The door to the club office swung open and two hulking men stepped aside. Simon Evans stood in the middle of the room, his hands shaking as he stared at the man behind the desk. “Jessica, your brother owes a lot of money,” the man said calmly. “He needs to pay up, or else.
”
“How much? ” I asked. “One million. And I need it today.
”
“Where is he, Simon? ”
“I don’t have that money,” Simon stammered. “You don’t? ” The man smiled slowly.
“Well, there are other ways to earn his freedom. ”
“No, don’t do this,” I said, backing away. “Can I go now, Mr. Bates?
” Simon pleaded. “Get out. ”
Simon bolted. I stood there, frozen.
“You bastard,” I spat. “Do you know who my husband is? Nathan Carter, the CEO of the Carter Group. You’re not getting away with this.
”
The man just laughed. “Don’t worry, Mr. Bates. Nathan doesn’t care about her.
He’s been abroad since they married. ”
It hurt because it was true. Nathan had been gone for three years. I hadn’t seen my own husband since our wedding day.
That night, I went to a club to drown my sorrows. I drank too much, danced with strangers, and ended up in a private room with a man I didn’t know. “Today, Nathan, I slept with my own husband,” I whispered to myself, staring at the ceiling. Then I heard his voice.
“Oh, no, no, no. This was a mistake. ”
I turned to look at him. He was handsome, sharp, and completely unfamiliar.
“Does he not recognize who I am? ” I thought. “Look, how much do I owe you? ” he asked, reaching for his wallet.
“Excuse me? ”
“How much do you want? ”
“I don’t want it. ”
“Fine.
That’s good news. ”
“But I’m your—” I started. “I don’t want to hear it,” he cut me off. He threw some money on the bed and walked out.
“How can he not recognize me? ” I whispered into the empty room. “I’m his wife. ”
The next morning, I got a call from Nathan’s mother.
“Hi, Irene,” I said. “Yeah, Jessica, Nathan’s finally back and wants to see you come home. ”
“All right. I’ll be there.
”
When I arrived at the Carter mansion, Nathan was sitting in the living room, looking distant and cold. “Mrs. Carter,” I said softly. He looked up.
“Look at mommy. You haven’t aged a day. Three years you’ve been gone, sweetheart. I thought you forgot about me.
”
“You know how it is. Been growing the business. ”
“Well, what about your wife? ”
“My wife.
Oh, yes. You must mean the woman I’ve literally never met. ”
“Jessica is a good girl. You would get along,” his mother said.
“I don’t know why you dreamt that thing up in the first place. I never agreed to it. Our marriage is literally a signature on a bloody piece of paper. ”
I felt my heart crack.
“This is not about this royal business, is it? ” Irene asked. “Because I know you have been together the past three years that you’ve been abroad. Jessica is much better for you.
She’s sweet. She’s kind. She’s very hardworking. And most importantly, she is going to keep you grounded.
This Rosalie will just turn you into a privileged little—”
“Jessica might keep me grounded. Rosie literally saved my life. I owe her everything. And with a heart condition, I’ve got to look after her, but it’s not romantic.
”
“Oh, no. I know you have been living together. It’s all over the news. ”
“Come on.
You know that’s all media. Leave off. ”
“Well, whatever. You owe Jessica an apology now.
She’s going to be coming over soon, and I would like you to talk with her. ”
“I don’t want to talk to her. ”
The doorbell rang. “That must be Jessica.
Now, please, honey, please be nice to your wife. Oh, and Nathan, no messing around. ”
But when I walked in, Nathan was gone. “Roger, where’s Nathan?
” Irene asked. “Mrs. Carter’s just received a phone call from the hospital. Rosalie Stewart’s had a heart attack.
He’s on his way there now. He left through the back door. ”
“Oh, for goodness sake, that boy. ”
I forced a smile.
“It’s okay. It makes total sense he would rush to her. ”
Irene tried to explain. “Nathan told me everything.
There is nothing between him and Rosalie. It’s all just payback for what she did. Remember the car accident that Nathan was in? Well, if Rosalie hadn’t been there, Nathan may have died.
”
I nodded, but I didn’t believe her. Later that day, I found out the truth. Nathan was already finalizing our divorce. “Edwin, send the papers through to the Evans family.
Yeah, I’m finalizing the divorce of Jessica. Thanks. ”
“We need to talk,” I told him when I saw him. “Simon, excuse me.
”
“Nathan has only just got back and he’s already asking for a divorce. What on earth did you do, Jessica? ”
“Well, I don’t know, Mom. ”
“Jessica, if you get divorced, how are we going to pay for Grandpa’s medical bills?
” Simon hissed. “Simon, leave your brother alone. ”
“You’re a dead weight. You can’t get a divorce, and you know it.
