The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 34

Cillian was equally baffled. "Mathis has always been such a rational guy. Why is he so obsessed with that woman?"

Xanthe furrowed her brows in disgust. "Why else? The forbidden fruit is always sweeter. Even a dumpster smells like roses to a cheating man."

Bianca remained entirely unfazed. She looped her arm through Xanthe's. "It's fine. We'll just do something else. Let's go check out that designer art toy store. I've been meaning to fill up my display cabinet anyway."

Cillian, who didn't really understand the appeal of collectible blind boxes, opted not to join them.

Xanthe was infinitely angrier than Bianca, cursing the cheating bastard and his mistress the entire drive.

She couldn't comprehend how Bianca was so composed.

"You used to be so madly in love with that jerk."

Bianca's face was the picture of indifference. "That was in the past. I don't love him anymore. Lately, I've been working at Progenix, watching them flaunt their relationship every single day. I'm numb to it. Mathis threatened to destroy Stellaride, and Hector looked into it—he actually has the power to do it. So, I just treat them like they're invisible. There's no point in getting worked up over irrelevant people. Ruining my own peace of mind over them just isn't worth it."

This explanation only made Xanthe angrier. "What kind of messed up world is this? Cheaters and homewreckers get to parade around, and the actual wife is left with zero options?"

Bianca's tone remained even. "Our social statuses are worlds apart. Of course he doesn't respect me. I lost my temper the other day and slapped him.

"He gave me a very serious warning, so I constantly remind myself not to engage with them. Once this project at Progenix wraps up, I'll probably transfer to the Austin City branch. Then I won't ever have to look at those two attention seekers again."

"So you're just not going to divorce him?" Xanthe frowned.

"He won't agree to it."

Bianca didn't mention the formal separation agreement. The two years weren't up yet, and she was terrified Mathis would pull some insane stunt if he realized what she was doing.

Tied to him for life, forced to watch him be intimate with another woman? Bianca knew she didn't have the saintly patience for that.

Mathis's refusal sparked another tirade from Xanthe. "You really drew the short straw, getting chained to a piece of trash like him at your age."

"Should I pick out a gift for his kid?"

"Usually, yes," Cillian said. "I'll send you her info in a bit. The party is in the evening, so you have time tomorrow to grab something. Doesn't have to be crazy expensive, just something nice and appropriate."

"Got it!"

Bianca received a photo of a very cute little girl. The text noted she was turning four.

She decided to buy her a high-end doll.

The next day, Bianca grabbed lunch with Xanthe before gift shopping. When Bianca paid for the meal using her own phone, Xanthe noticed.

"Why aren't you using the card Mathis gave you anymore?"