From Neglected Wife to CEO’s Obsession novel Chapter 110

Remy climbed out of the black Maybach on my left, looking as sharp as ever in the long black trench coat I’d bought him last spring. He was all lean lines and quiet confidence, arms wrapped around a bouquet of white roses.

Jeffery slid out from the big G-Wagon on my right. He wore a light-colored jacket that made him look way younger than he actually was, all boyish charm as he spun a single red rose between his fingers.

One was stubborn and impossible to shake off, the other stood out like a bright smear of color on a blank canvas.

The two of them faced off in front of me, giving each other those polite, razor-edged smiles that barely hid how much they hated being in the same space. Neither one blinked, both acting like perfect gentlemen—at least on the surface.

I kicked at the air, barely holding back a groan. Remy was already enough trouble. Now Jeffery had to show up too.

At least with Remy, I knew what he wanted. Jeffery was a whole different headache—a mystery that felt more dangerous than it should.

One was my soon-to-be ex-husband. The other was my childhood friend who’d ghosted for ten years and then reappeared out of nowhere. Seriously, what kind of dramatic mess had I landed in?

“Avery, and this gentleman is...?” Remy asked, voice smooth.

“Avery, aren’t you going to introduce us?” Jeffery chimed in, trying to sound casual.

Both had their best faces on: Remy with his calm, Jeffery with a playful grin. It was anyone’s game at this point.

“This is my husband Remy—well, almost ex-husband. And this is Jeffery, my old friend from high school. You two can chat to your hearts’ content. I have stuff to do, so I’m going. Bye.”

I tried to make my escape, but each of them grabbed one of my arms and held me in place.

I was so done with this. If I had a dollar for every time I wanted to smack someone today, I’d be rich.

“Avery, I need to talk to you,” Remy said, his voice tight.

Back in high school, Jeffery was all sunshine and easy laughter—a great friend.

Ten years later, he was successful, but also a stranger. I couldn’t help but want to keep my distance.

“Thanks, but no thanks. Your offer is too sudden and honestly, it feels like a lot. I can’t accept it. If you want us to stay friends, stop dropping into my life unannounced and don’t get involved in my business again.”

“But, Avery—”

“No, Jeffery. Let me spell it out. I hate being someone’s fallback after they’ve weighed their options. Don’t ruin what we had when we were kids.”

Jeffery looked at me for a long time, let out a defeated sigh and turned to leave, saying nothing else.