Page 3 of Ella Gets the D
I’ve questioned Charles’s faithfulness over the years. Long hours. Endless business travel. I was too afraid of the answer, and now I know the truth. The tilt of his head and tick of his jaw tell me he’s not just a bastard, but a liar and a cheater too.
I laugh. It’s a ridiculous laugh—with snorting to top it off—that won’t stop. I laugh at the white walls and beige decor that are a full-time job to keep clean with a four- and six-year-old. I laugh at the three pieces of furniture in every room because “less is more.” And I laugh at the man in front of me. A man I wasted sixteen years with, who grunts like a pirate when he comes.
I walk back to the kitchen, grab my purse, and head to the front door for Duke’s gift. Strong hands grab my waist to pin me back to his chest.
He’s hard.
His breath is a whisper on my neck. “You drive me crazy, you know that?” I gasp when he tightens his grip. First he cheats.Now he wants to suffocate me? My life really is a Lifetime movie. “I’m not done with you,” he says in a low voice.
I bite my lip to hold back a laugh and a little vomit. Money pays for lots of things, but not common sense. “You think we’ll work this out?”
His hands lower to trace the curves of my hips. “Of course. We’re perfect together.”
I turn and grin. “And the women?”
Like the one you sent to the car like a dog. Does she fetch on command too?
He reaches around to cup my ass. “They don’t matter. Only you.”
It’s not lost on me he saidtheyand notshe. How many are on his roster? I need to Lysol this house.
But first.
“Charles?” His breath hitches at my hands on his shirt. The bastard just had sex and is ready for round two. He really believes we’ll turn a new leaf. My nails dig into his chest.
He’s panting. “Yes, El?”
“Go. Fuck. Yourself.”
I drive my knee into his balls. He squeals and drops to the floor. His eyes bulge at my sneaker on his wayward dick. If only I’d worn heels today. “Don’t youevertouch me again.”
He cries at the pressure.
“Let me make myself clear. I want a divorce. The kids will stay at my mother’s house for spring break. I’ll be back for my things after the party. You better not be here.”
With that, I turn the knob and step into the sunlight at the end of a very dark tunnel. He can close the door whenever he gets up. I’m that petty.
“El!” he whines. “Come back here! You can’t leave!”
Like hell I can’t.
“We’ll do couples therapy. I’ll change.” He staggers to the front door and holds it for support. I catch his pleading eyes through the passenger window. It takes a second for him to morph into the monster he is. “You’ll regret this!”
I open the door and stand on the inside of my SUV. “You’re making a scene, Charles. You don’t want the neighbors to know how much of a bastard you are!”
His eyes roam across rolling lawns. I know people are looking at us, and the thought of shattering this picture-perfect facade widens my grin. “Don’t forget about your mistress in the car! She needs to get home before the streetlights come on!”
His eyes are practically out of their sockets.
Good.
I jump into the car, blow a kiss, and peel out of the driveway. The rush gives me the assurance I need that everything will be okay.
I tell myself I’m fine, but it’s a lie.
Chapter 2
Ella
