My Ex-Convict Wife is Coming Back

His stepbrother

ELLA

Five years ago, Artemis, Tom's stepbrother, had made an offer that could have changed everything. He had hit on me, suggesting that he was the only one who could testify that Tom was the one who had killed the woman in the hit-and-run. I remembered the look in his eyes, the way he had tried to use the situation to his advantage.

I had been a typical woman in love, believing in my husband's innocence and wanting to protect him at all costs. So, I had rejected Artemis's offer and decided to take the fall for Tom. After all, a case like this would ruin Tom’s career, and I couldn’t bear to see that happen.

But now, as I sat across from Artemis in his office, the memory of that fateful decision resurfacing in my mind. Artemis had the power to destroy Tom's life, but I had chosen to shield my husband, hoping that our love would see us through. Instead, I ended up paying the price.

"Do you remember our last conversation?" Artemis asked, breaking the silence that followed.

I nodded, my throat tight. "I do."

"I tried to warn you," he said, leaning back in his chair. "I told you that protecting Tom would only bring you misery."

"And I didn’t listen," I replied.

Artemis's eyes softened slightly. "You were in love. It’s understandable. But now, you have a chance to start over."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “ I know, Artemis. I know that I need to rebuild my life." I said between gritted teeth.

He nodded. "And you will."

Artemis leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on me. "So, Ella," he began, his tone casual. "Do you still need my help?"

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his penetrating gaze. "I… I don’t know," I stammered, unsure of how to respond.

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Come now, Ella. You can be honest with me. After all, last night was just a bit of fun, right?"

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as memories of last night flooded back. "Yes, well, we were both drunk," I mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

Artemis chuckled softly. "Indeed we were. But that doesn’t change the fact that you’re in need of my assistance."

I bristled at his smug tone. "And why would you be willing to help me now?"

He leaned forward, his expression serious. "Because, despite our… indiscretion, I still have a vested interest in seeing Tom brought down. And if helping you achieve that goal serves my purposes, then so be it."

I regarded him warily, unsure of whether to trust his words. "What’s in it for you?"

Artemis’s lips curved into a sly smile. "Let’s just say that Tom has always had everything I’ve ever wanted. Including you."

I felt a chill run down my spine at his words, the implications sinking in. "So, what are you suggesting?"

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes gleaming with a predatory glint. "I’m suggesting that we work together, Ella. You want revenge on Tom, and I want to see him suffer. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement."

I hesitated, weighing the risks and rewards of accepting his offer. Despite my reservations, I knew that I couldn’t take on Tom alone. And if Artemis was willing to help me, then perhaps I could use him to achieve my goals.

Five years ago, I had refused his help. Now, here I was, sitting across from Artemis, needing his help. The irony was almost too much to bear. I smirked inwardly, remembering how he had tried to seduce me, how he had promised me the world if I betrayed my husband. And now, I was about to strike back at Tom, using his stepbrother as my weapon.

If I was going to strike Tom, I might as well act convincing to Artemis.

I stood up and walked over to Artemis, making sure my hips were swinging the right way. He watched me, a curious look in his eyes.

"Artemis," I said, my voice steady. "I do need your help."

He leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I knew this day would come, Ella. You finally see things my way."

"Things have changed," I said, my gaze unwavering. "Tom betrayed me, and I want to make sure he pays for what he did."

Artemis's smile widened. "And you think I can help you with that?" He said smugly.

"I know you can," I replied. "You’ve always wanted to see Tom brought down. Now you have the chance to do it, with my help."

He stood up, walking around the desk to stand in front of me. "What do you need? I want to hear you say it."

"Everything you promised me five years ago," I said, meeting his eyes. "Your support, your resources, your influence. I want to rebuild my life, and I want to see Tom pay for his betrayal."

Artemis nodded, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Consider it done. You’re on my side now, and I’ll do everything in my power to help you."

Tom had underestimated me, and now he would pay the price. With Artemis's help, I would strike back and reclaim my life.

"Fine," I said, finally relenting. "But on one condition."

Artemis raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what’s that?"

"We keep last night between us," I said firmly. "I don’t want anyone else to know about it."

He nodded, his expression unreadable. "Agreed. Our little indiscretion stays between us."