The Husband Who Regretted Too Late

Chapter 11

Left alone in the room, Selena pouted like a scolded puppy as she grabbed her little notebook. She mumbled under her breath.

"Notebook read: Cards, loads of them. I got it right, didn't I?"

The moment she woke the next morning, she instinctively snatched the pillbox from her nightstand. She dry-swallowed the last two pills.

While her mind was still clear, she double-checked the notes and documents she had prepared. She tucked them away neatly.

When Austin knocked, she was already waiting. She followed him out without protest.

Only after they slid into the car did he shoot her a disgusted look. His usual sarcasm dripped from his words.

"Not even curious where we're headed?"

"The registry office." Her voice was barely a whisper. Like leaves rustling in a breeze.

Austin turned sharply. His gaze was icy. "Damn right. We're ending this today."

"Okay." Her calm reply held no trace of hesitation.

That very calmness lit a fuse in him. Rage detonated instantly.

"Last night you were groveling for cards, loads of them. Now you're rolling over like some obedient mutt?"

Selena bit her lip. Her fingers twisted in her lap. But remembering her fading memory, she steeled herself. She fired back coldly.

"What's wrong with hoping for a parting gift from the great Mr. Nash? Consider it a tip for my cooperation. Everyone knows how generous you are."

Austin's teeth ground so hard they could have sparked. His face flushed crimson, then paled. He whipped his head away, barely restraining himself from strangling her. After a sharp exhale, he snarled at the driver.

"Step on it."

The car ride was silent. Tense enough to choke on.

Minutes later, they emerged from the registry office. Their footsteps were out of sync.

Austin faced the street. He tilted his head as he lit a cigarette. He took three furious drags, not stubbing it out until the embers nearly singed his fingers. Without looking, he flung a black card at her.

"Your consolation prize." A beat passed. Then, smirking, he added, "We're done. Forever."

Her fingers shook like autumn leaves as she accepted the card. The iron taste of blood flooded her mouth. All that escaped her pale lips was a hollow, "Okay."

Tears scorched her cheeks as his words faded into the rain.

Alone on the sidewalk, she stood deathly still. She crushed the little notebook, her lifeline to fading memories, in her white-knuckled grip. She stared at Austin's retreating back.

Needle-sharp autumn rain pierced her skin. Pedestrians scattered like startled birds. She remained rooted to the spot, trembling violently in the bitter wind.

Selena turned her rain-soaked face. She blinked away the downpour. Her eyes wandered, unfocused. A hollow whisper escaped her lips.

"Who am I?"

A sleazy man appeared from nowhere. He yanked her wrist. "Sweetheart, I messed up. Quit running off. Let's go home."

She stared blankly. "I'm your wife?"

"Darling, of course you are. I've got the fireplace blazing. I won't let my pretty flower freeze." He leered, dragging her toward the alley.

He did not notice the notebook slipping from her numb fingers. Dead leaves rustled underfoot as they vanished into the gloom.

Austin's chest seized mid-step. He whirled around.

The street lay empty behind him.