Jessica, you’re so pathetic. ”
“Pathetic? You’re the one who needed your little sister to come and save you, Simon. ”
“How dare you bring that up.
You need to get a million from Nathan. ”
I was trapped. My grandfather’s medical bills were piling up, my brother was drowning in debt, and my husband wanted nothing to do with me. Then I got a call from the hospital.
“Yes, Miss Evans, your grandfather’s bill is due to be paid. ”
“I’ll be right there. ”
When I arrived, I tried to pay, but the card was declined. “Miss Evans, it looks like someone’s applied for a discharge of your grandfather, so there’s no payment needed.
”
“Excuse me? ”
“Come on, Jessica. Let’s not waste any more money on a vegetable,” Simon said coldly. “What do you think you’re doing?
He is your brother for crying out loud. He stopped paying grandpa’s bills. Did you know that? ”
“Look, enough is enough.
We can’t keep throwing money at the old man. ”
“How can you say that? ”
“Simon needs the money more. He was tricked into a huge debt.
”
“Simon had it coming. He gambled his money away. ”
“If you want to save your grandfather, get Nathan to pay off Simon’s debts. Otherwise, you may as well start planning grandpa’s funeral.
You have two weeks. ”
I had no choice. I had to get the money. I went to Nathan’s office, but he refused to see me.
“Roger, is Nathan in here? I really need to talk to him. ”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Carter.
It’s not a good time. We have visitors. ”
“Roger, I really need to talk to him. Just one second.
”
He sighed. “All right. I’ll see what I can do. ”
While I waited, I overheard Nathan talking to his doctor.
“Why can I not sleep? Why isn’t this working? ”
“Well, insomnia can be very tricky, Mr. Carter.
Basically, what you need to do is relax and de-stress. ”
“Easier said than done. ”
“You did say that when you returned home, you slept soundly that night, right? ”
“Yes.
”
“Perhaps you should recreate that environment. ”
I saw my chance. If I could get close to Nathan as his therapist, I could get the money I needed. But when I finally got in to see him, he was cold.
“Hi. You’re here finally. I just—how do you know where I live? ”
“I need to tell you something really important.
”
“I don’t really care. Could you just leave? ”
“Actually, just give me one minute. ”
“You got 30 seconds.
”
“The thing is, I’m—”
Then his phone rang. It was the hospital. Rosalie had been in a car accident. “Where is Lee?
Are you his relative? ” the nurse asked. “Sorry, what? ”
“A hit and run.
I just found him. ”
“Was he conscious when you got there? ”
“Not really. Just in and out.
”
I followed him to the hospital. When I saw the patient, my heart stopped. “Is he Nathan Carter, the man on Forbes? ” the nurse asked.
“Did you save me? ” Nathan whispered. This was my chance. “Yes.
Yes, I saved you. It’s okay. ”
Then Rosalie walked in. “Nathan, I missed you.
My heart’s been racing all day. Oh my goodness. We should go to the talker. ”
“Sorry.
Who do you think you are? ” I asked. “I’m just—she’s just leaving. She’s in the wrong place, actually,” Nathan said.
I left, humiliated. “I can’t let that woman get close to him,” I told myself. “If he finds out I’m his wife, he’ll want a divorce from me. ”
Simon found me later, drunk and desperate.
“Hey, sis. Oh, God. Look at yourself, Simon. Do you do anything else except drinking and gambling?
”
“At least I’m not a loser who got abandoned. ”
“Talk to me when you sober up. ”
“Wait, wait, wait. You got any cash?
I need 1 million to fight. It’s an emergency. ”
“It didn’t take long for her to start hooking up with another man. Grandpa’s bills keep piling up.
And you think I’ve got enough money to throw away on you? ”
“I don’t buy it. I think you’ve got money. ”
“I said no.
”
“Fine. Why don’t you go and leech off of Nathan? After all, you’re still married. Why not milk him for all he’s worth?
”
“Am I really just an ATM, too, Simon? ”
“I am the eldest Evans boy. And you would have been kicked out years ago if you weren’t still married to Nathan. ”
“I’d rather be homeless than continue being a part of this family.
”
I walked away, but Simon followed. “Already moving on to your next client, huh? ”
“Needed a bit of money. Oh, not that it’s any of your business, but yeah, I do.
And I’m trying to get some extra work. ”
“Here’s the deal. I can get you that money, but I’m going to need you to do something for me. ”
“Like what?
”
“Give me some of your services. ”
“My services? Okay. Should we go to your house or somewhere else?
”
“Right here is fine. ”
He stepped closer. “Getting a bit close, Mr. Carter, aren’t we?
