THE BILLIONAIRE I REJECTED

THE WOMAN BESIDE MY HUSBAND

Rose stared at John as though she were seeing him for the first time. The room suddenly felt too small, the air too thick to breathe. Her mother's silence was worse than any confession. Why are you here? Rose asked again, this time looking directly at her mother. At two in the morning. In my husband's private suite. Why? Her mother lowered her eyes. Lena, please listen to me.

Listen to what? Rose's laugh came out brittle. That there is an innocent explanation for this? That I should believe you just happened to be standing beside my husband with your hand on his chest while his shirt was half open? Nothing happened between us, her mother insisted. Then tell me what happened. Her mother glanced at John. That glance was enough to make Rose's stomach twist. Stop looking at him, Rose snapped. Look at me. Her mother finally raised her eyes. They were filled with tears. I came here because John asked me to. Rose turned slowly toward her husband. You asked my mother to come here? Yes. Why? John's face hardened. It was private. Rose's heart clenched. Private? She stepped closer. I'm your wife, John.

What could possibly be so private that my own mother knows about it, but I don't? You wouldn't understand. Then make me understand! Her voice echoed through the room. John flinched, but his expression quickly returned to its usual cold control. That control infuriated her. You always do this, Rose whispered. You shut me out whenever something becomes difficult.

You think because you're a billionaire now, everyone has to accept whatever you say. His eyes flashed. This has nothing to do with money. Then what does it have to do with? Silence. Rose's gaze moved between them. Were you sleeping with my mother? Her mother gasped. John's expression changed instantly. No. The answer came so quickly that Rose almost believed him. Almost. Then why couldn't you simply say that before? She asked. John looked away. That tiny movement reopened every wound.

Rose felt tears burning her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She wouldn't cry in front of him. Not tonight. Not while he was hiding something from her. Her mother moved toward her. Lena, I swear to you, John and I have never sworn. Rose raised a trembling hand. I don't know what to believe anymore. She looked at John. Show me the documents. No. Her heart stopped for a beat. Why? Because this isn't the right time. There will never be a right time, will there? She moved toward the desk.

John caught her wrist. His fingers closed around her skin, warm and firm. Rose stared down at his hand. Let me go. He hesitated. Rose… I said let me go. He released her. She stepped backward, rubbing her wrist. John's face tightened when he saw the faint red marks his fingers had left behind. I didn't mean to hurt you. But you did. The words came out quietly. They seemed to hurt him more than shouting would have.

Her mother suddenly picked up her handbag. I'm leaving. Rose looked at her. You're just going to walk away? Her mother stopped at the door. Tears slipped down her cheeks. I'm sorry. For what? Her mother didn't answer. She simply opened the door and disappeared into the hallway. Rose stood frozen. John, she whispered. What does she know? He remained silent. What have you been hiding from me? His jaw tightened. You need to trust me. Rose's heart cracked. Trust you? She gave a small, devastated laugh.

I trusted you when you had nothing. I trusted you when everyone told me you would fail. I trusted you enough to build a life with you. She looked at the closed door through which her mother had disappeared. And now I find the two of you hiding secrets from me.

John stepped closer. Rose, I love you. She stared into his eyes. For one terrible moment, she wanted to believe him. Then she noticed something on the bed. A small black envelope. Her name was written across it in handwriting she didn't recognize. She picked it up. John's face changed. Don't open that.

Rose looked at him. Why? He took one step forward. Because whoever sent it wants you to destroy your marriage. Rose's fingers trembled as she tore the envelope open. Inside was a single photograph. Her breath stopped. It showed John and her mother together. But the date printed beneath the photograph was three years before Rose and John had even met.