Chapter 1: Evidence

Alexa's POV

“Sorry to disturb you, ma'am. A package arrived at the reception for you.” Julia, my personal assistant, said and placed an envelope on my desk.

It was around 5 p.m. when I checked the time, releasing a sigh. I took the envelope and looked at it. I have been expecting this package for a while now. I stared at the thick envelope, thinking about what brought about the need to hire a private investigator to tail my husband. I know my husband has been there for me ever since I was diagnosed with cancer, but I always had a feeling he had been hiding something from me.

You can say I'm paranoid, but his actions led me to make this decision. Tell me why my husband would always come home late with the smell of female perfume on him. Even when he came early and was around, it was like he was doing everything on autopilot without any emotions. I also needed to make sure my husband was not up to anything for suggesting I transfer ownership of my shares to him.

I know I agreed to give him the shares. After all, I was going to die soon anyway because I didn't even want treatment, but I should at least make sure I was making the right decision.

I did not have marriage on my bucket list even when I was a child. My parents divorced when I was barely seven years old, and from their constant arguments prior to their divorce and the loneliness I had felt after I grew up alone in a boarding school lacking the warmth of a family, I really never thought I would get married and divorce just after two years.

Yes, I am getting a divorce. My marriage has come to an end.

I sat behind my mahogany desk in my office looking at the evidence on the desk. There were several pictures of my husband and his mistresses in different locations with dates scattered on the table. I must admit my husband's current mistress was quite beautiful. I have had my reservations about her ever since she became my husband's secretary about a year ago.

After I watched their interactions for a while and noticed their strict relationship dissolving into friendship, I began to complain about how close they were.

Daniel kept denying that whatever they had was strictly based on business whenever I complained about their close relationship making me out as an insecure, paranoid wife.

“I know you are stressed about your health and the company, and you're always tired, but always know that I'm here by your side. Why do you bother about my secretary? You have a male secretary yourself, and I'm not complaining. It's because I trust you. You should trust me too, right?”

Daniel had said these words to me about a week ago, and I even felt bad for hiring a private detective to tail him, but the truth was the opposite, seeing as the private detective I hired did not fail me. With this evidence, I am waiting to see the kind of excuse he would come up with.

I placed the photos back into the envelope and made my way out of the office. It was time to poke the sleeping lion.

I sat in my car and brought out my phone, placing a call to Daniel, who picked up after a few rings.

“Hi babe, there's something I need to tell you; can you come home early?” I asked, keeping my voice neutral,

"Okay, dear, I will try to come early. I'm quite busy today,” Daniel responded.

“It's about the transfer of my shares; it's important that we talk,” I added, knowing that would do the trick.

“Don't worry, dear, I'm on my way,” Daniel said and ended the call.

I looked at the screen of my phone and sneered. 'He was really after my shares,' I thought. I didn't like the idea of getting treatment when I found out I had cancer. I hated hospitals, and if Daniel had not insisted and brought me to a doctor who examined me and said I was in the last stage and nothing could be done, I think I would have fallen and died just like that one day.

After my parents, Daniel was the only family I had, and even though I'm the major shareholder of Jones Corp. and it is currently among the top 10 in the country, many people do not know I'm the CEO. I wanted to give everything I had to Daniel, but who knew he was a wolf in sheep's clothing? I will give him one last chance to come clean and decide what to do about my shares in Jones Corp. after our talk.

I drove out of the parking lot, heading to the place I have called home for two years now. I took out the pictures of the other women since it might be a headache to find them and kept only the pictures of Elena, my husband's secretary and current mistress.

I had just finished taking a shower and was changing when I heard Daniel's car enter through the gates. I took the envelope and made my way to the hall.

"Hey, babe, are you alright? You scared me.” Daniel said and kissed my cheeks. I smiled stiffly at him and pointed to the sofa; there it was again, the scent of female perfume.

“Have a seat; we need to talk.” Daniel raised his eyebrows and asked with a probing gaze.

“Shouldn't we eat first? I won't be going back to the office again; don't worry, dear, I have put everything on hold to be with you tonight.” Daniel said, pulling me into an embrace,

“Hmmm, you smell nice,” he added. ‘He must have set his sights on me after my call brought him home early. He didn't get the chance to have some action with his secretary,’ I thought, and I angrily pushed him away from me, the scent on him making me feel disgusted and my peaceful facade cracking.

“Stop touching me! Sit down; I have something to say,” I said, my voice a pitch higher.