My best friend's wife 5

I woke up to the sound of the front door slamming.

It was abrupt, jarring, and cruelly timed. Alina stirred beside me, still curled in my arms on the library chaise where we’d fallen asleep sometime before dawn, wrapped in the aftermath of everything we couldn’t say aloud.

My heart sank.

Daniel was home.

I gently eased out from under her, covering her with a throw blanket as I stood, pulling on my clothes quickly. My chest was tight with adrenaline and dread.

Fuvk! I slept with my friend’s wife, and I don't regret it one bit.

Alina tried to stand up, but I stopped her.

“Shhh, you should stay here, darling,” I said to her and pecked her on her cheeks.

“Jason,” she whispered, eyes still heavy with sleep and panic. “Don’t let him hurt you, please.”

“I’m not the one he should be worried about.”

I walked out of the library, heart hammering, just as Daniel stomped down the hallway. His eyes were bloodshot, his jaw clenched, and his hands balled into fists at his sides.

“Where the f*ck were you last night?” he growled, voice low and dangerous.

I didn’t flinch. “Out.”

He stepped closer, glaring. “You think I am a fool? I can't guess what happened. You stand here… reeking of her. You think I can’t tell?”

I didn’t answer. I didn’t need to.

He looked toward the library, piecing it together. His face twisted with something between disgust and smug satisfaction.

“I have known since day one that you have always wanted her,” he spat. “You were just too much of a coward back in college to make a move. So I did. I married her to show you that you can't have it all! I am second to you; you have always been the best in everything. Marrying her gave me the satisfaction I needed. I finally won over you. And now look where we are. I’m broke, and you’re successful. And she’s… what? Falls into your bed like a little hoe, she is?”

That made something snap in me.

I grabbed him by the collar and slammed him into the wall. “Don’t you ever talk about her like that again.”

He laughed, breath hot with the stench of cheap liquor. “You are still in love with her, huh? Then buy her.”

“What?”

He smirked. “You heard me. I know you’ve got money. You want her? You can have her. Give me enough to leave this miserable town and start over. I’ll sign the d*mn divorce papers.”

I stared at him, disbelief and fury boiling in my veins

“You’re willing to sell your wife?” I hissed. “Like she’s property?”

“She’s not my wife anymore,” he said coldly. “Not after last night. I can see it in your eyes. Hell, I can probably still smell it in the f*ck*ng air. I have always felt she never really liked me, either. So if I can’t have her, I might as well profit off her.”

I didn’t even think.

My fist collided with his jaw, sending him stumbling to the floor with a grunt. He tried to rise, but I was on him again, pinning him down.

“You don’t deserve her,” I growled. “You never did.”

He spat blood and chuckled. “Maybe not. But you’re the idiot paying for her now.”

I stood, breathing hard, my knuckles bloodied. Every instinct in me screamed to beat him down until he couldn’t speak another word.

But instead, I straightened and said, “I’ll give you the money.

That made him blink.

“But not for her. For you to disappear. I want you out of her life. Out of this town. Gone. You sign those divorce papers, hand them to her, and you never come near her again.”

Daniel nodded slowly, nursing his jaw. “Deal.”

I didn’t trust him—not for a second. But if this was the only way to free Alina, I would play his game.

Even if it costs me more than money.

I walked back into the library. She was sitting up now, clutching the blanket to her chest, eyes wide.

“Jason?” she asked, voice trembling. “What happened?”

I crossed the room and knelt before her, gently cupping her face.

“He’s going to give you what you’ve wanted for years,” I said softly. “Freedom.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “How?”

“He asked for money, and in turn, he will divorce you!” I calmly explained.

I could see hurt and shock in her eyes. Imagine being married to someone for 10 years and having him treat you this way.

“You shouldn't have agreed to pay him.”

I kissed her forehead. “Because I’m buying you a new beginning.”

She shook her head. “You don’t have to—”

“I want to.”

And this time, I wouldn’t let anyone take her from me again.