan insisted this would get Ferdinand out of her hair. Evan didnât mind being around a beautiful woman for a while since Wanda had to stay on his estate. Wanda agreed to the fake union. When they shook hands, Wanda blushed while Evan grinned.
Wanda thought the idea was wild, but they were out of ideas. At least Evan had the funds and protection that kept her and himself safe. They announced the engagement and prepared to go out on their first date.
Evan was determined to protect Wanda. Even though they were supposed to be enemies, he knew deeper feelings existed. She acted coy around him and blushed at inopportune times. But he couldnât force things since Wanda was already damaged by men in her life. The date was at a restaurant, and everything went well. Wanda kissed him on the cheek in thanks.
Wanda wasnât sure what to think. She had a great time with Evan and wanted to go out more. Did that mean she had feelings for him? No, this was temporary. She couldnât fall into another relationship trap like Ferdinand. She was better off being single and mobile. Once Ferdinand was out of the way, she and Evan would break things off.
Evan bumped into Wanda, wandering around the estate. Wanda blushed and looked away. Evan decided not to bring it up. But he liked how cute she was when being bashful. He offered to take her to his private library, and she accepted. Things got hot and heavy, and they had sex on one of the tables.
Wanda couldnât believe she had sex with Evan. He was a famous baker and business owner. She was a nobody. A man like that was off-limits for her. Especially if she wanted to live off the radar and away from Ferdinand, she still thought Evanâs hot and amazing in bed.
Evan took Wanda on another date. They had a great time, and Evan admitted he had a crush on Wanda. Wanda said he was nice but was unsure if she could be more than a friend. She blushed, and the pair enjoyed the rest of the evening.
Wandaâs horrified to learn that her uncle is trying to have her committed, stating that her relationship with Evan is part of a delusion. Worse than that, Evan is the abusive one trying to hold her hostage. Wanda decided it was time to take everything public. Clearly, privately moving in with Evan and then doing a public fake engagement wasnât enough. So she decided to take drastic action to protect herself and Evan. Wanda did a press conference revealing the full extent of the abuse. Despite the damage, she wanted to stand up for herself. Perhaps public pressure would make Ferdinand and her uncle back off.
Evan went after Ferdinand demanding that Wandaâs ex takes back the lies. Ferdinand claimed that he was only trying to protect Wanda. Both are surprised by the press conference. Ferdinand was angrier than ever, and Evanâs proud of Wanda.
Wanda ran up to Evan and kissed him when he arrived at the press conference. She was shocked at herself but decided to go with it. This time she took him to one of her favorite places for their next date. Both had a great time and got closer.Â
Evan knew that Wanda had feelings for him. He prepared to ask her and state that their engagement and marriage should be genuine. But he got an emergency call that Wanda had been declared legally unfit and taken by her uncle. The uncle now had conservatorship over Wanda and had control of where she could go. Including not allowing her to see Evan.
Wanda was terrified. Her uncle had taken her away, and the conservatorship allowed him complete control of her person. For years, stars like Britney Spears (feel free to look up her conservatorship for a better understanding) got stuck under those. Wanda prayed that Evan could save her. Her uncle took her to a cottage where Ferdinand was waiting. Ferdinand stated that he was taking her away where nobody could stop them from being together. The uncle could use the conservatorship to claim that Wanda was away for her health. Wanda was horrified and didnât know what to do.
Evan searched for Wanda and even went to the uncle. The uncle declared that Wanda owed him, and Ferdinand promised plenty of money. The uncle boasted that Wanda was always damaged, and nobody believed her abuse claims despite them being true. Evan revealed their conversation was being recorded. The uncleâs scared and spills the beans in exchange for Evan not giving the recording to the cops, with the condition that the uncle never contacted Wanda in the future.
Wanda was scared as Ferdinand took her to a secret airport. He planned to fly them away where nobody could find her. But Evan showed up with his security team and beat up Ferdinand. Evan asked Wanda if she loved him, and she said yes. They kissed on the tarmac.
Evan was nervous about the wedding. Wanda teased him and promised that they would be together forever.
One year later, Evan and Wanda were happily together with twin baby girls.
Never Fall in Love - Excerpt
Wanda never wanted to rely on another man again. She couldnât believe Parker Limpfoot forgot to reserve the cake celebrating their bossâs wedding anniversary. Mr. Roberts had supported her during her time at the rental agency, and she wanted to make this upcoming birthday special. Despite her suggesting the cake and location, Parker insisted on making the order because he had worked there four years longer. The majority overruled her, and she had to allow Parker to take credit for her idea. Now, she was stuck cleaning up his mess.
She raced to The Dramatic Bakery to get a rush order by tomorrow. The bakery had a forty-eight-hour standing order. So this was going to be a nightmare. Nobody else stepped up to correct Parkerâs mistake. They were leaving Wanda in the lurch. Either she fixed this or let the boss get a random cake that wouldnât hold the same sentimental value.
Parker didnât even have the guts to correct his mistake. He always preferred to have other people clean up his messes. Wanda had been smart enough to avoid working with him until now. The lazy coward claimed his daughter had a toothache and bailed. Both of them worked at a rental agency where she was a receptionist.
