The Day He Brought the Other Woman Home

ive years, Gifford Stanton, bro

honor. He didn't ask my permission; he informed me she wou

every disagreement, publicly shaming me for my "insecurity" and "lack of grace." He cel

rayal came la

nd whispered another woman's name

s side, accusing me of being hysterical and violent. He belie

u can come back when you're ready

rfect wife at his annual charity gala in one mont

to go to

uld

his entire worl

pte

e-year marriage ended, it be

t on the grand mahogany table in the foyer

ys reme

Cotton, sanding down her sharp edges, muting her vibrant colors, until she became the poised, quiet, elegant Mrs. Stanton. A wo

nger to herself to be

r slammed

ome, earlier

e foyer, the gentle, practiced smile she wore like a uniform a

nt door

d impeccable in his tailored

n a simple cotton dress that seemed to shrink in the opulent entryway.

not celebratory. It was flat. An ann

tiff on her lips. She

continued, his gaze fixed on Adriana, a silent command in his eyes. "Jovita has jus

t ask. He

ck. The sweet scent of the li

the flicker of something in the girl's eyes.

said. Her voice was steady, e

re was no birthday di

oices drifting into the hall. He was discussing the trust fund he'd set up

living room, the space feeling cold

partnership, of the standards the Stanton name required. He had told her she was the on

e now felt

h runner. She had to say something. This wasn't

s study door. It

saying. "I don't know how I can ever repay you.

ford replied. "We do

chill. She push

up. Gifford's exp

a. We'r

ak with you for a m

er head, looking vulnerable. "Jovita is

t was a public alignment.

," Adriana said, her voice low but clear. "In our ho

s face was a mask of

amily, our family, pays its debts. Her mother saved my grandmother. We owe

n weapon. He was questioning her character, h

years. She saw the judgment in his eyes. He wasn't just defending Jovit

an obstacle

elling in her eyes. "I should go. I'm caus

ll movement to

turned back to Adriana, his tone hardening again. "The decision is made. Jovita is st

rd again. Duty. Not

looked from her husband's cold face to

ngle, sharp move

stand,"

out, closing the doo

r phone, her fingers scrolling to a na

ped a

. Are you

ver the send button. It was a betrayal of the

ted the

lled out a small, locked box from the ve

ly: A Guide to C

er when they were engaged

emorized

ed letters seem

er hands. It felt heav

arriage. It was the beginning of an earthqu