Ex-Wife Returns with Babies: The CEO Regrets Everything

"Sign the divorce papers."

Maria Lewis froze at the doorway, her hand still on the doorknob.

In the two years she'd been married into the Bennett family, James's mom had never once given her a warm look. Still, she hadn't expected to be forced into signing a divorce all of a sudden.

She glanced around the living room-James wasn't there.

"Quit wasting time and just sign it already. Can't even have a child. Pathetic. And your parents? Ran a company straight into the ground even after I poured in all that money. Total disgrace to our family."

Maria's face turned pale.

Panic creeping up her spine, she quickly took out her phone to call her parents. No signal. Not one call would go through.

"Save your effort," James's mom said impatiently. "They already skipped town last night."

Maria's lips trembled. Her voice was tight. "Even if we're getting divorced, that's between James and me."

His mother's expression sharpened. "Still clinging on? Fine, let me call him for you-so you finally get the message."

She dialed right in front of her. "Hello, James? I'm here with Maria, talking about your divorce. What do you say?"

Maria stood there, heart pounding.

"Go ahead," came James's voice on the other end-low, cold, no hesitation.

That one sentence felt like a knife slicing flesh one cut at a time. Maria stared at the phone as her heart plummeted into an icy abyss. She couldn't even find her voice.

As if that wasn't enough, his mother added, "Oh right-you remember Amelia? She got back today. James went to see her."

Maria's mind went blank. She couldn't even hear what else was being said. Didn't remember how she signed the papers.

So Amelia was back. James and Amelia were probably getting back together.

And her?

When she married him, she was already feeling down, but little by little she'd come to love him.

She never thought James would actually agree to a divorce.

While she cried to herself in silence, something reckless sparked to life in her mind.

That night, she drank. A lot.

By the time James got home, she was totally out of it-red-eyed, tipsy, and swaying on her feet.

His sharp eyes swept over her, frowning. "You're drunk."

"I'm not..."

She stared at him, as if trying to memorize his face one last time, raised her wine glass, and offered a crooked smile. "We're about to end things. Share a drink with me?"

She poured him one and handed it over. "Just. one final toast."

James didn't move, his brow furrowed.

Maria's heart ached. "Seriously? Not even that? Just one drink, that's all I'm asking."

In the dim light, her eyes held a quiet plea. Slowly, James took the glass.

A faint, broken smile touched Maria's lips.

The next morning.

James woke up.

The bed was a mess, clothes scattered on the ground-no doubt about what happened last night.

But Maria was gone.

Only thing left behind was a note on the nightstand: "Wish you and Amelia the best."

James stared at those words, bits of hazy memory from the night before flashing through his mind.

He let out a cold laugh, wiping the corner of his mouth.

Two years of marriage, and they'd never been intimate-until last night.

And now she slept with him and bailed?

James ordered people to look for her, but it was like she vanished off the face of the earth.

Five years later.

North City International Airport, outside the restroom-

Two tiny figures dragging kiddie-sized suitcases immediately caught everyone's eye.The little boy wore a blue shirt with shorts, neat as a pin, and had a red cap on his head. His features were sharp and handsome, carrying a calm and cool aura way beyond his years-definitely the quiet type.

His sister had shoulder-length hair, left loose, and wore a pink lace princess dress. She was hugging half of a giant plush bear. Her eyelashes curled like little fans, and her eyes were bright and full of life, sparkling like fresh dew.

"Oh my god, how cute are they! Look at them, seriously adorable!"

"That girl's eyes are gorgeous, like she stepped out of a cartoon! She just smiled at me-angel alert!"

"Ugh, suddenly I wanna have kids now!"

The kids seemed totally unfazed by all the attention, clearly used to it.

Ethan threw a glance toward the gushing crowd, his face stoic like a little poker master.

He leaned over to Ella, who was grinning beside him, and whispered, "Remember, we have to keep our mission on the down low. No way can Mommy find out."

Ella nodded, serious all of a sudden. She held up an OK gesture with both hands. "Got it! I won't spill the beans, promise!"

Right then, Ethan tilted his head and spotted a stunning woman walking out from the restroom. His voice lowered, "Mommy's here."

The woman was breathtaking-classy and sexy all at once, with a figure that turned heads. She wore a red dress that hugged her curves and moved with effortless grace. She had a calm, confident air, lighting up the room without trying.

Gasps broke out around them.

"Holy-she's glowing!"