Anyone looking at Wanda saw a meek white brunette with blue eyes and a petite figure. It was hard to show others a deeper side. She had dyed her blonde hair dark to try and create a new look to fit a colossal do-over. Disasters and abuse wouldnât dominate her life. She had to take the reigns and make the world she wanted to live in.Â
Worse, she had a history of hooking up with abusive men who only used her. Which made her extra wary of men personally, professionally, and romantically. She didnât need to fall for the false words of another monster. The one who refused to leave her alone had a restraining order against him. Anytime she recalled Ferdinand West, she shuddered.Â
Meeting the love of your college life was a big cliche. But thatâs what she thought upon meeting Ferdinand. He was handsome, intelligent, and had a fiery temper when provoked. Wanda ignored the final one until she was in too deep. Wanting love in all the wrong places was her life motto. Now, she wanted to avoid complications and live a normal life.
âHello,â Wanda entered the bakery. Everything looked delicious and extravagant. The owner was supposed to be some big-shot baker who won a baking contest and went on to open a franchise business. âI called to tell you about the mix-up. Iâm Wanda Patterson.â
A receptionist looked her up and down. âSo youâre the straggler of the week.â She pointed Wanda in the direction of a frowning baker. The look on the womanâs face told Wanda things werenât going well. This bakery was a high-ranking establishment. Nobody would care that a random woman wanted a last-minute cake for her boss.
âMaâam, I told you weâre not making an exception,â the baker stated. He stood over six feet with dark skin, brown eyes, and a bald head. On any other day, he would probably have a friendly smile. Today, his frown and folded hands made the man look like a bouncer.Â
âI told you this wasnât my fault,â Wanda protested, âPlease, this is my bossâs favorite bakery, and nothing else would make him happier tomorrow afternoon.â It was humiliating standing in the middle of the store begging. The baker saw her as nothing more than a time waster.
âThatâs not my problem,â the baker said, âWe have orders months in advance, and no one will put them on hold for you. The bakery has already filled out the available listings for stragglers like yourself. Weâll have space for your type next month. If you place an order now like everyone else.â
Wanda was on the verge of tears. She had no idea what to do. While she understood this wasnât the baker's fault, it seemed so unfair that Parkerâs mistake had caused so much chaos. âPlease, I know this looks like a silly complaint. But I need this order. Iâll do anything.â
âMax, whatâs the problem?â a man walked in from the back. He was tall, tan, and handsome as if walking right off a movie set and into reality. She was too stunned to speak and kept gawking at the appearance of such a sexy specimen.
âNothing, boss, another straggler demanding we drop everything,â Max rolled his eyes.
âMaâam, is there anything we can do to help you?â a handsome man approached her.Â
Wanda ran her fingers through her long, dark hair. âThere was a mix-up, and Iâm trying to clear it up with one of your bakers. If youâre the owner of this establishment, please know youâre very handsome. I mean, welcome to hear my full story. My nameâs Wanda, by the way.â
âWait, Wanda Patterson. No way, that you?â the handsome owner spoke.
Wandaâs eyes widened. Did this man say her full name? âDo I know you from somewhere?â Unlikely since she wouldnât forget a man this handsome. Perhaps he saw her at the rental agency while she was filing papers or something like that.Â
Itâs me, Evan,â the owner revealed, âremember we were neighbors as kids?â
âBarton?â Wanda shrieked, scaring everyone at the bakery. She had been drooling over her childhood bully? Life couldnât be this cruel. The teen she remembered looked nothing like this hunk of meet standing before her. There had to be a mistake.Â
âPlease donât shout,â Evan said, âyouâve grown up.â There was the recognizable snark she hated as a kid. Evan always wanted to act superior because he was the older one. Why would the universe bless a jerk like that with a hot body in their adulthood?
Wanda couldnât believe Evan Barton had grown into a handsome millionaire baker. The boy she knew back then was gangly with scraggly hair, five years older, her neighbor and the neighborhood bully. Back then, his parents were barely scraping by. The money wouldnât be a problem now. Creating a luxury bakery business like this didnât come cheap.Â
âYou look great, by the way,â Evan said, âfor a string bean.â
âHar, har, cockroach boy,â Wanda countered. A roar of laughter broke out through the bakery. The wide-eyed look on Evanâs face nearly made her giggle. She never forgave him for pulling that prank on an innocent mother on their block. Though Evan kept swearing that day that he wasnât responsible. Nobody in their suburb believed him.
âI didnât do that prank,â Evan denied, âIâm not scaring a mother pushing a baby stroller. Anyway, whatâs happening here.â He looked genuinely shocked, and Wanda felt terrible. Perhaps he was innocent or even forgot about the incident. Either way, that was in the past, and what mattered was focusing on things in the present.
Wanda explained her situation. Detailing what kind of person Parker was and how kind and loyal her boss had been. She needed to get that cake from this bakery. She felt mortified at the idea of begging her childhood bully for help. But what mattered was Mr. Roberts's big day tomorrow. Wanda could swallow her pride and do whatever it took to get the cake.
To her surprise, Evan demanded her phone and contacted Parker himself. He chewed Wandaâs coworker, calling the freeloader a jerk and a coward. Stating that a man didnât hide behind a woman to cover up their mistakes. He warned that the lazy guy better let her take all the credit for this cake. Once he hung up, there was no doubt everything would be fine.
âMax, youâll make an overnight rush order for this woman. I know thatâs unusual, but this order was supposed to get placed in advance, and itâs not her fault,â Evan stated, âBesides, I can do something nice for a cute old enemy,â he winked.
âAlways a charmer,â Wanda blushed, âThank you.â Standing next to Evan now was heartwarming and awkward. It's lovely that he agreed to let her do a last-minute rush order. But it was embarrassing that she checked him out moments before he revealed his identity.
âGet a room, you two,â Max walked away, rolling his eyes.
