EX-HUSBAND'S BOSS FOR VALENTINE

NIA'

ntirely on the tie he knots, as if I'm invisible. It's been almost twenty-four hours since we arrived at the hotel, an

on something so trivial while everything between us slips through his fingers. After a

," I say softly,

my eyes-he focuses on his reflection in the mirror. I take the tie

n, which makes my heart sink. "Do you know what today is, love?" I ask quietly

ws crease, and I thin

l that'll get me the promotion I deserve." My throat tightens, but I manage to smile through the sti

him stiffen beneath my touch. Without warning, he

f you want to tag along tonight, meet me downstairs in ten minutes. And stay qu

as I sink onto the stool in front of the vanity. The woman staring back at me feels so foreign now. This isn't the woma

a shadow in my home. He's made it clear I'm not meant to know anything about his business. My only purpose is to be beautiful and silent, to bear his children. But I haven't con

octor together, his answe

to love me, needing him to see me, but knowing I'm nothing more than a decoration to him now. Just his mute, beautiful, and hidden wife. He never takes me to any of his events, but today

in the front. Not a word passes between us, and soon we arrive at the venue. Brady steps out first,

rve into a smile, and I spot a woman standing

mouth, but they are not for me. Before me, he takes Po

orced, and glowing as though heartbreak made her stronger. He loved her so much, but she got married r

tions say otherwise. Portia smiles at

tly manicured hand, which I take briefly. In that moment, she sees a fami

tinue before he can speak, "I thought you

t she might help with her influence," he says, then I open my mouth

ke I have no direction in life. As we walk into the room full of important dignitaries, Brady introduces

oisonous smile. A server passes by with a tray of champagne, and I take one from him, downing the entire contents before grabbin

sn't love you, and he never has," she adds, her words driving through my chest like a knife.

you want," I whisper, my voice breaking. Portia

. This isn't about money. It's about him. He belongs to me, and

he Montclairs and Chestwick's are the richest in America. I am a Chestwick, but that is a secret I have kept

s using your family's influence to get wh

sides, I can prove it to you now. Look, he's coming," she says,

ee Brady rushing to her, but to my utter surprise, he pushes me to the side, causing me to collide with a table of desserts, which sends chocolate mousse and raspberry

et on you?" Brady asks,

the floor, frozen in humiliation. I search his face fo

hand resting protectively on Portia's back. "And get her out of he

as I stand to save the little dignity I have left. I run away with the blinding