Page 31 of His Infatuated Wife

"She hasn't, has she? And if she's able to lie about that, then what else do you think is she capable of lying about? I've asked around, Jacques. For you. And that's why I also know they've gotten back together, and they've been secretly dating for months."

Eva flinches when I finally pull my hand out of her hold.

"I know you don't want to hear what I'm saying, but I have to tell you the truth because I'm your friend."

All I want is for Eva to shut up at this point, but I also know walking out on her will make me a coward.

"I know it's possible that she's really fallen for you, but don't you think it's just infatuation?"

All this time I've been trying to convince myself that Eva knows nothing.

But the moment I hear that last word, I realize it's the other way around, and I'm the idiot between us.

"You're this rich and handsome older guy, so of course she'd feel flattered to have your attention."

Not a single word she says is new to me.

"If it's just infatuation, then it's only a matter of time before she realizes you're too old and boring for her."

Because I used to think the very same thing.

"Break it off, Jacques. People might think for a while that your one-day marriage is a midlife crisis, but who cares? You need to cut yourself loose before it's too late, and she has you eating from the palm of her hand."

Tears fill Eva's eyes as she looks at me pleadingly.

"Please, Jacques. I just don't want you hurt."

It fucking kills me to hear Eva's every word.

"So please."

But I know it's as she says.

"Please just think things through."

Eva has been my friend her entire life, and she's always had my back.

I know Eva won't lie to me.

And that's what kills me.

That I don't fucking have the confidence to say the same thing about my wife.

Riri

People have been texting me nonstop since I came home. Everyone wants to know if the rumors are true. Someone who knows Jacques has apparently taken photos of us when we were in Aspen, and in those photos, we were both wearing our wedding rings.

Sierah: You can deny it all you want, but I just want to say I am so, so happy for you. Congratulations!

Broderick: I'm happy for you.

My heart hurts when I see that last message. Broderick is truly the sweetest guy, and I love how he's never said a single word against Jacques.

More text messages flood my inbox, but all I can do is read them. Jacques and I hadn't actually talked about this, and I don't want to say anything without consulting him first.

Worry gnaws at my heart when I think about where my husband is and who he's with, but I quickly reprimand myself for this.

You promised to trust him, Riri.

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