Chapter 10

Half an hour later, Benjamin arrived.

He saw Chloe kneeling, begging me to "give him back."

Chloe sensed him, turned, and flung herself at him.

"I'm pregnant! You have to take responsibility!"

"What does Elaine have that I don't? Benjamin, marry me! I love you!"

I watched the scene unfold with detached amusement.

Benjamin shoved Chloe away roughly.

He looked up at me, frantic.

"Elaine, it's a lie! I haven't touched her since the wedding. She's been stalking me—"

Chloe wailed louder, clutching her stomach. "You promised me! You said when you divorced her, you'd marry me!"

"We were never married," I pointed out helpfully. "So technically, there's nothing to divorce."

Benjamin looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him. "Elaine, please believe me—"

"Why would I believe you? About anything? Ever?"

The question landed like a guillotine.

Chloe, sensing she was losing the audience, doubled down. "He told me he loved me! He said I was better than you in every way!"

"In every way?" I raised an eyebrow. "Girl, he couldn't even remember your last name at the rehearsal dinner. You were 'the new girl at the boutique.'"

Chloe's face contorted. "You think you're so much better—"

"I don't think. I know. Because I walked out with my dignity. You walked out with a tattoo of his initials."

She reflexively touched her collarbone.

"Here's some free advice, Chloe. Get that removed. It's going to be really awkward on your next date."

Benjamin took a step toward me. "Elaine, I know I have no right to ask—"

"Then don't."

I turned to leave. Then stopped.

"Benjamin. The restraining order is being processed. If you come near me, my office, or my parents' home again, you will be arrested."

"And Chloe? If you're really pregnant, get a paternity test. Because we both know Benjamin's not the only man you've been seeing."

Chloe's face went white.

I walked away without looking back.