The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 103

He was actually terrified to face Bianca. Whenever she opened her mouth, she effortlessly crushed whatever dignity he had left. She was probably the only person in the world who dared to provoke him time and time again.

And he had no idea why he kept forgiving her, over and over.

Bianca's face remained completely devoid of emotion. "It was just a manipulation tactic. I wanted you to treat me a little better. That's all."

Since they were parting ways anyway, she was never going to tell him about the sweet joy she'd felt when she first came up with the name.

What difference would it make if he knew? He had another woman by his side. As long as that woman was around, he was perfectly fine acting like he didn't even know her.

Rather than face the disappointment, it was better to have never hoped at all.

Mathis heard the sound of his own heart breaking. Those warm lips of hers could always deliver words made of pure ice.

His face turned frigid, and he gritted his teeth. "Excellent. You've always been exactly like this—only ever looking out for your own interests."

Bianca didn't care how he viewed her. He wasn't going to let her off easy anyway.

"Since you already know what kind of person I am, why stay shackled to me with a marriage certificate? Someone like me will only drag down your status, Mr. Jagger. Your precious Cynthia is a much better match for you."

She might as well use the moment to push for the divorce.

Mathis stared at her face. Every time she mentioned divorce, she did so with such flippant ease. Their marriage clearly meant absolutely nothing to her.

He enunciated every word deliberately. "I will never divorce you. I will not give you your freedom, and you can forget about finding another man."

Sometimes Bianca seriously considered calling the cops. How could a man be this petty?

"Then hurry up and leave. You're in my way," she said, incredibly annoyed. She didn't want to waste another syllable on him.

"I have plans with someone later. I'm busy," Bianca refused.

Who in their right mind would want to eat dinner with their soon-to-be ex-husband? Was she actively trying to ruin her appetite?

Mathis stared her down. "You have no friends in Austin City. Aside from Milo Wilder, who else could you possibly have plans with? Let me remind you: you are a married woman. Keep your distance from other men. Especially the ones who are interested in you."

Bianca rolled her eyes. "My business is none of yours."

He stepped forward to take her hand, but Bianca pulled away. "Don't. You've slept with other women. You disgust me."

Mathis's eyes darkened. "I slept with Cynthia long before I was with you. You were thrilled enough when you first got in bed with me. Why wasn't I dirty to you then? You even told me you wanted to spend the rest of your life with me."

Bianca wasn't going to let him twist her emotions. "I was blind back then, and now I'm cured. Sorry, Mr. Jagger, you can't hold me to things I said in passing. When you're living under someone else's roof, you have to say what they want to hear.