Page 96 of My Ruthless Husband

When I scowl at her, she corrects herself, “River.”

I observe her hazel eyes widening, and as I turn to follow her gaze, I spot Matt approaching us with ease, casually engaging in conversation with others on his way to where we’re standing.

“You,” he remarks with a knowing smile. Then, extending his smile to Vicky as he acknowledges her presence.

Laura walks over. “Matt, have you met River?” she asks, gesturing toward me.

“A name as captivating as the person it belongs to. Pleasure to officially meet you, River.” He extends his hand.

Laura raises an eyebrow, puzzled by his comment. Desperate to get the introductions over with, I take his hand, “Nice to meet you too…?”

“Matthew Lane, but just call me Matt.”

“Got it.” I give Vicky’s arm a gentle tug, guiding her forward. “This is Vicky,” I say, introducing her—not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because I need to take the spotlight off myself.

She clears her throat. “It’s Victoria, actually.” My head snaps her way. “River’s personal bodyguard.”

Matt grins, his eyes twinkling with intrigue. “Well, River, looks like you've got yourself a stunning bodyguard.” He nods at Vicky with a smile, clearly impressed.

She flushes and tucks her hair.

I bite my lower lip to suppress a smile. She is so into him. It’s actually entertaining to watch them interact.

I’m still staring at her pink face when a gentle nudge on my arm draws my attention. Glancing upward, I find Matt extending his phone toward me. “Type in your number,” he instructs.

“Uh…”

“Since you’re going to work on this project with us, we’ll need to stay in touch. You are, right?”

“I… uh, yes. Yes, I am.”

He motions at the phone once more.

“Right.” My fingers shake as I put in my phone number. It’s all right. It’s just for volunteering—nothing more, nothing less. Yet, it makes me feel guilty.

I don’t just type my name. I add,Mrs. River Montgomery. He might’ve seen me with Damian at the gala, but he could’ve easily mistaken me for his date, not his wife. I’m taken, and it’s only right I make that known.

I hand the phone back. He finishes his conversation with Laura, then glances down at the screen. His eyes linger for a moment as he reads the name I saved, and I catch the flicker of realization crossing his face. His gaze lifts to meet mine, a thoughtful look on his face.

“Mrs. River Montgomery?” he says, his tone carrying a hint of understanding—and something else. Maybe disappointment? I can’t quite put my finger on it, but the shift in his expression is clear.

I offer him a smile. “Yes.”

Matt nods, a mix of respect and acceptance in his gaze. “Got it, Mrs. Montgomery.”

“You can still call me River, you know.”

There’s a moment of pause, and his eyes soften with a small, appreciative smile. “River it is, then.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Past

It has been two weeks since Damian surprised me by buying a freaking mansion for us.

In those two weeks, the mansion has become my personal space because I’ve spent almost every single day in it. Except the nights.

Even when he isn’t around half the time, it still feels like he’s with me. This place has Damian’s essence. That’s why I like to spend time here than the campus café or my apartment.

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