The CEO's Amazing Ex-Wife Is Back (Thalassa and Kris)

Millie slowly awoke from her deep slumber. Fluttering her eyes open, she tensed when she realized she wasn't in her own bedroom.

The room was different. More importantly, the loud snoring from Francis, which both grated on her nerves and terrified her, was absent.

Instantly, the memories from last night came crashing through her mind: Francis catching her speaking with Zeke over the phone, flying into a rage, and beginning to beat her; Zeke's sudden intervention, taking her to his house; and her breakdown when he asked why she wanted to return to Francis.noveldrama

He had held her while she cried, and that was the last thing she remembered. How had she ended up in this room and bed?

Shifting onto her back, she winced as she felt stinging pain, but it didn't hurt as much as it had the first time or the countless other times.

Whenever Francis was upset with her, her back always suffered the consequences. He never hit her face or arms-only places that could be hidden by her dresses.

A gentle knock drew her attention to the door. Millie's heart skipped a beat as Zeke's soft voice came through.

"Millie, are you awake? Can I come in?"

Swallowing, she sat up, realizing she was still in her clothes from last night. She quickly ran a hand through her hair to smooth it down before calling out, "Yes."

A moment later, Zeke walked in, carrying a bed tray with a plate of pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and a glass of orange juice. The mingling aromas reached her even before he got close.

"Good morning. Breakfast, served hot and sizzling in bed."

It was innocent; she knew he didn't mean anything more than what he said. But that didn't stop her cheeks from warming, which felt stupid. Blushing was the last thing she should be doing right now. Reaching the bed, Zeke set the tray over her legs.

"I'm not the best cook, but my sister swears my pancakes are amazing."

Millie managed a small smile. "I'm sure they are."

To her surprise, Zeke sat beside her on the bed, indicating for her to start eating. Millie obeyed. "You weren't lying," she couldn't help but say.

"Told ya," Zeke grinned before his expression turned slightly serious. "How are you feeling? You passed out in my arms last night."

Millie stiffened, focusing on her food. "I'm sorry about that. I feel better now."

"Good." He nodded. "This is Luisa's bedroom, so you can find her clothes in the closet. Since you're about the same size, I'm sure they'll fit you. I'll bring you a fresh towel and toothbrush. After you eat, you can freshen up, and then I'll take you to the police station."

Millie's fork slipped from her hand, clattering onto the plate as she looked up sharply. "What did you say?"

"I said after you're done, I'll take you to the police station so you can file charges against Francis." "No, Zeke. I'm not going to the police station."

Zeke stared at her for a moment, then nodded again. "Okay, I can arrange for a police officer to come here and take your report and statement."

"No, you don't get it. I'm not going to file any charges against Francis."

Zeke pursed his lips. He should have expected this, judging by her insistence on returning to the bastard last night. But why?

"Millie," he began, hoping he could convince her I saw the bruises on your back in that guest washroom.. This isn't the first time. He's been doing this to you for a long time. You told me it was consensual, but know that's not true. He's hurting you, and he deserves to be in jail.”

"I won't report him, Zeke. I can't."

"Why?" Zeke's voice was filled with bewilderment. "Why do you insist on defending him?"

His eyes hardened. "Has he threatened you? Is that it? He's threatened to hurt you if you report him or leave, hasn't he?"

"No, that's not it."

"Yes, it is. That's why you're so afraid of him, isn't it? I won't let him hurt you, Millie-"

"Please stop!" Millie suddenly

snapped, her voice sharper than she intended, causing Zeke to flinch. "Why can't you just respect my decision and stop telling me what to

do?"

en

Her words stung, leaving Zeke momentarily speechless. "Millie, I'm only trying to protect you. Can you at least tell me why you don't want to report him?"

"Because I don't want to. And please stop insisting," Millie replied, her gaze fixed on her plate, unable to look him in the eyes.

She wanted to tell him-God knew she wanted to-but she was too ashamed. Too scared.

"Fine, I won't push you," Zeke said softly. "But please don't go back to that man. If you're afraid he'll hurt you, you can stay here. I have guards, but I'll hire more if I need to, to protect you."

en

The concern in his eyes made Millie's chest tighten, and a sad smile stretched across her lips. "I still have

to go to work. He knows where I work."

"Then I'll hire bodyguards so he can't even get within twenty feet of you."

For some reason, that coaxed a laugh out of both of them. The situation wasn't funny, but laughing felt like the best way to cope.

When their laughter died down, Millie looked at him. Really looked at him.

"What?" Zeke asked, raising a brow.

"Why are you doing this, Zeke? Why do you really want to help me?" she asked, her heart thumping in her chest as she waited for his answer.