Deception and Love: I Won't Be Sad to Leave

Emmett's daily activities fit his tough-guy image perfectly.

The first time we went out, he took me to a boxing gym.

He taught me how to throw a punch, where to channel my strength, and where to hit for a knockout.

I spent a day punching a sandbag until it broke, feeling exhilarated, and Emmett gave me a thumbs up.

The second time, he took me to a paintball range.

We chased each other through dense woods. I was quite the novice, so Emmett pulled me behind him, lifted his gun, and fired away at the opposing team.

He looked attractive when he closed his eyes to aim, his muscles tensing and forming sexy lines. I couldn't resist reaching out and touching him.

His body stiffened for a moment, and he turned his head to look at me. He didn't stop me, but his ears turned red.

At first, I felt embarrassed about my wandering hands, but eventually, I just let myself go.

What did it matter? We had already been intimate.

Once the divorce cooling-off period was over, I was completely free.

But I didn't expect Arthur actually to come to Mayby to reconcile with me.

That night, after an exciting escape room adventure with Emmett, I was still buzzing with excitement, discussing the plot in the car. When we got out, I saw Arthur at the entrance of the complex. I was stunned, and so was he.

Arthur's face turned ashen. He rushed over, grabbed my wrist, and demanded, "Who is he?"

"None of your business."

I tried to break free from his grip but to no avail.

Arthur was furious. "Avery, we're not divorced yet!"

I gave him a cold look and scoffed, "You cheated on me even when we were married."

Arthur's face turned pale momentarily, his mouth opening and closing without words.

"I...I know I was wrong. I never really thought about splitting up with you.

"I do love you, but why would you do the same?"

I tilted my head, amused as I watched him.

Emmett got out of the car, came over, and pried his hand off me, chuckling.

"Love her? Save the lies for your buddies, don't fool yourself too."

"What the hell are you supposed to be?" Arthur spat.

Emmett curled his lip.

"Her lover."

Arthur's face went white in an instant, his lips trembling as he looked at me questioningly.

I nodded with a smile amidst his frantic gaze.

"Avery! Do you really need to demean yourself just to get back at me?"

"What, you can have a mistress, and I can't seek some excitement? Be fair, Arthur."

Arthur's body swayed. "Avery, please don't hurt me like this."

I laughed joyously.

"Once the cooling-off period for the divorce is over, we'll be strangers on different paths. Why should you care what I do? Is Lyla's bed uncomfortable?"

"I never thought about leaving you..."

"But I have, Arthur. You disgust me. Don't learn the hard way. I, Avery, am never the soft-hearted type."

I scoffed, brushing past him, but he grabbed my wrist.

He turned, his eyes rimmed red under the streetlight.

"I don't mind this incident, can we not divorce?"

I glanced at him and pushed his hand away.