âItâs not like that,â Wanda denied while Evan coughed heavily and had to hold a nearby column for support, âI didnât know youâd think it was that bad.â She had changed since childhood but never thought Evan would find her repulsive. Perhaps she thought of him as a savior too quickly. One kind act didnât make him an angel. Wanda wasnât the hottest woman in the universe, but being with her couldnât be so bad it sent Evan into a coughing fit.
âNo, itâs not you,â Evan cleared his throat, âMax is a real joker.â His ears were red, and he was breathing irregularly. Did any joke make him this way, or only ones with innuendo?
âI probably should get going,â Wanda decided, turning for the exit, âit was nice seeing you again.â Evan helping her was a tiny bright spark in a mortifying reunion. She never wanted to dawn the steps of this bakery again. Wandaâs had enough complications with the awkward drama. It was too bad that Evan was so handsome now. She hoped to meet a man half as sexy when things were stable enough to try dating again.
âWait,â Evan strode over, âwhereâs the fire? We only reunited a few minutes ago.âÂ
Standing next to a tall, handsome man felt both exciting and frightening. She couldnât forget the dark times with men who took advantage. No matter how hard she tried to pretend that everything was fine. Wanda knew not all men were bad. But finding the good ones and keeping their attention seemed like the worldâs biggest challenge. Evan was a famous guy. He wouldnât want a plain girl like her by his side. He could pick any hot woman he desired.
Evan seemed to sense her discomfort and took a step back. He surveyed her a second time. It's less like a random meet-up and more like someone scrutinizing a person. It seemed forever before he spoke. âI donât want to rush things, but meeting someone from the old neighborhood is nice. I know you left, but I still remember the cute girl I had a rivalry with.â
âA lot has changed,â Wanda bit her lip, âyou never mentioned the hair.â Why did she say that? Evan had no obligation to talk about her dye job. What was making her act so strange? Did seeing one handsome man make her forget every type of manners?
âI assumed you preferred it dark,â Evan shrugged, âyou look good either way.â His answer made her feel quite beautiful. So he did notice and didnât mind. That was a good start.
âThank you,â Wanda smiled, âSo you won a cooking challenge and became a big shot?â
âIs that what I am?â Evan chuckled, âBesides my parents, few people from our old stomping grounds took my win well. They think I now live above my station.â He acted calm, but Wanda could see the hurt in his eyes. Being shunned by your neighborhood had to hurt.
âThatâs awful. You deserve everything you have,â Wanda said, âOne thing you never were was lazy. Donât let anyone make you feel less.â
âYes, Maâam,â Evanâs face brightened, âI have an event this weekend. Iâd like you to come with me. As a way for us to hang out in style.â
âWhat kind of event is it?â Wanda asked. Her inner voice screamed to turn him down. She wasnât ready to go out with men again. But this was Evan. The invite had to be friendly.
âA fancy thing introducing another member of the new money business club,â Evan shrugged, âit will be fancy, fun, and a little bit dull, so please come.â
âWith that invitation, how can I refuse?â Wanda burst out laughing.
Telling Max he wasnât coming to the New Money Gala went down badly. Evan did his best to explain the sudden change in plans. Evan wasnât thinking when inviting Wanda. Now, a close friend was furious, and they had every right.Â
Seeing Wanda again was unexpected. After she moved away and her uncle cut off access, Evan had to accept they would never see each other again. That creepy relative didnât allow Wanda full internet access or social media access. It seemed they were destined to remain apart. Meeting up at his bakery was a miracle; he didnât want to lose touch again.
Evan still remembered the day he almost lost Wanda forever. Before her parentâs death caused her to move away, another close call happened when they were kids.Â
The sun cast a warm golden glow over the suburban neighborhood, illuminating the picturesque houses and tree-lined streets. It was a peaceful Saturday afternoon, but within the confines of this idyllic setting, a storm was brewingâone that would forever change the lives of two unlikely companions.
Evan, a mischievous 16-year-old with a penchant for pranks and a knack for assuming he was always right and the strongest, strutted down the sidewalk, his confidence shimmering in his eyes like a sparkler on the Fourth of July. His mischievous grin was a telltale sign that trouble was never far behind.Â
As he rounded the corner, his gaze fell upon a figure that made him smirk and grace. There she was, Wanda, the feisty 11-year-old who saw through his façade of bravado and considered him nothing more than a joke for being a bully. Dressed in her favorite pink shirt and denim shorts, with her blonde curls bouncing with every step, Wanda exuded an air of independence and strength that fascinated and irritated Evan equally. He was a teenager, and she was a little kid. The girl should have worshipped him but dismissed Evan instead.
Their rivalry was as predictable as the rising sun, filled with eye rolls, sarcastic banter, and a never-ending battle for supremacy. And yet, beneath their constant clashes, there lay a glimmer of something elseâa connection formed by the shared experiences of growing up in this mesmerizing suburban wonderland. She was a know-it-all who could back it up.
One fateful day, all of that nearly came to an end.Â
âHey, Iâm talking to you,â a boy in a red shirt and blue jumper walked up to Wanda.
âAbel, leave me alone,â Wanda insisted.
Evan, who had been walking, stopped to witness the interaction. He didnât like the way this kid was acting toward Wanda. But he wasnât her friend. It's better not to interfere.
âIâm the coolest boy in our class,â Abel said, âyou must be my girlfriend.â
Evan almost burst out laughing.Â
This silly boy had approached Wanda, filled with misguided intentions and arrogance. Abel demanded her attention and flirtation. But Wanda stubbornly refused. Nobody could force her to do something she didnât want to do.
