After the Divorce, I Became an Artifact Restorer Free Preview

"Two lines..."

Jade Merchant stared at the pregnancy test, disbelief giving way to a surge of joy. After three years, she and Hudson Walter were finally having a baby.

Her phone chimed with his special tone.

Hudson must be back from his business trip!

She grabbed her phone, the test still in her hand. The image on the screen hit her like a punch to the gut. Her phone and the test clattered to the floor.

There was Hudson, the husband she hadn't seen in a month, in some fancy club. He had a tiny woman cradled easily in his arms. A little girl in a pink dress held his other hand.

Jade knew her instantly—Amara Hoyt, Hudson's cherished childhood sweetheart, the one everyone knew about.

An hour later, Jade stood outside a private room at the Mingler Club. The door was slightly open. Inside, Hudson and Amara sat surrounded by friends on a plush sofa, the smiling little girl between them. Every time the girl spoke to him, Hudson leaned in close, all attention. That gentle look felt like a knife twisting in Jade's chest.

With flowers, balloons, and a perfect little family, their friends all smiled—creating such a happy scene.

But Jade was the one watching. She was Hudson's wife, but only on paper.

Amid the noise, Amara stood up. She was wearing a stunning red dress. She leaned over and put a birthday hat on Hudson's head.

The lights went out. In the candlelight, Amara glowed.

"Hudson, make a wish," Amara said, her voice sweet.

If Jade said that, Hudson'd call her childish.

But with Amara, he was different. His usual detached look was gone, replaced by pure fondness. "Okay," he said, his voice soft.

He blew out the candles as everyone sang. He closed his eyes to wish. Amara watched him, her affection plain. They were in their own world.

Jade's fingers pressed into her flat stomach until they turned white. Her heart was breaking, but she couldn't look away. She just stood there, hurting herself by watching.

When the lights came on, her face was wet. Then she heard a voice from inside the room.

"Amara, you're staying for good this time, right? Just stick with Hudson. Save him the trips overseas."

Amara's cheeks turned pink. "Hudson has a wife. Don't say that."

Hudson just leaned back on the sofa, a lazy, fond smile on his face as he looked at her. "It's harmless," he said.

Jade remembered he hated being teased. But for her, it was "harmless". His rules never applied to Amara—for her, he always made exceptions.

Jade didn't remember leaving. There was no scene. She just left.

In the taxi, she pressed her forehead to the cool window. Sobs shook her shoulders.

Three years ago, Hudson's grandfather, John Walter, was dying. She had saved him. The old man offered her anything.

All she asked for was to marry Hudson.

The world thought she was a gold-digger who'd trapped the Walter heir. No one knew she'd been in love with him for years. He was her fantasy.

Even though Hudson was distant, he came home for dinner. He held her at night. He let her run the house. She was happy. She thought this was their life.

Today ended that. The last three years were a stolen dream. Now she was awake.

The villa was dark and cold when she got back. The dinner she'd made for him sat untouched. The birthday cake she'd baked, with "Happy Birthday Hudson" on it, looked stupid now.

She didn't turn on the lights. In the faint moonlight, she dropped onto the living room sofa. Her face was empty. She felt hollow.

Jade sat on the sofa for a long time, motionless. Finally, she lifted a hand and rested it on her flat stomach.

A new life was growing inside her. A life she had longed for, but which now felt tragically mistimed.

After all, her husband—the father of this child—was celebrating his birthday with another woman, playing at being a happy family. Meanwhile, she, his wife, was left alone in this cold house, feeling her composure fracture and crumble.

Helpless tears slipped down her cheeks once more. Jade buried her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.

"A reunion after so long..." she rasped, the words a raw whisper.

A memory from a month ago flashed into her mind, sharp and vivid. She had been packing for Hudson's trip. Passing by the balcony, she'd overheard him on a call.

"Yes, the flight lands at two.

"Don't come to the airport. You mustn't tire yourself. Stay home and wait for me.

"I'll come to you as soon as I arrive."

His tone was uncharacteristically gentle and patient, unlike any he'd ever used with her. Surprised, she had asked him who it was.

