The Wife She Never Saw Coming

Selene's smile froze, and she stared at me in disbelief, her brows knitting together tightly. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

She took a step forward, her tone dripping with arrogance. "You claim to be married, but where is your wife? Why isn't she here with you?"

A mocking smile tugged at my lips. "My wife's on a business trip. She's not like certain useless people who can't survive without leeching off a man."

Before she could explode, Chase's eyes reddened with anger. "Mr. Schreiber, how could you say that about Selene?"

He paused deliberately, just long enough for Selene's expression to twist with anger and disappointment. "Jace, look at yourself. So bitter, so spiteful—who would ever want you besides me? Stop playing these petty mind games. It only makes me look down on you more!"

I'd run out of patience. "Security! Did you not hear me? Throw these two out—now!"

The guards moved swiftly, grabbing them by the arms. Selene struggled wildly, her face contorted with fury as she screamed, "Jace Schreiber! How dare you do this to me?! You'll regret it!"

…

That night, a text came from an unknown number. 'You think you can steal Selene away from me? Guess what—she doesn't even care. She's happily on vacation abroad with me right now.'

I didn't need to wonder who sent it.

I blocked the number immediately.

Over the next few days, Daniel and Rebecca showed up at my door more than once, desperate to talk, but I refused to let them in.

…

A week later, I checked the flight schedule and drove to the airport to pick up Aria. Just as I stepped into the international arrivals hall, I ran straight into Selene and Chase, who both had gotten a little tanned, wearing sunglasses and looking every bit like a couple returning from a carefree vacation.

When Selene spotted me, her lips curved in smug triumph. "I knew you couldn't stay away. You even came to pick me up!"

I didn't bother responding, just looked at her as if she were an idiot.

"Come on, Mr. Schreiber, don't be mad," Chase said, his tone dripping with mock sympathy. "Selene didn't mean to leave you behind. As her fiance, you should be more understanding."

Selene looked pleased by his words. She reached out to take my arm, but I stepped aside, dodging her touch. Instead of getting angry, she seemed even more self-satisfied, assuming I was just sulking. "Alright, stop pouting. Once we get the marriage certificate, I'll make it up to you with a proper luxury honeymoon. How's that sound?"

I didn't answer her.

Instead, I walked right past both of them and wrapped Aria in my arms as she emerged from the gate. "Welcome home, sweetheart."

Aria smiled and hugged me back, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.

Behind us, Selene's triumphant smile shattered in an instant.

For a moment, the world went silent—until she shrilled with rage. "Jace Schreiber, have you lost your mind?!"

She stormed toward us, jabbing a finger at Aria. "You hire an actress just to spite me?! Nice performance. How much did she charge you? Tell me the number—I'll pay ten times more to make her leave right now!"

Aria stepped forward, shielding me. The warmth in her eyes vanished, replaced by an icy calm that sent a chill through the air. But I caught her hand and stood beside her, watching Selene's twisted expression with amused detachment.

"Didn't you want to meet my wife, Selene?" I said evenly, slipping an arm around Aria's waist. "Well, here she is. Allow me to introduce her properly—this is my wife, Aria Grant."

Selene's face turned ghostly pale. "It's… you?!"