The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 16

Infuriated by Bianca's feigned indifference, Cynthia scoffed, "If you really don't care about him, then why haven't you divorced him yet?"

Bianca frowned. "Why don't you ask him?"

Cynthia grabbed Bianca's arm, her voice rising in agitation. "He told me that you're the one refusing to sign the papers. He doesn't want to look ungrateful to your family, so he won't take you to court."

Bianca glanced at her, yanking her arm free. "Oh, whatever he says goes, then."

Cynthia spat venomously, "You're so pathetic. Just a cheap, low-class nobody."

Bianca retorted sharply, "And you think you have class? Having a baby with a married man? You're just as shameless as your mother."

Enraged, Cynthia raised a hand to strike her.

Bianca shoved her back, and Cynthia, unsteady in her stilettos, crashed hard to the floor. Blood trickled from a cut on her forehead.

With tears streaming down her face, she sobbed, "Bianca, you're going to pay for this! I'm going to make Mathis ruin you!"

Bianca didn't even bother looking at her. "Knock yourself out."

Mathis would undoubtedly protect his mistress, but Bianca wasn't going to just stand there and take a beating. And the security cameras would back her up.

Ignoring Cynthia's theatrical sobbing, Bianca texted Cillian: [Cillian, I'm heading home early. Seeing these two makes me sick.]

If she hadn't stayed behind to record the conversation, she would have left ages ago. Watching that couple flaunt their affair was nauseating.

Cillian replied: [Don't let them get to you. A man like that isn't worth it.]

[I know!]

As she turned the corner, a man blocked her path. His cologne was unmistakably familiar.

Mathis's expression remained perfectly calm. "It's Jax's birthday. I've known it for years."

Bianca froze. She wanted to explain, but then figured it would be much more satisfying to just piss him off.

"That's right. I'm in love with Jax. I never loved you. So please, just sign the divorce papers. We can go our separate ways—you to your precious Cynthia, and me to Jax."

Consumed by sudden fury, Mathis hurled her phone against the wall. It shattered with a sickening crack.

Bianca lunged forward like a madwoman, desperately trying to catch it.

Staring at the destroyed device, tears poured down her face.

Mathis's expression shifted, his anger laced with disbelief. "It's just a damn phone. Is this really necessary?"

Bianca screamed through her tears, "Mathis, are you out of your fucking mind?! That phone had all my mother's photos and voice notes! It was the only thing I had left of her! You don't have to love me, and I sure as hell don't want to be with you anymore, but why the hell would you destroy my phone?!"