Chapter 9

A scanned copy of a marriage certificate.

The two people on it were Ethan and Chloe.

With shaking hands, I dug out my own "marriage certificate."

I held them side by side.

My legs completely gave out.

Real certificates had City Hall's embossed seal and the clerk's signature.

The one in my hands had nothing.

Just a forged piece of trash.

We were never married.

All those times he called me "his woman," "his wife"?

It was all a sick joke.

I laughed until I cried.

The man who protected me since childhood trapped me in a lie for six damn years.

"You know why Ethan faked that certificate?"

Chloe stepped out, smirking.

"Because you're not good enough for him.

So he hid you away.

Never brought you around friends or family.

If anyone asked?

You were nothing but a free maid."

"Ella, your mother couldn't beat mine.

And you sure as hell can't beat me."

She grabbed me by the collar. Pure malice in her eyes.

"Don't you hate homewreckers? Take a look at yourself.

You're the dirty little secret! You're the mistress!"