Chapter 8
Anna‘ s POV
As I stepped into the living room, my eyes immediately landed on the beautiful dress that adorned Jessica’s petite frame.
It felt as if I forgot how to breathe for a second as realization dawned on me. This wasn’t just any dress–it was custom made and my dress, the one that had taken months of work to create. Caden had commissioned it from a renowned Italian designer and said it was my anniversary gift.
It didn’t come on our anniversary two weeks ago because the production took longer than intended.
And now, there it was, being paraded around by my husband’s mistress, as if it were her own.
“What the hell is going on here?” I
demanded, still shocked at the sight before
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- me. “Caden, why is Jessica wearing MY dress?”
Jessica twirled around, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Isn’t it just divine, Anna? Caden is simply the most thoughtful and generous person ever. It’s his gift to me.”
I felt my blood boil, my fists clenching at my sides. “Your gift?” I called out incredulous. “Caden, this dress was meant for me. It took months to have it custom- made, and you’re just giving it to your little mistress?”
Caden shrugged, looking unperturbed. “Well, Anna, you did destroy Jessica‘ s dress earlier at the gala, didn’t you?” he said, his tone casual. “And this one just arrived a few minutes ago. I figured it would be better to give it to someone who would truly appreciate it. She deserves it more than you. Don’t forget she is carrying my child.”
I stared at him, my mouth agape, the sheer audacity of his words leaving me
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speechless. “You… you’re unbelievable, Caden,” I breathed, shaking my head in disbelief. “You and Jessica deserve each other a perfect match of two self- centered, manipulative liars.”
Without another word, I turned on my heel and started making my way to our bedroom. I needed to get out of this place, away from the toxic, stifling atmosphere that had become my life.
“And where the hell do you think you’re going?” He called after me in irritation.
I paused, glancing over my shoulder with a sharp look. “I’m getting out of this hellhole. And my lawyer will be here by morning to discuss the terms of our divorce.”
up
Caden’s face twisted with anger, eyeing me and down. “Divorce? You think you can just walk out of here and divorce me? I don’t think so, Anna. I’m the one who’ll be filing for divorce.”
I didn’t bother to dignify his outburst with
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a response. Instead, I got into the bedroom and started stuffing my belongings into a
suitcase.
I rolled my suitcase out, and Caden followed me out the door. As I made my way out of the house, I caught sight of Nate, casually leaning against the limousine. Caden‘ s scowl deepened on seeing Nate there.
“So, you’ve brought your new boyfriend to my house, huh, Anna?” he asked curtly, his gaze fixed on Nate.
Nate straightened, his posture tense. “If you’ve got a problem with me being here, Caden, then I suggest you take it up with me,” he said in a low but challenging tone.
Caden’s jaw clenched, and I could see the vein pulsing in his temple. “The keys, Anna,” he growled, his hand outstretched.
I stared at him, my brows scrunched up together. “What keys?” I asked, my voice
wary.
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“The keys to the car,” Caden snapped, clearly frustrated. “The one I bought for you. Hand them over.”
With a surge of anger, I dug the keys out of my purse and hurled them at Caden, watching as they bounced off his chest and clattered to the ground.
“Here, take your stupid keys!” I spat, my voice laced with venom. “The car’s at the mechanic’s, so you can go pick it up yourself and have a nice life with your precious Jessica.”
Caden looked like he was going to lose it any moment, but I didn’t give a hoot. Nate‘ s driver helped bring my suitcase into the car, and I settled into the seat. Nate followed shooting Caden one last glare before the car zoomed off.
Nate reached out, his hand gently
squeezing my arm.
“You really married a jerk, you know that?” he murmured, in concern.
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I nodded, my gaze fixed on the passing trees out the window. “I know,” I
whispered. “I just… I need to get away from all of this, Nate. Can you please take me to my parents‘ house?”
Nate nodded. “Of course. Just say the word, and I’ll get you there.”
Fifteen minutes later, the car pulled
up
to
the familiar building of my childhood home. I drew in a sharp breath, preparing myself for the inevitable difficult
conversation that was to come.
“Call me if you need anything, okay?” Nate called out in a soft and reassuring voice. “I’m just a phone call away.”
I nodded, offering him a faint smile. “Thank you, Nate.
For everything.”
Exhaling, I stepped out of the car and made. my way to the front door, my suitcase.
trailing behind me. As I raised my
trembling hand to knock, the door swung
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open, revealing my mother’s familiar face.
She was wearing one of her favorite oversized tees that originally belonged to my dad, and her hair was in her signature. messy bun style. Her facial expression changed from one of surprise to a frown as her sharp eyes fell on my suitcase.
“Anna? What are you doing here?”
Before I could respond, my father emerged. from behind her, his wire–rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose.
“Anna?” he questioned, his bushy brows drawn together with concern. “What are you doing here, sweetheart? Shouldn’t you be at home with Caden?”
“Dad, Mom, I…” I began, my voice shaking. “I’m serious about divorcing Caden.”
My mother immediately frowned, her lips pursed in a disapproving manner. “You can’t be serious. You need to go back and work things out with your husband. We won’t let you stay here and run away from
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your problems.”
I felt frustrated, my hands clenching. around the handle of my suitcase. “Mom, please, it’s late, and I just want to crash. Can I come in now?”
My father stepped forward with a severe look. “Crash where? You need to go back to your husband and beg for his forgiveness. We’re not going to let you stay here and abandon your marriage.”
“But Caden doesn’t even want me anymore, or the baby!”
My mother looked at me with suspicion. “I don’t believe that for a second, Anna. We didn’t raise you like this, to run away from your problems. You need to march out right now and go beg for your husband’s forgiveness.”
