Chapter 4
Brandon glanced at the lipstick, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes before he composed his features into calm.
“Oh, that? Probably Fiona’s. I ran into her this morning on my way out. She was in a rush to get to work and couldn’t get a cab, so I gave her a lift.”
“A lift?” I arched a brow.
Fiona’s company was in the east of the city. Brandon’s was in the west.
That “lift” must have taken a scenic route around the globe.
“Yeah, just a lift.” Brandon’s tone turned impatient. “Can you stop being so suspicious? She’s just a young woman trying to make it in the city. What’s the big deal about giving her a ride?”
“Is that so?”
I didn’t push further. Instead, I opened my phone and pulled up Fiona’s Instagram.
Posted ten minutes ago.
The photo was taken from the passenger seat of Brandon’s car, perfectly framing his hand on the steering wheel and the cushion he’d so meticulously adjusted.
Her caption: Nothing beats having your own personal driver~ Not only is he a great driver, but he’s so thoughtful with the lumbar pillow too. Obsessed No more squeezing onto the subway after work for me!
Brandon had liked the post.
That passenger seat used to be mine,
Brandon once said the front seat was the wife’s spot. Everyone else had to sit in the back.
Seems his definition of “everyone else” didn’t include Fiona.
I hit ‘like‘, then shoved the phone screen in front of Brandon’s face.
Chapter 4
June’s
JOURNEY
40.00%
“A personal driver, Brandon? Is this what you call a ‘lift‘? You’re giving her rides to and from work? Did you two start working at the same company?”
His face paled. He reached for the phone. “It’s just a joke! That’s how young people talk these days, can’t you take a joke?”
I sidestepped his grab. A cold laugh escaped me. “Fine. If it’s a joke, then I don’t mind joking too.”
Right in front of him, I dialed our realtor’s number.
“Mr. Black? It’s Sophia. Yes, about the downtown apartment. I want to list it. As soon as possible. Price is negotiable.”
This apartment was my asset, paid for in full before the marriage. Even though Brandon had been living here since we married, always acting like the lord of the manor, only my name was on the deed.
Brandon was genuinely panicked now.
“Sophia, are you insane?! We live here! Why would you sell it? Where are we supposed to go?”
I hung up and looked at his flustered anger, feeling a dark sense of satisfaction. “It’s my apartment. I’ll sell it if I want. As for where you’ll go…”
I let my gaze sweep over him, a mocking smile tugging at my lips. “Since you’re so fond of being a ‘personal driver,‘ why don’t you ask your passenger if she’s willing to take you in?”
“You’re being completely unreasonable!”
Brandon slammed the door on his way out.
Going to find Fiona again, no doubt.
I didn’t care.
The air in this place had been tainted for a long time anyway.
Chapter 4
40.00%
For the next few days, Brandon gave me the silent treatment.
He probably thought this would pressure me, make me cave and apologize first like I always used to.
He miscalculated.
Not only did I not cave, I thrived. Without a man–child dragging me down, the air itself felt fresher.
Until my birthday.
As usual, I’d invited a few close girlfriends over for a casual dinner.
We were in the middle of a lively chat when the doorbell rang.
Brandon went to answer it.
Standing in the hallway was Fiona, dressed in a silk slip nightgown. She was holding a plate of messily cut fruit.
“Alpha,” she chirped, her voice dripping with sweet innocence, “it sounds so fun over here! It’s so lonely in my apartment. Can I join your party?”