Evan's instincts overtook them without skipping a beat as he witnessed the boy's hand lunge toward Wanda's shoulder, determined to push her into the street. The jerk nearly put the young girl in the path of an oncoming car.
Evan's feet propelled him forward in a blink, heart pounding, adrenaline surging. He ran ahead, lunging over a neighborâs hedge and two bushes, reaching just in time to pull Wanda out of the way of deathâs door.
With the fury of a lion defending its pride, he unleashed a torrent of fists upon the unsuspecting jerk. The clash of knuckles meeting flesh echoed through the quiet neighborhood, mingling with Wanda's startled gasps. Time seemed to slow as the weight of this encounter pressed upon their young souls, forever intertwining their destinies.
Their eyes locked, and Evan and Wanda shared a momentary understanding. That no matter what, there were lines they wouldnât cross in their rivalry. Or stand by and let others cause them harm.
Evan was glad that Wanda didnât die that day. But fate was cruel, and a later tragedy forced Wanda to move away.Â
Underneath the shimmering chandeliers, Evan led Wanda into the opulent ballroom of the New Money Gala. The exquisite silk gowns and tailored suits surrounding them seemed to sway like a sea of elegance. Despite their turbulent past, Evan couldn't help but feel grateful for having Wanda by his side. She looked stunning in her midnight blue dress, her shyness adding an endearing touch to her beauty.
"Here's our table," Evan gestured toward a round table draped with ivory cloth, where three other guests were already seated. "Wanda, meet Harrison, Lila, and Amelia."
"Hi, nice to meet you all," Wanda said softly, offering a small smile as her blue eyes glanced at each new acquaintance. Everyone responded in kind.
âHarrisonâs a philanthropist who revolutionized solar power in a small Russian village and fell into riches,â Evan said, âLila and Amelia are business partners who created a lavish fashion line for fat women.â
"Welcome, Wanda," replied Lila, the warmth in her voice inviting.
As they settled into their seats, the evening's performances commenced. A captivating opera singer graced the stage, her powerful voice resonating throughout the hall. Next was a mesmerizing ballet that entranced the audience.
Evan could sense Wanda's tension melting away as they shared quiet laughter at the magician's tricks. Her hand brushed against his briefly, sending a jolt of electricity through him. He wanted to protect her from the world, even if it meant facing their complicated history.
Lila stood up and went on stage. Her voluptuous frame looked graceful as she walked in a stunning red dress. âNow, to introduce our newest addition, Ferdinand West.â
Evan noticed Wanda's knuckles turning white as she gripped her champagne glass. âDo you know him?â he asked but got no answer.
However, the elegant atmosphere suddenly turned when Ferdinand West, a rising star in the business world, stepped onto the stage. He began recounting his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a self-made millionaire. The audience cheered as Ferdinand spoke about being the first in his family to attend college. He was a handsome man exuding bad-boy charm and charisma.
"âŚand that's where I met the love of my life," Ferdinand continued, the crowd leaning in to hear more. "But things didn't work out, and she left me. Then, as fate would have it, my business took off, and I became a millionaire just weeks later."
The audience applauded, but Evan couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. He glanced at Wanda, her face now pale.
"Tonight," Ferdinand boomed, "I want to share with you all that my ex-wife and I are getting back together. She's here with us. Wanda, would you please stand up?" he pointed in her direction.
In that instant, the entire room seemed to hold its breath. Wanda's eyes grew wide with terror. Evan noticed that her body was trembling as she remained seated. He felt an overwhelming urgency to shield her from the unwanted attention. However, it was too late â all eyes were on their table, and Wanda was exposed.
With trembling legs, Wanda stood up, her eyes locked on Ferdinand. She turned on her heel and fled, her elegant dress billowing behind as she raced through the opulent ballroom.Â
"Excuse me," Evan murmured, pushing his chair back and following Wanda. He couldn't simply stand by after witnessing the sheer terror in her eyes. Whoever this Ferdinand was, there had to be something evil about that man to scare Wanda.
Evan had to sprint after Wanda, who burst through the back exit. Tears streamed down her face, and he could hear the shaky breaths from her body. She leaned against the cold brick wall on unsteady feet.
"Why?" she sobbed, her hands shaking with frustration. "I changed my hair and returned to my maiden name... and still, he found me."
Evan approached slowly, recognizing the need for caution. "Wanda, what's going on? Who is that man to you?"
She looked at Evan, desperation in her eyes. "Ferdinand West â my ex-husband. For three years, he made my life a living hell. He beat me so many times. Iâd die before going back."
"Your ex-husband? Wait, he beat you?" Evan asked, trying to hide his shock. He couldn't believe the woman he had known as a child had suffered so much.
Wanda nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I left him over a year ago and got a restraining order. But it seems that doesn't mean anything now."
Evan clenched his fists, his alpha male instincts kicking in. He wanted nothing more than to keep Wanda safe from this monster. Though they hadn't seen each other in over a decade, he couldn't help but think their reunion happened for a reason.
"Listen, Wanda," Evan said softly, touching her shoulder. "I won't let him hurt you. I promise."
Wanda hesitated before nodding, her eyes searching Evan's face, begging for comfort. "Thank you, Evan," she murmured, taking a deep breath.
They stood in silence, united by their shared past and newfound determination. The New Money Gala continued inside, ignoring the drama outside its doors.
