Josie tossed and turned in the unfamiliar bed, unable to fall back asleep after being awoken by the noise outside.
The following day, she woke up feeling like a truck had hit her. She was drowsy, nauseous, and her head was pounding.
She rubbed her eyes as she walked out of the bedroom, startled to see someone else coming out of the room opposite hers. Their eyes met, and they froze.
Oh, there’s a new girl, but she looks familiar. It’s Summer. Summer’s curled hair cascaded over her. shoulders, framing her petite face. Her eyes were large and luminous, even in the morning. light. She was naturally beautiful, with an undeniable charisma.
Summer met Josie’s gaze, her eyes steady and unwavering. She then nodded at Josie and said, “We’ll meet again.”
Josie stood still before her, her heart pounding in her chest. Summer rubbed her temples and sighed. “Are you feeling any better?” She shifted her gaze to Josie’s stomach. “No one could have predicted this. Please don’t blame Dex.”
Summer spoke with such familiarity and intimacy that if anyone overheard, they might think she was his wife. Josie pressed her lips into a tight-lipped smile. “Don’t worry, I won’t.”
Summer’s smile faded as she spoke, ‘I had too much to drink last night. I didn’t think Dex would bring me back here. I hope we didn’t wake you up.”
Throughout their conversation, Summer – refused to address Josie as “Mrs. Russell.” She couldn’t bring herself to accept that Josie was Dex’s wife.
Josie shook her head and walked past Summer, heading for the stairs. Summer watched her go, tilting her head in confusion.
There were many rooms in the Mason Garden, but she knew exactly which one Dexter was in. She raised her arms to knock on the door, wincing as she pulled at her injured waist. Her face twisted in agony..
The secretary gasped in surprise as he saw Mrs. Russell standing there. “Mrs. Russell?” he asked. “I want to see Dexter.”
“I’m sorry, but Mr. Russell is taking a rest,” the secretary said, flustered. “No one’s allowed to go inside.”
“Tsk,” Josie clucked her tongue. “If he’s asleep, why are you here? Are you hiding something from me?” The secretary’s cheeks flushed with redness.
He had no choice but to open the door to clear Josie’s doubts. As soon as she entered the room, Josie saw that it was divided into two sections. Dexter was in the next room.
“Dexter!” she called out loudly. The secretary stared at her in disbelief. “Mrs. Russell, Mr. Russell is still in bed. He will be furious if his sleep is disturbed. Please don’t…” he pleaded, stepping in front of her to block her path.
Josie felt her head spinning with anger. Her eyes narrowed as she pointed at the secretary. “Out of my way,” she warned.
“Mrs. Russell, please,” the secretary said, taken aback by Josie’s outburst. “I’ll kiss you if you don’t move,” Josie said, leaning in close.
The secretary’s eyes widened in fear.
Dexter, who was awake in his office, heard the commotion and spoke into his Bluetooth earpiece. “Let her in.
The secretary let out a sigh of relief and quickly stepped aside. Josie pushed open the door and marched into the office.
“Dexter, why did you bring Summer into the Mason Garden?” she demanded. Josie gasped and covered her eyes as she saw Dexter standing in the doorway, shirtless and dripping wet.
His muscles were clearly defined, and his belt was undone, hanging loosely around his waist. He tilted his head as he towel-dried his hair, sending a spray of water droplets flying. The scent of soap and shampoo filled the room.
Josie stood there, frozen in place, her mind racing. She hated Dexter, but she couldn’t deny that he was attractive. She felt her heart pounding in her chest as she watched him.
She was captivated by his body and his handsome features. Dexter tossed his towel aside and glanced at her with indifference. “When have I ever needed your permission to bring someone home?”
Josie lowered her hands and walked towards him. “Now that I think about it, Mr. Russell has never cared about bringing random people home. As long as you’re interested in them, you’ll bring them home. After all, she’s the girl who always makes you break your own rules. I just never thought you would have the audacity to disrespect me. I am your wife. Do you have to humiliate me like this?”
