Chapter 6 Winning Her Back

• THREE YEARS LATER
• Louisa:
• I wrapped my hands tightly around the worn leather gloves, my eyes fixed on the punching bag swinging before me. Three years of sweat and tears had transformed this room into my sanctuary.
• With a deep breath, I unleashed a flurry of punches, each strike a release of pent-up tension. The bag creaked and swayed, absorbing my fury. Damn, this was good.
• My mind cleared with every blow. It felt so relaxing as usual.
• I was no longer the broken woman Alex had left behind. I used to cry a lot like a little bitch. Silly me.
• I was now Lou Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. A real estate mogul with a portfolio worth millions. A shrewd businesswoman feared and respected by my peers. Everyone revered me.
• But in this room, I was just Louisa. Free to unleash my demons.
• Free to be myself. Punching relaxes me. I also imagine faces of people that get on my nerves and punch.
• As I pounded the bag, my thoughts drifted to my twins, Jasper and Jade. Their innocent laughter and bright smiles were my solace. They're the ones that motivated me.
• Three years ago after the divorce I felt like I would die every second. Ryan had, truly, given everything that my parents kept for me. I'm a Rich fúcking CEO. Everyone knows me as: The Badass.
• The door creaked open, and my two tiny bundles of energy burst in, holding bowls of candies.
• "Mommy's boxing!" Jasper exclaimed, munching loudly.
• Jade clapped her hands. "Ooh! Can we join?"
• I chuckled, wiping sweat from my brow. Join?? "Later, babies. Mommy's almost done."
• Their big brown eyes watched, mesmerized, as I landed a series of swift jabs on the bag.
• "Wow, Mommy's strong!" Jasper said. "No one could beat my mom in anything. I'm sure she can lift up the Eiffel tower!"
• I grinned. Lift up the– what?? "Mommy's got to be strong for you two, you know."
• Jade skipped closer, her curly ponytail bouncing. "Mommy, why do you box?"
• I paused, considering how much to reveal. "Well,It helps me relax, sweetie. Like a big hug for my insides." I wasn't entirely wrong. I've dealt with many bad and disappointing projects over the years. So I got into boxing and it was perfect for me. "Yup. A big hug!"
• Jasper nodded thoughtfully. "Like when we hug you?"
• My heart swelled. "Exactly, baby. Just like that. I love your hugs!"
• The twins watched me with smiles, eating their candies as I finished my workout.
• Getting into the bathroom, I remembered I was supposed to take them to the Park. I hate breaking my promises, so I'll do so.
• I let the sweet water seep into my skin, extremely refreshing. Life with my babies was just too sweet. I took care of them alone. I didn't need any fúcking nanny.
• They were my world.
• My everything.
• I was Lou Blackwood now. A badass single mother.
• Untouchable.
• Unbreakable.
• Unstoppable.
• "I love you, Mommy," Jade screamed when we reached the park. "Yay!" She was bubbling with excitement because I took them here. They've been disturbing me all week.
• "Love you more, baby," I replied, pecking her hair.
• We visited the play area first. Jasper was mostly interested in the climbing structures. Jade loved the Merry go round which she sat on horses. Afterwards I got them cotton candies and popcorn.
• "Mommy can you tie my shoelaces?" Jasper pouted. I nodded immediately, letting go of Jade.
• I knelt beside Jasper, helping him tie his shoelaces, when a burst of laughter drew my attention. I turned immediately to see her gone.
• "Jade, wait!" I called out, but she was already racing across the grass, chasing a butterfly. Oh goodness! What now?
• I rushed to stand, my eyes fixed on my little explorer. "Jade, come back! Jade!"
• But she was so caught up in the thrill of the chase that she didn't acknowledge my calls. I took off after her, my heels clicking on the pavement. As I turned a corner, unfortunately, my heel caught on a loose stone. Shit!
• I lost balance and fell but a strong hand grasped my elbow, steadying me, halting me.
• I gazed up, startled. And my eyes widened in shock.
• Alex!!!
• My ex-husband.
• The last person I ever wanted to see. The person I loathe more than anything. What a wonderful surprise.
• Our eyes locked, the past rushing back like a tidal wave. His divorce papers came into my mind and I chuckled, pulling away from him. Right, this jerk that threw me out like trash.
• "Lou," he said, his voice a bit hesitant.
• I smirked, taking a step back. "Thanks "
• Jade's laughter echoed through the air, "Mommy, look!" she exclaimed, holding up the butterfly.
• I spared her a fleeting glance as I took my gaze back to him. "Beautiful, sweetie," I managed with clenched jaws.
• "I'll show Jasper!" She hopped away, giggling.
• Alex's gaze lingered on me, a mix of emotions swirling in his eyes. He seemed surprised. Which is understandable because I've changed. I got rid of my long hair, replacing it with an undercut bob hairstyle.
• I was about to walk away when he grasped my arm. "What do you want, Alex!"
• "To get my wife back." He didn't mince words.
• I let out a mocking laugh. "And I'm guessing you think it's going to be easy, huh?"
• "I need my wife back. The only thing that matters to me.," he muttered, eyes trailing over me, lovingly.
• I scoffed, glaring daggers at him, trying to move away when he grabbed my arm.
• "Sorry to burst your bubble, but we're done. Maybe you're suffering from memory loss. I despise you, Alex. Everything about you." I said seriously.
• His eyes widened in evident surprise. "Then, I'm going to win my wife back. My soft innocent Louisa back."
• "You'd rot in hell before you do." I said coldly enjoying the horrified look on his face.
• He doesn't know who he's messing with.