Chapter 2
Ring ring!
Three hours later, Nathan called me.
“I’m drunk. Come pick me up.”
I found him at our usual restaurant, slumped over a table of half–eaten food.
As soon as he saw me, he grabbed my hand.
“Babe, I knew you’d be hungry.”
“I saved you your favorite–drunken shrimp.”
“I even got the dipping sauce ready. Come on, open up.”
I pushed his hand away, my gaze falling on the single leftover shrimp.
Across from him sat an empty wine glass, stained with lipstick.
I looked him in the eyes.
When did we stop being honest with each other?
Reaching into my bag, I pulled out the divorce papers and placed them on the table.
“Nathan, my lawyer’s number is on here.”
“If you agree, we’ll finalize this in a few days.”
Something in my tone must’ve set him off.
He stared at the bold letters on the document.
Then, suddenly, he flipped the entire table over.
Grease splattered on my clothes.
Shards of glass from the broken wine glass cut my ankle.
Nathan’s hands trembled, fists clenched like he wanted to hit me.
“Madison, don’t push your luck.”
“If anyone’s ending this marriage, it’s me–on my terms!”
I felt nothing.
21:04
Just a Stand–In?! My Billionaire Hubby’s OTHER Wife…
80.5%
Chapter 2
He looked like a pathetic drunk throwing a tantrum.
Silently, I walked away.
Sometimes, all you want is to leave with a shred of dignity.
But even that was too much to ask.
A month ago, he came home with lipstick on his collar–the exact shade as the stain on that wine glass.
I found a love note in his pocket, calling him “husband” with little hearts drawn around it.
I knew then–I’d already lost him.
At first, I stayed silent, clinging to the hope of a “complete” family for the child I was carrying.
But now?
None of it mattered anymore.
Half an hour later, I reprinted the divorce papers.
Just as I was about to leave, a familiar scent filled the air.
Nathan was behind me, wrapping his arms around me.
His breath reeked of alcohol.
Worse, I could smell another woman’s perfume.
He pried my hand open, slipping a diamond bracelet onto my wrist.
“Madison, I didn’t forget our anniversary.”
“I know you’ve been wanting this, so I bought it for you.”
“It looks perfect on you.”
I yanked my hand back, letting the bracelet drop to the floor.
Limited edition. Hard to buy two, right?
Funny, because just earlier, I saw Zoe post a picture of the same bracelet.
Nathan didn’t know that, of course.
He mistook my anger for stubbornness and pulled me closer, his voice coaxing.
“Don’t like it? No problem.”
“Tomorrow, I’ll take you shopping. Buy as many as you want.”
21:04
Just a Stand–In?! My Billionaire Hubby’s OTHER Wife…
80.7%
Chapter 2
“Don’t bother.”
I shoved the freshly printed divorce papers into his hands.
“Read it. If you agree, call my lawyer.”
“After we sign, we’re done.”
“The only time we’ll see each other again is at the courthouse.”
Nathan ripped the papers in half, tossing them aside.
“I know you’re mad, but think about your dad.”
“He’s still in the hospital. Do you really think he’d want this?”
The moment he said those words, my mind went blank.
Tears spilled over before I could stop them.
“Doesn’t matter,” I choked out.
“My father… is already gone.”
