Page 80 of My Husband’s New Fiancée

Faced with my silence, she realizes I’m not changing my mind.

She draws a deep breath.

“Listen, I understand that all of this is confusing you. If you want, we can postpone the wedding a few weeks. Give ourselves time to think clearly. We don’t have to make an impulsive decision right now.”

She’s still holding on.

It kills me to repeat myself, but this has already gone on too long.

“I’ve made my decision. I won’t change it.”

Her eyes cloud with tears—rage and frustration mixed together—but she refuses to let them fall.

Then her voice changes, calmer, more controlled, and almost bitter.

“And now what? What’s the plan? Are you firing me too?”

I’ll admit the thought crossed my mind.

It would be easier.

For her as much as for me.

For Valeria too.

But I’ve already hurt Bianca enough.

“No. You can keep your position if that’s what you want.”

I pause.

“But maybe you should take some time away. I’ll give you two years’ salary—no strings attached. Time to figure things out. To choose something else.”

Her eyes flash with anger.

“No. I’m not leaving. I don’t want your money. I’m not going to make this easy for you. I want you to look at me every day and remember what you did to me. You don’t get to get rid of me that easily.”

I study her silently for a few seconds.

There’s so much anger inside her. So much resentment. Keeping her here is a mistake.

I know it. But it’s too late.

My guilt already made the decision for me.

I won’t act against her unless she gives me a legitimate reason to.

I just hope I won’t regret it.

“Fine. If that’s your choice. But Bianca, don’t misunderstand me: I expect complete professionalism from you. If you cross the line, I won’t have any choice but to let you go.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” she replies.

Then, after a pause, she adds:

“I took a taxi here this morning. Could you drive me to the office, or is that too much to ask?”

“I’ll drive you.”