I don’t have my tools with me. ”
“Guess I just have to improvise. ”
Then his phone buzzed. He looked at the message and his face changed.
“What was I thinking? We can just get started and handle the payment later. ”
“How could I let myself get involved with someone like her? ” he muttered.
“Get out. ”
“Excuse me? ”
“Out. ”
I left, confused and shaken.
The next day, Mr. Bates cornered me again. “Let me say it again, Jessica. What do you want?
”
“Relax. You’re recommended for a therapy. ”
“That’s not going to happen. Just forget about it.
”
“Don’t be like that. Your brother still owes me a million. Remember? ”
“Why should I believe you?
”
“Your brother signed these papers. Read it and weep. ”
“That’s my brother’s debt. Maybe go find him instead.
”
“Well, he said you’re the only one that could pay it. ”
“I don’t have that money. ”
“We can negotiate. You do a therapy.
I help with some of the debt. ”
“What kind of therapy are we talking about now? ”
“I have some tension that needs to be relieved. ”
“Right.
Sure. You’re hungry for it. Your husband’s been gone for years, huh? ”
He grabbed me.
I screamed. “Nathan, help me, please! ”
Then Nathan walked in. “Nathan, don’t worry.
She’s just my girlfriend,” Bates said smoothly. “No, no, Nathan. No, it’s not my—oh, baby. You turn me on so much when you talk like that.
”
“Well, got to get you in a better outfit next time, huh? You know, no one’s going to hear you scream. ”
Nathan didn’t move. “I wouldn’t have you.
Let’s get out of here. ”
“You’ll pay for this. ”
“I’ll write you a check. ”
After Bates left, Nathan looked at me.
“God, take a seat. You know, for a second I thought you were going to leave me. Thanks for saving me. ”
“Are you hurt?
”
“What’s this? Is he a client of yours? Is that man a client of yours? He’s a gangster.
How could you have him as a client? ”
“If I didn’t show up, you’d be in serious trouble right now. Obviously, I didn’t know it was him. I tried to cancel the session, but it was too late.
”
“Take this. ”
“What’s that? ”
“You need money, right? Take this.
Use my account. Just quit this business. ”
“My job is sacred to me, and I don’t need your handouts. ”
“You can’t call this a job.
”
“Look, I understand you’re a spoiled little brat, but I work for every penny I make, and I’m not ashamed of that. ”
“I’m sorry, Jessica. Seems like I’ve overstepped. ”
“Okay, that’s not what I meant.
”
“Mr. Carter, it’s Edwin. Look, keep this little business if you want, but don’t expect to see me again. ”
I walked out.
A few days later, I got a call from Nathan’s divorce lawyer. “Harper Nelson speaking. Is this Miss Jessica Carter? ”
“Yeah, this is Mrs.
Carter speaking. ”
“I’d like to discuss the details of your divorce with Mr. Carter. Can you come to Carter Group tomorrow at 2 p.
m.? ”
“Yeah, I’ll be there. ”
Nathan was really serious about the divorce. When I arrived at Carter Group, the receptionist stopped me.
“Hi. I have a meeting with Mrs. Nelson. ”
“Do you have an appointment?
”
“Well, I don’t have an appointment, but we talked on the phone. ”
“We get all sorts in here trying to throw themselves at Mr. Carter. ”
“Well, I can show you an email if you wanted.
”
“Is it an appointment booking? No. Look, stop wasting time, lady. Security will be here if you don’t leave.
”
“Okay. Hey, well, security might want to know who I am. That’s my husband. ”
“Hey, you can’t just walk in here without an appointment.
This is a legitimate business, don’t you know, Sabrina? ”
Nathan appeared. “You’re claiming to be my wife, are you? Sabrina.
”
“Nathan, why does he always show up at the worst time? ”
“Couldn’t get past security, so I just—don’t listen to her, Mr. Carter. She’s just trying to sneak in and cause a scene here.
”
“Sure. Listen, I just need a second of your time. ”
“On you, lady. Can’t you see that Mr.
Carter is ignoring you and that you are impersonating his wife? Look, security will be here any minute, so you better leave. ”
“Jessica, I’ve got 2 minutes. ”
“Bye.
”
I left, humiliated again. “If he finds out he’s my husband, he’ll freak out and want a divorce,” I told myself. Then Simon called. “Didn’t I tell you to win Nathan back?
Why is his divorce lawyer calling me? ”
“Um, I tried, but—Jessica, you need to sleep with Nathan and you need to do it tonight. ”
“You’re not being serious now, are you? ”
“Simon, I need you to take Jessica to Nathan’s apartment right now, please.
”
“Darling, is this a joke? ”
“Do I look like I’m joking? ”
“Don’t you dare touch me. ”
“Think of grandpa.
