My Husband Is The Don

I reached the hotel entrance where my driver was already waiting with the car. Just as I was about to get in, I heard hurried footsteps behind me.

"Joanna!"

Declan had chased after me, with Cassidy, pale as a sheet, trailing close behind.

"What on earth do you want?" I asked, my brow furrowing.

"You were completely out of line today," he accused, pointing a finger at me. "Rejecting me again and again. I know you're angry, but if you keep this up, I'm going to start taking it seriously."

I nearly rolled my eyes. Taking a deep breath of the cold air, I said firmly, "I am serious. Declan, I will not accept your proposal. I gave up on you three years ago. Besides, I'm already married."

To my surprise, Declan let out a short, incredulous laugh. "You don't have to lie, Joanna. You're just saying that to get a rise out of me."

"Yes, Joanna," Cassidy chimed in, sidling closer. "Everyone in Chicago knows how much you love Declan. How could you possibly marry someone else? Declan loves you too, which is why I'm willing to step aside for you both..."

As she spoke, her features crumpled into that familiar, pitiful mask, her eyes welling with tears.

"Impossible... how could you be married?" he murmured. "That dress is new—Parisian haute couture. And that perfume... You knew I was going to propose. You dressed for me."

I realized there was no getting through to them.

"I am married," I reiterated calmly. "Declan, we were over three years ago. Stop harassing me—it wouldn't look good if someone saw us."

"My husband loves me very much, and we are very happy. As for this dress and perfume? I'm sorry, but I've long forgotten your preferences."

Cassidy cut me off, her voice choked with emotion. "Joanna, why must you hurt Declan with lies? If you really have a husband, why did you come back alone today?"

Declan's eyes lit up instantly. He looked at me with a glimmer of hope, as if convinced I was still madly in love with him.

Once upon a time, Declan and I were childhood sweethearts. Our families were equals, and being together seemed like a matter of course. As the daughter of the Sterling family, I had even been willing to manage his family's affairs for him.

Even after his mistress, Cassidy, appeared, I forgave him time and time again, defending him in front of both our families.

But what did he give me in return? Betrayal after betrayal.

He claimed he only saw Cassidy as a sister who needed protection, but what kind of brother takes care of his sister in his bed?

Looking back, I must have been blind. But now, all I felt when I looked at Declan was a deep, unshakeable annoyance. Nothing more.

"Think whatever you want," I said, walking towards the black Rolls-Royce waiting by the curb without a backward glance, ignoring the hurt in his eyes. "Just stop bothering me. I don't want to see either of you again."