When he turned to her, the warmth vanished, replaced by his usual cool detachment. "Just a friend," he had said, his voice flat.

That "friend" must have been Amara.

And this wasn't the first time she'd encountered Amara.

Long ago, she had found a photo tucked away in a hidden compartment of Hudson's wallet. The picture was of Amara—radiant smile, high ponytail lifted by the wind, the perfect girl from his past.

So, during this past month of his "business trip," how much time had Hudson actually spent working? And how much time had he spent with Amara and that child?

The girl in the private room... she looked to be about three or four years old.

A more distant memory abruptly unfolded in her mind. Three years ago, not long after she married Hudson, Amara had suddenly moved abroad. She'd stayed overseas all this time, only returning now.

Could it be...

A horrifying suspicion took shape, plunging her into an icy void, stealing her breath.

She pinched the palm of her hand, using the sting to claw back to reality. "It's not true... it can't be..." she whispered, her voice trembling as she tried to comfort herself. She shook her head fiercely.

But the seed of doubt was sown, taking deep root and sprouting vicious, clinging vines that wrapped around her heart, threatening to crush it. She could barely breathe.

Jade sat on that sofa until dawn broke. Hudson never came home. Where he was, who he was with—the answer was painfully obvious.

Finally, Jade moved her stiff, exhausted body and stood up from the sofa. She picked up the pregnancy test from the table and carried it into the master bedroom. She intended to lock it in her safe.

Besides me, who would ever welcome this child?

The light in her eyes dimmed completely.

Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening came from behind her.

Her heart clenched, and her hand jerked in shock.

The pregnancy test slipped from her fingers and fell onto the carpet.

Footsteps sounded from behind her.

Flustered, Jade quickly scooped up the pregnancy test and stuffed it into her pocket.

At the same moment, a hand landed on her shoulder, turning her around.

Jade's body stiffened with tension. Forcing herself to calm down, she looked up into Hudson's handsome, sharply defined face.

His eyes, usually as cold and unreadable as ice, met hers. His lips were pressed into a thin line below his straight nose, radiating that familiar, unapproachable chill.

This was how Hudson always was. For three years, she'd gotten used to his coldness. But last night, she watched his unyielding harshness soften into gentleness—only for Amara.

"Have you been crying?" His fingertip brushed her eyelid.

Her eyes, swollen from a night of tears, stung at his touch.

Hudson asked, "Just because I didn't come home last night for my birthday?"

Jade's fingers tightened on her skirt. She took a deep breath. "I—" she began, but a shadow fell over her.

A warm touch landed on her swollen eyelid. Hudson had kissed it. "I saw all the stuff you prepared..."

Against all logic, a foolish spark of hope flickered in Jade's chest, and the shadows in her eyes lightened a fraction. "Then you—"

Her words were cut off again. "Don't bother with things like that next time. It's a waste of time."

Jade's heart ached instantly. A waste of time? Because he knew he wouldn't be home? Because anything I do is pointless?

Of course. Amara was the one he cherished. To Hudson, she was just a nuisance.

If it weren't for John's pressure, Hudson would have divorced her long ago. He'd already shown her last night who he wanted to be with. Why was she still lying to herself?

That tiny spark of hope in Jade's heart froze solid. The light in her eyes died, clouded over. "I understand."

After a moment, she remembered. She looked up again, her voice rough and strained. "So last night... where were you? Why didn't you come home?"

Hudson's tone was flat. "Working late."

Two simple words that felt like a knife to her chest. Her eyes reddened, and she reached out, grabbing his sleeve. "Hudson..."

Jade could never hide her feelings. Now, with her eyes and the tip of her nose red, she looked pitiful enough to soften anyone.

Hudson leaned down and captured her pale, parted lips. His palm cradled the back of her head as he kissed her, deep and possessive. His kisses were like him—demanding and intense.

Jade soon went soft against him, her lips tingling, before he finally pulled back.

As she caught her breath, he reached past her for a jacket from the closet. In the movement, she caught a faint trace of women's perfume on him.

Jade closed her eyes against the pain. When she opened them, Hudson was already putting on his jacket and fastening his watch. His black dress shirt was buttoned to the top, restoring his usual untouchable look.