"How is someone this pretty even real!?"

People couldn't think straight at the sight of her, the word "beautiful" echoing in their heads.

"Mommy!" Ella said sweetly.

Ethan managed a subtle smile-cold but warm in its own way.

His features were starting to resemble James Bennett more and more. That thought hit Maria like a flash, her mind briefly going blank.

A chime from her phone snapped her out of it.

It was a message from Maria's bestie, Isabella Lane: "You landed yet?"

"Just did. I'll come see you once I'm settled," she replied, regaining her composure.

Maria's face returned to its usual calm. On paper, she was joining MG Entertainment as a stylist, but in reality, she had her own agenda-checking out the company's potential for collaboration.and finally confronting her parents, who'd abandoned her and her brother years ago.

Were they not her real family?

As for her ex-husband-yeah, right. She didn't have time for that mess. Let him have his 'happily ever after.'

She dropped the twins off at a villa and got them settled in.

The next morning, after breakfast, the kids noticed Maria was doing her makeup.

She'd changed into a sharp work outfit-a sleek black knit top tucked into a white pencil skirt, showing off her elegant figure. A chic necklace hung from her V-neckline, adding a touch of flair.

"Mommy's soooo pretty today!" Ella beamed.

Maria picked up her black purse and gave a soft, "Mm."

"Mommy's heading to work now. You two stay out of trouble, okay?"

"Okay, Mommy!"

She kissed each of them before heading out.

But as soon as the door shut behind her, the two mini sneaks were already tailing her from a distance.

They ended up near the entertainment company. Hiding behind a big tree, the twins peeked over at the building.

"This is the place, right? Mommy's new job?"

Ella tilted her head back to look at the towering office. "You really think we'll find Daddy?"

"We will. No doubt."

Still a little confused, Ella asked in her soft, childish voice, "So.what's the plan now?"

Ethan's eyes shifted to a restaurant next door. He fiddled with the watch on his wrist and said, "I've got an idea. Follow me."

At the entrance of the MG Tower elevator, a tall man was on the phone.

Maria's pupils shrank slightly.

He stood there, dressed in a tailored suit, tall and striking. His left wrist, still wearing that familiar watch, lifted the phone as his flawless side profile radiated even more maturity and charm than she remembered.

From that distance alone, he already looked like someone straight out of a luxury ad-cool and composed.

James heard the sound of heels approaching and turned his head slightly, revealing a sharp jawline.

He froze for a second, then his eyes sharpened, locking onto Maria.

Their eyes met. Maria gave a slight, confident smile-calm and poised.

She looked even more stunning than before-bold features, arched brows, those almond-shaped eyes filled with allure, a delicate nose, soft full lips. Every subtle movement was naturally graceful and hard to ignore.

Maria didn't avoid him. She stepped up next to James, her gaze fixed on the elevator's descending numbers.

Even though he was still on a call, she could clearly feel his eyes pinned on her the whole time.

Moments later, he hung up.

"Maria."

His voice was low and edgy, almost like he was grinding his teeth. "Where the hell have you been these years?"

Maria gave a faint smile. "Does that really have anything to do with you?"

She glanced up at him, her tone calm but distant. "Aren't you with Amelia now? How's that going? Married? Kid already?"

James's brows furrowed. "That's not true."

Just then, the elevator doors opened.

Inside stood a gorgeous woman in a white dress.

Her calm face lit up instantly. "James.!"

Something twisted in Maria's chest, pain creeping in without warning.

So that was why she ran into James here-he was picking up Amelia.

Lifting her chin, Maria kept it cool as she walked past Amelia without sparing her so much as a glance.

Amelia blinked in surprise, then quickly put on a sweet face again. "James! What a coincidence! I was just here for a variety show taping-didn't think I'd bump into you."

She tucked a few loose strands behind her ear, her cheeks flushing with a delicate pink, soft and shy like a flower trembling in the breeze. "James, how about we go to your place today?"

Inside the elevator, Maria clenched her fists, sneaking a glance at the two of them outside. Her face stayed expressionless.

The elevator doors slowly closed.

James took a step forward, but Amelia followed closely, grabbing his arm. He managed only a final glance.

With a sharp breath out, James pulled his arm back, clearly irritated. "I don't have time for this."

His eyes dropped to Amelia, his tone cold. "If I remember right, you decided on that variety show gig last minute, didn't you?"

His gaze was dark and detached.

