The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 2

“Let’s go.”

Ramona tossed the words behind her and stepped around the man, not sparing him another glance. The chest that once felt so warm and safe now only made her skin crawl.

Back in the car, Jotham was still visibly concerned about Ramona’s state.

“What happened back there? You’re always so careful behind the wheel. What was going on today?”

Ramona didn’t answer. She stared down at her own palm, the diamond ring on her finger dazzling and cold.

Jotham didn’t seem to mind her silence. He automatically reached over to take her hand.

She pulled away, again.

“What’s with the attitude? Fine, you don’t want to talk, I won’t press you.

We’re having a special guest at the house today. I asked the staff to prepare all your favorite dishes. I thought it might cheer you up.”

Jotham’s gentle tone only made Ramona want to laugh. The softer he was, the more hollow it sounded.

“Come on, cheer up. Don’t be upset. Once this busy period is over, I promise I’ll spend more time with you. The company’s getting ready to go public, it’s just... everything’s so hectic right now.”

He seemed convinced Ramona was appeased and broke into an easy smile.

“Yes, I’m thrilled,” Ramona replied, her words laced with irony. “My life’s just bursting with excitement these days.”

Jotham didn’t catch her meaning.

The Holt family mansion sat on the most expensive street in Havencrest City, in the exclusive Floral Riverbend neighborhood. The villa sprawled across more than five thousand square feet—every inch a testament to their supposed success.

But none of this would have existed if Ramona hadn’t given up her own career after graduation, pouring herself into Jotham’s company, helping him build everything from the ground up.

As they stepped inside, Ramona heard the sound of laughter and playful shouts drift down from upstairs—a little boy’s voice, and a gentle, melodic woman’s.

The boy was Milo Holt, the child Ramona and Jotham had adopted right after their wedding. He was five now.

Ramona looked up and, with no surprise at all, saw Brianna for the first time in five years.

Brianna wore a blue knit dress that hugged her curves, her long hair in soft waves. Though she was well into her thirties, her face looked fresh as someone barely twenty, and she carried herself with a graceful confidence that drew the eye.

“Ramona, look who’s here!” Jotham’s voice called from beside her, deep and brimming with excitement.

It was the first time Ramona had seen him so animated. No matter how well she treated him, no matter how gentle she was, he’d never shown this level of enthusiasm.

This was real emotion—the kind that came straight from the heart, raw and pulsing with a man’s primal desire.

“Ms. Prescott?” Ramona raised her brows, feigning surprise, though inside her disgust had reached its peak.

He glanced at Ramona, his voice gentle. “I thought Ms. Prescott could stay with us for a while. She could help you with Milo. He really seems to like her.”

Ha! Five years sneaking around wasn’t enough—now he wanted her right here, out in the open.

Ramona pretended not to hear, calmly finishing her meal. The air in the room grew heavy.

Jotham cleared his throat, awkwardly reminding her, “Ramona, I’m talking to you.”

With a soft clatter, Ramona set her fork down. But before she could say a word, Brianna jumped in—

“I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. I never meant to put you two in this position. Ramona, Jotham just wants to help. He knows you’re exhausted—work, managing the house, raising Milo—it’s all so much. I’m only here to lend a hand…”

“I want Ms. Prescott to stay!” Milo shouted from his seat, instantly throwing a tantrum.

Before Brianna could finish, the boy started banging his utensils, slamming his fists on the table.

“Milo, that’s enough…”

“Milo, mind your manners!” Ramona snapped, her voice overlapping with Brianna’s attempts to calm the boy.

Milo glared at Ramona, furious. Then, before anyone could stop him, he grabbed his water glass and flung its contents straight at her.