Chasing Her Discarded Ex-husband

PROTECTING HER MAN

VANESSA STERLING'S POV

"We’ve got the information you asked for, but you won’t like what’s inside.” The male detective warns sliding an envelope across the table.

"There isn't much I haven't seen." I pick it and tear it open emptying its content onto the table, which includes numerous photos and printed documents.

The first photo is a glamorous image of the red haired girl at a high-profile event."That’s from a charity gala," the female detective says. "She often goes to these events as an escort for rich clients."

There are several other pictures of the girl with different male celebrities. "Looks like she hangs out with men with big names only," I remark.

"Yeah, and each of those celebrities has had their careers go downhill after associated with her due to public backlash," the male detective adds.

I pick up a printed document that looks like a printed schedule from a very popular nightclub. "And what's this?"

“That is the list of her performances. She's one of their top earners, offering stage shows and private. . . uh . . . 'intimate' sessions in the back rooms," The man explains, grimacing slightly.

The other document is a financial record which details large cash transactions linked to her. The records suggest she receives substantial payments, likely for her escort services.

The remaining photos are screenshots of her social media, showing her posing with various celebrities and actors.

"So where does she live?" I ask.

"Way out in Candace," the female detective replies.

"That's a long way from here." I remark, leaning back. "What do you think she wants with Abel Blackwood?"

They both pause, considering. "Given her background, there are a lot she could be after."

"Probably publicity and money," the man say shrugging.

"Or maybe someone hired her to take him down," I suggest. As a model Abel must maintain a certain image that appeals to his fan and one misstep with her, his career will be going downhill too.

.

"That's definitely a possibility," the man agrees, nodding thoughtfully.

But who would want that? Aubrey needs him too much. Cyrus is still wallowing in divorce and his retarded brain cannot strategize anything like that.

Only Abel would know who might benefit from his downfall. And he wouldn’t trust me enough to share, but I will find a way to pry it out of him later.

"Book the Sofia girl for me. I want to meet her,” I command and the detectives exchange shocked glances.

"I doubt she caters to our gender," the woman counters.

"Then use a man's name," I insist.

ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV

I watch my phone ring until it stops vibrating. She has no right to be calling me and I have zero desire to talk to her, not even when her divorce with Cyrus is breaking over every media outlet today.

I wonder why she's so desperate to show how she loves me when I already moved on it's not like there is a shortage of men she can date.

I turn back to the TV to watch Celebrity news Tonight. And obviously their alleged divorce is the top story news.

I stop on a channel just in time to hear some announcer say "Vanessa sterling".

The caption underneath reads. "Mr. Blackwood slapped with divorce amidst posting honeymoon pictures."

“Our cameras caught the embattled designer, Cyrus Blackwood, being unceremoniously escorted out of billionairess Vanessa Sterling's uptown villa,” the reporter declares, as mortifying cringe-worthy pictures of Cyrus being harshly escorted out by bodyguards are flashed between the verbal comment. “Worst husband of the year?"

The host continues, “Now we all remember when Mr. Blackwood said this right after their honeymoon," A past video of Cyrus arriving at an airport is shown as he confidently declares to paparazzi, “I tell ya, that Vanessa Sterling is one hell of a romantic goddess!”

"We also got a chance to interview Mr Blackwood yesterday and this is what he had to say about his situation. "She wants to divorce me when I have lost all the fame and respect because of boosting her brand."

I had anticipated this reaction from Cyrus the moment I heard about their divorce, he's never been the brightest of all people. When a woman makes it clear your not what she need to be happy, what’s the point in fighting and making stupid comments? Will it make a difference and change her mind if she wants someone else?

"I'd be on my knees begging her to take me back too. She's rich and beautiful!" some young guy on TV says.

Seems it's not just Cyrus who’d throw his dignity for money and looks.

“ Really?” the host questions.

“She would come home to a spotless house, the dishes done, laudly done, trash taken out, dinner ready, then a hour massage no less” another man comments and everyone on the television screen laughs.

Another girl chimes in. "Cyrus Blackwood is a bum. He's not good for her at all."

"We also reached out to billionaire Vanessa Sterling, but she has not made any comments regarding the situation."

I switch off the TV when I hear Sofia's footsteps approaching the living room. I let her crash in the guest room last night since she claimed she lives far away, and I didn’t want to risk driving her home while I was half-drunk.

She walks in wearing a bathrobe that’s completely open, revealing her underpants and leaving very little to imagination.

"You know it doesn't hurt to tie that and cover up a little bit," I say, averting my gaze.

Sofia smirks and playfully pulls the robe open wider. “What? You don't like what you see?"

"Not really," I reply.

She raises an eyebrow, her confidence wavering. "What does that even mean? Am I not beautiful enough for you?"

She stands there, looking hurt. "You're beautiful, but... you're just not my type."

She crosses her arms, "Okay, Mr. Type. What is your type then?"

Inside, my mind screams, Vanessa.

"Maybe you should grab some breakfast and head home," I suggest trying to steer the conversation away from the awkward talk. She turns and walks toward the kitchen.

Just then, my phone vibrates with two new messages. One is from Ms. Raven, and the other from my ex-wife. I can guess that Vanessa’s text will be another threat since I've been ignoring her calls, so I open Ms. Raven's message first.

“About your question regarding my friendship with Vanessa Sterling, I'll explain it tomorrow after your art modeling session.”

Wait, I have work tomorrow? I quickly open my laptop to confirm and sure enough, I have an appointment with a renowned private artist.

I type a quick response to Ms. Raven before reluctantly opening Vanessa's message. I don't know why I am always looking for things I don't want to find out, but I'm curious.