After the Divorce, He Begged Me Back Chapter 03
Even though I was thoroughly disgusted by Holden, Amber’s words still sliced like glass into my soul.
I reflexively touched my empty, scarred lower abdomen, my eyes stinging with tears.
“By the way, our housekeeper is taking a leave of absence,” Holden said, standing up with his arm firmly around Amber’s waist. “Since you have plenty of caregiving experience from looking after your mom, I didn’t hire a replacement.”
“You’ll handle Amber’s daily meals and routines from now on.”
Amber placed a hand over her flat stomach, her face gloating with victory.
“I’ll be in your care for the next few weeks then, Chloe.”
I lowered my eyes, taking a long, shuddering breath.
It didn’t matter. As long as I survived this final stretch, it would all be over. I repeated the mantra to myself like a prayer.
“Fine,” I said, forcing the corner of my lips upward.
Holden looked slightly caught off guard by my compliance, but his practiced smirk returned almost instantly.
“Good girl, Chloe. I’m glad you’re smart enough to realize I’m the only person you have left in this world.”
He assumed my obedience stemmed from total desperation and isolation.
He had absolutely no idea that I had already made other arrangements.
I didn’t waste my breath arguing. I simply turned on my heel and walked toward the small guest bedroom.
Watching my retreating back, an unexpected pang of emptiness hit Holden’s chest.
He opened his mouth to ask if I had eaten, but the words died in his throat.
Frustrated, he yanked at his necktie. Amber pouted playfully beside him.
“Honey, once the baby is born, are you really going to dump me for her?”
Holden looked down into her sultry eyes, pulling her tight against his hip.
“Are you crazy? She’s a barren piece of trash. How could she ever compete with my little temptress?”
“I’m only keeping her around because I owe her dead mother a debt. She’s going to be your unpaid maid. Aren’t you excited?”
A flicker of jealousy shot through Amber’s eyes, but she masked it instantly with a sweet, seductive grin.
“Of course I am! I always knew you were the best, babe.”
She pressed a heavy kiss against his cheek.
Holden couldn’t hold back any longer. He scooped her up in his arms and marched straight into the master bedroom.
That night, the graphic, rhythmic sounds of their passion leaked through the wall. I pulled the blanket tightly over my head.
But the noise felt like poison, piercing right through the cotton and stabbing into my chest.
Suffocating, I kicked the covers off, grabbed my phone, and sent a text to an unlisted number.
“How much longer?”
A response flashed across the screen a few seconds later.
“One week.”
I stared at the glowing letters. Next door, Holden let out a heavy, satisfied groan, and the sickening noises finally ceased.
I lay frozen, staring blankly at the dark ceiling, unable to close my eyes for the rest of the night.
