The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 53

"No, no," Bianca lied smoothly. "It's just standard procedure. Because of his financial portfolio, the paperwork takes a while. I don't want any of his money, so he won't make it hard on me."

Her chest tightened as the words left her mouth. Terrified Mabel might notice her unease, she quickly changed the subject.

Mabel understood that Bianca didn't want to dwell on her messy marriage, so she played along.

They chatted about lighthearted things for a while, and the knot of anxiety in Bianca's chest finally began to loosen.

After hanging up, she looked down at her stomach, gently resting a hand over it. "Baby, we're both going to be perfectly fine," she whispered.

She went back to the master bedroom to catch up on some sleep.

When Xanthe woke up later, she immediately noticed the dark circles under Bianca's eyes. "Did you not sleep well?"

Bianca pulled the covers back. "Just a nightmare. It's nothing."

"Next time you have a nightmare, wake me up," Xanthe insisted. "I'll tell you jokes until you feel better."

Bianca smiled warmly. "Deal."

The housekeeper had prepared a massive breakfast, but Bianca had zero appetite. After a couple of bites, she felt nauseous. Seeing this, Xanthe personally went to the kitchen and whipped up a hot, savory bowl of spicy chicken soup using some ingredients the housekeeper had prepped the day before.

The warm, flavorful soup completely lifted Bianca's spirits. She hugged Xanthe tightly. "I am absolutely in love with your cooking."

"I'll handle dinner for you every night this week," Xanthe promised, her heart aching for her friend. "I'll make it as soon as I get home and have a courier run it over to your office."

Bianca gave her a radiant smile. "Thank you!"

Universal Studios was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists. The castle spires baked under the blazing sun, and the sweet aroma of butterbeer and caramel popcorn hung heavy in the air. The park buzzed with the laughter and chatter of crowds.

Suddenly, Xanthe's voice hitched, and she froze completely.

Bianca followed her stiff gaze, and her blood turned to ice.

Along the side of the park, a private pathway had been roped off. A pristine beige carpet stretched across the ground, entirely separate from the sweltering crowds. A group of park executives walked respectfully alongside their VIP guests.

Right in the center walked Mathis, Cynthia, and Lamont, exuding cold, untouchable wealth. They were surrounded by staff.

Given Mathis's status, it was no surprise. A private guide carried their belongings, an attendant held a parasol over their heads, and every fast track was completely cleared for them. Getting the entire park to bend over backward was child's play for a man like him.

Bianca was suddenly slammed with a memory. Three months after their wedding, when Mathis was miraculously given a clean bill of health, she had suggested they go to Universal Studios to celebrate.

He had simply furrowed his brow and coldly dismissed the idea, saying it was "childish and a complete waste of time."