Evan's heart raced as he looked around, searching for any signs of Ferdinand lurking nearby. The air felt thick with tension, almost suffocating him as he took in the gravity of the situation.
"Let's get out of here," Evan whispered urgently, his hand tightening around Wanda's arm as they walked together through the shadows. He couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching, that Ferdinand was just waiting for the right moment to strike. What kind of abusive ex thought freaking out his former partner in public was romantic?
"Where are we going?" Wanda asked softly, her voice trembling with fear. She clung to Evan's side as they moved through the darkness, desperate for protection against the ghost of her past.
"Iâm taking you home," Evan replied, his mind racing with plans to keep Wanda hidden from her monstrous ex. He knew it was his fault that Ferdinand had found her at the gala, that he'd inadvertently led the wolf straight to its prey. The guilt weighed heavy on his chest and fueled his determination to protect her.
"Thank you, Evan," Wanda murmured, her eyes glistening. "I don't know what I would do without you."
"Hey," Evan said gently, stopping to face Wanda and cupping her face in his hands. "You don't need to thank me. I should have never let this happen in the first place."
Wanda shook her head, trying to silence his self-blame. "It's not your fault. You didn't know."
"Still," Evan insisted, his jaw set with resolve. "I won't let anything happen to you, Wanda. I promise."
As they continued navigating the dimly lit streets, Evan's thoughts swirled with the possible motives for Ferdinand's actions. Was he seeking revenge for Wanda leaving him, or did he want her back? The uncertainty fueled Evan's protective instincts, and he knew he had always to be vigilant.
"Listen," Evan said as they turned a corner, the city lights growing brighter in the distance. "I know we had our childhood feud and then didnât see each other forever. But we always had an understanding. Do you remember that day I saved you from Abel and that oncoming car? We will never let the other come to harm if we can stop it. Remember?â
"We'll figure out our next move," Evan continued, his eyes scanning their surroundings with heightened alertness. "Whether that means working with the police or finding another way to keep you safe, we'll ensure Ferdinand can't hurt you again."
As they walked, side by side, through the night, Evan felt the weight of responsibility settles on his shoulders. But instead of crushing him, it gave him strength. He would stand tall against any danger for Wanda, determined to shield her from the darkness that threatened to consume her. Nobody would hurt Wanda on his watch.Â
Wanda stared at the chipped paint on her modest apartment door, a stark reminder of the life she had built away from Ferdinand. The knot in her stomach tightened as she recalled the horrifying moment he found her at the gala. Evan's presence had been comforting as they fled the scene. She didnât blame Evan for being discovered. It couldnât be a coincidence that her ex attended an event in the same city she lived in.Â
She glanced around her tiny living room, feeling a pang of embarrassment. The mismatched furniture and worn-out sofa were a far cry from the luxurious lifestyle Evan must have led as a millionaire. But despite the contrast, Evan had sat with her, his eyes filled with concern, as they talked late into the night. His presence was a soothing balm to her frayed nerves.
"Thank you for staying with me, Evan," she whispered as she watched him walk away by the window. She wished she could hold onto that feeling of safety forever.
Wanda shut the curtains against the golden Sunday morning light with a heavy sigh. Today was hers to think, plan, and figure out what to do next. How does one cope when an abusive ex reappears?
"First things first," she murmured, picking up her phone and dialing the police station. Her heart raced as the line connected, and a gruff voice answered.
"Officer Stevens speaking." The officer sounded resigned and tired. Wanda couldnât imagine how many calls this one officer had to deal with every day. She would try to keep things brief. After all, the restraining order was in place. Wanda wanted to confirm that and have Ferdinand get a stern reminder that heâs supposed to stay away.
"Hi, Officer Stevens. My name is Wanda. I have a restraining order against my ex-husband, Ferdinand. He tried to talk to me at a public event, and Iâm certain that goes against the terms of the order. I want him arrested or warned against further attempts to confront me."
"Let me check for you," he replied, and Wanda could hear the sound of typing in the background. It felt like an eternity, but it was only seven minutes. She counted every second, hoping that once confirmed, there was a way to ensure Ferdinand couldnât contact her again.
"Ma'am, I'm sorry, but a judge rescinded your restraining order. Ferdinand's lawyer managed to get your claims thrown out in court. They argued that you were emotionally disturbed and easily influenced. Iâm surprised nobody informed you of this development." The officer revealed.
Wanda clenched her jaw, her hands shaking. "What? How can they do that without even informing me?" Everything she went through to get away from Ferdinand and have that restraining order set up was for nothing. A random judge threw away all her progress.
"Unfortunately, it's not unheard of," Officer Stevens sighed. "I apologize for the oversight. There is nothing we can do until Ferdinand commits a crime against you or the restraining order gets reinstated. Itâs awful when victims arenât properly protected. Iâm sorry, Wanda."
âSo Iâm supposed to sit and wait until he attacks me?â Wanda demanded, âThatâs no protection at all. How can the law do this to people? Iâm the victim.â
âPlease donât snap at me. Iâm just the messenger,â the officer stated.
"Youâre right, Iâm sorry. Thanks," Wanda muttered, hanging up the phone. Her thoughts raced as she tried to process the information. She felt betrayed by the system that was supposed to protect her. She was left vulnerable to attacks from Ferdinand at any time in one swoop. No wonder he was so confident about declaring they were still together. Without the restraining order, he could pop by anywhere she frequented and try to make her return.
