Page 184 of My Ruthless Husband

Vicky’s smile fades, the light in her eyes dimming. She shakes her head slowly, and my heart sinks. Matt has gone AWOL.

During the second week in Scotland, we had received an email from him on Vicky’s phone. It was short, almost clinical, delivering the news that Melissa was recovering. I had felt a rush of relief at the thought of her waking up, but something about Matt’s tone unsettled me. It was devoid of his usual warmth and affection. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.

I had confronted Damian about it that night, needing to voice my unease. “When I said Matt was just a friend, I meant it.” I watched as he lowered his eyebrows.

“You won’t harm Matt because of your stupid jealousy.” The statement came out of me as a question when he remained silent.

“Believe it or not, I’m not a psychopath who hurts people for fun.” He met my gaze coolly. “I only do it when they deserve it.” He was pissed. It was clear but he kept his tone even. “Inever bothered with him because he wasn’t worth my time. But bringing him up now is only making things worse for him.”

That made me shut up. I swallowed hard. I trusted Damian; he was always blunt and upfront. If he’d done anything, he would’ve owned it completely. So if he wasn’t behind Matt’s sudden change in tone, who was?

Matt had stopped emailing entirely after that single, cold message, leaving us worried.

“Contact the community center.”

Vicky nods, rising from the seat, phone already in hand. I watch her as she converses with someone on the other end.

After a few minutes, she hangs up, a glimmer of hope returning to her expression. “It was Laura.”

“Firstly, she asked me to convey her gratitude for the generous donation Mr. Montgomery made.”

My eyes widen in surprise. “I didn’t know.” The revelation fills me with warmth. He always did good without seeking recognition. I can’t help but admire that about him—the way he gives without hesitation, making the world a better place in his own subtle way.

“When I asked about Matt, Laura said he went to London a month ago.”

Concern knots my stomach once more. “Oh. I hope he is okay.”

“I’m sure he is. I requested his London office number since his personal one isn’t working. She promised she’d send it to me by the end of the day,” Vicky says, and I nod.

My phone buzzes with an incoming call, and I leap to my feet. “It’s Summer!” I announce, a grin lighting up my face as I dash toward the library.

“Well, well, Ms. Supermodel! Seems like you’ve finally got some time for me.”

Her answering laugh bursts through the phone, melting my heart. Summer, my sweet, hyperactive, ever the sunshine Summer, has finally arrived. The past two months have been a turning point for both of us.

While Damian and I have been enjoying this new phase of our marriage, Summer has been soaring high in her career.

Just thinking about her being scouted by Hannah Cooper, one of the Creative Directors of one of the biggest advertising agencies in Los Angeles, fills me with pride.

She’s become a rising star in the modeling world, and she deserves every bit of the success that’s come her way. I remember the day she sent me a picture of her face shining brightly on a gigantic LED screen in the KIM Advertising building. My heart swelled with joy for her—she’s worked so hard, and now she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves.

“Guess what?” she bursts out, her excitement palpable through the phone.

“What?”

“I’m getting married!”

“What?” I gasp. Summer laughs, a bright, joyful sound that can lift anyone’s mood.

“I wanted to tell you about us, but things were so hectic, and we couldn’t talk much because of the time difference!”

“Yes…” I reply, a wave of regret washing over me. I wish I had been there to experience all her incredible moments with her. “So, who’s the lucky guy that has captured my best friend’s heart?”

“You’d never guess,” she giggles, and a smile spreads across my face.

“Don’t keep me waiting! Come on, tell me!”

“You know the apartment you let me stay—”

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