Chapter 1
I followed my husband, Jeff, to the courthouse, even though I couldn’t believe I was doing it. We’d been married for seven years, and as high school sweethearts, I never thought I’d be in this situation. Jeff, a successful defense attorney, had been making out with a younger woman, not just in private, but in public. It was like a punch to the gut, and I felt like my heart was being ripped out. I thought our relationship was perfect, but Kenzie, my best friend and fellow doctor, had revealed the truth after catching Jeff with the woman.
I followed Jeff to his office, where I caught him having an affair with the same woman. She was beautiful, and Kenzie was right, her age and demeanor fit someone in their early twenties. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, and I felt like I was in a nightmare. I took pictures of Jeff’s infidelity, proof of his cheating, but my knees threatened to give out as I tried to process what was happening. I swallowed my emotions, knowing I needed to stay strong and prepare for what was to come. The photographer on my phone was evidence of my husband’s unfaithfulness, and I was ready to use it to end our relationship once and for all.
Chapter 2
I’m still fuming about my husband Jeff’s infidelity and vow to expose his affair to the world. I’ve identified the woman involved, a homewrecker who dared to touch my husband despite knowing he’s a married man. My plan is to take away everything Jeff wants, including the penthouse and my law practice. I start by calling my colleague Kenzie’s husband, Hunter, a divorce lawyer who promises to help me use evidence of Jeff’s infidelity as leverage to gain the upper hand in our divorce.
I instruct Hunter to help me transfer a quarter of my ownership in the law practice to Kenzie, ensuring she owns 75% of it, making it difficult for Jeff to take over. I also want to keep Jeff from getting the penthouse, which is currently in my name, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to prevent his mistress from moving in. I’ve asked Hunter to refer me to a private investigator to get more information on Jeff’s mistress, and I’m prepared to go to any lengths to destroy Jeff’s image and reputation.
Chapter 3
I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, thinking about my ex-wife Sadie Galloway, who took a large chunk of my fortune in the divorce settlement. She used my business ventures, where I often met with female CEOs, as evidence of my infidelity and manipulated the courts to get a favorable outcome. I got up, moved the woman I spent the night with out of my room, and headed to the office, leaving my thoughts about Sadie behind for the time being.
Later, I received a call from my private investigator, Jorge, who informed me that my ex-wife was being investigated by a lawyer named Hunter Malloy. Jorge couldn’t disclose the details, but it seemed likely that Sadie was up to her old tricks. I was determined to get to the bottom of it, and Jorge agreed to look into whether Sadie was having an affair with the city’s new district attorney. I was considering paying a visit to the divorce attorney to get more information and exact my revenge on Sadie and her family.
Chapter 4
As I left Hunter’s office, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of despair washing over me. The pain of my husband Jeff’s betrayal was still raw, and I questioned where I went wrong in my marriage. Hunter tried to console me, telling me I did nothing wrong, but it didn’t feel that way. I spent the rest of my appointment crying, feeling like I’d wasted 11 years of my life on a cheating husband. I decided to focus on work to take my mind off things and saw around 10 patients, from a sore throat to a recurring disc bulging. Someone even came in with sepsis, which required me to call an ambulance. Despite the chaos, I managed to remain professional and attentive to my patients.
At the end of the day, as I was closing my office door, I noticed a flash of light outside the window. I couldn’t help but look back at the parking garage across the street, wondering if it was just a lens flare or something more. Meanwhile, Sadie, my friend and Jeff’s mistress, was busy admiring her ultrasound at home. She was convinced that once Jeff knew she was pregnant, he would leave his wife and be with her. Little did she know, however, that I was just as determined to expose her affair and get revenge on Jeff.
Chapter 5
As I sat in my office, I couldn’t shake off the image of a young brunette who had come to see divorce attorney Hunter Malloy earlier that day. I wondered who she was and if she had anything to do with Malloy’s sudden interest in my daughter, Sadie. My assumption was that she was going through a nasty divorce or was about to be, and it seemed too coincidental that Malloy would be looking into Sadie using a P.I. and representing a new client at the same time. I decided to have my hacker, Jorge, dig into Malloy’s new client’s information to see if she had any connection to Sadie.
Meanwhile, I was struggling with my own demons after discovering my ex-husband Jeff’s infidelity. My friend Kenzie was trying to help me come to terms with the situation, but I was consumed by a desire for revenge. I wanted to take everything from Jeff, including his pride, dignity, and job. Kenzie tried to reason with me, but I was beyond consolation. I couldn’t forgive Jeff for what he had done to me, and I just wanted him to feel the same pain and betrayal that I had felt.
