Chapter 5 Taking Care Of Business

(Ivy)

Nash wasn’t joking when he suggested we move immediately. I’ve been packing for two days.

He never questioned why I wanted to pack our bedroom and personal things myself.

I simply told him I didn’t want strangers going through our stuff.

By mid-afternoon, I’ve packed most of the master bedroom.

Dinner at his mother’s keeps replaying in my mind.

The look on Nash’s face when I told him about our fresh start. About his anniversary surprise.

For one brief moment, I’d almost softened.

The exact reaction that showed I was the only woman he could ever love. The joy, the tears, the sheer excitement.

I was ready to share all of that with him. I would’ve done it if I hadn’t found out the revolting truth.

This anniversary, I really was going to tell him I was ready.

My heart wonders if there is any way we could repair this damage and move forward. I mean, other couples get through things.

My phone lights up.

I answer calmly even though my blood pressure is through the roof. “Hi, Piper.”

“Hi!” she says brightly. “You’re an OB-GYN, right?”

“I am.”

“So... is rough sex during early pregnancy safe for the baby?”

For one horrifying second, I nearly ended the call.

Instead, I force myself to answer as a doctor. I’m too close to ruining his life to slip up now.

“In a healthy pregnancy, it’s generally safe. But if you’re having pain, bleeding or cramping, you should contact your obstetrician.”

“No, it’s nothing like that. It’s just he’s well, you know… big…”

Yes, I’m well aware.

She continues talking, “and it’s been a very active morning… if you know what I mean.”

Good God, he’s been there today! “Piper, I have a very busy day…”

“Oh, ok, sorry. So the baby should be fine? I mean it can’t feel… anything, right?”

“Physically it is impossible. The womb keeps the baby completely enclosed.”

“Oh, thank goodness.” She laughs softly. “It’s nice having a doctor in the family.”

“Yes indeed...” I bite my lip to stop from screaming at her.

“I was thinking of inviting him along, to the restaurant, to meet my Mom in person first. Would that be okay?”

“Sure, you can plus one. Just message me when you’ve finished eating.”

“I can’t wait! Thanks, Ivy. You’re so good at organizing surprises.”

“Yes, I certainly am. I have to go, Piper. Bye now.”

My things go into one set of boxes. Nash’s are in another.

My belongings are being shipped to my new home across the country.

Nash’s belongings are going into a storage unit.

The moment the divorce is finalized, every last box will be delivered to Piper’s front porch.

I was hoping to have word about the divorce, but it seems I need to act dumb for a little longer. There’s no way I’ll ever take him back. I know that for sure now.

Luckily, Nash is just as easily fooled by me as I have been all these years by him.

He would never suspect that his darling, devoted wife would believe he’d cheat.

And he would never expect me to be gone before he even realizes I knew anything.

***

That evening, I opened my laptop and pulled up the guest list. We are sleeping back in the guest bedroom because of packing.

Nash comes in. “Are you still working, darling?”

“I just have to email the hospital. Then I’m done.”

He heads into the bathroom. “I’ve had a crazy busy day too. Can’t wait to relax.”

Yes, I heard all about your day getting busy.

I focus on the invitations and the look on his face tomorrow.

Piper’s invite has the restaurant address. She and her mom will be led through the internal staff staircase when their meal is finished.

Even if she tells Nash about the gathering she will no doubt invite him to, he still won’t know the reception he is going to with me is in the same building.

I click Send.

Nash comes out in his boxers and pours us both a red wine.

Less than a minute later, a notification appears on my phone.

Piper Redfern has RSVP’d. Plus one.

Almost at the same moment, Nash’s phone buzzes.

He picks it up.

His brow furrows as he reads whatever is on the screen. A second later, his thumbs move quickly across the keyboard.

He drops the phone face down on the sideboard and chugs his wine.

I sip mine innocently. “Everything okay? You look upset…”

He gives a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Just some annoying work stuff that won’t go away…”

(Nash)

It’s not a total lie.

Piper is definitely something annoying that won’t go away.

This morning didn’t help.

I’d gone over there to tell her we were finished.

Then she blamed her pregnancy hormones for wanting me more than ever. She wasn’t wrong.

Things got completely out of hand for half the day. But even then, all I could think about was Ivy.

What would she be like when she was pregnant? Would she want me like that?

The thought drove me crazy. If anything, this morning proved what I’ve always known.

Piper is sex.

Ivy is everything. My children with Ivy will be everything.

No matter who I’m with, she’s the woman in my head. The woman I come home to. The only woman I’ll ever love.

I haven’t changed my mind about Piper. I’m done. Everyone has their price, and it’s not like Piper is in this for love.

Ever since she started teasing her followers about the mystery billionaire who got her pregnant, her numbers have gone through the stratosphere.

She’s cashing in on every second of the attention.

There’ll be an end game. Money, a deal, something she can turn into an even bigger payday. I’ll figure out what she wants and give it to her and she’ll move on.

I look at Ivy.

She’s already in bed, and after spending half the day imagining what pregnancy hormones might do to my wife, I’m definitely feeling it.

I stalk over and slide into the bed beside her.

I kiss her, then she puts her hand against my chest. “No.”

I stare at her. “No what?”

“No sex.”

“What! Why?”

“I told you. My period. But also, I want to get pregnant as quickly as possible.”

That gets my attention. 

“You need to save everything you’ve got until I ovulate again. I want you at full sperm strength.”

I laugh. “Full sperm strength? Is that even a thing?”

She nods. “You want a baby, don’t you? It’ll be worth the wait.”

“Fine.” I concede. “Anyway, I’m coming with you tomorrow to help get set up.”

She kisses me on the cheek. “Thank you for both things.”

She’s right. It will be worth it.

I need to get my wife pregnant as soon as possible. No more Piper. No more anyone.

I’m not wasting a single swimmer.

***

The function room is ready.

David, Ivy’s father, insisted on doing one last walk-through himself before the guests arrived.

Everything is perfect. Everyone is waiting to see what David has planned.

I slip my arm around Ivy’s waist. “So,” I whisper, “who’s bringing the new bride?”

“My stepsister. I should get a message anytime now...” She whispers back.

A second later, Ivy’s phone vibrates.

She glances at the screen and smiles. “They’re ready.”

Her arm goes around my back. “We need to stand right here.”

“Dim the lights, please. Everyone please be quiet until the lights go up. Dad, are you ready?”

The room slowly darkens.

“I’ve never been more ready for anything, Ivy,” David answers.

Conversations fade out immediately.

Light engulfs the room when the doors swing open and I have to put my arm over my eyes to try and focus.

I squeeze my eyes shut, I swear that spotlight was trained right at me.

I hear David. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet my beautiful new wife, Alexa.”

There’s a collective gasp of surprise and then everyone applauds.

I can finally focus and I applaud before I see who it is.

“And this...” David beams proudly at the younger woman. “...is my new stepdaughter, Piper.”

My stomach drops. My brain explodes.

No.

No...

Piper smiles brightly but I can see the shock in her eyes at seeing me.

Holy Fuck!

My pregnant mistress...

is now Ivy’s stepsister.