I Divorced My Husband After Prison Release

Mina Long listened to the dead air after the call disconnected, frozen for a beat. Her father had never been satisfied with her—not once—and ever since Malani Castillo came back home, his criticism had only sharpened. Deep down, he thought she wasn’t good enough for Hunter Perry. Only his biological daughter was a suitable match. And yet, he had no choice but to use her to climb the social ladder with the Perry family.

After a long hesitation, Mina finally dialed Hunter Perry. He picked up on the second ring, his voice pure ice. “What do you want now?”

The words cut, but she forced herself to speak. “The day after tomorrow is Dad’s birthday party. Could you bring Vincenzo?”

Hunter’s brows drew together. Something flickered through his eyes. So she’d finally caved and called him. It had to be a play for attention, a desperate little trick to win back his favor. Clearly, she couldn’t let go of being Mrs. Perry.

“You’re the one who wants a divorce,” Hunter said coldly. “I don’t see why I should keep playing your husband. Is this you waving a white flag?”

“No. It’s not that.” Mina inhaled, shoving down her frustration. “My father wants to see Vincenzo.”

A bitter irony twisted through her mind. Before she’d been cast aside, he’d played the doting husband to perfection. Now his true colors were finally showing.

Irritation flared in Hunter’s eyes. Was this really only about letting her father see Vincenzo? He couldn’t name what it was, but frustration churned inside him. It was just an excuse to see him. She couldn’t possibly live without him.

Disdain dripped from his voice. “Your excuses are pathetic. Who taught you such transparent tricks?”

Every word jabbed at her heart, but Mina felt nothing now—numb, pain long forgotten. She swallowed the sarcastic reply on her tongue. Only three months left. Then she’d be free of him.

The phone was yanked away on the other end, and Vincenzo’s sharp voice cut in. “You promised not to be my mom! Why are you calling?”

The words went straight through her. How ironic, she thought bitterly. Her own son—the child she’d carried for nine months—had been raised to turn against her without even knowing it.

“Your grandfather wants to see you at his birthday party,” she said coolly. “Remember that.”

A chill settled over her beautiful face as her voice traveled through the phone and echoed across the Perry living room.

“I said I wouldn’t be your mother, and I don’t go back on my word. Take care of yourself.”

Then silence.

Suddenly, a loud female voice sliced through the quiet. “What’s with the serious tone, Hunter? Come on, look at my outfit! Isn’t it prettier than your wife’s?”

Mina knew that voice too well—Malani Castillo. A bitter ache tugged at her heart as Malani laughed and spoke into the phone. “Mina, don’t be mad. We’re just friends. I’m just stopping by more often to help take care of the family while you’re gone, aren’t I?”

Her condescending tone stung, but a wry smile tugged at Mina’s lips. Malani had already started moving in the second she left. But Mina didn’t care anymore. She wasn’t going to waste another minute on any of this.

She lowered her eyes and ended the call without a word.

Back in the Perry household, Hunter stared at his phone, an unexpected emptiness settling in his chest. His brows furrowed. He almost called her back—until Malani caught his hand.

“I know how to handle women,” Malani advised with a knowing smile. “The more she acts like this, the less you should indulge her. Otherwise, she’ll walk all over you. Women understand women best. My sister just needs time to realize she’s completely devoted to you.”

Hunter considered her words, then turned off his phone and put it away. She was right.

He’d spoiled Mina too much in the past. Now she had the nerve to mention divorce. Didn’t she understand that without him, she wouldn’t survive in the world? It was time to give her a taste of reality.

Exhausted from the argument, Mina felt her energy drain away, her injuries throbbing. Sitting on the sofa, she mindlessly scrolled through her phone and stumbled on an art exhibition announcement. Her heart stirred.

Before she’d taken up dancing, she’d loved painting. Her legs might never heal, but she could still pick up a brush. A smile spread across her face, a new light kindling in her eyes.

As long as she was alive, she wouldn’t give up her dreams or her passions. This wasn’t a trial. It was a new beginning.

The next day, Josiah Burke knocked on her door again. A hint of a smile touched his lips as he carried groceries into her home once more. “Here to check on the patient,” he said casually, leaving no room for argument.

Looking at the array of food on the table, warmth filled Mina’s heart. Her voice came out hoarse as she lowered her gaze. “I can’t thank you enough.”

She felt guilty leaning on him, knowing he was just an ordinary man. The car and watch were rented, after all.

Josiah’s eyes went cold for a moment, but he quickly smiled again. “In that case, join me at a gala?”

She was taken aback, her hesitation obvious as her eyes flicked to her injured hand and legs.

Josiah noticed. A flicker of concern crossed his eyes as he continued, “Once you’re feeling better, of course.”

Mina remained hesitant. Her whole life, she’d watched wealthy people mingle at events like that, longing to be part of it. She’d begged Hunter to take her, but he’d refused. She still remembered his words, completely devoid of warmth: “Mina, only people of high status attend gatherings like that. I wouldn’t want you to feel out of place. Besides, I wouldn’t want anyone else to see you. I want to keep you all to myself.”

In hindsight, it had never been about protecting her. He simply thought she wasn’t worthy.

Seeing her reluctance, Josiah leaned in, an amused smile playing on his lips as he gently teased, “Didn’t you say you wanted to thank me, Miss Long?”

His tone was playful, but there was an unyielding edge beneath it. Mina caught the mischievous glint in his eyes and sighed inwardly. She did want to go. It had been a long time since she’d worn a beautiful gown.

So she nodded. “I’ll go with you once I’m better.”

Josiah settled back into his chair, an obsessive glint in his eye as he mused. What Hunter couldn’t give you, I will.