My Husband's Unwanted Wife

Alice’s POVI stared at him, my lips parting, then pressing together again because I could feel Lily watching me like she was studying a specimen. I swallowed, forcing my voice to work. “No. I don’t want divorce.” My words came out raw, cracked with cold and exhaustion. I lifted my chin anyway and made myself meet his eyes. “I’ve loved you for ten years. I can’t just end our relationship like this.”Lily’s mouth twitched, almost a smile, almost pity. She tucked closer into David’s space, as if she needed the world to see where she belonged.David’s expression hardened into something that looked like disgust. I saw it in the way his eyes narrowed, in the way he tilted his head like he was confirming a theory he’d held for years. He didn’t touch me, but I felt slapped anyway.He dismissed me with disdain, his whole face saying, I knew it. “You really are a greedy woman,” he said. “My patience is limited. Leave now and accept my terms sensibly, or I’ll have my solicitor speak with you.”

Alice’s POVMy best friend stepped in front of me again before I could even process what was happening, her shoulders squared, her jaw set like she was ready to go to war. She spread her arms slightly, instinctively shielding me, even though we both knew she couldn’t protect me from a man like David.David’s laugh was low and sharp, the kind that carried no humor at all. His eyes flicked over her dismissively before settling into something far colder. “The Neighleys’ affairs are none of the McKains’ business,” he said. His tone dropped, dangerous and deliberate. “Especially not the youngest daughter who’s done nothing but cause trouble. Or do you want me to tear up every contract your father lands next season?”I felt it immediately, the shift in the room. When David mentioned business, he wasn’t posturing. He was furious.I saw my best friend stiffen. Her lips parted, then pressed together again. Her fists clenched at her sides, knuckles whitening, and for the first time since we’d b

Alice’s POVIt had been a whole day since Arlington had sent me the notes and discovery on his recent case. It was an interesting one- high profile banker and wife were separating and it wasn’t amicable. I was happy to organize it, read through the discovery, and help point out some finer points that his junior staff, fresh university recruits, missed. There was a nuance to this work and that only came with age and experience.Still no sign of David, no response, and no more worried calls from grandpa. That was just fine; I was too focused on my real passion. However, Arlington called me that day, after work, eager to ask me something. I could tell in his tone.“Alice, your skills haven’t dulled since you were last in the office,” he complimented, always starting with compliments when he wanted something.“An experienced eye is always a good thing to have on a case,” I replied, deflecting.“True, which is why I think your first official case is going to be something you’ll sincerely e

Alice’s POVI arrived at Neighley Tower the next morning 20 minutes early. It seemed a fair amount of time to prep and get to the board room. I had already been busy that morning, moving my suitcase, bag, and briefcase to a lovely suite at a good hotel near downtown. It’d be perfect for working between the hotel and the office, for now.However, when I arrived at the tower, I was greeted by incompetence.“What are you doing here?” the assistant at the front desk asked me. I had already had a hard time convincing security that I was a part of the meeting. I didn’t feel like dealing with some blonde idiot showing off too much cleavage.“What board room is the meeting in? I’m here representing Sidley Austin. I’m their lead counsel,” I explained, my patience wearing thin already.“Oh really?” she smirked, sarcasm dripping from her lips. She looked me up and down before rolling her eyes. She could make fun of me but she can’t make fun of this vintage, and stylish, Chanel suit.“I thought y

Alice’s POVI left the boardroom eager to return to my suite and contact Arlington, but unfortunately David had followed me out. I could tell he was furious.“Alice,” he growled, grabbing my arm and pulling me with him. “My office, now.”“Let go of me,” I demanded, wrenching my arm from his grip. He paused, looking down at me in disbelief.“I’m not your toy or your property, David,” I hissed, standing firmly. “What the hell do you want?”“Let’s discuss it in my office,” he suggested, a bit more polite now. There were other people leaving the board room so he had put on his civil mask.“Is that a request or demand?”“Request.”“Fine,” I replied, following him down the hall to the largest suite and office in the building. It was richly decorated, with polished wood, photos, trophies of his accomplishments, a plush couch and coffee table, a massive desk, and a view of the entire city below.“What do you want now?” I asked once the door had closed behind me.“Here,” he spoke, grabbing a f