Hoax Husband - Candice M. Wright Page 0,65
carelessly to the floor, I turn to pick up the tote bag and leave with my heart in tatters, making my way down the hall, through the living room to the front door, before pausing at the threshold. Turning to look back one final time, I say goodbye to my temporary home before walking away.
My happy life was fake, my marriage just a hoax, and the man I trusted turned out to be nothing more than a liar.
Thirty
Asher
I look at my watch again and see Linda’s been gone twenty minutes. Ten minutes I was able to brush off, but twenty is excessive even if there was a long line.
“What's wrong?” Graham questions as I turn to the back of the room and frown.
“Linda’s been gone a while,” I mutter, making him laugh.
“See? Whipped,” he reminds me.
“You have no room to talk,” I fire back, because we both know it's true. The only reason Soraya isn’t by his side tonight is because of the baby shower and the fact that Graham wasn’t invited.
“How many times have you called her tonight?” I question with a smile that feels forced as my eyes keep drifting back to the archway.
“A few, but in my defense, she is baking my kid and I worry. So, shoot me.”
“Exactly my point. We are both whipped. All jokes aside, though, I admit I got into all of this for the resort, but none of that matters now. If the deal falls through tomorrow, I’ll get over it because I’ll have Linda by my side,” I tell him truthfully.
“You love her?” he asks softly with no inflection in his voice.
“More than I ever thought possible. She completely blindsided me and yet somehow, she ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“Jesus, you sound like a Hallmark card. Go find her. I can’t handle all this cheesiness, I’m lactose intolerant,” he jeers, giving me a shove in the direction of the bathrooms.
I laugh and make my way over but Dawn steps in front of me. I’ve managed to avoid her all night, but I knew my luck would run out eventually.
“Dawn,” I grit out a forced greeting as I attempt to move around her, but she blocks my path.
“If you’re looking for my substitute, you won’t find her. She left about ten minutes ago,” she says smugly.
“What are you talking about, Dawn? I don’t have time for this.”
“I’m talking about that poor unsuspecting fool you had draped all over you earlier. I don't know who was more surprised—her at finding out this arrangement was a sham or me when I found out you tricked the poor girl into playing a role she was ill-equipped for,” she tells me with a sickeningly sweet smile stretched across her face.
“What did you say to her?” I snap out, my heart racing as everything inside me yearns to run after her.
“The truth. That until she showed up with her golden pussy, you were set to play the fake fiancé with me for three months.”
I close my eyes as my white-hot anger rushes through my bloodstream over the damage this woman has caused.
“You stupid fucking bitch,” I bite out and her eyes widen in shock at my outburst. “I hope you have some money left over from daddy dearest because you just broke the NDA you signed. My lawyer is going to have fun taking every last cent from you.”
Her face bleaches white. “What? No, you didn’t go through with the deal. You went with little miss clueless.”
“Say one more word about my wife, and I won't be held accountable for my actions.” I point my finger in her face.
“Wife!” she screeches, drawing attention from the people behind her.
“Yes, my wife,” I spit out before leaning in closer, my lips brushing against her ear. “And the NDA covered all conversations pertaining to anything to do with the proposed arrangement. You should have read the small print, sweetheart.”
“Asher, you can’t do this to me. I’m sorry, I was upset—”
I cut her off with a look so vicious I’m surprised it doesn't draw blood. “My lawyer will be in touch. I’d start packing if I were you, Dawn. By the time I’m finished, you’ll have nothing left but the clothes you’re wearing.” I storm away, heading for the door, but a hand on my shoulder has me swinging around to find a concerned-looking Graham.
“What the fuck is going on?”
“Linda’s gone. Dawn struck out with her claws and because I still hadn’t spoken to Linda