Chapter 6
I was in my office, surrounded by paperwork and the hum of the air purifier, but despite being alone, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of tension in the air. Suddenly, my phone rang, interrupting the silence. Jorge, my investigator, was on the line, and he had some explosive information. He told me that he had discovered the identity of the woman I asked him to look into – Dr. Annika Hollands, wife of District Attorney Jeffrey Hollands. Interestingly, she’s also a doctor, specializing in family medicine, and owns a practice with her colleague, who just so happens to be the wife of Counselor Malloy.
As Jorge revealed more details about Annika’s background, my jaw dropped. Not only did she come from a wealthy family, the Rhode Island Silvertons, but she also hid her true identity from her husband, marrying him in secret when they were both 19. Jorge discovered that Jeffrey Hollands had no idea about Annika’s true background, and that she had a small wedding because she wanted to prove whether he truly loved her or not. Newsflash: he didn’t. And it gets even juicier – the penthouse where Ms. Galloway was seen sneaking out during my investigation last year actually belongs to Annika, not Jeffrey. I couldn’t believe the extent of the deceit and manipulation that went on behind closed doors.
Chapter 7
As I sat in the office admiring the design, I suddenly felt a jolt of electricity traveling through my body due to a text message from Jorge, who was tailing Sadie Galloway. The message revealed that Sadie was visiting a doctor’s office, and my internal chaos was exacerbated by the fact that I had to avoid running into her at all costs. I pretended to have a medical issue to use up 30 minutes of the doctor’s time, hoping to avoid a collision with Sadie.
When Dr. Annika walked in, her innocent and welcoming smile cast a deadly spell over me, and I found myself consumed by her presence. As she examined me, I couldn’t help but feel drawn to her even as I struggled to maintain my composure. As she revealed her diagnosis, I was taken aback by her straightforward suggestion to take a vacation, which I initially ridiculed. However, she stood her ground, making a valid point about work-life balance. Throughout our conversation, Annika’s playful and snobbish tone drew me in, and I found myself increasingly captivated by her.
Chapter 8
I was stunned to learn that my patient, Leon Von Doren, was the ex-husband of Jeff’s mistress, Jeff’s soon-to-be ex-wife. It dawned on me that not only had Jeff cheated on me, but she was cheating on her own husband with Jeff. As a doctor, I was trained to expect the unexpected, but this situation was beyond anything I could have predicted. I was taken aback, and my brain began to act on its own, causing me to ogle Leon as if he were a fine specimen. I was humiliated, realizing I had overridden my doctor’s mindset.
After the incident, Kenzie, my coworker, noticed I was still stuck on Leon, and she pointed out that I was avoiding going home because it would be empty. I revealed to her that the penthouse I lived in wasn’t actually mine, but a gift from my parents, who are tycoons of the construction world. I grew up in a strict house and knew that if people found out who my family really was, they would only be interested in me because of my family’s wealth and influence. I wanted to break away from my family and make a name for myself.
Chapter 9
I have always been detached and able to compartmentalize my life, but everything changed when Annika, a powerful and ambitious woman, entered my life. She left an intense impression on me, and I found myself struggling to wrap my head around her. Despite her small stature, Annika exuded authority, beauty, and potential, making me wonder what could have been if I had chosen her over my ex-wife Sadie.
Annika showed up at my office, claiming to be my doctor, and revealed that she was angry with me for lying to her about being just an executive instead of the CEO of Paradox. I was caught off guard by her smarts and sass, and my usual composure was shaken. Despite feeling uneasy, I found myself drawn to her, particularly when she shot me a stern expression or checked me out with an awkward gaze. I was surprised by my own reactions, as I had never been this open or vulnerable with a woman before.
Chapter 10
I felt like nothing was going my way for the first time in my life after a humiliating encounter with my ex-husband Jeffrey’s wife, Annika, at the doctor’s office. Feeling nauseous and crampy, I rushed home to avoid further embarrassment. Once inside, I blew off steam by screaming and punching my pillow in frustration. I couldn’t believe Annika’s audacity, but Jeffrey reassured me that she was just jealous and trying to provoke me as revenge.
