My Husband Killed Us for Her - Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Lucas's frown deepened, his voice trembling slightly—though he seemed oblivious to it himself. "No relationship? What the hell does that mean? Am I just some stranger to you now?"
I met his gaze without flinching. "Aren't we? Our lives don't cross paths anymore. Whether I'm dressed in rags or living large, what's it to you?"
"If you've got money to burn, maybe try donating to people who actually need it."
My words clearly struck a nerve. Lucas's face twisted with impatience, his tone icy. "Evelyn, cut the act. You only showed up tonight to get my attention, didn't you?"
Olivia, ever the peacemaker, laid a gentle hand on his arm. "Lucas, that's too harsh." Then she turned to me, her smile sweet but her eyes dripping with condescension. "Don't take it personally, Evelyn. He's just worried about an old friend."
She paused, feigning thoughtfulness. "Actually, I just opened a private clinic on South Street. We need a receptionist—$7K a month, plus room and board. If you're interested, the job's yours."
A chorus of gasps erupted around us.
"South Street? That's prime real estate! Olivia must be rolling in it."
"Evelyn, you hit the jackpot! Say thank you already!"
I rolled my eyes and popped a grape into my mouth. "Pass. I'm good where I am."
The room erupted in disapproval.
"Jesus, Evelyn, poverty's really fried your brain. Lucas and Olivia are throwing you a lifeline, and you're too proud to take it?"
"Come on, we all know your situation. Drop the act before you regret it."
Olivia dabbed at nonexistent tears. "Please, don't be so hard on her… Maybe she's genuinely happy with her life."
Lucas pulled her close, shooting me a glare. "Olivia, you're too damn kind for your own good." Then, to me: "Evelyn, I should've known you'd still be this selfish. You deserve every bit of misery life throws at you."
I blinked. What the hell had I ever done to him?
Before I could retort, Jack—a guy I barely recognized from graduation—slid into my space, reeking of cheap cologne and cheaper intentions.
"Evelyn, always hated that stuck-up act of yours. Never thought I'd see the day you'd fall this low." He smirked, waving a drink. "How about $500 a glass? Throw in a handhold, and I'll tip extra."
The room erupted in laughter. No one lifted a finger to help.
I sighed. I hadn't even wanted to come tonight. If not for my prior commitment, I'd have been long gone.
Just as I moved to shove past him, Lucas hurled his glass at Jack's head.
"Back. Off." His voice could've frozen hell.
Jack, now dripping bourbon, turned purple but didn't dare retaliate. He settled for shooting me a venomous look.
Olivia's sugary smile vanished. "Lucas! What was that for?"
Lucas ignored her, eyes locked on me. "My event. My rules. No incidents."
I wiped whiskey off my jeans. "Your security's a joke."
Olivia's composure cracked. "You're complaining? This is Adrian Knight's property! Without Lucas, trash like you wouldn't get within a mile of this place."
At the mention of the A-list actor, the room buzzed.
"The Adrian Knight? Youngest EGOT winner? Five years on the Forbes list?"
"Rumor says he's got a kid, but no one's ever seen the mom—"
The doors burst open.
A little girl waltzed in, trailed by a flustered butler and a squad of bodyguards.
"Miss Lily, please slow down!" the butler pleaded.
The crowd lost it.
"Oh my God, that's Adrian's daughter!"
"She's his mini-me!"
I barely had time to react before Jack blocked me again, seething.
"Face it, Evelyn—without Lucas, you'd never rub elbows with people like this." He sneered. "Kneel and apologize, and I might still marry you. A guy like me? $5K a month? You'll never do better."
I tuned him out, watching as the crowd mobbed little Lily.
Olivia transformed into a simpering fan. "Sweetie, is your daddy Adrian?"
At Lily's nod, Olivia reached to pinch her cheek. "Want some fruit? Let big sister help—"
Lily dodged and sprinted straight to me.
"Mommy!"
She launched into my arms, eyes welling up. "I missed you so much! Why didn't you call back yesterday?"
I cradled her, smoothing her hair. "Mommy was on set, baby. Phone was off. Won't happen again. Forgive me?"
Lily beamed and planted a wet kiss on my cheek. "S'okay! I was just worried."
I booped her nose. "That's my girl."
The room went dead silent.