My Ex-Convict Wife is Coming Back

A night stand

ELLA

I moved in with Lisa.

The minute I got settled, I contacted Lisa's lawyer to start the divorce proceedings. The lawyer, a kind woman named Rebecca, guided me through the process with patience.

"Are you ready to sign the papers, Ella?" Rebecca asked one afternoon as we sat in Lisa's cozy living room.

I nodded, taking the pen with a steady hand. "Yes, I'm ready." I signed the documents, feeling both relief and sorrow. "Please send them to Tom as soon as possible."

Rebecca nodded. "I'll take care of it. You're doing the right thing."

After she left, I felt exhausted, but I also felt relieved. This was the first step towards reclaiming my life. My life that I had so easily given away.

Later that evening, I went through the boxes Lisa had helped me retrieve from storage. Among the old photographs and mementos, I found my college certificate. I dusted it off, staring at it for a long moment. Looking at it, reminded me of who I used to be, of the dreams I once had before everything fell apart.

"I need to get my life back together," I said to Lisa, who was sitting across from me.

She smiled warmly. "And you will, Ella. You're strong. You've already survived so much."

Life as an ex-convict was hard. My past followed me everywhere. I knew that to truly move forward, I had to prove my innocence. But to do that, I needed money—a lot of it. Hiring a good lawyer and gathering the evidence to clear my name wouldn’t be cheap.

I had a single goal in mind: to find a job. Lisa was incredibly supportive, but I couldn’t rely on her forever. I needed to stand on my own two feet.

Over the next few weeks, I threw myself into job hunting. I updated my resume, reached out to old contacts, and applied for every position I could find in my field.

Some companies might overlook my past. Maybe they wouldn’t dig too deeply, or perhaps they’d be willing to give me a second chance. It was a gamble, but I had no other choice.

I had spent hours scouring job listings, sending out my resume, and writing cover letters. .

“They believe in second chances," she’d said, her eyes full of hope.

"What if no one ever gives me a chance?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Lisa placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Someone will, Ella. You just have to keep trying.

“Don’t stress it, Ella.” She scooted closer to me. “As a matter of fact, I found you something on the web. There's a company looking for someone with your exact qualifications. I think you should apply."

I took a deep breath and nodded. "I will. Thanks, Lisa."

I was a bit skeptical about sending in my application. Because well, I was an ex-convict, and most employers didn't quite have my kind at the top of the list. But I had to do something. Something to get my life together.

I hesitated for a moment before filling out the application form. What if they did a background check and found out about my past? I took a deep breath and shook off the doubt. I had to try.

I hit send, heaving a sigh of exhaustion.

“You need a break," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "You've been working too hard. Let's just go out and have some fun. You deserve it."

I hesitated, but she was right.

Maybe a night out would do me some good.

"Alright," I agreed, forcing a smile. "Let's do it."

We dressed up and headed to the club. As we entered, Lisa leaned closer to me. "Remember, tonight is just for fun. No overthinking."

I nodded, trying to let go of my worries. Lisa had always been there for me, even when I decided to take the fall for Tom. She had warned me back then not to do it, but I was determined to protect him. Now, she didn't ask why I wanted a divorce; she probably guessed what had happened. Tom had ditched me, and the thought of it made my heart ache.

We found a spot near the bar, and Lisa ordered us drinks. "Here's to new beginnings," she said, clinking her glass against mine.

"To new beginnings," I echoed, taking a sip. The alcohol burned my throat, but it was a welcome distraction from the pain.

As the night went on, I felt the alcohol loosening my mind. The music floated through me, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in it. Lisa danced beside me.

I made my way to the bar to get another drink when I noticed a man sitting there, his eyes on me. He was tall, with a rugged charm that drew me in. Feeling bold from the alcohol, I smiled and sat next to him.

"Hey," I said, leaning against the bar. "Buy a girl a drink?"

He smiled, a slow, charming grin that made my heart race. "Of course. What are you having?"

"Surprise me," I replied, my eyes locked on his.

He signaled the bartender and ordered something. "I’m Artemis, by the way."

Artemis, Artemis, Artemis.

The name felt all to familiar, but I couldn't care less. All I needed was something. Someone that would make me feel things, for just tonight.

"Ella," I said, extending my hand. He took it, his grip firm and warm.

"You look like you needed a night out," he observed, handing me the drink.

"You could say that," I said, taking a sip. "It’s been a rough few years."

"Want to talk about it?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"Not really," I replied with a smile. "I’d rather enjoy the night."

"I can help with that," Artemis said, leaning closer. "How about a dance?"

"Why not?" I agreed, feeling the alcohol loosen my inhibitions.

He led me back to the dance floor, and we moved together, his hands resting on my hips. The way he looked at me, like I was the only person in the room, made me forget everything else.

"You’re a good dancer," he whispered in my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

"Thanks," I said, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "You’re not so bad yourself."

"So, Ella," Artemis said, pulling me closer. "What’s a beautiful woman like you doing out here alone?"

"I’m not alone," I corrected him, glancing at Lisa, who was dancing with someone else. "But I needed a distraction."

"From what?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.

"Life," I said simply. "It’s complicated."

"I can help with that," he said. "At least for tonight."

I bit my lip, considering his offer. It had been so long since I’d felt desired, since I’d let myself have a moment of weakness. "Maybe I’ll take you up on that."

"Let’s get out of here," he murmured against my lips.

"Okay," I agreed breathlessly.

We left the club, his arm around my waist guiding me to his car. When we arrived at his apartment, he led me inside.

I strutted inside, and Artemis turned to me, his eyes dark with desire. "Ella," he murmured, stepping closer.

Inside, Artemis wasted no time. He pinned me against the wall, his mouth trailing down my neck. "You’re driving me crazy," he murmured.

"Good," I whispered back, pulling him closer.

We made our way to his bedroom, shedding clothes along the way. I hadn’t been with anyone in five years, and my body was desperate for his touch. When we finally collapsed onto the bed, it was like all the tension and stress melted away.

I felt a thrill run through me as he cupped my face, his touch gentle. Without thinking, I leaned in, our lips meeting in a kiss. I needed to feel something. I needed to feel him. It had been so long since I’d felt this way, and I melted into him, letting the years of longing pour out in that single moment.

His hands roamed my body, and I shivered at his touch. We stumbled toward the bedroom, shedding clothes along the way. By the time we reached the bed, I was so ready for him.

Artemis’ hands were everywhere, exploring, caressing, every part. I arched against him, my breath coming in quick gasps. It felt so good, so right, to be touched, to be desired.

We fell onto the bed in a tangle, our bodies pressing together. Artemis' mouth trailed hot kisses down my neck, making me moan with pleasure. I wrapped my legs around him, pulling him closer, needing to feel him against me.

He paused for a moment, looking into my eyes as if seeking permission. I nodded, and he entered me slowly.

The world outside ceased to exist. There was only Artemis and the way he made me feel—alive, wanted, and whole.