Seeing him about to leave, Jade grabbed his arm. "Hudson, wait. Don't go yet. I need to—"

"That's enough," Hudson said, pulling his arm free. He adjusted his tie in the mirror.

Before leaving, he dropped a kiss on her cheek. "I have an important meeting at nine. I'm short on time. Don't be clingy. We'll talk when I get back." With that, he turned and left.

Jade watched him go, tears welling up.

Hudson was always meticulously planned. Even a real emergency meeting would have been scheduled with time to spare.

His hurry now had nothing to do with a meeting. He was rushing off to Amara and that little girl, wasn't he?

Jade leaned against the closet door, all her strength gone. She slid down to sit on the cold floor.

She didn't know why Hudson was hiding the fact that he was with Amara last night. Maybe he was just humoring her for John's sake. Or maybe he didn't care if she knew.

It didn't matter. It all meant the same thing: Hudson didn't love her. For three years, she'd practically handed him her heart, and he'd looked right through it.

Amara was back. She'd even given Hudson a daughter. There was no place for Jade here anymore. Hudson divorcing her was only a matter of time.

Better to leave on her own terms than wait to be thrown out. At least that way she could keep some dignity. Preserve what little self-respect she had left.

Jade pushed herself up using the closet door. Her gaze swept over the ties and cufflinks she'd carefully picked for him, a wave of bitterness hitting her.

Jade forced back the tears welling in her eyes. She took the pregnancy test from her skirt pocket, locked it in her safe, and then pulled out her phone to send a message to her late mother's lawyer.

Jade sent, "Mr. Mickelsen, could you please draft a divorce agreement for me?"

After sending the message, Jade went to wash up. When she came out, she heard her phone ringing. The caller ID showed "Dad".

Jade answered. Michael Merchant's voice, tinged with caution, came through. "Jade, are you up?"

"I'm up," Jade replied.

"Cindy said she has something to discuss with you. Would it be convenient for you to come over?"

"Fine. I'll be there later."

Jade put her phone down to charge. She mechanically cooked and ate some pasta in the kitchen, then drove to the Merchant Villa.

As soon as she entered, she saw Cindy Merchant lying on the sofa with a face mask on. Hearing footsteps, Cindy turned her head. When she saw Jade, she was so startled that the face mask slipped off.

Since it was off, Cindy simply tossed it into the trash. "You came so fast!" she complained. "I haven't even had breakfast yet!"

Jade was used to Cindy making a fuss over nothing. Her expression didn't change. "Should I leave then?" she asked flatly.

Jade's mother had died suddenly in a car accident when she was seven. Not long after, Michael married Cindy.

Cindy had brought with her a three-year-old boy named Robert Merchant.

This meant Michael had not only cheated, but had also rushed to marry the homewrecker while Jade's mother was barely cold in her grave.

As a child, Jade didn't understand. She thought Robert, like her, was just part of a blended family. It wasn't until she grew older that she grasped the connection.

But Michael hadn't neglected her because of Robert's arrival. On the contrary, he'd been extra kind to her.

Because of this, even though she was angry and hurt on her mother's behalf, she couldn't bring herself to see Michael as an enemy.

Cindy, who had never liked Jade, was even more irritated by her indifferent attitude, which showed no respect.

"You—" she started to yell, but then seemed to remember something. The scolding died on her lips. Her eyes shifted craftily, and a flattering, ingratiating smile spread across her face.

"Jade," Cindy said in a wheedling tone, "remember last time I mentioned I wanted to buy a villa in the Riverside District for Robert to use as a wedding home someday, but there's no availability? Well, the Walter family developed that area. Have you mentioned it to Hudson?"

Jade asked expressionlessly, "A villa in the Riverside District costs tens of millions of dollars. Do you have that kind of money?"

Cindy waved a hand dismissively. "That's what Hudson is for! He's married to you, so he's practically family. Getting a family discount from him shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Jade knew Cindy too well. She'd start talking about a "family discount," but once Hudson agreed, she'd push for more, probably expecting to get it for free.