"Deep breaths, Wanda," she whispered, trying to calm down. But the fear lingered, as did the question: What could she do now? Ferdinand held the cards; worse, he was now a wealthy, legit businessman. Wanda was a receptionist who accidentally killed her goldfish last month. There was no competition here. If Ferdinand came for her, she couldnât stop him.
Wanda paced the small living room, her steps echoing off the worn wooden floor. The sky was overcast outside her window as she clenched and unclenched her fists. How could this be happening? How were women supposed to trust the justice system if their abusers could have restraining orders rescinded at any time?
Her mind raced back to her years of abuse before finding the strength to turn Ferdinand in. The judge hadn't even given him prison timeâjust a misdemeanor for battery and a warning never to do it again. Back then, Ferdinand's lawyer boasted they could get that charge dropped, and it seemed thatâs what happenedâleaving Wanda completely unprepared for Ferdinandâs comeback. Now, he was a charming businessman everyone liked. Wanda felt sick. Her ex-husband was already dangerous and resourceful before becoming rich.
The phone's shrill ring cut through her thoughts, making her jump. She hesitated momentarily, her heart pounding, before picking it up. What kind of ninny was she being scared of a phone? The Ferdinand situation was fraying her nerves.
"Hello?" Wanda tried to answer with a pleasant tone. There was no need to let others know her life was falling apart.
"Hello, Wanda," came the cold, familiar voice. "It's me, Ferdinand."
She swallowed hard. It was evident that Ferdinand would contact her again. But she didnât expect it would be so soon after the gala. "What do you want?"
"Simple, my dear. We're getting back together. I'm never letting you go because you belong to me." His words were like icy daggers, sending chills down her spine. "And you better not have anything with that Evan guy you ran off with at the gala. I have people who will get their hands dirty getting rid of one silly man trying to take whatâs mine. So be a good girl and return to where you belong. By my side, doing everything I want without question."
âEvanâs a friend. Leave him alone,â Wanda begged, âwe only reunited a few days ago, and he invited me to the gala. Itâs nothing.â If Evan got hurt because of her ex, she would be devastated. Why did Ferdinand have to be such a monster?
âYou were always smart as a stump,â Ferdinand sighed, âNo manâs taking a broad to something like that for no reason. He was originally supposed to come with his pal, Max.â
âI didnât know that,â Wanda said. Evan acted like it was a sudden decision. Then she recalled that the baker she met had the same name. Not only did he end up having to do her rush order. She inadvertently stole his ticket to a big-time event. Wanda felt even worse.
âOf course not. Youâre a cute idiot, and I like that,â Ferdinand sneered. He always enjoyed putting her down. âBabe.â
"IâI've moved on," Wanda stammered, her voice shaking despite her best efforts. She had worked so hard to be free of Ferdinand. Why was life so cruel? What reason did fate have to bring back this horrible man into her life?
Ferdinand laughed cruelly. She remembered that scary laugh. A slap across her face often followed it. "Pathetic. You will tell everyone that those abuse accusations were lies. I will be your husband again, and you will obey me."
Wanda's throat tightened, tears welling in her eyes. "No, Ferdinand. I won't let you control me anymore."
"Watch me," he replied coldly, âyou are mine.â
âDonât call me again,â Wandaâs voice shook, âitâs over, and I hate you,â she hung up.
Tears streamed down Wanda's face as she returned the phone to its cradle. She wiped her cheeks with her hand, feeling more lost and alone. The weight of Ferdinand's threats settled heavily on her chest, making breathing difficult. She had no restraining order, and Ferdinand was deadset on getting her back. Going to trial again to fight him alone was impossible. Seeing him in the flesh once already almost gave her a fatal heart attack.
"Think, Wanda," she whispered, trying to devise a plan. She knew that running wasn't an optionâFerdinand would find her again somehow. And involving Evan seemed unfair; he was a good person who didn't deserve to get dragged into this mess.
As she stood there, feeling the walls close in around her, Wanda realized that she had to do something. She couldn't let Ferdinand win. She had come too far to let him drag her back into the darkness. Wanda stared out the window, her reflection blurred by the raindrops trickling down the glass. Her heart ached uncertainly and felt as fragile as one of her porcelain tea cups.
"Think, Wanda, think," she muttered, her blue eyes searching the stormy horizon for answers. Running wasn't an option â she'd tried it once before, and Ferdinand still found her. The man was relentless, and now, with his newfound wealth, he had the resources to hunt her down no matter where she went.
A tear slid down her cheek, mingling with the rain outside. She thought of Evan, the kind-hearted businessman who had welcomed her back into his life after all these years. He had money, too, but he was nothing like Ferdinand. Evan was an honorable, decent man who wouldn't dream of crossing the lines her ex-husband eagerly trampled over.
"Maybe I should call him," she whispered, her thoughts turning inward. "He deserves to know about Ferdinand." Evan wouldnât hesitate to be by her side.
But a part of her hesitated, fearing that involving Evan would only worsen things. How could she ask him to face the monster that haunted her past? What if Ferdinand hurt him, too? Her ex was already furious about seeing her at the gala with another man. It didnât matter that they were friends. By the time Wanda married Ferdinand, she wasnât allowed to have male friends. In truth, Ferdinand isolated her from every friend she had.
"Help me," she breathed, barely audible above the howling wind. "I don't know what to do."
Ferdinand was right. She was pathetic. But was it her fault she wasnât some natural-born fighter? Why should Wanda have to change herself for a monster? The law had turned its back on her, and thatâs why this mess was back with a vengeance.Â
She paced the room, her mind racing as she weighed her options. In the end, she knew the only way to stop Ferdinand was to confront him head-on, to find a way to prove to the world that he was not the charming businessman he pretended to be. Yet the idea of even trying made her want to faint away to the underworld.
