Chapter 4
421words
“Sorry, I lost a truth or dare game. They gave me two choices, kiss the band's lead singer... or call out the woman Ryan's been seeing.”
“Ryan didn't want me kissing anyone else, so he said to bring you here. You can go now.”
She sounded apologetic, but I heard the triumph underneath.
I looked at Ryan.
He avoided my eyes, silent.
So, to them, I was the other woman.
I almost laughed. Before I could speak, Chloe tilted her head, proudly showing off a heavy gold necklace.
I walked over, grabbed it, and snapped the clasp open.
“You frumpy bitch! What are you doing?” she shrieked, scrambling for it.
I dropped it into my bag, face cold,
“This was bought with marital assets. I'm taking back what's partly mine.”
My lawyer said I could reclaim the diamonds, too.
Chloe's face darkened,
“Stealing my personal property in public? I'll call you arrested.”
“Should I dial for you?” I shot back, fearless.
Ryan, seeing I was serious, snatched my phone,
“Stop causing a scene. Just go home.”
The panic on his face made my heart sink.
His friends started whispering, questioning who the real other woman was.
Chloe's eyes welled up. She looked pleadingly at Ryan,
“You said it yourself—the one who isn't loved is the other woman. Tell them Emily is the side chick!”
Ryan wiped her tears and turned to me, icy,
“Enough! Every time you show up, you ruin everything!”
He took Chloe's hand and announced to the crowd,
“Everyone, this is Chloe—my wife. The woman I love.”
The crowd cheered.
“Kiss her, Ryan!”
Without hesitation, he cupped Chloe's face and kissed her deeply.
She flushed, then turned to smirk at me.
“See? That marriage certificate means nothing. His heart, his money, his love—I'll take everything from you.”
I couldn't help it—I slapped her.
She covered her face, whining to Ryan,
“Honey, she hit me.”
Ryan's face darkened. He kicked me hard in the stomach!
My C-section wound tore open. I collapsed to the ground.
He gripped my chin, snarling,
“Apologize to her. Now.”
I glared, biting my lip,
“Never.”
He kicked me again, yelling,
“You just don't learn, do you? I'll teach you a lesson today!”
Blow after blow landed. Blood soaked through my clothes.
Curled on the ground, pale and shaking, I used my last strength to look up,
“Ryan… I want a divorce.”
Surprise flickered in his eyes. His lips moved.
I didn't hear him—everything went black.