Usually, when Cindy's demands were this outrageous, Jade not only couldn't bring herself to ask Hudson, but also had to make excuses to put Cindy off, just to stop her from making a scene and putting Michael in a difficult position.

But now...

"If you're thinking of taking advantage of Hudson, forget it," Jade said coldly.

Cindy's eyes widened. Before she could speak, Jade dropped another bombshell.

"Hudson and I are getting a divorce."

"Divorce?!" Cindy's voice was so shrill it could have shattered glass.

After the initial shock, she glared at Jade with pure scorn. "Do you have any idea how many women in this city would kill to marry into the Walter family? Landing Hudson was the luckiest break of your life! And now you want to throw away being Mrs. Walter? Are you out of your mind?"

Jade's face remained an impassive mask. "You can have my 'luck' then."

Cindy sputtered, then immediately turned and yelled upstairs, "Michael! Michael!"

Michael soon emerged from the study and came downstairs. "What is it, Cindy?"

Cindy pointed a dramatic finger at Jade. "Look at your wonderful daughter! I merely mentioned possibly getting a family discount on a Riverside District villa for Robert's future, and she flies off the handle, saying she wants a divorce from Hudson! I can't talk to her. You deal with her. Talk some sense into her before she throws away being Mrs. Walter and has nothing to cry about later!"

Michael looked at Jade, stunned. "You want to divorce Hudson?"

He knew Jade had loved Hudson for years. He also knew about the rumors she'd endured to marry him.

Just as things seemed to settle down and their relationship appeared stable, with Hudson even joining them for dinner occasionally, why would she suddenly want a divorce?

Jade lowered her eyes, hiding the pain. "Yes."

Michael led her to the sofa. "But why? Wasn't everything fine? Did Hudson do something? Did he hurt you?"

Why was it good before? Because his true love wasn't back. But she couldn't say that to Michael.

Her heart ached. She dug her nails into her palm, forcing her expression to stay neutral. "He didn't hurt me. I just find this life empty. I want a divorce. I want my own life back."

Michael didn't look convinced. "Really? If you're unhappy, you can tell me."

A flicker of warmth touched Jade's heart. She was about to speak when Cindy's cutting voice rang out first.

"Unhappy? She's Mrs. Walter! She has staff at home, a car and driver, lives in luxury, wants for nothing! What could she possibly be unhappy about? In my opinion, she's just spoiled from an easy life! Let her get divorced and lose it all, then see if she still wants out. She'll probably come crawling back to Hudson."

The harsh words shattered Jade's fragile composure. "Yes! Being Mrs. Walter is great! But what if I don't want it anymore? Is that allowed?"

Both Cindy and Michael stared, taken aback. Jade was usually so even-tempered. This outburst was unexpected.

"I can't do this anymore. I just want to be Jade again. Is that so wrong?" Her voice, fading now, was laced with weary despair. Her body trembled slightly from the intensity of her emotions.

She could handle Hudson's coldness. She could handle him not caring about her. But she couldn't handle his lies, his excuses, all for another woman.

For three years, she'd laid her heart bare for him. And last night, she saw with her own eyes how he treated that heart—like it was nothing, something to be trampled on.

"You... you... you..." Cindy stammered, finally spitting out, "We are your elders! Is that any way to talk? Stop yelling!"

Jade pressed her lips together and fell silent.

Seeing her quiet, Cindy snorted, "So it's about the villa for Robert? If you didn't want to help, you could have just said so. Did you have to throw a tantrum in front of your father? Oh my, Mrs. Walter sure is impressive!"

Jade opened her mouth, but no words came. Some things she couldn't say. No one would understand her pain anyway.

Cindy pressed on, "If you resent Robert for not sharing a mother with you, fine. But what about your father? He just secured a lucrative project because of his connection to the Walter family. He's been staying up for days working on the proposal, sometimes even skipping meals. And now you want a divorce? What about all his hard work? Do you want to see it go to waste?"

Jade looked at Michael and noticed for the first time the dark circles under his eyes, the clear exhaustion on his face.

A wave of helplessness washed over her. She pinched her palm. "How much longer on the project?"

"About another week," Michael replied. "But if you—"

He started to say something, but Cindy pinched his arm hard. He looked at her, and she shot him a fierce look. He swallowed his words.

