Rejected by my Husband novel Chapter 8

Adrian's POV

The night was buzzing with energy. Music pounded from the club’s walls, neon lights painted the street in red and blue, and the air was thick with smoke, perfume, and sin. I sat on the patio with a few of my boys, cigarette glowing between my fingers, watching the world go by.

Then I saw her.

Karline.

Her.

The wife who had stolen everything from Natalie. The reason Natalie drank herself sick some nights. The reason Reid Carter never looked at anyone else.

Natalie hated her like poison. And honestly? I didn’t blame her. Natalie had been by Reid’s side since they were kids, picking him up whenever he fell, supporting him through med school bills, paying rent when his father’s company nearly collapsed. And what did she get? Nothing. Not even a glance. Reid gave all his love to Karline, the pretty wife who played the perfect angel.

And now here Karline was, walking into a club. Alone.

I leaned forward in my chair, smoke curling out of my mouth as I narrowed my eyes.

What the hell are you doing here, princess? Don’t you belong in your fancy mansion, waiting on your husband like a good little doll?

The sight of her irritated me and amused me all at once. She looked nervous, glancing around like she didn’t belong here, but there was a certain sadness in her eyes too. That loneliness. That brokenness.

Perfect.

I pulled out my phone, thumbing a message to Natalie.

Me: 'Guess who I just saw? Reid’s darling wife. All alone. In a club.'

The dots popped up fast.

Natalie: 'Don’t lie to me. She’s really there? right now.'

I laughed under my breath, shaking my head as I typed back.

Me: 'I’m staring at her. Tight dress. Red lipstick. Walked in like she’s trying to forget her whole life.'

Silence stretched for a few beats. Then the notification lit up my phone again.

Natalie: 'Take care of her. Watch her closely.'

Natalie: 'Actually… no. This is good. This is better than good. If she’s seen here, with another man… we can twist it. Defame her. Reid will believe it.'

I grinned, flicking ash from my cigarette. Natalie was ruthless when she wanted something.

But I wasn’t running errands for free.

Me: 'And what’s in it for me?'

Natalie didn’t hesitate.

Natalie: '$3000.'

I barked out a laugh that made one of my friends glance at me funny. Did she think I was cheap? I’d done Natalie enough favors in the past, covering her shifts, pretending to be her date, and pulled me out from my many debts.

Me: '6000. Minimum.'

It took longer this time. I could almost hear her grinding her teeth on the other end.

Natalie: '5000. Final. Don’t push me.'

I smirked, leaning back in my chair, the glow of the cigarette illuminating my grin.

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