Wife Or Mistress? The Shocking Truth About My Marriage - Chapter 18: Chapter 18

I'm the only woman in New York bold—or stupid—enough to cross the heir to the Ravenshade empire.
And yet, Richard publicly declared he'd marry me, that I was his one and only.
That is, until he took a "business trip" down south and met a brain-fried escort who swore she'd marry no one but him.
He bought her out of her contract himself, just to make her little fantasy come true.
He even went as far as filing wit the court to annul our marriage.
And then he said, cold as ice:
"This house was never yours to run."
So I pressed my finger to the divorce papers and slid them across the table.
"All signed."
From now on, we're done—for good.
After I signed the papers, I just sat there all night.
Starting today, I'm no longer Mrs. Scarlett Ravenshade.
And Richard?
He's finally free to give Lola the fairytale ending she begged for.
Good for them.
Everyone's happy.
I should be too.
The door creaked open.
Richard stepped inside, that apologetic look he always wore when he knew he'd screwed up plastered across his face.
"Scarlett, about yesterday… don't take what I said to heart, okay?"
I didn't answer. I just looked away.
Take it to heart?
My heart had already been shredded to pieces.
When I stayed silent, Richard didn't seem to care.
He pulled a little velvet box from his coat pocket and placed it on the table.
Inside was an orchid-shaped pendant.
Back when he actually cared, Richard used to buy me gifts whenever I was upset.
But this time? I didn't feel anything.
Just as I was about to push it away, he spoke again.
"These next few weeks might be rough, just hang in there."
"Lola's a sweet girl. Once she settles in, I'll make this up to you."
I laughed softly. It sounded more like a sigh.
Sure. Lola's a "sweet girl."
So sweet that she couldn't wait more than a few days after we got back to kick me out of the picture.
I didn't want to hear another word.
Dropping my gaze, I said quietly,
"I'm tired. You should go."
He frowned, like he was about to argue, but then another person walked in.
The air shifted—overwhelmingly floral and fake.
"Richie, what did you get your wife? I wanna see too!"
Lola breezed in like she owned the place, draping herself over his arm.
Richard looked embarrassed. I didn't even blink.
"It's just a pendant. If you like it, take it."
After all, everything you wanted, you already took from me.
Lola peeked at the box and snorted.
"Oh, that thing?"
"The jeweler tossed it in for free when Richie bought me those earrings."
"If you're into freebies, I've got a whole drawer full. You can help yourself."
My hand clenched around my napkin, but I kept the smile on my face.
So it was a freebie.
Richard's eyes flickered with panic. He rushed to explain:
"Scarlett, you know I meant well."
"It's not about the price—just the thought, right?"
I turned my head, hiding the tear at the corner of my eye.
"Sure. I know."
I know the feelings between us are barely hanging on.
And whatever's left… I don't want it anymore.
I was ready to show them both the door when Lola smiled and said,
"Hey, Scarlett—Richard's coming with me to try on wedding dresses in two days."
"You should come too!"
"I don't know what's trending in NYC bridal looks these days—you've got good taste, right?"
My stomach dropped. I looked straight at Richard.
"You want me to come too?"
He bit his lip and looked away.
"Lola's just trying to be nice. Don't make this harder than it has to be."
It felt like someone was stabbing me in the chest—again and again.
I closed my eyes and nodded slowly.
"Alright."
Richard Ravenshade, I'll give you what you want.
And then I'll walk away—and I won't look back.
Seven days.
And I'm gone.