My Husband Wants An Open Marriage

CHAPTER 084: Pleasant

CHAPTER 084: Pleasant

It's Sara.

Luke's ex-wife.

She's standing right in front of me, dressed in a faded hoodie and jeans, her hair unwashed, sticking out from under the hood in unruly strands. There's a gash on her forehead, faint but unmistakable. It looks a few days old, the bruising a dull yellow-brown. "What do you want, Sara?" I ask.

Her lips curve into something that might've been a smile if it weren't for the bitterness behind it. "Is that how you greet your friends? You once bought me a meal."

"Is that why you came? Because you're hungry?"

Her face hardens, as if I've physically slapped her. "I'm fine, thank you," she says. "I came because you seem like a nice person. I mean, the few minutes I spent with you were pleasant."

I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes. Pleasant. She must've forgotten the part where I chased her through the streets. But fine, let's go with pleasant.

"And?" I say, not bothering to hide my irritation.

Sara takes a breath. "I heard somewhere that you were getting divorced today."

"Can you get to the point?"

"Did Lucas tell you he pushed me down a set of stairs?"

My immediate reaction is rage, but I keep my face neutral. "He did not push you."

"Is that what he said?"

"Yes, and I believe him."

Sara's eyes flash. "Aren't women supposed to support women?"

I let out a short, humorless laugh. "What do you want, Sara? For me to say, 'Oh, poor you, that was horrible. I'm dumping Lucas?""

"Yes, that's exactly what you're supposed to do. You don't know him like I do. He's just pretending he's a saint to get you trapped in a marriage. And then he'll treat you like shit."

I take a step forward, my voice low. "Yeah? So he treated you like shit, and you cheated on him with his friend. And then you stole his son from his school and kept him in the passenger seat while driving drunk."

Her eyes well up, and for a moment, she looks like a wounded animal. "He was my son too," she whispers.

you

but I

I don't back down. "I was married to someone like you, Sara. A narcissistic, egotistical piece of shit. And you know what? I just divorced him. Because people like you don't deserve partners. You don't deserve happiness. All

do

is destroy the lives of the people who care about you. And you never admit you're at fault." Her mouth opens, cut her off, my voice firm. "Lucas might be a piece of shit to you, but he's my piece of shit. And he's a whole lot better than you. You're not allowed near him or

me. The next time I see you, I'm filing for harassment."

I turn on my heel, adrenaline coursing through me. I'm done. Done with this conversation. Done with her.

But she's not done with me.

HAPTER 084: Pleasant

"You're just like him," she calls after me, her voice trembling. "You two were meant for each other. I bet Lucas didn't tell you that I texted him to come over, and he did. He still wants me."

I freeze. My muscles tense, but I don't turn around. I won't give her the satisfaction.

Sara steps closer. "I bet there's a lot of things about him he doesn't tell you."

I finally turn, my expression cold. "Is that so?"

Sara's eyes gleam with something close to triumph. "Just know this isn't over yet," she says.

I smile. "You know what? I wish he'd actually thrown you down those stairs and you didn't wake up."

Her eyes widen for a second before narrowing into slits. She opens her mouth, but I'm already walking away.

In my mind, I see Ryan's face when the settlement was finalized-his lips tight, his eyes hollow, his defeat laid bare for all to see. That's peace.

By the time I reach my car, I'm smiling again. Sara can scream all she wants. Ryan can brood for the rest of his life.

I'm free.This material belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

I slide into the driver's seat, close the door, and let out a long, satisfied breath. Then, I turn the key, the engine roaring to life. The weight that had sat heavy on my shoulders for so long is gone. And I have somewhere to be. Somewhere that isn't haunted by the past. Somewhere that's entirely mine.

I've waited long enough to step out of the house. My palms are damp as they rest on the cool brass handle of my front door. I've never worn something like this before-not in public, and certainly not with the intention of being seen. The dress is... daring, to say the least. Sparkly, dangerously short, with an open back that exposes more skin than I've ever shown outside of a beach. It clings in all the right places, every curve accentuated, and the heels? Well, they're high enough to make my legs look longer than they are, but probably lethal if I lose my balance.

