My Husband Wants An Open Marriage

CHAPTER 080: Someone Actually Gets It

I stand there, my body rigid, staring at Sara. There was a time when looking at her made my world stop. I used to lose myself in her gaze, convinced she was my forever. Now? All I see is a desperate girl crying for help.

The longer I remain silent, the more uncomfortable Sara gets. I can see her shifting on the bed, her eyes darting to the door, then back to me. Maybe she expected me to shout lose control, play the part of the ex-husband who still cares enough to fight for her. But that man died the day she betrayed me.

Finally, I speak. "I'll tell you what's going to happen," I say, "I'll pay your hospital bills because that's who I am. I'm generous to the less privileged. After that, I never want to see your face again."

Her eyes widen. For a second, genuine surprise flashes across her face. Then, her lips twist into a smirk, but I can tell she's rattled.

"Did you forget the part where I said you're mine now?" she says.

"I did. And I'm turning down your request."Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

I can see the wheels turning in her head, trying to figure out why I'm so calm. She's waiting for me to fall apart, beg, or at least retaliate with anger. But she doesn't realize I'm done playing her games. This is my favorite part of negotiations-the moment the bully realizes they're being bullied.

"It wasn't a request," she says. "You can't turn it down."

""Why not?"

"Because..." Her voice trails off, faltering.

"Listen, Sara." I step closer, lowering my voice. "I'm a very busy man, so let's lay everything out. You just got out of prison. You're an ex-con with almost nothing to your name, going against a man who's on Forbes' list. Do you really want to take your chances against me? Because I'm ready. And from where I stand, it's not looking very good for you."

She shifts in the bed, her fingers tightening around the Jell-O cup like it's a lifeline. "You're just bluffing."

"Call it what you want. But I didn't get where I am today by cowering every time someone waved a lawsuit in my face. You think you can use this hospital stay to blackmail me? You're out of your depth, Sara. This isn't about you and me anymore. It's about your twisted fantasies and your sick need for control. It's over, Sara. I'm done letting you play puppet master with my life."

She narrows her eyes. "You think you can just walk away?"

11

"I'm not thinking. I know." I step back, putting distance between us. "I've played your game long enough. Julie was right-I need to let Juan go. And you? You're nothing but a toxic reminder of everything I've outgrown.

Her face twists with anger. "You need me!"

"No." I shake my head. "I needed you once. But now? Now I just pity you."

Her breathing turns ragged, her fists clenched. "You'll regret this."

I walk to the door, my hand on the handle. "Have a nice life, Sara, and be a better person. You're not a convict anymore."

I turn without looking back, stepping into the hallway. The door clicks shut behind me, and with it, a weight lifts

from

my shoulders. I exhale, my mind already moving past her threats. She'll try something-Sara always does. But for now, I've won this round.

Sebastian, Asher, and Kofi have assembled at my bar, ready to crucify me.

The air in the bar is thick with the scent of whisky, leather, and old wood, mingled with the faint aroma of burnt cigars someone had carelessly left smoldering outside. The low hum of distant jazz music plays over the speakers, setting a mellow backdrop to an otherwise heated conversation. I lean back in my seat, my whisky glass swirling lazily in my hand. Across the table, my three closest friends are tearing into me, each with their own brand of concern, sarcasm, and unsolicited advice. "You shouldn't have gone there, man," Asher says, shaking his head as he sets down his glass. His voice is calm, but-there's an edge to it, one that says, 'You're a dumbass, but I care.

"I know. I've learned my lesson," I say. "It wasn't a proud moment."

"Not proud? You walked into her house, Luke." Asher's eyes widen. "Her house. Alone. At night. After everything she's pulled? What the hell were you thinking?"

"Clearly, he wasn't," Kofi chimes in. He's leaning forward, elbows on the table. "I mean, come on. This is Sara. We're talking full-blown, grade-A psycho ex. And you walked into her lair like a lamb to the slaughter?" He lets out a sharp, derisive laugh. "That's a rookie-level mistake."