"I canât fight Ferdinand alone," she muttered, grinding her teeth. "But the law has abandoned me, and I donât want to put Evan in any more danger. I wish my parents were still here.â Now she understood why some folks took the law into their own hands. Everything felt hopeless.
Wanda heard the start of falling rain. Perfect. The weather was matching her foul mood. She wanted to feel courageous and determined to take Ferdinand on. Drive him back into the shadows as a one-woman army. But thatâs not the type of person she was. Wanda was a soft woman who hated fighting and used her head. Right now, she was out of ideas. Ferdinand wanted to regain control of her life. She had more to lose now, and her ex knew that. And if Evan learned about her struggle, he would rush to help beat her demons and possibly end up dead.
"What should I do?" Wanda whimpered. She learned a long time ago that nobody got away with crossing Ferdinand. She felt foolish thinking she ever got away from his clutches. Now, he was a celebrated millionaire and businessman. There was no way that he would stay on the sidelines for long. Ferdinand was coming for her.
Evan's jaw clenched as he replayed the image of Ferdinand cornering Wanda at the gala. The guilt gnawed at him like a relentless itch, and he knew he couldn't keep it to himself. He sat on the park bench with his friend Max, a beam of sunlight filtering through the canopy of leaves above them.
"Max, I can't help but feel responsible for Wanda getting discovered by that monster," Evan said, his voice tight with frustration.
"Hey, man, it's not your fault," Max reassured him, placing a hand on Evan's shoulder. "Guys like Ferdinand are dangerous and possessive. With his resources, he would've found her eventually."
Evan sighed, watching children playing nearby, their laughter echoing through the park. He wished Wanda could have some of that carefree joy in her life. "I know you're right, Max, but still..."
"Listen, Evan, don't get involved in other people's relationship issues. Just stay safe," Max advised.
Evan nodded, letting Max believe everything was fine. There was no need to drag him into this situation. At least Max wasn't angry about losing his spot at the gala to Wanda anymore. But Evan knew deep down that he couldn't simply stand idly by. He had to protect Wanda, even if he had to do it alone.
As he watched a young girl chasing after a butterfly, Evan's thoughts wandered back to the Wanda he knew as a kid. She was always outgoing, never allowing anyone to push her around too much. She had a soft side and wasn't a physical fighter. Yet now, Wanda seemed so timid, so broken.
He recalled his past, the shame of being a childhood bully weighing heavy on his chest. But he understood that some of his actions came from the neighborhood shunning his family, barely working-class people who could afford a home in a middle-class area. Evan had moved on from those days but never forgot the importance of remembering and respecting those who stood by him.
"Max," Evan said, his voice firm, "I won't let Wanda suffer any longer. I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe."
"Alright, man," Max replied cautiously, sensing the determination in Evan's tone. "Just remember, you can only do so much."
Evan nodded, watching the children play in the sunlit park. He knew this wouldn't be easy, but he had to try. For Wanda's sake, he would find a way.
Evan approached the glass doors of Wanda's office building, his heart pounding with concern and determination. He couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to see her to protect her from Ferdinand's grasp. As he crossed the polished marble floor of the lobby, he made sure to speak with the security guard on duty.
"Hi, I'm here to see Wanda," Evan said, flashing a reassuring smile. "Could you please let her know I'm here?"
"Of course, sir," the guard replied, picking up the phone to inform Wanda of her visitor.
Evan waited anxiously, eyes scanning the reception area for any sign of danger. When Wanda emerged from behind her desk, her face lit up with a shy blush at seeing him. That radiant smile warmed Evan's heart and ignited his protective instincts. He didn't want anything or anyone to extinguish that light ever again.
"Hey, Evan," she greeted him softly, a hint of surprise in her voice. "I wasn't expecting you."
"I just wanted to see if you were okay," he replied. "And I hoped we could talk."
Wanda ran a finger through her dark hair. "Did you get any strange phone calls recently?"
Evan shook his head. "No, nothing like that. Why do you ask?"
"Never mind," Wanda murmured, unwilling to burden him with her fears. "Let me take a short break so we can chat. My co-worker Ebony offered to cover for me.â
 Wanda told Evan that she worked in a friendly environment where she felt supported and understood. Mr. Roberts, their boss, had hired Wanda after she openly explained her past as a survivor of abuse. He knew firsthand the devastating consequences of domestic violence, having lost his sister to it.
With Ferdinand's reappearance at the gala, Wanda had emailed Mr. Roberts about the situation. In response, he immediately updated security with Ferdinand's photo and ordered them not to let him in under any circumstances. Every unguarded entrance or exit was locked until further notice, creating a fortress around Wanda.
Evan led Wanda to a quiet corner of the lobby, the sunlight streaming through the windows casting a warm glow on their faces. He was relieved that Wanda had people who cared and made an effort to ensure her safety.Â
"Thanks for coming to check on me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Of course," Evan replied, his heart swelling with protectiveness. "I just want you to be safe, Wanda."
As they sat there, talking about everything and nothing, the world outside seemed to fade away. For a moment, they were simply two souls reconnecting, drawing strength from each other in the face of adversity. But even within the sanctuary of the office building, the threat of Ferdinand loomed like a shadow, a reminder that the battle to keep Wanda safe was far from over.
Evan and Wanda sat in the waiting area, surrounded by the muted colors and soft lighting that gave the space a sense of calm. Evan turned to face her. "How are you holding up, Wanda?"
