Page 132 of Be My Wife

“Because of a piece of paper?”

“Novah—”

“Because you kiss and cuddle in front of our family?”

“Watch it.”

She snorts. “Don’t tell me you opened your legs and let him—“ She grins hard. “You screwed him, didn’t you?”

“Novah!”

“You think that’s love? Any of it?”

My heart beats rapidly.

I dig my fingers into my palm.

“Come on, Liz.” Novah slaps her hand against the table. “Enough with the lies. Stop pretending your marriage to Brogan is anything but a sham. It’s pathetic. And deceit doesn’t look good on you.”

My chest heats with humiliation. I started down this road to protect my dignity and my pride. Now Novah’s trampling both under her booted feet.

Digging deep to find the poise that I don’t have, I lift my chin. “So what are you going to do with that information? Are you going to tell my parents? Tell the entire family? Shame me?”

“Oh heavens, Elizabeth. Do you think I’m the Evil Queen? Why would I do that?”

Because she hates me?

Because her one joy in life is making me miserable?

“I’m sorry to burst your little self-absorbed bubble, but my world does not revolve around you. I have so many better things to do with my time than run around worrying about your fake marriage.”

“Those are bold words coming from someone who conducted a full investigation on my husband.”

Novah’s lips tighten. “You’re so smug, aren’t you?” She picks up her mug. “I hope you’re still that confident when your little show comes to an end.”

I stall, my hand trembling.

Novah catches sight of it.

Hurriedly, I pull my hand into my lap, but it’s too late.

“What’s this?” Novah tilts her head.

“Nothing.”

“Your expression…” Her lips ease into a pitiful grin. “Oh, honey. Don’t tell me you bought into your own lie.” She flings her head back and laughs. “Elizabeth, please please don’t make yourself look any more pitiful than you already do.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Brogan’s going to be a rich man. And you’re going to be a public laughing stock when he leaves you.” She arches an eyebrow. “How much money are you getting out of it?”

“We’re not—” I bite down on my lip. “There’s no money.”

Novah’s mouth falls open in shock. “You went through all this without expecting a penny?”

I shrug.

“Even a tiny portion of that inheritance would set you up for life.” She turns and stares dreamily out the window. “You could buy yourself a nice house. A better car. All the clothes you could want—”

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