Jade understood his difficult position. "Then we'll talk about the divorce after your project is done."

*****

Back at the villa, Jade went through the motions, watering the plants in the backyard. Her eyes were vacant, her expression numb. She was completely distracted.

She had a week to think about her marriage to Hudson, and about the baby growing inside her.

Maybe tonight, when Hudson came home, she could test the waters—about the divorce, about the child. She wanted to hear what he had to say.

After watering, seeing it was almost time for Hudson to finish work, Jade went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Hudson was very private. He didn't like outsiders in their home. Aside from a cleaner who came periodically, Jade handled all the housework.

Hudson was picky and had a sensitive stomach. Over the past three years, Jade had become an excellent cook just to make things he would eat and that were gentle on his stomach.

An hour later, three dishes and a soup were on the table, all Hudson's favorites. The rising steam and delicious smells added a rare warmth to the cold villa.

Jade set the table and sat down to wait.

But as minutes ticked by, the food grew cold, the sky outside darkened, and Hudson didn't come home.

Jade shifted, her body stiff from sitting. She took a deep breath, picked up her phone, and called Hudson.

"Hudson..." Her voice came out hoarse.

She cleared her throat, trying to sound normal. "Hudson, you said you'd be home tonight?"

His voice was its usual cold self, devoid of warmth. "Working late. Busy."

Jade gripped the phone, fighting back tears. "Too busy to come home for dinner?"

"Yes," he replied flatly. "I'll be busy for a while. Don't wait up."

His words lodged in her throat. She sniffed. "I see."

Hudson added, "And I've told you before, don't call me during work hours."

Jade blinked. A tear fell onto her shirt, leaving a dark spot. "Okay..."

Just then, a young, childish voice came clearly through the phone from Hudson's end.

"Daddy, Mommy says come help me with my painting!"

Jade's hand clenched around the phone. Daddy?!

"Hudson!" she cried out, her voice breaking.

A sharp dial tone buzzed in her ear. He'd hung up.

She called back immediately, her eyes fixed on the screen. A bitter, aching feeling rose in her chest, threatening to drown her.

Pick up. Why won't you pick up? You said you were working late. Is there someone in your office calling you Daddy too?

On her third attempt, a cold, automated voice answered, "The number you have dialed is currently switched off."

He couldn't even be bothered with a lame excuse. He just shut his phone off, worried she'd interrupt his precious time with his real family.

Of course. To Hudson, I'm just background noise. How can I compare to Amara? To his daughter with Amara?

Her mind was painfully clear, but her heart felt like it was being ripped apart. The pain was so sharp she could barely breathe.

She grabbed at the fabric over her chest, pressing a fist against it, trying to push the agony back inside. It only got worse.

"Ah!" she screamed, a raw, broken sound. Her arm swept across the table, sending plates and bowls crashing to the floor.

The kitchen was a wreck.

Then came the sobs, harsh and suffocating, echoing in the empty villa.

She didn't know how long she sat there crying. It was only when her eyes burned and swelled shut that she finally moved.

She washed her face, the water doing little to cool the numbness. Moving like a robot, she cleaned up the mess, then dragged herself upstairs to the master bedroom. She was a ghost in this house. No one cared if she was there or not.

Sitting on the bed, she pulled a wooden photo frame from the nightstand drawer.

The woman in the photo was beautiful, her smile gentle. Looking closely, Jade's eyes and the shape of her face were nearly identical.

Jade traced the glass with her finger, wishing she could touch the person who had loved her most. "Mom..."

Her voice cracked. The tears she'd tried to hold back broke free, streaming down her face and blurring the image behind the glass.

She wiped at the frame frantically, but the tears kept coming. Finally, she clutched it to her chest, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Mom... you always said being with the person you love was the happiest thing in the world. So... why does it hurt so much now?"

*****

Jade must have cried herself to sleep. The next morning, she was jolted awake by her ringing phone.

She squinted, rubbing her throbbing temples, and fumbled for the phone.

"Hello?"

A lively, familiar voice came through. "Jade! I'm back! I'm going to the mall today. Wanna come?"

