Divorcing My Husband Over His Stepsister's Secret novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Anna’s POV:

“Say that again?” My mom’s voice cut through the air as she raised her hand.

I braced myself for the blow, but it never came.

“Lillian.” Blake’s cold voice stopped her mid–motion. He stood in the doorway, watching us.

“Anna and I have been having some issues lately. Let me talk to her.”

My mom’s demeanor changed instantly. Her raised hand became a gentle pat, her scowl melting into a sugary smile.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Am I interrupting your phone call? I’ll head out now.” She laughed lightly.

Before leaving, she still delivered a swift tap to my head.

“Frank is waiting outside!” she called over her shoulder. Then, more quietly, “I gave him a piece of land to settle that debt. The favor’s been repaid. You know what I mean.”

As the door closed, I felt hollow inside. I miss Dad.

Blake moved toward me, pulling me into his embrace before I could step away. I stayed there, momentarily vulnerable, hating myself for not pushing him away. His cologne smelled familiar.

“You know Frank?” he asked.

I gathered myself. “Are you trying to butter him up too?”

“Anna, let’s make a deal.” His tone shifted to business.

“I don’t know him!” I pushed against his chest.

“This has nothing to do with Frank. Claire is angry with me. I need you to help smooth things over.”

I stared at him. “Why would I do that?”

“In exchange, I’ll clear your nine million debt. You just need to accompany Claire to her new

theatre.”

“Why? You can’t just have a driver take her?”

“Claire and I had a fight. She needs you to mediate.” His blue eyes narrowed. “Would you really turn down nine million dollars for just moving your lips a bit?”

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Chapter 28

I felt suffocated. “No way!” I snapped, shoving him harder.

“Anna, this is all because of you. You’re the one responsible!” His voice had an edge I rarely heard.

I’ll give you time to think about it.” He stepped back, straightening his suit.

I realized I should never seek comfort from others, especially not from him. It only led to more

manipulation.

I’ll agree on one condition,” I said, my voice steady.

“Name it.”

“Have you thought about the divorce?”

He smiled thinly. “The divorce papers you sent are sitting in my shredder.”

“Then here’s an alternative,” I continued. “Besides clearing the debt and agreeing to my job, let ́s separate. Two years of separation, and you can’t come to my Back Bay apartment without my

permission.”

“You couldn’t pay me to touch you again,” he said coldly.

I smiled, though I felt hollow inside. “Deal.”

“You need to explain to her that I arranged for her to go to the new theater for her own good, he

added.

“Fine.”

“And she suspects we’re fighting. Tell her we’re not.”

“Okay.”

“She’s very sensitive. Your explanation needs to sound natural. She can’t have any doubts!”

I looked him directly in the eyes. “No problem!”

The Crown Club ballroom glittered with chandeliers and jewelry. I stood beside Blake, playing my part as the devoted Mrs. Wright/I smiled at the right moments and laughed at the appropriate jokes.

“Your wife is absolutely radiant tonight, Blake,” gushed some woman whose name I couldn’t

remember.

“Indeed, you’re so lucky to have found each other,” added her husband.

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Chapter 28

The compliments washed over me like meaningless noise.

I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror. The elegant woman looking back barely seemed like me.

I decided to be practical. If I couldn’t have love, I’d grab onto something else. When conversations turned to business, I mentioned my work at EcoMarine Group, handing out business cards.

“Marine conservation is such a noble cause,” a man in an expensive suit commented.

“I could arrange a presentation for your company,” I replied. “We have several corporate partnership

programs.”

This was my real passion, the work that made me feel alive. The arrangement with Blake would finally give me freedom to commit to it..

From across the room, Claire stood by the bar, her gaze fixed on Blake. Her stare made my skin crawl. She wore a pink dress that highlighted her petite frame, her blonde hair in an elegant updo.

I couldn’t match Blake’s composure. He stood unfazed, chatting with investors as if nothing was wrong, as if his stepsister wasn’t watching him hungrily.

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