Chapter 11 No Room for a Third Party in My Marriage

Eric was as sharp-tongued as ever. I almost wanted to give him a thumbs-up.

Jeremiah’s expression darkened as he hissed through gritted teeth, “Eric, this is between me and my wife. What does it have to do with an outsider like you?”

Then, he grabbed my hand. “Come with me!”

Before I could react, he yanked me from my seat. But another hand gripped my other arm firmly before Jeremiah could drag me far.

I was startled and turned to see Eric holding me. Clear concern shone in his eyes, his expression cold as he confronted Jeremiah. “If there’s anything you have to say, say it here.”

Jeremiah’s eyes were stormy, his grip on my hand tightening. “This is between us. What does it have to do with you, Eric? Let go!”

I was caught between the two men. I could sense their tension escalating rapidly.

We were at a restaurant, it was lunchtime. Their commotion drew the attention of several onlookers, and I didn’t want to be the center of it. Though I appreciated Eric’s concern, there were things I needed to address with Jeremiah. I also had to sever our ties.

I turned to Eric and said, “Please let go, Mr. Flint. He won’t hurt me, and I can ensure my safety. Plus, there are things we need to discuss.”

Eric’s gaze was deep and unreadable. Unreadable emotions flickered there. After a brief silence, he released his grip, reminding me, “Call me if you need anything.”

I smiled. “Got it.”

Jeremiah’s anger flared at my smile. He dragged me out of the restaurant and shoved me into his car, parked by the roadside.

I calmly settled into the passenger seat and watched him slam the door after getting in. Just as I thought he’d drive away, he sat in silence.

That made sense. He couldn’t bear to leave Elsa alone.

Jeremiah’s gaze was dark and filled with rage. He eyed me suspiciously, questioning, “Tell me, is Eric the reason you’re insisting on a divorce?”

I burst out laughing sarcastically. “A filthy heart sees filth in everything.”

His face turned purple with rage. “How dare you?”

I cut him off with a sigh, “Jeremiah, my decision to divorce you has nothing to do with Eric. It’s because I no longer have feelings for you, and you clearly feel the same toward me.”

Jeremiah froze; a flicker of panic and guilt flashed in his eyes.

Before he could respond, I continued, “Since we don’t love each other anymore, let go. There’s no need to keep tormenting me. It’ll only make you look petty.”

Jeremiah frowned deeply. Wrath filled his tone as he snapped, “What do you mean by letting go? Are you saying being with me is tormenting?”

“Yes!” I looked him straight in the eye, admitting it without hesitation. Since I was going to make everything clear, I might as well expose all the painful truths.

“You stay late at work with Elsa, defend her, and take care of her when she’s sick. You’ve done so much for her, but as your wife, what have you done for me? You forgot my birthday and that I’m allergic to roses. When I’m unwell, all you do is tell me to take my meds. Do you think I can’t survive without your reminder to take my meds?”

“I’m telling you, I won’t allow a third party in my marriage!”

Having bottled up my grievances for so long, letting it all out felt refreshing. It was as if a heavy weight had finally been lifted off my chest.

Chapter 12 Fuck This Marriage