Page 104 of My Ruthless Husband

Slowly, I am trying to make myself believe that his lack of communication doesn’t define my value. It will take a lot of work, and right now all I have is time. So I am willing to work on it.

“Mrs. Montgomery.” Vicky calls out from the bedroom’s doorway.

As I turn to her, I’m taken aback. Vicky doesn’t look like Vicky-the-bodyguard. She looks… rather cute and soft in a comfy pair of jeans, a loose-fitting T-shirt, and a denim jacket. The change in her outfit gives her an entirely different, more easygoing appearance. Even her usual slicked back hair is now falling over her forehead and grazing her jawline. My face breaks into a wide smile as I approach her. “Oh my God, Vicky! You look absolutely lovely!”

She tucks a strand behind her ear and responds with a small smile. “Thank you. I just wanted to blend in with everyone. I felt like a sore thumb in a suit. I hope this is okay.”

“Of course it is!” I reassure her, noticing the worry in her eyes.

She bites her lip. “You wouldn’t tell the boss, right?”

“No way! I’m not a snitch. Besides, I’m thrilled you’re not blending in with the uniformed clones who work for my husband.”

Vicky’s shoulders visibly relax, and a relieved smile graces her lips. “Thank you. I was worried about standing out too much. I appreciate your understanding.”

I return her relieved smile. “No need to worry at all, Vicky. Embrace the change—it suits you perfectly. I’m all for it.”

Vicky pauses for a beat then says, “You know, you look pretty great yourself. This casual style suits you too. It’s a nice change.”

I glance down at my outfit. I’m wearing a pair of stylish yet comfortable sky-blue high-rise jeans and red turtleneck and beige wool cropped jacket.

On her first day, Vicky caught a glimpse of the elegant yet seemingly reserved version of myself. However, over the past two days, she’s observed a shift.

“Thanks, Vicky. It feels good to break free from the mold.”

She nods wistfully before checking her watch. “Are you ready to head to the community center? We don’t want to be late.”

“I need to make a quick phone call. Wait for me downstairs, I’ll be down in a minute.”

“Actually, I can’t leave you alone while you’re on the phone. It’s the boss’s orders,” Vicky says hesitantly, her commitment to her duty evident.

In the mere span of three days, Vicky and I have developed an unexpected closeness. It’s surprising how quickly we’ve connected. But every time she complies with Damian’s commands, I feel a sharp pang. It reminds me of the lines that can’t be crossed, the roles we’re each trapped in.

“All right, I understand,” I say, masking any trace of disappointment. “You can stay.”

I turn away and dial my best friend. She picks up on the second ring.

“River! How are you? Where are you?” Summer’s voice bursts through the line, laced with a deep concern that borders onhysteria. “I’ve been trying to reach you all morning. Something’s up, isn’t it? Please tell me you’re okay.”

“I’m here at home. Sorry, my phone was dead. I just needed to hear your voice.” I try to sound calm despite the deep longing to hug my friend. “Can you talk for a bit?”

“Of course, I’m here for you, River! What happened? You sound upset. Spill the details, and don’t leave anything out,” Summer says, her tone rising with genuine concern.

“Everything’s okay, really. I just missed you and wanted to catch up,” I assure her with a forced lightness in my tone. “I knew you’d be worried if I didn’t call. So, what’s new with you?”

“We might not have known each other long, but I can sense when something’s not right. You don’t have to pretend with me. What’s going on?”

When I hesitate, she adds, “Is this about your brute of a husband?”

“No, Summer, it’s not about him.” I speak fast. Then sigh. Nothing escapes this girl. “I know you’re worried but seriously, everything is fine. I just needed to hear your voice. Let’s catch up, okay?”

“All right,” she finally relents, grumbling but not before saying, “It’s a good thing I didn’t get a clear look at your husband at the new year’s party. Those colored glasses and booze saved him from a piece of my mind. Otherwise, I would’ve tracked down his schedule and popped up in unexpected places to ‘accidentally’ trip him down a flight of stairs. You know, just a little message to remind him to treat you right.”

I burst into laughter. “Summer, you’re one of a kind. I can always count on you for some creative, albeit dangerous, problem-solving. Let’s talk about something else, okay?”

Thankfully, we drive away from the dangerous topic of my relationship with my husband. We spend good ten minutestalking and laughing about random stuff. I can’t help but appreciate how Summer’s energy lifts my spirits.

On the day fate seemingly stole away my happiness on my wedding anniversary, it bestowed upon me a different kind of gift—Summer. She became the unexpected light in the midst of dark clouds, a friend who walked into my life when I needed support the most.

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