”
“You’re both ridiculous. Come on. ”
They dragged me to Nathan’s apartment. I let myself in with the code I’d seen him type once.
I found his medication on the nightstand. “How many pills did the doctor tell me to take again? I don’t feel a thing. A few more won’t hurt.
”
I took a handful. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in a hospital bed. “What’s wrong? What’s wrong with me?
”
“Roger, an ambulance, please. Roger, he’s not breathing. Call an ambulance. ”
The doctor came in.
“Well, he’s fine. He just fainted because he took too much sildenafil. ”
“What’s sildenafil? ”
“It’s a pill to help, you know, with erectile dysfunction.
”
“Well, it’s not funny. Many men struggle. Modern life can be stressful. It’s very important that it takes the correct dose.
The prescription level is set for a reason. ”
Nathan was mortified. I couldn’t help but smirk. “You’re awake.
”
“You again. ”
“You fainted in your house. I just brought you here. ”
“You in my house?
Do you know my password? ”
“I just typed in some random numbers. You didn’t think the door would open. ”
“You broke into my house.
When are you going to leave me alone? ”
“Okay, drink this. So, the doctor said you had too many of those, um, sex pills. You need more water to flush them out, so drink up.
”
“I didn’t know you had issues. You rely on pills. ”
“Shut up. ”
“I didn’t mean to upset you.
I’m sorry. ”
“I said that I’m not—forget about it, Mr. Carter. I have had so many clients with similar issues.
Acupuncture has proved really effective. Maybe we can try it. ”
“I’m not into that. ”
“You brought me to hospital, so I’ll forget about the break-in, but you need to leave.
”
“Okay. All right. I’ll leave. But you take care of yourself and don’t take any more pills.
Okay. It’s really okay if you can’t, you know. It’s fine. ”
“I need a new doctor.
”
Later, Alec, Nathan’s friend, tried to set us up again. “Hey, man. How’s it going? Is that insomnia acting up again?
”
“Uh, yeah. Yeah, kind of. ”
“How about I get Jessica to have another therapy session with you? ”
“I’m not such a fan of her methods, you know.
”
“Mate, Jessica is the best. Everyone who’s had her services loves her. ”
“Yeah, yeah, use those as well. ”
“Oh, yeah.
Absolutely, man. I’ll definitely be booking it for my next session. Thanks for these. ”
“I’m only trying to help, dude.
”
“Yes, I appreciate that. ”
Then I ran into Alec at the hospital. “Alec, hi. Hey, you.
How’s it going? I missed you. ”
“Oh, yeah. I mean, it’s been a while.
”
“Hey, I’m just going on my lunch break now. Why did you come along? ”
“Um, I’m okay. I think we’re better off just as friends, you know.
”
“No, no, no. I bet you still have feelings for me now. ”
“I don’t know because—uh, I’ve got a girlfriend now, and here she is. ”
A woman walked up.
“Look, what’s this? I’m not your girlfriend. ”
“Because she’s going to be my wife soon. Wedding’s in June.
And she gets really jealous, and you should maybe, you know, back off a little bit. ”
“So you two—congrats. That’s amazing. ”
“What’s that?
”
“It’s just crazy. Don’t worry about it. What are you doing here anyway? ”
“I’m just visiting a client in here.
”
“Oh, yeah. What coincidence? I’m here visiting my mate. Which client is it?
Someone I know? ”
Then Nathan walked out of a room. “Oh, look at you, man. Up and walking again.
That’s good. ”
“Oh, I was just going to book you in some more therapy with Jessica here. ”
“I’m going to discharge myself. How do the paperwork?
”
“Yeah. Okay. ”
“That was a close one. Hope Nathan doesn’t get the wrong idea.
”
Then a man grabbed me. “Jessica. Jessica, I need to tell you something. There’s something really important I need to tell you.
”
“Wait, wait, wait. Slow down. ”
“It’s not just your brother’s debt. Someone’s after you.
Don’t you want to know who? ”
Nathan saw us. “She’s marrying Alec and messing around with other guys at the same time. ”
“Baby, I was looking for you.
Can we just go home today? Let’s just go. ”
“Darling, let’s just get out. ”
“Not again.
That’s her husband, Nathan Carter. No wonder he beat me up. ”
“You can’t go around town calling every guy you meet darling. Behave yourself.
”
“Well, I’m sorry, but I had to. ”
“Had to what? ”
“I was scared, Nathan. I couldn’t get him off me.
”
“Is that all you wanted? ”
“You know it’s not true. ”
“Liar. That man is a gangster and you know it.
And you’re still hanging around with him. ”
“I didn’t want to see him. He cornered me. ”
“Sure.
