April Fools “Surprise” Husband Divorcing Me For His “Pure” Girl novel Chapter 25

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The meds came from Carol across the hall.

Fifties. Retired nurse. Still kept a stash.

I caught her in the hallway pouring bleach into a spray bottle.

“Blood pressure meds? Yeah, I’ve got some. What’s she on?”

“Nifedipine. Extended-release.”

Carol disappeared inside. Came back with a blister pack.

“Ten days. Should hold till the pharmacy reopens.”

“You’re a lifesaver.”

She squinted at me. “You medical?”

“Was. Long time ago.”

“What kind?”

“Epidemiology.”

Her whole face changed.

“Jesus, Emma. You know what we’re dealing with here? Two doctors for the entire complex. Two. Building C had a scare last knew if it was real or not. We’re flying blind.”

I didn’t answer.

Three years since I’d done anything real.

Ryan’s voice in my head: One paycheck’s plenty. Stay home. Take care of Mom.

Diana’s voice: All those degrees and for what? You’ll end up with babies anyway.

My last paper? Published three years ago. Gathering dust.

Every January, Dr. Stevens texted: Door’s open whenever you’re ready.

Every January, I wrote back Thanks and went to chop vegetables.

Back inside, Diana looked better. Color back in her face.

She was glued to the TV.

“Emma! Look!”

A news segment. Ryan’s company donating PPF to New Zealand.

Cut to a press event.

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April Fools’ “Surprise”-My Husband’s Divorcing Me for His “Pure” Girl

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Chapter 4

There he was

Tailored suit. Shit eating grin. Standing in front of some donation banner.

Auckland harbor behind him-blue sky, sparkling water, whole postcard vibe.

And next to him?

Woman in a black blazer. Hair slicked back. Necklace catching the light.

My stomach dropped.

I knew that necklace.

Swarovski. Swan pendant. Last anniversary gift from Ryan.

I wore it once. Felt ridiculous. Buried it in my jewelry box.

Now Jade fucking Monroe was wearing it on international television.

Diana didn’t notice.

“Oh, he looks so skinny. My poor boy. I hope someone’s feeding him.”

Oh, someone’s feeding him alright.

Wearing my jewelry while she does it.

I walked into the kitchen.

Cranked the faucet. Full blast.

Water hammered the sink.

I gripped the counter so hard my knuckles went white. Nails bit into my palms.

Stood there until the cold water numbed my hands.

When I shut it off, my phone buzzed.

Dr. Stevens.

“Emma. I need you.”

Straight to the point. No small talk.

“I haven’t worked in three years-”

“Bullshit. I see your database logins. You’ve been reading journals this whole time.”

My throat tightened.

He knew.

Ryan didn’t. Diana didn’t.

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Chapter 4

Only Dr. Stevens knew I’d never actually quit.

“Volunteer basis. No commitment. But Emma- His voice softened. “You’re too good to waste on grocery lists.”

I hung up.

Walked to the balcony.

The courtyard below was dead. Swing set wrapped in dead vines. No kids. No sound.

Whole city on pause.

But me?

I was done being on pause.

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