I feel ridiculous. But there's no going back now.

Luke is waiting outside. I've seen him through the window leaning against his car with that easy confidence that makes it look effortless. His suit fits like a second skin, charcoal-gray, and his shirt is unbuttoned just enough to hint at a smooth expanse of chest. His hair is styled messily but in a way that I know took effort. He's been waiting for over ten minutes, yet he doesn't seem impatient.

He's just standing there, hands in his pockets, exuding calm. Meanwhile, I'm inside, battling a hurricane of self-doubt. He's going to laugh. Or worse-he won't say anything at all.

I take a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage I have left. My fingers tighten on the handle, and before I can talk myself out of it, I pull the door open.

The night air hits me first, brushing against the bare skin of my back. I step outside, hesitating just long enough for the door to click shut behind me.

Luke looks up. And freezes.

His eyes widen as he takes me in-head to toe, then back up again. His gaze is slow, and it makes my skin tingle. He doesn't move, doesn't say a word, just stares.

My stomach twists into knots. Say something, Luke. Anything. I clear my throat awkwardly, shifting my weight from one foot to the other.

CHAPTER 084: Pleasant

"You look..." His voice is deeper than usual. "...beautiful. Divorce seems good on you."

I laugh, my nerves easing just a little. "You look charming yourself," I say, stepping closer.

He reaches for me, pulling me in for a kiss. It starts soft, hesitant. Then it deepens, his hands sliding around my waist, fingers brushing over the bare skin of my back. I lose myself in it, in him, my arms wrapping around his neck.

But just as I'm ready to let everything else fade away, he pulls back, breathless. His forehead rests against mine. "If we don't get out of here right now," he murmurs, "I might have to cancel the date."

I laugh, the sound breathless and giddy. "That would be a shame."

He smiles, stepping back. "Let's go before I change my mind."

He opens the passenger door for me. As I slide in, I notice his lingering gaze, the way his eyes turn to me, then quickly away, as if caught. He walks around to the driver's side, and when he gets in, I catch him stealing another glance.

"What?" I ask.

He shakes his head, his grin boyish. "Nothing. Just... you look amazing."

I feel the blush creep up my neck, and I turn to look out the window. God, get a grip, Julie. But his glances continue throughout the drive, and each one makes my heart flutter.

By the time we reach the club, I'm more than a little flustered. The music is already pounding, the bass vibrating through the ground as we approach. Luke takes my hand, guiding me past the line of people waiting to get in. The bouncer nods at him, and before I know it, we're inside, moving through the crowd.

The club is dimly lit, neon lights flashing across faces, casting strange shadows. The music is loud, enveloping us in a rhythm that thrums through my chest. Luke leads me to a roped-off VIP section where three men sit around a table. There are two empty seats waiting for us.

I recognize one of them instantly-Sebastian. His face is too distinct to forget. The other two are strangers, but one of them stands as soon as we approach.

"I feel like I've known you for years, Julie," he says, wrapping me in a hug before I can react. His energy is overwhelming-bright and full of charisma. He pulls back just enough to plant a quick kiss on my cheek, leaving me stunned.

Luke steps forward, placing a firm hand on the man's shoulder, "That's enough, Kofi."

Kofi groans dramatically but steps back, flopping into his seat. "It's not my fault. She's cute."

The other man stands, offering his hand. "I'm Asher," he says with a charming smile.

I shake his hand, murmuring a polite greeting, still trying to process the whirlwind of introductions. Sebastian leans back in his chair, his smirk widening. "We've met," he says.

I nod, unsure how to respond. "Yes, we have."

As I sit down, the music cuts out suddenly, and the club's spotlight swings in our direction. It's so sudden. Blinding, blue light. The DJ's voice booms over the speakers

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for the newest divorcee in town, Julie Jenkins! Congratulations on your freedom, girl! Let's give her a night to remember!"

The crowd erupts into cheers, whistles, and applause. My cheeks burn as I sink into my seat, but I can't help but smile. I guess it's the right time to tell Luke the big news. CHAPTER 084: Pleasant

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