Can you at least give me a ride home, please? ”
“No, I’m sure Alec can. Don’t mess around with my friend’s girlfriends. ”
“I’m not his girlfriend.
I was there in the hospital. Jessica, don’t take me for a fool. I heard you’re planning on getting married, are you? Tell me, is everyone in your line of industry so shameless?
”
“Why are you so obsessed with my job and about Alec? He was just using me to get rid of some girl. If you don’t believe me, call him and ask. Why can’t you just be nice to me?
”
He grabbed me and kissed me roughly. “What was that for? And you dare tell me to behave yourself? ”
“Sorry.
Look, I’ll be your new client. Bring a contract to my house tomorrow. I’ll sign it. ”
“What?
”
“There’s one condition I need you to agree upon. I want to be your only client till that contract ends. ”
“Okay. Can we go now?
”
“Please. ”
The next day, I went to his house. “Moving in already. Okay, that’s just my equipment.
”
“Right. Well, head up to the bedroom. ”
“I’m okay in here. ”
“Can you just lay down, please?
”
“Sure. ”
He laid down, and I started the session. “What is this? ”
“Essential oil.
It helps you relax when paired with a massage. That’s part of your service, is it? ”
“Not bad, Mr. Carter.
I’m a professional. Every client I have had has been satisfied. ”
“Don’t get too ahead of yourself, right? ”
“Okay.
Comfortable. ”
He relaxed. Then I brought out a device. “What are you up to?
Electrotherapy? ”
“No. Yeah, I’m not going to be into that sort of stuff, I’m afraid. ”
“Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt.
It’s just a medical device. It helps stimulate your brain, deal with insomnia. ”
“Look, I thought you were supposed to be servicing me. ”
“I am, but if you don’t like this, we can try something else.
”
He stared at me. “What the hell is going on? Have I got her all wrong? You’re really just trying to help me sleep.
”
“Yes. What else did you think? ”
“Nothing. ”
“What about other clients?
”
“Well, some have insomnia, some have headaches, or there’s anxiety like Mr. Barrett. Is there anything else you need to ask me? ”
“No.
This is all Alec’s fault. He totally misled me. Continue. ”
“If you’re happy with the services so far, we can just sign a contract and I’ll tailor my services according to your needs.
”
“Fine. ”
“But there’s one more thing I need to add. And I don’t quite know how to say this to you, but I need you to sleep with me. ”
“Excuse me?
”
“Look, as you’re aware, I’ve got severe insomnia. The only time I’ve slept well in the past six months is that night at the club with you, and I need to know why. ”
“Good. You’ll be thoroughly compensated.
Consider that card I gave you in advance. ”
“We’re already married, so I guess it’s okay. ”
“All right, I’ll get Roger to write up a contract and I’ll get that sent over to you. ”
“All right, let’s do this.
Matter of fact, move in tonight. ”
“That’s quite fast, isn’t it? Are we really doing this? ”
“Oil, please.
”
I moved into Nathan’s mansion that night. “Look who is. Welcome. Thank you.
I must say this is a very pleasant surprise. Can I get you anything to drink? A tea or a coffee? ” Roger said.
“That’s so sweet. Thank you, Roger. ”
“You two know each other? ” Nathan asked.
“Well, Nathan, this is—it’s lovely to meet you, Roger. I’m sure we’ll be friends. ”
“Roger, this is my therapist. She’s moving in for a couple weeks to help out with the insomnia.
Come in, Jessica. Go take your suitcase up the stairs, please. ”
That night, I was given the guest room, but I couldn’t sleep. “Why can I not sleep?
Why isn’t this working? Do I actually have to cuddle her? ”
Then I felt someone climb into my bed. “Why is Nathan in my bed?
”
“Nathan, what? What are you doing? Shouldn’t I be asking you this? You’re in my bed.
”
“I must have sleepwalked. ”
“Sleepwalked. Yeah, I guess I was—I’m three hours late for the meeting. ”
“It’s not funny at all.
Did you really cuddle me? ”
“No. ”
“You still did. ”
“I do not cuddle you.
That’s my bed. ”
“Well, are you sure you want to go two hours late? ”
“Yes, I was meant to be there three hours ago. ”
“We can have breakfast.
”
“Damn it. How did I let her have so much power over me? ”
The next morning, Rosalie showed up. “What are you doing here?
You’re supposed to be—what? Damn, Henrik. Useless. What are you doing in Nathan’s apartment?
”
“I live here. Nathan hired me as his new therapist and I help him sleep better. ”
“Live here? Therapist?
I don’t believe you. Where’s Nathan? ”
“He’s out, darling. ”
“Living therapist?
I’ve never heard of something. ”
“I have my license. I can show it to you if you want. ”
“Spare me the details.
