Chapter 1
I was heading to pick up the kids after grocery shopping when I spotted them through the café window–my husband and our twins, laughing over ice cream sundaes.
Sitting right beside them was his long–lost first love, Sloane. She was gesturing animatedly, probably sharing stories about her glamorous life studying abroad.
When their eyes met across the table, that electric connection between them was undeniable.
And in that moment, watching them through the glass, I just knew:
My marriage to Hunter Mitchell was coming to an end.
After a moment’s hesitation, I decided not to interrupt their perfect little family tableau. Instead, I quietly turned around and headed home with my groceries.
The twins had been begging for crispy honey–glazed salmon with roasted vegetables all week. It was labor–intensive, but I needed to start prepping it now. After all, regardless of whether Hunter planned to divorce me, I was still those children’s
mother.
I lowered the seasoned salmon into the hot pan, then turned to chop the vegetables.
Lost in thought, the knife slipped and sliced into my finger.
As I was bandaging the cut, a troubling realization hit me–my son Ryan was allergic to fish. Severely allergic.
So who had requested this dish?
Before I could process this thought, I heard Ryan’s familiar voice from the entryway.
“Today’s field day was awesome! I wish we could have field days every day so Auntie Sloane could be our mom all the time!”
My daughter Maya immediately shushed him. “Keep it down! This is our secret. Mom can’t find out.”
Hunter’s voice followed, with a slightly apologetic tone. “Kids say the darndest things. Ryan and Maya just adore you, that’s
all.”
“I know you’re too ambitious to get bogged down with all that domestic crap,” he continued, “That’s what Brooke is for–she can handle the boring stuff while you focus on what really matters.”
Whatever Sloane said in response was drowned out by the sound of the security lock.
Moments later, all four of them appeared before me.
Sloane lit up when she saw me, rushing forward with open arms. “Cousin! It’s been forever! Did you miss me?”
Just as her fingers were about to touch me, Hunter stepped between us, his brow furrowing slightly.
“Don’t touch her,” he said coldly. “She smells like cooking oil. It’s disgusting.”
I froze, feeling as though I’d been slapped across the face. The humiliation was overwhelming.
22:45
My Husband’s Back with His Ex… So I Fake a Scandal & Flee!
0.0%
Chapter 3
Sloane noticed my discomfort and playfully punched Hunter’s arm. “Is that any way to talk about your with You’re impossible.”
“Cousin, don’t mind him. He’s always been a jerk–I should know. You’re the most devoted wife ever. Just be patient with him.
Hunter rubbed the spot where Sloane had hit him, not angry but smiling fondly, his eyes gleaming with barely concealed delight.
Behind them. Maya pouted. “Mom’s so stingy.”
Ryan, sprawled on the sofa eating chips, called out without even looking up, “Where’s the fish? Mom’s so lazy
Looking at the chip crumbs scattered across the carpet and the overturned water glass, I suddenly felt bone–tired.
I untied my apron and bent down to wipe away the blood drops from the floor.
“Let’s order takeout,” I said quietly. “I injured my hand and can’t cook.”
Hunter reached for me but stopped short, clearly displeased. “Takeout isn’t healthy.”
I stared back, expression blank. “Neither are ice cream sundaes.”
Hunter fell silent.
Then his face darkened as he took Sloane’s hand and headed for the door.
“Mom’s having one of her moods again. Ryan, Maya, Dad will take you and Auntie Sloane out to eat.”
The kids immediately jumped off the couch, dancing excitedly around Hunter.
“Yay! Having Auntie Sloane back is the BEST! A million times better than when Mom’s around!”
Sloane glanced between the children and me, looking uncomfortable as she tried to smooth things over. “Kids say silly things. Don’t take it personally. Come on, get ready and join us.“,
“No need,” Hunter interrupted before I could answer. “If she comes, none of us will enjoy ourselves.”
I nodded. Looking at the four of them–who resembled a perfect family more than we ever had, I spoke softly.
“You’re right, so…”
I met Hunter’s eyes directly.
“Hunter, I want a divorce.”
22.45