"Day by day," she replied, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of vulnerability. "That's all I can do right now."
As they talked, Evan found himself marveling at the luck of their reunion. "You know, if you hadn't come into the bakery that day, we might never have crossed paths again," he said, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "It almost feels like fate, doesn't it?"
Wanda laughed, a light, tinkling sound that made Evan's heart swell. "That's a bit silly, don't you think? But I am glad we met again. And I'm so happy for your success, Evan." Her blue eyes sparkled with sincerity. "I had no idea you were such a wizard in the kitchen."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Neither did I for a long time. I learned from my grandmother and great-grandmother, but my mother couldn't cook to save her life. It was a secret talent until I got a job as a chef after flunking out of law school â a path my father wanted me to take, not one I desired. But every experience taught me how to move forward, and eventually, I participated in culinary contests and won big. Now, I'm just grateful for how far I've come."
"Rightfully so," Wanda agreed, her gaze warm and admiring. "You've achieved so much."
Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden arrival of a security guard, who jogged over to them and leaned down to whisper something into Wanda's ear. Evan watched as the color drained from her face, her eyes widening with fear.
"Is everything alright?" he asked, his brow furrowing with worry.
Wanda swallowed hard, her voice barely audible. "Ferdinand is trying to get into the building. Security stopped him, but he's insisting that I want to see him and that we're just having a lover's quarrel."
Evan's hands clenched into fists, anger boiling at Ferdinand's audacity. For the man to be this brazen meant he believed he could break Wanda â but Evan wouldn't let that happen. He would do whatever it took to protect her and ensure she had the chance at the life she deserved.
Evan's jaw tightened as he studied Wanda's frightened expression, her blue eyes filled with dread. Turning to the security guard, he asked, "Is there a back way out of here?"
The guard nodded. "Yes, it's through the service corridor. I can show you."
"Thank you," Evan replied, determination etched on his face. He turned to Wanda and tried to offer her a reassuring smile. "Listen, I have a limo waiting outside, and I don't want you trying to find a taxi while Ferdinand is lurking around. I think it's best to return to my place for now."
Wanda hesitated, her fingers toying with the hem of her blouse. "I don't know, Evan. Are you sure it's safe?"
"I promise," Evan said firmly, his grey eyes locking onto hers. "I won't let anything happen to you."
Taking a deep breath, Wanda finally nodded in agreement. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed Mr. Roberts' number, hushedly explaining the situation.Â
âFind a way out of the building without Ferdinand noticing,â Mr. Robert instructed, âSince the restraining orderâs gone, the most I can do is call the police to complain about Ferdinandâs refusal to leave our property after being rejected entry.â
âIâm so sorry to put you through this,â Wanda apologized, âI have a friend with me. Weâll leave together.â
âExcellent, stay safe and donât come back to work until youâre sure things have died down,â Mr. Roberts said, âWeâll get by without you for a while. Take care, Wanda.â
Relief washed over her face. âI will, Mr. Roberts, thank you.â
Evan listened in, grateful for Mr. Roberts' support. It was a shame that Ferdinand had managed to shatter Wanda's sense of safety at her workplace â a place that had provided her a chance to rebuild her life.
With the security guard leading the way, Evan guided Wanda through the dimly lit service corridor. The scent of cleaning supplies and stale air filled their nostrils as they made their way toward the exit. Wanda clutched Evan's arm, and he wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders. Stepping outside felt like escaping prison.
"Almost there," Evan whispered. "Just a little bit further."
Evan's heart pounded as they neared the limo, the sleek black vehicle a beacon of safety amid the chaos. His grip on Wanda's hand tightened, her fingers trembling like fragile glass within his own.Â
"We made it, Wanda," Evan reassured her, trying to ignore the unease crawling up his spine. But even as the words left his lips, a man across the street turned in their direction.
"Hey, Wanda! You can't get away!" The man yelled, his voice harsh, twisting like a knife in Evan's gut. He turned toward the sound, spotting the goon signaling to someone hidden from view. "Ferdinand! She's over here!"
Adrenaline surged through Evan's veins, propelling him into action. He pushed Wanda forward, urging her to hurry as they sprinted toward the limo. They practically stumbled inside, slamming the door shut behind them.
"Go, now!" Evan barked at the driver, panic clawing at the edges of his voice. "We're being chased!"
The driver nodded, his face set in a determined grimace. As he reversed and sped off, someone slammed against the side of the limo, leaving a sickening thud in their ears. As promised, the driver's knuckles whitened around the steering wheel, "I'll keep you both safe."
Evan glanced at Wanda, her eyes wide with fear, and tried to smother his rising panic. Ferdinand had gone too far. If Wanda had been alone when she left work, one of those goons might have grabbed her.
Evan couldn't help but wonder if his property would be enough of a safe haven. Though he had security measures in place, the thought of Ferdinand's relentless pursuit haunted him. Wandaâs ex would cross any line to get her back.
"Are you okay?" Evan asked, his voice barely audible over the drone of the engine.
Wanda nodded, her breath hitching as she fought back tears. "I'm just... I can't believe this is happening."
"Hey," Evan said softly, squeezing her hand. "I won't let anything happen to you. We'll figure this out together."
As they sped away from the scene, Evan's thoughts raced, plotting their next move. He knew he had to do whatever it took to protect Wanda from Ferdinand and his thugs. And though he couldn't predict what would come next, he vowed to stand by Wanda's side, no matter the cost.
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