Not even his fancy doctors could cure him. What makes you think you can—show some respect, Miss Stewart. ”
“Respect? You don’t deserve any of my respect.
Look, I don’t care how you got here. I’m his girlfriend. I’m not going to let some woman get in between us. I demand that you get your stuff and get out.
Get out now, sweetheart. ”
“I’m not going anywhere until Nathan says so. That’s not your call to make. ”
“Get out or I’m going to toss your stuff.
”
“God. Rosalie, where are you going? Rosalie, that’s ridiculous. Can you just calm down, please?
”
“You slept in his bedroom, you disgusting homewrecker. How dare you? This is all your fault. You homewrecker.
”
“That’s enough. If anyone is the homewrecker here, it is you, not her,” Nathan said firmly. “What are you saying? ”
“Let me introduce you to Mrs.
Jessica Carter. She’s Nathan’s wife. ”
“You’re Nathan’s wife? ”
“That’s right.
Can I help you with anything else? ”
“That’s impossible. Why would you be his wife and live here no less? ”
“Enough, Rosie.
You tried to wreck my marriage and now you barge into my home. Just get out. Roger, can you help her? ”
“Absolutely.
This way, please. ”
“Rosie. No. He truly loves me.
For three years he came abroad with me. He’s going to dump you in no time. ”
After she left, Roger spoke softly. “Don’t listen to her, Jessica.
Nathan only went with her because of her health. ”
“Yeah, I know. Thank you, Roger. ”
“He’s going to break up with you in no time.
That conniving—but why? Why has he let her live in his house as his therapist? ”
“Because he doesn’t know. ”
“Yes, I’m going to call him.
”
That night, Nathan sleepwalked into my room again. “Sleepwalking again. ”
“No. What?
No. No. I’m switching the pillows. ”
“Are they not the same?
”
“No. Hypoallergenic memory foam. ”
“Fine. Yeah.
Okay, go to sleep. I have a client in the morning anyway. ”
“So, you’ve forgotten that our contract says you can’t have any other clients than me. ”
“That’s the last one I had scheduled.
It’s Mr. Gregorious. He’s my most loyal client. I can’t cancel him.
”
“Not going to worry. It’s just a cupping session. ”
“What? A cupping session?
Great. Good night, Nathan. ”
“Good night. ”
The next day, Rosalie cornered me outside.
“Here’s a check for five million. Take it and leave Nathan. ”
“You can’t make me leave Nathan. I am his wife, Rosalie.
You should leave. ”
“He loves me. A marriage license doesn’t guarantee you his heart. ”
“Well, at least our marriage is legally protected.
You’ll always be the other woman, sweetheart. ”
“I know about your family’s money issues. This check could solve all your problems. I know that you’ve lied to Nathan.
I know that you’re pretending to be his therapist. And I know that you’re using him for his money. ”
“Fine. Tell him everything and see what happens.
”
“I think you should just take this and disappear. Then at least you’ll have some dignity. Otherwise, you’re left with nothing. ”
“Okay, that’s enough.
Keep your dirty money in your head. Mr. Greg, I’ll be right back with you. I’m so sorry about this.
”
“And don’t you forget for a second that—get away from me. ”
She grabbed my arm. I pulled back. She stumbled.
“You pushed me down the stairs. My heart’s racing insane. Please, Nathan, I’m at a breaking point. ”
Nathan came running.
“Jessica, you need to leave. ”
“Okay. I believe her. Okay.
Yeah. Whatever. ”
But then I saw her smirk. “Pain went away fast, huh?
”
“No, I was hurting earlier, but now you’ve made me feel better. ”
“No, please, Nathan. I fell down the stairs. I need to go to hospital.
”
“Take her to hospital right away. ”
“Jessica, wait. ”
“What do you want? ”
“I’m sorry.
Now you believe me. ”
“I never doubted you. ”
“Then why didn’t you say anything? ”
“Because I didn’t want her to make a scene.
She has a heart condition. It could have gone really bad for you. ”
“I fell down the stairs, too. ”
“Well, that would be just between me and her.
”
“Jessica, what? Stop being so stubborn. ”
The doctor examined me. “Okay.
Nothing very serious. Just some bruising. No running or jumping. And these might help.
”
“No, no, no, thank you. Don’t need those. Thank you for your help. ”
“Okay.
Well, if there’s any complications, give me a call. ”
“Right. I’m sure we won’t. ”
“What?
Where are you off to? ”
“I want to get changed. ”
“No, no, no. You take a seat.
You rest. I’ll get you something. ”
“I think I can manage it. ”
“Just go rest.
Where are your clothes? ”
“My suitcase. ”
“Okay. Right there.
