Chapter 2 Behind James's back , Zoe gave me a smug little smirk . A laugh bubbled up in my throat . This three - month intern had managed to steal my husband's loyalty right out from under me . I met James's cold eyes . " Are you deaf , or just delusional ? I asked for a little basic respect . She was the one who called me ' Mrs. Holden . ' How is that my fault ? " Before he could answer , I walked out and slammed the door . I went straight home and called my lawyer . " Draft the papers . " While I waited , my best friend Mia sent me a screenshot of Zoe's latest Instagram story . Mia had been an admin major in college . I had begged James to hire her . Now , she was the Executive Secretary , which made her Zoe's direct boss . The caption read : " The worst cramps ever , my uterus officially hates me . But someone special made me a ginger - peach tonic ! It warmed my soul . Feeling so cherished . " The photo was of a man's hand offering her a mug . On the ring finger was our platinum wedding band . It was James's hand . Ding . A text from him popped up . " Butler says you're not feeling well . Drink some hot water . " A gourmet , soul - warming tonic for her . A cup of boiled water for me . I gripped my phone so hard I thought it would crack . He never texted again . The casual cruelty of it sent a chill through my veins . Ten years together . I knew James . He didn't do favors for strangers . Three " emergencies " in three months ? It could only mean one thing . He wanted her . The ache in my chest was real . Watching the person you love choose someone else is a special kind of agony . That night , I cried until my pillow was soaked . The next morning , my eyes were swollen shut . I splashed cold water on my face , hid behind a pair of oversized Gucci sunglasses , and drove to the Cedar Ridge nursing home . I wheeled my dad out onto the lawn for our first real talk in years . He blew a smoke ring into the air . " Hiding behind those sunglasses ? Did James hit you ? " " No. I'm divorcing him . " nd Family 15.6 % Chapter 2 He choked on his smoke . " When's moving day ? You need some muscle ? I know some guys . " I shook my head and pressed a black , unlimited credit card into his palm . " This is for your care . I'm going to disappear for a while . " His knuckles went white as he gripped the card . He just stared as I walked away . " Amelia , wait ! " he called out . " A divorce ? Really ? Where are you gonna find a guy better than him ? "