Hearing her best friend Jewell Ford's voice, Jade's eyes opened fully. The thought of seeing her lifted some of the heavy gloom.

"Sure. Let's meet at the main entrance at ten."

After hanging up, Jade got ready. Staring at her pale, exhausted reflection in the mirror, she tried to smile. It looked more like a grimace.

The last couple of days have been... something else.

Not wanting to scare Jewell with her ghostly look, she applied a little makeup before heading out.

At the mall entrance, someone rushed forward and wrapped her in a tight hug. "Jade!"

Jade hugged her back just as tightly. The two friends held on for a long moment.

Jewell finally pulled back, beaming, and pulled a neatly wrapped box from her bag. "I got inspired on my last work trip and designed this bracelet. When the sample was done, I knew it was perfect for you. Open it!"

Jewell was a jewelry designer. Her job sent her abroad often, so they didn't see each other much, but she always brought Jade a unique, one-of-a-kind piece she'd designed just for her.

Jade was always deeply touched. "You shouldn't go to all that trouble," she said, opening the box.

She fastened the delicate silver bracelet around her wrist. The charm was a tiny, detailed bluebell. It was beautiful.

"I love it. Thank you, Jewell!" Jade said, hugging her friend again. "But you don't have to go out of your way to get me a gift every time."

Jewell grinned, pinching Jade's cheek playfully. "If you love it, then it was worth it. Now, no more arguing. You just accept my gifts, okay?"

Jade linked her arm with Jewell's, feeling unexpectedly emotional. "Okay."

They spent the morning browsing boutiques, then got smoothies.

As they passed the arcade, Jewell tugged her inside. "Come on, Jade! Play whack-a-mole with me!"

Jade laughed and agreed. But as she looked up, her smile died. The blood drained from her face, leaving her paper-white.

There, not fifty feet away, was Hudson. The man who'd told her he was "busy with work" was playing a crane game with Amara and their daughter.

Hudson, tall and imposing in a sharp black suit, looked completely out of place next to the garish pink machine. But the smile on his face was a gentle, relaxed one Jade had never seen before.

Jewell noticed Jade freeze. Following her gaze, Jewell's eyes widened.

She tightened her grip on Jade's hand. "Jade. Breathe. Let's get a closer look."

Jade felt carved from stone as Jewell led her forward.

The trio ahead was absorbed in their own world. The little girl was clutching a pile of stuffed animals. Hudson carried her while Amara walked beside them, her face radiant.

They moved toward the mall exit. Amara handed the toys to a waiting bodyguard, then went to buy cotton candy from a cart. She came back and held the pink puff of sugar up to Hudson's lips.

Jade waited for him to turn away. He hated sweets.

But Hudson just smiled and took a bite.

A violent tremor ran through Jade's entire body. She felt something bitter rising in her throat.

"Hudson..." His name was a whisper, lost in the noise of the arcade.

A choked, ragged sound tore from her throat. All the pressure she'd been holding in for days finally exploded.

"Hudson!" Jade's voice rose to a shriek as she lunged toward him like a woman possessed.

"Jade!" Jewell called out, rushing after her.

Hudson clearly hadn't expected Jade to be here. His expression darkened.

"Hudson, who is that?" Amara asked, looking at him with confusion.

Without a word, Hudson placed the little girl in Amara's arms and quickly guided them into the waiting car.

"Go back to the hotel. I'll find you later," he said firmly.

The door closed and the Bentley pulled away.

Jade lunged forward, but Hudson caught her around the waist just before she reached the curb.

"Have you had enough?" His voice was a low, cold reprimand.

"I've had enough?" Jade stared at him, disbelief and bitterness warring in her eyes. "What did I do? You told me you were buried in work!"

She pointed wildly in the direction the car had gone, her voice rising hysterically. "Is this what you call work? Hudson, don't you think you owe me an explanation?"

Hudson glanced at the crowd gathering to watch. His brow furrowed. He clamped a large hand around her wrist and dragged her toward another car.

He said coldly, "Calm down. We'll talk in the car."

"I'm not getting in!" Jade tried to pull back, digging her heels in.

