The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 85

“Oh… miss, this is far too generous. I really can’t accept it…”

“Take it. My husband has more money than he knows what to do with. He always gives gifts like this to friends. You saw it for yourself, didn’t you?”

“Well, then… I’ll accept it. Thank you, thank you so much!”

The saleswoman was beside herself with gratitude, more than a little awed. She’d been observing the three of them this whole time and had already put the pieces together.

People always say it’s tough being a society wife—some men just can’t seem to settle down, even with such a beautiful woman at home. Why bother chasing after every pretty face that walks by?

But she had to admit, Ramona’s way of handling things was deeply satisfying to watch.

Jotham’s brow furrowed in distress as he watched Ramona hand over a luxury item worth nearly a million dollars, as if it were nothing.

“Ramona, what on earth are you doing…”

“Jotham, I’m just looking out for you. Or would you rather the chairman found out you brought outsiders here to pick out gifts?”

Ramona cut him off before he could say another word.

The brighter her smile, the sharper her tongue.

Jotham’s jaw tightened. He could tell Ramona was sparring with Brianna, but there was nothing he could do. He’d just have to accept his unlucky fate.

Women, when they started competing out of jealousy, there was no telling what might happen.

Brianna was one thing, but even Ramona was acting the same way.

Brianna was seething—utterly furious! Ramona had gotten what she wanted and still played the innocent, even going so far as to insult her openly!

But with Jotham standing right there and their secret hanging by a thread, Brianna couldn’t do anything but grit her teeth and endure.

Still, she couldn’t hold back the tears. They streamed down her cheeks before she turned away, quickly wiping her eyes so no one would see.

Jotham noticed, and his heart ached for her. He was just about to go check on her when Ramona called him back to the counter to look at more gifts.

Since Ramona had just gifted something to the saleswoman, the woman was now going above and beyond, bringing out even her most exclusive pieces.

She presented a pair of exquisite turquoise cufflinks—a custom design, nearly two hundred thousand dollars, and a three-month wait for delivery.

“Ramona, isn’t this a bit too extravagant? Maybe we should pick something else?”

“Weren’t you the one who asked me to choose? What I’ve picked is just a little pricier than Ms. Prescott’s selections, but worlds apart in taste. This brand is favored by royalty. Gift this, and I guarantee there’s no client you won’t win over.”

Ramona didn’t even look up, scrolling through the saleswoman’s tablet, her voice cool and unhurried.

The saleswoman took the cue and began to enthusiastically introduce the brand’s history, making it clear that if Jotham wanted to impress, Ramona’s choice was hands-down the best.

“Alright. I’ll go with your suggestion.”

Jotham sighed, resigned. Since it was a custom order, he figured he could always resell it later.

What he didn’t expect was that after he paid, Ramona picked up a delivery slip and asked him which client he wanted it sent to.

“With a gift this valuable, it should really be delivered in person. Have the store arrange home delivery for me, and I’ll hand it over myself. That shows real sincerity.”

But Jotham just thought she was being dramatic.

“Ramona, I know we’ve been married for two years, and you want your own space. But you know I can’t live without you. I’ve really missed you lately…”

Before Ramona could respond, a sudden commotion broke out in the store—Brianna had fainted!

Reacting on instinct, Jotham rushed over, pushing through the crowd and gathering Brianna into his arms.

“Brianna!”

She was pale as a ghost, looking like she’d gone into sudden shock.

Calling her name, Jotham scooped her up and hurried straight for the parking garage. He didn’t even spare a glance for Ramona, still standing where he left her.

So much for pretending—his true feelings were obvious. The act wasn’t even over, and he was already desperate to comfort his real love.

Ten years of history with Brianna, six years of lies with her. The truth was plain to see.

Ramona felt utterly exasperated. She couldn’t help but think how unlucky she was to have run into them today.

…

That evening, as soon as Ramona got home, she called Ethan. She admired the gift she had picked out, feeling a flicker of anticipation.

“What’s up?” Ethan’s voice came through quickly once he picked up.

His tone was casual, but for some reason, maybe it was her imagination, he sounded especially gentle tonight. So gentle it seemed to melt right down to the bone.