Page 135 of The Bad Husband

“What exactly do you think you’re doing, Henrietta?"

“I just said it. Are you hard of hearing?”

Her white dress does her justice, highlighting her silhouette, setting off her dark hair and red lips.

“You and I are spending the summer in New York.”

“What about your husband?”

“My husband runs a business down here, in case you haven’t noticed.”

“Does he know about your plans?”

“Listen, pumpkin. Your father didn’t say I needed to live with my husband and you.”

“My father didn’t know you’d have a husband so soon after his death.”

She flicks her hand again in displeasure.

“Whatever. Okay… Now that we’ve settled this, pack up your bags and get ready to leave on Monday morning. Enjoy your last weekend here, sweetheart.”

She picks up her purse while I fold my arms over my chest and take a step back.

“I’m not doing anything until I hear from Damon.”

“I told you, he has nothing to do with this.”

“I think he does. And he won’t be happy about it.”

“Wow. You know my husband better than I do.”

Her eyes glint with jealousy as she erases the space between us again.

“You know,” she starts quietly. “I never pictured you as a home wrecker. I always thought you were after mousy guys. Like that tool you dated in New York.”

“You’re not in a real marriage with this man,” I say, cold as winter.

“That’s not for you to say. We were perfectly fine before you arrived.”

“Were you?’ I ask, throwing my head back and cocking an eyebrow at her.

“Then why did he confess to me that he’d never been in love?”

She looks at me as if a snake just bit her ankle before her expression shifts.

“He said that to you? When did he do that, darling?”

I shrug.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Hmm… Well, not all marriages are founded on love.”

“Are you talking about your marriage to my father?”

She gives me a sly smile.

“Wow. Our little kitten has grown claws. Clearly, spending time with my husband has done wonders for you.”