Anovel of My motherś ex chapter 23 by authoress
John and Jules Have Done It Again, Throwing A Massive Party That The Whole School Couldn't Stop Talking About. This Time, The Party Was Held At Cole's Sprawling House, A Lavish Mansion That Screams With Wealth and Privilege.
Riley and her roommates were beyond excited. They had spent hours getting ready, choosing outfits that would turn heads and exude confidence. Riley, who was wearing a sleek black dress that hugged her figure perfectly, felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as they made their way to the party.
When they arrived, the energy was electric. Music was blasting from the speakers, bodies were moving rhythmically on the dance floor, and drinks were flowing freely. Riley, who had been shy at first, quickly took off with her friends, spurred on by the upbeat music and drinks that were coming her way.
As Riley swayed to the music, Cole approached her. His confident smile and easy charm took her by surprise. He slid behind her, placing his hands on her hips as they danced.
At first, Riley hesitated, but the alcohol eased her reservations, and she soon began to laugh and move with him. Cole’s hands tightened around her waist as they danced closer, his breath hot on her neck.
When he turned her around, their faces were inches apart. Before she could respond, he leaned in and kissed her.
Riley’s initial shock melted into the haze of the moment, and she found herself kissing him. The world around her went blurry, and she didn’t even realize how much time had passed before her legs gave out beneath her, and she slipped into unconsciousness.
The next morning,
The sunlight streaming through the curtains woke Riley. Her head was pounding, and her body felt heavy. As she moved, she realized that she was lying in an unfamiliar bed. The covers smelled different—musky and strange.
She blinked, her gaze settling on the room around her. Realization hit her like a truck when she noticed her bare shoulders and the clothes piled on the floor. She clutched the covers tightly to her chest, her stomach heaving.
“Oh God, no,” she whispered, her voice shaking.
She forced herself out of bed, pulling her clothes back on with trembling hands. Every movement felt like a crushing weight, and the feeling of being violated made her feel sick.
When she walked out of the room, she found Cole leaning on the couch in the living room, a smug smile on his face.
Without hesitation, she walked over to him and slapped him hard across the face.
“You—what did you do to me?” she cried out in a broken voice.
Cole’s expression didn’t change. He simply shrugged. “I was drunk. Things happened. Relax, Riley.” “It’s not a big deal.”
Tears blurred her vision as she stared at him in disbelief. Without another word, she turned and ran out of the house.
Riley ran as fast as her legs could carry her. She didn’t stop until she reached Julian’s mansion, the only place she felt safe.
When the gates opened, she saw Julian standing next to his car, getting ready to leave. The moment she saw him, she broke down, and rushed into his arms.
“Julian,” she cried, clutching his shirt tightly. “I was so careless. I drank too much, and I-” She couldn’t bring herself to say the words.
Julian held her at arm’s length, his expression a mix of worry and confusion. “Riley, what happened? Are you okay?”
She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “I slept with someone else. I don’t even remember everything, but I woke up in his bed. I’m so sorry.”
Julian’s face softened, and he gently wiped her tears away. “Riley, you don’t need to apologize to me. You’re young. You’re allowed to make mistakes.” “We’re not…” He trailed off, unsure of how to finish the sentence.
“We’re not in a relationship,” she said softly.
Julian, please. “Exactly. What matters right now is that you’re okay. Are you okay?”
She shook her head again, her chest heaving. “I don’t know. I feel… so… broken.”
He pulled her into a tight hug, stroking her hair. “You’re stronger than you think, Riley. You’ll get through this. I’ll be here for you.”
⏰Flashback -⏰January 6, 1997⏰
Baby Matthew’s screams echoed throughout the house as Julian paced nervously. He called Victoria’s parents several times, desperate to find her, but their short responses only made his frustration grow.
“She doesn’t live here,” her father said sharply before hanging up the phone.
Julian sighed, cradling the baby in his arms. He was physically and emotionally exhausted. Just as he was about to give up and put Matthew to sleep, the door opened.
Victoria stumbled in,
Her makeup smeared and her dress barely covered her. The smell of alcohol clung to her, and her eyes were glassy.
“Where have you been?” Julian demanded, his voice rising.
Victoria rolled her eyes, swaying slightly as she leaned against the wall. “Out. Don't act like my dad, Julian. It’s annoying.”
“You’re a mother now,” he snapped, his frustration boiling over. “You can’t just abandon your child to go out partying.”
She smirked, brushing past him. “Relax, Jules. The baby’s fine. You’re good at playing daddy, anyway.”
Julian’s heart sank as he watched her stumble into the bedroom, leaving him alone with Matthew once again.
⏰⏰Present Day⏰⏰
Julian’s arms tightened around Rylee as he recalled that moment years ago. The pain he felt back then mirrored the helplessness he felt now.
“I won’t let anyone hurt you again,” he whispered, his words carrying the weight of a promise.