Divorcing My Cheating Husband, Bankrupting His Empire

The Bali trip we'd promised ourselves on our honeymoon.

Put off year after year.

In the third year, it was finally happening.

I was so excited I'd packed three days early and rushed to the airport.

Only to find my husband's "female buddy" was there too.

Meeting my puzzled stare, Brendan Harding explained himself without a shred of guilt.

"There were only two tickets left, and Victoria Delgado really wanted to see Bali, so I went ahead and bought hers first."

"How about you grab another ticket tomorrow and meet us there? Or, you know, wait for next time."

Next time again.

But I didn't want to wait anymore.

I waved at the two of them. "Safe travels."

Then I turned and called my father.

"Dad, I'd like to borrow your private helicopter. I want to go to Bali for a few days."

"Also, that three-hundred-million investment we made in Brendan a while back, pull it."

——

After I hung up.

I looked toward the entrance, at the two of them laughing and chatting.

Brendan was carrying Victoria's bags like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Every bag, big and small, slung over his own shoulders.

Victoria, in a flowing bohemian dress, draped herself across him and, in her excitement, planted a kiss right on his cheek.

"You really are my best buddy. Could you be any more loyal?"

"I just said I wanted to go to Bali, and you ditched your wife without blinking. I knew I had you pegged right! What a stand-up guy."

"But your wife, left behind out here, she won't be mad, will she?"

Victoria turned and shot me a smug glance.

"Women are all like that, getting upset over nothing, such a pain to coax."

Brendan chuckled.

"What's there to worry about? My wife's easygoing. She doesn't get mad that easily."

"Otherwise, how do you think I've brought you breakfast every single day for two years, never the same thing twice?"

"My wife just isn't the jealous type. Set your mind at ease and have a great time in Bali."

Right.

Every breakfast, Brendan would prepare two portions, one for me, one for his "female buddy."

But every single time, mine was just donuts and a plain roll.

Hers was balanced, lean protein and organic vegetables.

One day I happened to catch a glimpse, and Brendan explained it coolly.

"She's on a diet. This is all she can have."

I was different, of course.

He always insisted, without a hint of doubt, that I had a good appetite, that I wasn't picky, so any breakfast would do.

Even the gifts. Mine was a cheap mug you could buy online for ten bucks.

Hers were carefully chosen, Chanel, La Mer.

In the past, I let it go because I didn't care.

But that didn't mean I'd let them treat me like a fool.

I stood there, letting the thoughts churn through my head.

Brendan reached the corner, then suddenly turned back and waved at me.

"Head home now, Peggy Gilbert."

"I'll call you once we land."

Victoria curled her lips at me, pleased with herself, and gave Brendan's shoulder a pat.

"Don't worry, Peggy! I'll take good care of Brendan for you!"

I watched their backs disappear around the corner.

No reaction. I turned and walked out of the airport.

The moment I got home, a message popped up on my phone.

It was from Brendan.

"You behaved well today, no fuss."

"Good girl, Peggy. When I get back from Bali, I'll bring you a souvenir you'll love."

I stared at the message for a few seconds.

Then another post lit up on my social media feed.

Victoria had just posted it.

Airport terminal, Victoria flashing a peace sign, beaming as she leaned in close to Brendan.