How I Ghosted My Mafia Wife

"Spilled some hot coffee on it," I said, my voice as calm as a frozen lake.Madeline’s hand froze mid-air. Her brown eyes, the same ones I used to get lost in, were filled with suspicion. But I wasn't the same mercenary from five years ago who only knew how to solve problems with his fists. I had learned to play the part of the perfect husband at Windemere family dinners, to survive with a polite smile amidst lies and schemes."I got you a gift," I said, picking up a fine blue box from the sofa and sliding it toward her.The box was light. Inside were the shredded pieces of our wedding photo.Madeline took it, her face lighting up with that surprised expression I once thought was genuine. "What's the special occasion? Did I forget something?" She didn't open it, instead placing it on the coffee table and leaning in to kiss my cheek.I took a step back, maintaining a perfect smile. "You really don't remember, Madeline? It's our fifth wedding anniversary."Her expression froze, as if she

"I'll sit in the back."On the way to the restaurant, Madeline gave me a puzzled look. "Why? You always sit up front."Because I couldn't stand to sit in the passenger seat where her little lover had been countless times. The thought of them in this car, together, made me want to tear everything apart.But all I said was, "Just want to watch the city lights."Madeline thought nothing of it.When she took my arm as we walked into the hotel, all eyes were on us, a mixture of envy and fear. In their world, a man like me marrying Madeline Windemere, getting the family's protection without having to earn his keep, was the ultimate prize. They had no idea what it cost.Several of the family's Capos came over to greet us. Madeline clung to my arm, whispering in my ear and kissing my cheek every so often. The Capos showered us with compliments about our love. Madeline beamed, and I played my part, smiling right alongside her.Dinner went smoothly, at least on the surface. Madeline talked about

Another picture followed immediately.It was a shot of Ryan's bare chest, a freshly inked—and still bleeding—Windemere family crest tattooed over his heart. Next to it, in fresh ink, was Madeline's name.[Surprised? You know, when I told Madeline I'd give her anything, even my own flesh and blood, she was so moved she jumped on me right there. What a passionate little demon.][Oh, and she's a total demon with me. What about you? Is she reserved in bed? Hahaha, that's because you can't satisfy her!]I leaned against the window, the world spinning around me. I thought giving up my life as a mercenary would buy me peace. What a fucking joke.Maybe I should congratulate them.Another message arrived.[By the way, she's taking me to Vegas tomorrow. We're going to have a romantic little getaway.]I turned off my phone. "Doctor," I said to Dr. Ricci, "I think I need to leave now.""But your wife—""I'll tell her myself."I went straight to my lawyer's office. I needed a divorce agreement."Re

（Madeline’view)Madeline had planned to go straight home.But Ryan’s strong arms wrapped around her waist, his voice a low whisper in her ear. "Don't go just yet… I'm not done with you."His fingers traced patterns on her chest. "Besides, you said it yourself. He's just a boring piece of wood who doesn't know a thing about pleasure. Stay with me one more night. What's the rush?"Madeline hesitated for a second. It was true. William was never this wild, never gave her this kind of thrill. In five years of marriage, he was just… there. Quietly waiting, never complaining about her late nights or business trips."Fine," she said, dropping her bags. "But just for a few hours. I have to be back in Chicago tonight."Hours later, when Madeline surfaced from a haze of pleasure, it was already the next morning."Dammit," she swore, looking at her watch and leaping out of bed.She frantically dialed William's number to explain, but was met with a robotic voice: "The number you have dialed has bee

Madeline shot up from the sofa with a sudden idea.She would wire William a huge sum of money. Ten million dollars.Wherever he was, whatever new life he was planning, he would need money. She knew he had spent nearly everything he had on the villa. Maybe the money would be a peace offering. Maybe he'd contact her.She quickly typed in the number for William's private, off-the-books account.A red error message flashed on the screen:[TRANSFER FAILED: TARGET ACCOUNT HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY CLOSED]Madeline stared at the screen, her mind blank. It felt as though the last, invisible thread connecting them had just been severed. Her hands began to shake, her heart hammering against her ribs.This was the first time she had ever felt true panic—not the tension of facing a business rival, not the pressure of family affairs, but a raw, bottomless terror.William hadn't just left. He was erasing his very existence.She vaguely remembered William mentioning a private online journal he kept, a pla