Amelia White bit her lip, eyes darting around nervously, completely avoiding his gaze.

She'd bribed James's assistant just to find out he was coming here today. Coincidentally, she got invited to a variety show by this company. Her sudden appearance wasn't a coincidence-it was all planned. An excuse for a "chance encounter."

But hearing James say that now meant he'd figured everything out.

With a pitiful pout, Amelia looked at him and said softly, "James, your mom asked me to go back with you. I called but you didn't answer, so I figured this was the only way."

"I didn't really have a choice."

James gave her a look of thinly veiled annoyance. "I told you I'm busy. If you want to go, go by yourself."

He couldn't be more done with this.

With that, James strode straight into the other elevator and disappeared upstairs.

.

Reception Conference Room.

The coordinator grinned warmly. "Congratulations, Ms. Lewis, and welcome aboard."

Maria extended a hand with a polite smile. "Looking forward to working together."

The handshake didn't last more than a second.

"Ms. Lewis, I might not be able to introduce you to our CEO until tomorrow-he's being replaced."

Maria was momentarily stunned. "What?"

"Our entertainment company's being acquired by the Bennett Group! And guess what? The new CEO-he's like, stupidly handsome. I mean, he's totally good enough to debut as a celeb himself!"

The girl across from her looked thrilled, but Maria's smile froze. Her brows creased.

So James came here for the acquisition today?

Seeing him again earlier had made her heart clench, yes-but more than anything, it just felt like dodging a bullet.

Thank god the divorce was done.

She had a new life now.

As the founder of a luxury brand under Shadowglint, she had only joined this company to evaluate its potential as a partner.

But now? With all this happening, she had no intention of sticking around.

"Sorry, I'd like to cancel the contract."

The coordinator was visibly shocked. "Huh? Why?"

Maria offered an apologetic smile.

Why? Because the last thing she wanted was to get tangled up with her ex-husband again.

She made up a quick excuse and brushed it off.

The coordinator left looking disappointed.

Maria slung her bag over her shoulder, pulling out her phone as she walked out of the room. "Send someone else to take over the review. yeah, I'll be backing out from this end."

Before she could put her phone away, the door opened with a quiet click.

A tall man stepped inside-broad shoulders, lean frame, still looking exactly like the man she used to know in every line and gesture.

Maria looked up.

James stood at the door, lips curled with a faint smile.

"Heard you want out of the contract," he said casually. "Well, bad news. The acquisition is finalized. That makes you my employee now. And if you want out," he raised his hand and made an eight with his fingers, "it'll cost this much."

"Eighty million."

His deep voice buzzed with that familiar magnetism, as if it crackled right through her, leaving her stunned and burning.

Maria stared coldly at him. "Eighty million? You might as well just rob me."

Breaking a contract for eighty million? That was next-level audacity.

James pressed his lips together. "I already gave you the terms. It's your call."

With that, he turned and walked off without a glance back.

Maria chased after him. "Don't leave yet - we need to talk, properly."

She grabbed his arm, her tone sharp. "You're being completely unreasonable."

Some people glanced over at the sound of their voices.

Maria glanced around. She didn't want to become today's office gossip, so she pulled James back. "Let's talk somewhere private."

James didn't resist and let her drag him back into the empty meeting room.

Once inside, he stopped and looked down at her, his gaze dark and unreadable. "You really want out that badly?"

Maria shook off his arm. "Yes," she said firmly. "I'm done."

He hadn't hesitated when he agreed to the divorce back then - cold, clean, without an ounce of reluctance.

This time, she wouldn't hesitate either. She was completely clear about it now - no more ties.

But to her surprise, he didn't look angry. Instead, his lips lifted in amusement. "Be my secretary. Then I'll let you go."

Maria let out a low laugh, sarcasm dripping from her smile.

"Your secretary? Might as well just say you want me working for you again.

"Eighty million, right? Fine. Give me your account number."

If that much money could buy her peace, then so be it - money well spent.

James squinted at her like he was watching some kind of show, clearly doubting she had that much cash. He casually passed her his account info.

He picked up the contract she'd just signed and leaned back in his chair, slowly flipping through it like he had all the time in the world.

Moments later, his phone pinged. He'd actually received the transfer. James raised an eyebrow and gave her a long, intrigued stare. "Looks like you've been doing pretty well these years."

Maria smiled, her face bright and confident. "Thanks to you agreeing to the divorce. Turns out life's been great since you left."

That one stung.