”
He brought it to me. I opened it and he saw the marriage license. “You’re married? I found a marriage license.
”
“So, you found out? ”
“Yeah. You have a husband. Does he know about this?
”
So he still hadn’t found out I’m his wife. “He does. And it doesn’t bother him. Actually, I think he might be okay with that.
”
“Really? We’re not really in love. ”
“Then why don’t you get a divorce? ”
“It’s a bit more complicated than that.
”
“Her husband clearly doesn’t care about her. Why won’t she divorce him? I’ll handle the complications. Get a divorce.
”
“Mr. Carter, I’m still your therapist. So maybe you should stay out of my private life. Or is it possible that you like me?
”
“You like me? ”
“Don’t get a big head here, Jessica. I’m worried about having a married woman staying in my house. ”
“Yeah, you’re worried Miss Stewart might get the wrong idea.
”
“This is not about her. ”
Then my phone rang. “I’m sorry I have to take this. Yeah, Miss Evans is urgent.
Your grandfather’s critically ill. You have to come to the hospital immediately. ”
I rushed to the hospital, but it was too late. “I’m so sorry, Miss Evans.
This might be a little difficult for you to see. ”
“This is not happening. ”
“I’m so sorry. We did everything we could.
Your mother, she signed the waiver. ”
“What? ”
“Oh, Jessica, so sad. I’m so sorry.
We loved him. Truly. ”
“How dare you say that to me? ”
“No, we did love him.
Going to miss the old fart. ”
“Jessica, what the hell? ”
“You killed him. Both of you did.
You stopped his treatment. He died of his sickness. ”
“What’s that got to do with us? ”
“He was a vegetable anyway, just so you could sleep better at night.
You wanted to keep him alive. ”
“Jessica, you don’t hit your brother. We are all family here. ”
“Family.
This is family. I’m disowning you. Both of you get out. ”
“Good.
I never wanted a worthless daughter anyway. ”
I walked out, numb. Simon found me later. “If they divorce, then you know we’re not going to get the money.
Jessica, I need you to ask Nathan for 1 million. 10 million? Now Nathan is divorcing me for another woman? Yeah.
So we can just forget about that. ”
“What? If they divorce, I can help. ”
“I am no longer a part of this family.
I’m not an Evans. So, just leave. ”
“Fine. Be that way.
Come on, Simon. ”
Then Rosalie found me. “By the way, you’ve been out for a couple of hours. We contacted a funeral home for your grandfather.
Thanks. Can I come in? ”
“What the hell are you doing here? ”
“Prenatal checkup.
Crazy coincidence, huh? I’m pregnant with Nathan’s baby. ”
“You’re pregnant? ”
“Mhm.
Just got the results. I haven’t told Nathan yet. He’ll be ecstatic once he knows. He’s wanted this for ages.
I’m sorry about hitting you last time. I was out of line. Could you please get a divorce for the baby? ”
“You wrecked my marriage.
Forgiveness is a long way off. ”
“Jessica, forget forgiveness. Me and Nathan are having a baby. Can’t you just let us be happy?
Nathan loves me. He may be married to you on paper, but he doesn’t spend any time with you. So why hold on? ”
“I’m not holding on.
”
“Then sign it. Please, Jessica. The baby can’t be born without a father. It needs him.
Can you leave me alone, please? Thank you. ”
I signed the divorce papers. “Nathan cheated and Grandpa is gone.
There is no reason to stay anymore. ”
I packed my bags and left. Nathan came home to find the papers. “Roger, you seen Jessica?
”
“Nathan, she came back yesterday. She packed up and left. ”
“Roger, she can’t do that. We have a contract.
She can’t just leave like that. ”
“I know, but Nathan, no. Roger. Nathan—should I answer my calls?
”
“Also, Nathan, this arrived today. Mrs. Carter’s already signed it. ”
“She’s my wife.
She’s my wife. Yes. ”
“Where is she? Shall I call Edwin?
”
“Yeah. Okay. I’ll do it now. ”
Rosalie came to see him.
“Nathan, why are you here? I heard about the divorce. I came to comfort you. ”
“Who told you?
What? Haven’t you got the papers yet? It’s a mother who told you. You are not signing them.
I don’t want the divorce. ”
“Why not? ”
“Because I love my wife. ”
“You hated her.
”
“I didn’t know her. ”
“You think you know her now? Nathan, she played you. She pretended to be your therapist to get to you.
”
“I know. So why have you fallen for her? ”
“It doesn’t matter to you, does it? I think you should get out.
”
“No, no. Would you like Roger to assist you? ”
“Fine, I’ll leave. ”
Then Simon found me.
“Who’s that? Hi. Sounded right. I heard you needed some money.
