The CEO's Ex-Wife Is A Famous Doctor novel Chapter 12

The double doors abruptly opened, resulting in them banging against the wall. Mrs. Shaw and Nicole snapped their heads in Evan's direction.

"Evan." Nicole jolted in her stance as she called his name. "You - you startled us! Thank goodness you returned early."

Nicole still had a butterfly tape on her cheek. Part of her eye bag was still swollen with a purple tint on her skin. The crack on her lips had dried. Overall, she was better compared to how she was severely battered over a week ago.

She pointed to the clothes scattered on the sofa and then to an empty box, saying, "You were probably too busy that you failed to pack Shantelle's clothes. So I did it for you."

When Evan did not answer, Nicole walked up to him and described, "The villa is amazing. It will be a good environment for me to heal better. With you -"

"What are you doing here, Nicole?!" In an ice-cold tone, Evan asked. His voice raised while he was at it.

"Evan? We - we talked about this, right?" Nicole said. "Evan, I was raped and assaulted because you left me at the club! I need a nurturing environment to get better. Aside from my wounds, my emotional trauma -"

"I never said! That you could live here!" Evan shot back, the veins on his neck protruding as he spoke. "This is mine and Shantelle's home!"

Nicole was taken aback. Her eyes widened at Evan's words. Her voice broke in and out as she replied, "Shantelle? But, Evan, you already divorced her."

"It doesn't change the fact that this was our home. My father bought this as our marital home! Out of respect for Shantelle, I would never let another woman live here!" Evan announced. "And whoever told you I wanted Shantelle's clothes out of our bedroom? Did you really put your clothes in there?!"

"For one, I did not even agree that you live with me. I avoided answering your request because it was my way of politely rejecting it! Can’t you take a hint?" Evan added. His eyes immediately shifted to the direction of the stairs, and he marched into the second level of the villa, finding his way to the master's bedroom.

Evan was horrified when he looked at the contents of the walk-in closet. Nicole's clothes were certainly there!

Evan gulped. His brows met as he thought, 'Just… what was Nicole thinking?'

"Evan! Evan, I can explain," Nicole had chased after him. Standing behind Evan, she reasoned, "Evan, I told you I was traumatized, and I only felt safe around you. I can sleep on the floor. I don't mind. I put my clothes there, so it's more convenient -"

"Enough," Evan said. He turned to Nicole and ordered, "I want you to get your things out. I'll ask Howard to take you to your apartment."

Nicole's eyes widened. She said, "But Evan, I'm afraid. I'm afraid of being alone. I might have nightmares about how I was badly beaten and raped! We went out at the club together, but you ended up leaving me for Shantelle! Why? You have already divorced her, and she was with her friends! Whereas, I - I was alone."

Suddenly, Nicole collapsed on the floor, saying, "Evan, I would not be like this if you had not left me at the club. I was in an unfamiliar place - Evan, please. Don't you feel sorry for me at all?"

Yet again, Evan felt guilty, but he also thought, 'So I have to sacrifice my personal life because of that mistake?'

Moreover, Evan considered how he had just gotten a divorce. He wanted his freedom, his time alone, and to experience a single life with his friends while holding the most powerful seat in his father's company. He did not want Nicole or any woman sleeping in the same house as him, much more, his marital home with Shantelle!

Evan groaned as he stabbed his hair with his fingers. He clenched his jaws and finally said, "I can't - I can't repay you for that mistake with my personal life - my private space. Please go to your apartment. I will hire a caregiver and security guard for you. I'll ask my assistant to find the best therapist who can help you return to your old mental and emotional health, but I'm sorry, Nicole… You cannot live with me."

***

Nicole gave Evan one last glance. Her eyes watered as she entered the private car of the Thompsons.

Evan could tell Nicole hoped he would change his mind, but he would never. He did not judge Nicole just yet, but why did it feel like she was using the assault incident to force her way into his life?

When the car disappeared into the road, Evan returned to the villa. Seeing the maids, he instructed, "Please help Mrs. Shaw return Shanty's clothes to the room."

"Yes, sir," one maid replied.