Jeffrey promised to deal with Annika and make sure I get everything I deserve, including the penthouse apartment. He convinced me that Annika’s claims of owning the clinic were just an act, and that he would destroy her and her business once we’re together. Meanwhile, Jeffrey is dealing with his own problems, having to hide his affair with me while making it seem like he’s still devoted to Annika. He is determined to get what he wants and is willing to do whatever it takes to manipulate Annika into signing a prenup that will give him the upper hand in their divorce.
Chapter 11
As Leon navigated his new partnership with Annika, he found himself drawn to her chemistry, despite her broken-hearted past. However, his enthusiasm was short-lived as he accidentally patted her on the head, and she swiftly cut him off, emphasizing their partnership. Leon felt a sting, realizing he had misinterpreted Annika’s intentions, and she wasn’t interested in a romantic entanglement.
The tension was momentarily set aside as they visited Austin Chester, a renowned infectious disease expert. Annika’s excitement grew as she entered the lab, and her curiosity was piqued by Austin’s work. Austin welcomed Annika with a warm smile, and she introduced herself as a doctor in family medicine. As they began the testing process, Annika’s admiration for Austin’s work grew, making Leon feel envious. His attempts to assert his own importance were met with Austin’s focus on Annika, further highlighting his own lack of interest.
Chapter 12
As Leon drove us to dinner, I was still reeling from the devastating news that my husband had given me Chlamydia. I was angry and humiliated, and just wanted to go home and strangle Jeff. Leon tried to console me, but I was too far gone. He eventually took me to a pharmacy to pick up the antibiotics, and in the car, we discussed the shocking revelation that Sadie, Leon’s ex-wife, was pregnant. This news sent Leon into a rage, and he began punching the steering wheel, causing me to lean away in fear. I was eventually pulled from the car, and Leon apologized profusely for his outburst.
Leon drove us to a luxurious restaurant in downtown, but we were shocked to find a long line waiting to get in. Despite this, Leon told me not to worry and that he would call his assistant, Toby, to come and pick us up and bring us a different car. With that settled, we settled in for a quiet dinner, hoping to put the day’s events behind us.
Chapter 13
After a dinner conversation with Leon, Annika found herself lost in thought, replaying their conversation and noticing how attentive and warm he was towards her. She couldn’t help but feel a flutter in her chest, but she reminded herself that this was all just a ruse to get back at their enemies. Meanwhile, at the penthouse, Annika’s estranged husband Jeff had unexpectedly shown up, asking her where she had been. The two had a heated argument, with Annika accusing Jeff of cheating and never being a faithful husband. She eventually kicked him out of the penthouse, citing her newly filed legal separation papers, which would be served to him within 48 hours.
Chapter 14
I was winding down after a long day when Annika’s text message arrived, confirming that Jeff had left the penthouse with all his belongings. I decided to trail him, feeling outraged on Annika’s behalf for what he had done. Jeff had betrayed her in the worst possible way, trying to confiscate her home, practice, and dignity through ill means. I realized that this was no longer just about exposing infidelity, but about morale. Annika deserved retribution for what he had done.
As I lay awake the next morning, my thoughts turned to dinner with Annika. I had said some things that might have left her wondering about my intentions, but I knew I had been speaking the truth. I felt invested in Annika’s plight and couldn’t help but wonder if my attraction to her wasn’t just physical. I wondered why she hadn’t acted that way with me, preferring instead to be friendly with Austin. I started to feel a sense of inadequacy, realizing that I had to woo her. Meanwhile, Jorge informed me that Jeff and Sadie were together again, and I decided to call Annika to relay the information. Her line was busy, but I eventually reached her and let her know what was going on.
Chapter 15
As I waited for Kenzie to meet me outside, I noticed a song on the radio triggering a moment of introspection about my life. I had worked hard to curate my ideal life, but it had all turned to dust. I saw remnants of my past life, including my ex-husband Jeffrey, who now looked evil incarnate. I pressed on, crossing a boundary, and found myself in a warm and beautiful landscape filled with cherry blossom trees and a winding river. The scenery was breathtaking, and I couldn’t help but smile.
Kenzie and I went shopping at the mall, and I decided to indulge in luxury items. We arrived at a high-end boutique, where I was reunited with Leon Von Doren, a business associate from the clinic. Kenzie was surprised to see him, and I was embarrassed by her forwardness. As we browsed the store, we were interrupted by a sales associate who recognizes Leon, and the rest of the staff starts catering to him. Just then, Sadie Galloway, my ex-husband’s mistress, stormed into the store, demanding attention and causing a scene. Kenzie and I exchanged disbelieving glances, and I was left speechless as Sadie berated the staff and us, calling us “wretched hags.”