"Thanks, Kofi." I take a long sip of whisky, letting the burn settle in my throat. "Really helpful."

"I'm serious!" Kofi throws his hands up. "What were you hoping for? An apology? A reconciliation? Or did you just miss her crazy eyes?"

Asher chuckles, shaking his head. "I can't believe she's still pulling this crap after all this time."

11

• "She's relentless," I admit, rubbing a hand over my face. "But I thought maybe just maybe-she'd changed for the better. Clearly, that was optimistic.

"What exactly did you say to her before she decided to 'accidentally' fall down the stairs?" Kofi asks. "Hi, Sara. Long time no see. How about we relive our greatest hits?""

I glare at him, but before I can retort, Asher cuts in.

"She's a manipulator, man."

"Yeah, well, I didn't push her. She shoved me. Lost her balance. Fell. End of story."

"And yet," Kofi leans in, "here we are."

"You're enjoying this too much," I mutter.

"Someone has to." He leans back, flashing a wicked grin. "Besides, it's not every day I see you in

ay I see you in trouble. You're like the most composed person I know. Allow me to cherish the moment."

Asher groans. "You're impossible, Kofi."

"Thank you." He raises his glass in mock salute. "I try."

Sebastian, who has been uncharacteristically silent, finally lets out a soft sigh. "Kofi," he says. "Shut up for two seconds."

Kofi smirks but obliges, taking a sip of his beer.

""Don't you have something to say to Luke?" Asher asks Sebastian.

Sebastian sets his glass down carefully, the clink against the wood echoing louder than it should. "What do

you

CHAPTER 080. Someone Actualy Gets It

want me to tell him?" He looks up, his dark eyes heavy. "Give him a break. He was grieving his child."

"By pushing his ex-wife down the stairs?" Kofi fires back.

Sebastian's jaw tightens. "He didn't push her. He's said it a thousand times. She shoved him, slipped. Stupid move if you ask me. Has she seen his workout routine?" "Yeah, but he was in her house," Asher says, eyebrows raised.

"And she invited me," I snap. "It wasn't like I broke in with a ski mask and duct tape. You think if she hadn't mentioned Julie's name in that text, I'd go there?"

"Look," Sebastian interjects, his tone brokering no argument. "The deed's done. Luke put her in her place. She won't pull anything-at least not right now." "Are you willing to bet on that?" Asher asks.

"If you ask me," Kofi says, cutting in before Sebastian can answer, "Luke should just apologize."

"Noooo!" Asher and Sebastian say simultaneously, their voices loud.

"Terrible idea," Asher adds. "The moment she sniffs weakness, he's gone."

"She's a psycho," Sebastian mutters, shaking his head.

The table erupts into a chaotic mix of voices, each of them arguing over what I should've done, what I should do now, and how I've royally screwed myself. I watch them, my patience wearing thin.

"Are you all done?" I ask. They stop, turning to me. "What has the jury decided?"

Kofi grins. "That you stay away from women for the rest of your life. You pick the wrong ones."

"Right," I say, dryly. "That, or how many years in prison?"

"Fuck you, Luke," Kofi laughs, shaking his head.

"Look, I know how this sounds," I say, my tone softening. "And I know how you all feel. You're my friends, and I get it. But Julie's divorce trial is coming up in a few days. I don't want anything that will upset her. Sara will be Sara. She might do something crazy, but it'll be after the trial. And that works for me. I might not even be in the country then."

"Where will you be?" Asher asks.

"Getting engaged."

There's a pause. Then Kofi bursts out laughing. "Oh, you sly motherfucker! I bet it'll be all over the news."

"God, no," I groan. "There's a limit to how much attention I can take."

"I feel you." Kofi clinks his glass against mine.

As they laugh and drink, I catch Sebastian watching me. His eyes are unreadable, but there's something there. Finally, I ask, "What is it?"

"You must really love that woman," he says quietly.

"It was never a secret."

Sebastian nods, leaning back in his chair. He doesn't smile, doesn't laugh, but for the first time all night, I feel like someone actually gets it.