This public struggle was undignified. Hudson's face tightened. He simply scooped her up, carried her to the roadside, and handed her off to a bodyguard who stepped forward to block the onlookers, ordering them to delete any photos.

Even Jewell was kept back.

Seeing Jade struggle, her face flushed, Jewell shouted, "Mr. Walter! Put her down!"

Hudson didn't pause. He opened the car door and unceremoniously guided Jade inside.

Inside the car, Hudson's expression was thunderous, his whole body radiating a cold, intimidating energy.

This version of him scared Jade. She shrank into the corner. "Let me out!"

The noise was irritating.

Impatient, Hudson hooked an arm around her waist, pulled her to him, and pinned her wrists with one hand. "Jade, how long are you going to keep this up?"

His calm, dismissive tone made her fury boil over again. "I'm keeping this up? What did you tell me last night, Hudson? That you were busy? Is your idea of 'busy'... going shopping with another woman?"

As she spoke, a sharp pang in her chest made her voice falter. "We're married. You're out with someone else without a word of explanation. Wouldn't it be weird if I didn't say anything?"

So she's jealous. Hudson slowly released her wrists, though his hand stayed on her waist.

He explained, "Her name is Amara Hoyt. We grew up together. Three years ago, she married a friend of mine, Ronald Faith, and moved overseas. Cortney Faith is their daughter. Ronald passed away recently. Amara had to come back and ask for my help. I owed Ronald. Helping her is the right thing to do."

Jade remembered Amara placing the birthday hat on his head. She pressed her lips together, her gaze empty. "Really?"

"I have been busy with work," Hudson continued. "Amara was nearby with Cortney, buying clothes. She said she needed to see me, so I met her."

She couldn't describe the hollow ache in her chest. Hudson was clearly brushing her off with a flimsy excuse.

Needed to see him by playing crane games? And if it's his friend's daughter, why call him "Daddy"?

A wave of bitter self-mockery washed over her.

Three years of marriage. This is the most he's ever said to me at once. And it's all about another woman.

"Also," Hudson added, his tone factual, "Amara came back in a hurry. She hasn't found a place yet. They'll be staying at the house for a while."

Before Jade could process this, the second bombshell dropped. Her mind went blank, and there was a ringing in her ears.

"What?" she asked, unsure she'd heard right.

Hudson stated plainly, "Amara and Cortney will be staying at the house. Be prepared."

Now she heard him. Her voice rose instantly. "I don't agree!"

She stared at him, her eyes red. "That's our home! I chose everything in it! I won't have someone else living there!"

Hudson hadn't expected such a strong reaction. He frowned, but his phone rang. It was his assistant, Kevin Bickford.

"Mr. Walter, the meeting is about to start."

"Hmm," Hudson responded. He ended the call and looked at Jade. "This isn't a discussion. It's a notice."

With that, the car arrived at the Walter Group.

Hudson got out. "Take Jade home," he told the driver. The door shut. He strode toward the building entrance, where several executives immediately met him.

Jade watched the man who stood out so effortlessly. A tear slid down her cheek. She buried her face in her hands, her sobs filled with helplessness.

What did he say? A notice, not a discussion. So I have no say?

Even if Hudson and Amara were involved, even if Cortney was his, she couldn't say a word. He wouldn't even grant her the right to be upset.

She might have begged for this marriage, but they had shared a life for three years.

How could he be so cruel?

The car soon arrived at the villa. Jade got out.

The driver, seeing her swollen eyes, asked with concern, "Mrs. Walter, are you alright?"

Jade shook her head, forcing a faint smile. "I'm fine. Thank you."

*****

Amara and Cortney moved in the next morning.

Jade was woken early by voices and the sound of things being moved. She hadn't slept well, and a sharp pain throbbed at her temples.

Pressing a hand to her head, she left her room and looked down from the second-floor railing.

Amara was below, directing movers.

Then, Hudson appeared behind her.

They were talking. Amara tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a shy smile on her face.

Jade's hands found the railing. Her fingers tightened, her knuckles turning white.

At that moment, Hudson looked up.

Their eyes met. He paused, then motioned for her to come down.

"Jade," he called. "Come down and say hello."