Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 62404 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 250(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62404 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 250(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
“I gave you the Hamptons house, Oriana. You worked for it. It’s yours.”
I can’t respond. How can he just drop a bomb like that and expect me to what? Say thank you?
Was our marriage only sacred to me?
“Jake only sees you as one of his possessions, you know that, right?” he says, then pulls out his phone and pushes play on a recording.
And I hear Jake’s voice.
“And now she is my whore. It seems you didn’t know what was good for you. But one person’s trash is always someone else’s treasure.”
When I meet Kyler’s expression, I see him smiling.
“And this pleases you?” I ask incredulously upon hearing another man call me trash. How can that put a smile on his face. At least I know the reason Jake would have said it is because he was taunting Kyler, I am not stupid. But Jake has shown me more of everything in the short time I’ve known him than my husband ever did for our entire marriage.
“I just thought you should know.” He shrugs.
“So what? I’ll leave him?” I shake my head. “That’s not going to happen either. I’m happy with him. Why does that make you so mad when you were sleeping with other women? Why does it even bother you?” I ask, growing more frustrated by the second. “Actually, you know what? You should leave. I think that would be for the best. Just. Leave.” I step back inside and try to shut the door, but he holds it open with his hand.
“I’m sorry, Oriana.”
“You should be,” I seethe, then I push harder, and the door finally closes.
“Oriana.” I turn around to see Simone standing there, shock written all over her face. She wraps her arms around me, and then my brother does the same from behind. I’m lucky to have these people in my life, there are not many people who can say the same. Like those women Jake helps. They don’t have that luxury. Their only luxury is him, and I guess despite how bad it sounds, all his women who I have met seem to be happy. It could be an illusion, but I’m not so sure.
“I’m okay. I promise I’m good,” I tell them as they let me go. “He gave me the Hamptons house.”
“Wow, okay,” Harvey says, surprised but still looks at me with worry.
“I’m going to sell it and buy myself something small and donate the rest.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” Simone beams, her smile wide.
“You don’t have to move out. I like having you here,” Harvey says.
I lay my hand on Simone’s arm and look at my brother. “You’re going to be a father soon, so I think it’s time I move out.” I smile, and I mean it. It's time for me to stand on my own two feet. “But thank you for letting me stay here.”
“What are brothers for?” He grins as he ruffles my hair as if I am still a child.
I’ve come to realize that my relationship with Jake is not co-dependent. I was very co-dependent with Kyler. Everything I did, everywhere I went, I had to think of how he would react. Jake gives me my freedom, even though technically, I guess we never put a label on our relationship. It’s nice to know if I need him, he would come.
I sent the revised divorce paperwork to the lawyer, so very soon, I’ll officially be single. The media has already gotten wind of our divorce, and Kyler’s face is all over the news and social media, saying that he is now a bachelor. Maybe Kyler will be happier single, being able to do whatever it is he pleases. I think that’s what he always wanted right from the beginning.
I push through the coffee shop door, walk to the counter, and order my matcha tea.. As I wait, I hear my name being called from behind. When I turn around, I see someone I was hoping never to see again.
“It’s Sailor. Do you remember me? You’re Jake’s girl, right? You came to my house for my anniversary.” I give her a strained smile as my name is called for my order. “Do you have time to join me? I hardly get alone time these days, and some girl talk would be amazing.”
Do I say no?
Is that an appropriate thing to say to the wife of a mafia boss?
“Are you okay?” She lays a hand on my shoulder. I glance at her hand, and she quickly removes it. “Sorry, did I do something to offend you?” I lift my eyes and see a few people staring at us.
“I know who your family is… Who your husband is.”
“Well, I had hoped so…” She sounds confused. “I mean, you did come to my house.”
“I didn’t know then,” I add.
“Oh, I see…” Understanding lights her expression. “I didn’t know who he was either when I met him. Actually, when he took me would be a more accurate way to say it, I guess.”