Bought a deal for you. I love a deal. ”
Then Nathan’s men found me. “Sir, we found Mrs.
Carter. Where is she? Yeah, I’m on my way. Get a car.
”
Nathan came to my apartment. “What are you doing here? ”
“Look, Rosalie just told me everything. You’re my wife.
”
“Yeah, and you should leave me alone. I signed the papers, Nathan. ”
“And I haven’t and I won’t. Jessica, I didn’t know it was you.
I’m sorry. ”
“Okay, it’s a bit too late for that. I want the divorce. ”
“And I don’t—look, all this time I tried to make it work.
I really did. And all I ever got from you was just disappointment and constantly this—what was that? ”
“I love you. ”
“Love me?
What about Rosalie? Do you think I’m stupid? It’s not about her, right? You’ve been gone for three years.
To compensate her for saving my life. ”
“And what about the baby? ”
“What baby? ”
“You’re the dad, right?
She told me. ”
“She told you what? I hope you two are very happy together. ”
“Jessica.
Jessica, I can explain. There’s no baby. We’ve never even slept together. ”
I walked out into the street, dazed.
A car hit me. “Jessica killed his sister. Freedom, mister. Get a fistful of dollars.
”
“Jessica, I can explain. There’s no baby. We’ve never even slept together. Jessica.
”
“Oopsie. Hit the wrong one. That’s what happens if you drink and drive. ”
“Kids, help me.
Somebody help. Where is it? Look at me. Open your eyes.
Open your eyes. Please. Please. Please.
Open your eyes. Please. ”
I woke up in the hospital. “Yeah.
I’m concerned about the internal bleeding. Thank you. Was book him in. Yeah.
And the vital organs. We’re going to get that report, aren’t we? ”
“Okay. Excuse me, please.
You can’t be here right now. ”
“Stop. Leave me. I need to be—stop.
I need to see him. No. No. No, listen.
I need to be—I need to take him. No. Go off of me. I need to be with him.
Stop. No. Calm down. Calm down.
No. Listen to me. Listen to me. You need to give us a space to work on him.
He’s an expert hand. I know this is scary. I know this is scary, but you need to leave. You need to give us a space to work on him.
Okay. Okay. He’s an expert. I know this is scary, but you need to go.
Okay. Come. ”
Rosalie appeared. “You—this is all your fault.
Where’s Nathan? ”
“How did you know Nathan wasn’t here? ”
“I asked a doctor. Brian, get out of my face.
I’ll handle things here. I’m his wife. ”
“You signed the divorce papers. You have nothing to do with Nathan anymore.
”
“I’m the mother of his child. ”
“You’re such a liar. Nathan told me everything. You’re not even pregnant.
And you know what? He hates you. ”
“I saved his life. You caused the crash.
I know he wants to see me when he wakes up. You should leave. ”
When Nathan woke up, he looked around. “So, you’re the one that saved me.
”
“Jessica, Jessica, Jessica, Jessica. No, she hasn’t been here. It’s me, Rosie. Where is she?
”
“Nathan, I know you want to be a good husband, but Jessica’s really set on the divorce. She’s the one who caused your injuries. She hasn’t even shown her face here. No, she’s cold-hearted.
”
“Will you just shut up? I’m the one who’s been taking care of you. Been by your side. Remember I saved your life twice.
”
“Yeah, that’s right, isn’t it? Other than the fact you’re a liar. You didn’t pull me from that car crash three years ago, did you? Jessica did.
It’s all coming back, Rosie. It’s all coming back. ”
“You’re awake. Nathan, even if she did pull you from the crash, she can’t be trusted.
It was her brother who ran you over. She was trying to kill you to get your money. ”
“I cut ties with him a long time ago. ”
“You liar.
Rosalie Stewart, Mrs. Carter reported Simon for a hit and run. After we arrested him, he claimed you were behind it. I’m arresting you for aggravated assault.
Come follow me. ”
“Follow me. You need to get home. He’s making stuff up.
Nathan, stop. ”
“Oh my god. Are you okay? Nathan, should I call someone?
”
“Fine. It’s fine. Okay, just lay down. Here’s your pillow.
It’s just a cramp. It’s just a cramp. ”
“Are you sure? ”
“Yes.
Yes. Give me a sec. Sorry. He’s just come.
”
“No, it’s okay. It’s—so now you know. Three years ago after that crash, I thought it was her that saved me. And now all these things I’ve done for her over the past few years that I thought I owed her.
I thought she’d saved me. I—look, I’m sorry. Really, I believe you. Not the second you jumped in to save my life.
Without a second thought, I knew I could trust you. Please don’t force me. This is your last chance. ”
“Okay.
Okay. I swear you do something like this again and I’ll just—got my lipstick. ”