His eyes dimmed for a moment.

She ran a hand through her messy hair and asked, "Am I free to go now?"

With that, she spun around and headed for the door, posture full of purpose.

James didn't react to her leaving. He just leaned back, lip slightly curved.

"You sure you double-checked the contract?"

Maria paused mid-step and turned her head.

He looked as composed as ever, slowly swiveling his chair and holding up the contract, spreading it out in front of him like he'd just won a game.

"What's wrong?"

Her heart skipped a beat, but thinking back, she was pretty sure everything was legit. "It clearly states that either party can terminate the contract with prior notice and mutual agreement. Which we just did."

She flashed a tight smile. "So? We had an agreement, didn't we?"

Still, something about this felt off - like escaping wouldn't be that simple.

"I changed my mind. Unless you come work as my secretary, I'm not letting you go."

"You." Her expression darkened, fists tightening. "You're seriously going back on your word?"

His eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "Yeah. What about it?"

Maria took a steadying breath.

"You have no shame.

"You agreed to the deal, I transferred the money, and you accepted it. If you go back on it now, that could be considered fraud. I'll have my lawyer handle it immediately."

James didn't even flinch. "I can easily send the money back."

Maria's hands clenched into fists. "Great. Then my lawyer will contact you soon."

She grabbed her bag and turned to leave, but James caught up and yanked her back, pinning her against the wall. Maria's patience snapped-she unleashed the skills she picked up at Shadowglint.

James was caught off guard, his brows twitching in surprise at her sudden moves. For a split second, he seemed impressed.

He smirked and fired back.

Soon enough, he had her pushed up against the wall again, using sheer force to pin her down.

With his chest brushing hers, James leaned in smugly. "You've got skills, I'll give you that. Too bad you're up against me."

Their bodies tangled, breath mingling, the air between them thick with tension from the scuffle-and maybe something else.

"James."

A soft, startled voice echoed from the doorway.

Amelia stood there, eyebrows scrunched, mouth gaping.

Unbelievable. She'd only stepped away for a minute, and here was Maria already all over James!

Startled, Maria shoved James off her hard.

She shook off his hand with a look of pure frustration, like this whole thing had just wrecked her day.

Seizing the chance while James was momentarily distracted, she stormed off. Just as she reached the ground floor, her phone buzzed.

It was Ella.

She forced herself to calm down before answering.

"Hello? Ella, what's up?"

"Mommy, come quick! We're at a restaurant near your office."

Her brows furrowed. "Didn't I tell you all to stay put at the villa?"

"But Mommy, we really wanted to see where you work. And plus, we were curious about the place you grew up, so me and brother came out together."

Maria couldn't stay mad. Ella's sweet little voice was like a soft pat on her frustrated soul.

"Please, come, Mommy~"

"I'm coming."

After hanging up, Maria stepped out of the building.

That's when she heard another set of footsteps behind her-too familiar for comfort.

It had to be James.

If he tagged along and saw the kids... that'd be a total disaster. He'd cling even harder.

Her face sank even more.

Instead of heading straight for the restaurant, she jumped in her car and purposely detoured.

Without realizing it, she ended up by the sea.

Families and couples were scattered along the shore, the salty breeze brushing her cheeks. The familiar scent instantly brought her back.

This was the place-where she first felt something for James.

Back then, she'd hurt her foot, and James had carried her all the way from the beach to the car. They were pretending to date, keeping up appearances for the family, but that day... her heart had slipped.

Maria leaned against the car window, taking in gulps of fresh sea air, telling herself maybe walking a bit would help.

Before she could step out, another vehicle pulled alongside.

She turned her head-it was James.

He parked, window already halfway down, his gaze drifting between her and the playful figures running across the sand.

Then he looked at her. "You remembered, didn't you?"

"You're overthinking it."

Whatever ease she'd started to feel vanished in an instant. Maria twisted her keys, deciding it was time to meet Ella and Ethan.

"Leaving already? Not even gonna walk around a bit?"

"Not if it means seeing you."

Just in case he got the wrong idea, she shot him a cold glance. "Don't follow me."

With that, she hit the gas and sped off.

James watched her car disappear, eyes narrowing slightly.

Maria had changed-so much. Gone was the subdued version of her; now, every word she said had bite.

Once she was sure he wasn't behind her, Maria finally eased up.

But when she reached the restaurant where Ella said they were, the scene that greeted her made her freeze on the spot.