THE WIFE HE REGRETTED LOSING

THE SHOCK

For a split second, Daniel Carter forgot how to breathe.

His grip tightened on his champagne glass, tilting it ever so slightly, but he didn’t even notice. All he saw—across the crowded ballroom, under the bright chandeliers—was Lola Hart. The woman he’d divorced.

His brain just refused to process it. That woman couldn’t be Lola. The Lola he remembered always hung back, silent in the shadows during those endless charity events and corporate parties. But this Lola... No, she was nothing like that.

She stood tall, shoulders straight, carrying herself like she owned the place. Her red dress blazed beneath the golden lights, impossible to miss. Soft waves of hair spilled over her shoulders, and diamond earrings flashed when she moved.

It wasn’t about the dress, or the jewelry, or even the fact that she looked elegant tonight. Daniel was floored by something else—how she walked, how she held herself. The confidence pouring off her, steady and powerful.

His chest tightened, and almost without thinking, he whispered, “…Lola?”

Vanessa, standing beside him, caught it and frowned. “What are you staring at?”

He didn’t answer. Couldn’t. He was locked on Lola, unable to look away.

Vanessa turned, searching his line of sight. At first, nothing. Just the crowd. Then she spotted the woman in the red dress, and her face changed instantly.

“…No,” she spat out. “That’s impossible.”

She kept staring, but it was pointless. The truth was right in front of her. Lola Hart. The woman she’d humiliated. The woman Daniel had tossed aside like she didn’t matter. Now standing in the middle of the ballroom, outshining everyone.

Vanessa’s fingers dug into Daniel’s arm. “What is she doing here?”

Still no answer from Daniel. He was miles away, caught between the memory of Lola’s tearful, pale face in that hospital room and the woman standing in front of him now—strong, unbroken.

Across the ballroom, people started whispering. “Isn’t that Lola Hart?” “I thought Daniel divorced her.” “She looks stunning.” “I barely recognized her.”

A group near the fountain leaned closer, eyes wide. “That dress… Wow.” “And her walk…” One woman shook her head, “She looks like royalty.” Someone else whispered, “Daniel must be regretting his decision now.”

Vanessa caught that one. Her jaw clenched. “That’s ridiculous,” she snapped, but she couldn’t deny it. Everybody was fixated on Lola—curious, impressed, maybe even a little intimidated. That kind of confidence can’t be faked.

Lola, on the other side of the ballroom, looked completely unfazed. She sipped her champagne, scanning the room. She saw the stares, heard the murmurs, soaked in the surprise. Eventually, her gaze locked with Daniel’s.

For a moment, neither moved. Just stared across the crowded ballroom. Daniel felt something unfamiliar twist inside him. Not anger. Not resentment. He couldn’t name it—maybe shock.

Because Lola didn’t look hurt. She wasn’t shattered. Not even angry. Her eyes were calm, like he was just another stranger here.

Daniel clenched his jaw.

Vanessa broke the silence, pressing closer. “Daniel.” No response. “Daniel!” “What?” Her voice was sharp and accusing—“Why are you staring at her?”

He glanced at Vanessa, then back to Lola. “I’m not.” Not that Vanessa believed him. She followed his gaze, and felt jealousy flare up inside.

The way he looked at Lola now? Yeah, he’d never looked at Vanessa like that.

Nearby at the bar, some businessmen murmured. “That’s Carter’s ex-wife?” “She looks so different.” “Much more confident.” “If Carter didn’t want her, someone else definitely will.”

Across the room, Adrian Vale watched the drama unfold, amused. He stood next to Marcus Vale, who sipped his drink slowly. “You knew this would happen,” Marcus said. Adrian just nodded. “She’s handling it well,” Marcus observed. Adrian said, “She was always capable.” They watched as more guests drifted toward Lola. Some out of curiosity, others for real.

One thing was obvious. Daniel Carter’s discarded wife had become the event’s centerpiece.

Back at Daniel’s side, Vanessa finally lost patience. “This is insane.” Daniel frowned, “What is?” “Everyone’s staring at her.” He shrugged, “So?” Vanessa’s tone turned icy, “She’s just here to embarrass you.” Daniel stayed silent, but his expression gave him away. Vanessa leaned in, whispering, “Don’t forget who you’re with now.” Her hand moved protectively over her stomach.

Daniel nodded, distracted. His eyes drifted back to Lola.

And just then, something changed.

A tall man in a navy suit strode out from the crowd—Victor Langley. Everyone in the room paused, making way for him.

Whispers buzzed. “That’s Victor Langley.” “He’s the chairman of Langley International, right?” “Yeah, he is.”

Even Daniel noticed. “What’s Langley doing here?” someone nearby wondered.

Victor walked straight up to Lola. Guests parted, eyes locked on the scene. Lola recognized him—Langley International was huge, a global powerhouse.

He stopped right in front of her. They just looked at each other for a second. Then Victor gave a respectful nod. “Miss Hart.”

The ballroom froze. Even Daniel looked rattled. Victor Langley didn’t greet just anybody. Not like this.

Victor extended his hand. “It’s an honor to finally meet you.”

Daniel felt something heavy settle inside him. For the first time tonight, he realized—maybe the woman he’d divorced wasn’t so insignificant after all.