Page 163 of Be My Wife

“Which makes me like him even more.”

I flop back in the sofa.

Brogan went to see my parents.

When?

And why didn’t he mention it?

“Are you still there?”

“Mom,” I croak, “why did you call?”

“You remember Novah’s wedding rehearsal is tonight, right. I know you’re in your honeymoon, but I think she’d appreciate her bridesmaid being there.”

“I’ll be there, Mom.”

“Okay, baby. And tell Brogan we said hi.”

“I will.”

Click.

I scoot to the edge of the couch, my eyes veering to the coffee table where the divorce papers are. My chest aches when I look at Brogan’s signature. There’s my signature right next to it.

It’s over.

Only…

I haven’t had the courage to send in the papers yet.

It’s stupid.

I don’t know why I’m dragging my foot when our marriage is finished, but every time I think about officiating the divorce, I feel like my world is about to crumble.

Grabbing my phone, I go to my bank account. There are more numbers and zeroes in my balance than I know what to do with.

My fingers tighten on the device.

Again, I fight my confusion, hurt and anger. I remember how Brogan had looked when he handed those papers to me. I remember what he said like it was etched into my brain.

“Thank you for your service.”

Brogan paid me for doing a good job as his wife. Everything between us meant nothing to him and I have no idea what he was trying to do when he visited my parents.

It doesn’t even matter now. The money cancelled it out. Those dollars are his way of saying ‘hey, don’t think I have any feelings for you. The only thing I’m prepared to give you is money’.

I need to get over this sentimental crap and just hand in the divorce.

Picking up the divorce papers, I rise resolutely. Then I realize it’s almost five and the courthouse is closing soon. I don’t want to inconvenience anyone when I could just go early in the morning.

Tomorrow then.

I’ll definitely end this sham of a marriage tomorrow.

For now, I get dressed and head to my appointment at Make It Marriage.

Venus welcomes me into her office with a stunning smile. She really is beautiful with all those reddish-brown curls and those bright brown eyes. I get the feeling we could have been good friends if we’d met outside of Make It Marriage.

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