Chapter 1
“I know it’s not the best time for a divorce, but I’m not letting some girl make a joke out of the ten years I gave him.”
My voice was calm–completely emotionless.
On the other end of the line, my best friend Alice Pearson hesitated.
Then, she asked softly, “Whitney… are you really okay?”
“Relax. I’m not some heartbroken fool.”
Alice exhaled. Her voice turned firm. “Then I’ve got your back.”
By the time I drove to the hotel, she’d already texted me the address.
“That girl’s family is having a private dinner tonight. Raymond is with them.”
I found the private dining room by its number.
Through the glass doors, I saw Raymond Harrison kneeling down, adjusting the hem of a girl’s dress like the perfect gentleman.
The girl–Minnie Lopez–wore an expensive designer gown and twin ponytails, trying to look innocent.
Raymond’s suit jacket was draped over her shoulders like a lover’s gift.
She pouted. “It’s your fault. I haven’t slept well these past two days. Look at my dark circles!”
Raymond chuckled and pinched her cheek.
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“I’ll send you fifteen grand later. Go treat yourself to some skincare.”
My fingers tightened around my handbag strap as he pulled a folder from his briefcase.
“This is the contract for the villa near your campus. Once school starts, it’s
yours.
“You’re my sweet strawberry. I’ll handle everything. Don’t stress.”
Minnie squealed with joy and jumped into his arms. He caught her easily
his gaze soft, doting… just like it used to be when he looked at me.
Suddenly, I was back in that unfinished home we bought together.
We stood barefoot on concrete floors, and he pointed out the window, eyes shining.
“Whitney, we made it.
“Life’s only going to get better from here.
“Once we have kids, we’ll move to the school zone across the street. I’m really happy, Whitney. I love you.”
That night, he whispered those words to me over and over again.
In ten years of marriage, there had never been a single warning sign.
Even just last month, when my flight hit turbulence, he rushed to book a last–minute ticket to get to me.
I still remember his frantic voice:
“Whitney, if anything happened to you, what would I even live for? Hang in there. I’m coming!”
Chapter 1
So how did that man… become this?
I watched as he slipped a black card into her pocket.
“I already prepared your wedding gifts. Just promise you’ll stay in school.”
Minnie leaned up to kiss his chin.
“I know, but…” Her voice suddenly sharpened.
“What about that old lady? What are you going to do with her?”
The old lady. That was me.
“I don’t like her,” Minnie whined. “She’s old, fat, and obsessed with work!”
Raymond’s face twisted. “She’s the problem, not you. You’re the one I love.”
“I don’t want to be a mistress.” she snapped. “You belong to me!”
Raymond pulled her into his arms, kissing her hair.
“Don’t cry, baby. I’ll handle it. I’ll tell her everything. I love you.”
And just like that, the world I’d built with him shattered,
Ten years of love, trust, and dreams–reduced to a secret affair and a girl half my age.
But I didn’t walk in.
I stayed hidden, recorded everything, then headed straight to the bank to collect every financial record I could get my hands on.
Later that night, I called him.
Chapter 1
He didn’t pick up until the eighth ring.
In the background, I could hear Minnie’s sweet little voice: “Who is it?”
Raymond lowered his voice, clearly annoyed.
“I’m in a meeting. We’ll talk later.”
I ignored him. My tone was cold, steady.
“No, Raymond. We’re talking now. Or you’ll talk to my lawyer tomorrow.
