Chapter 2

Georgina West

My heart continued to race in the aftermath of the encounter with Archer today. Yes, he always flirted with me, and there were a few ‘innocent’ touches here and there that I discussed with Toby. Toby advised me not to get too worked up about the situation when I recounted what happened right in front of him.

He said that as much as he loves me, he wouldn't stand up to a mob boss like Archer, who could end his life in seconds. This sparked a major argument between us because I kept asking him if it didn't bother him. My mother-in-law disliking his presence in their house and my ex shamelessly touching me were driving a wedge between us.

He said they would gradually warm up to him and everything would eventually be fine. Everything about Toby left me puzzled. When I was with Archer and another man dared to touch me without consent, Archer would get very angry.

“Sometimes it feels like you're drawn to the Lancasters because of their scary status, and it doesn't bother you how they treat you. You know I'm only a part of the family because of my two children with him. Otherwise, they're not exactly the nicest people.” I explained as I drove him back home.

Our offices were close, so every day after work, I would drive Toby home before going to the Lancaster mansion to pick up my kids and take them home. My mother-in-law didn’t mind watching the children when Archer and I worked, and she was a huge savior for that. I don't know what I would have done without her help.

“Georgina, you need to relax. The Lancasters are powerful people, so we have to stay on friendly terms with them, okay? They could even help boost my business.” he explained as I pulled into his apartment building. He lived in a luxurious apartment. He did well for himself, so I couldn't understand why he was so desperate to form a financial alliance with my ex.

“But I feel like any other man would see this as an issue and even consider ending the relationship with me.” I told him, thinking about how Archer would never end up in a situation like Toby's. I had never seen anyone talk to Archer disrespectfully the way Toby was spoken to. I tried defending him, but Toby didn't let me.

“Yes, other men would. But I'm not that insecure. Alright, I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks for the ride.” He said as he kissed my cheek before opening the car door.

“Sometimes it seems like you're not jealous or insecure because you don’t care enough.” I confronted him. What happened today and his casual reaction were making me question my relationship with him.

When we started dating, he was very different. He was perfect. Never too much, never too little. Just perfect. I don't know what's gotten into him lately.

“Of course not, darling. I do care, but you know I can't go against Archer.” He explained, making me huff.

“I'm not asking you to. I want you to tell me if this bothers you so we can establish healthy boundaries. Like the breakfast we have there five days a week is unnecessary. Of course, I'll miss my in-laws, but I don't mind taking-“ I started my rant, but he interrupted.

“No. No. No. Georgina, don't cut them off or set these boundaries... um... think about your kids. Don't you think they love that time with their father? Don't take that away.” I sighed in defeat as he explained this.

I suppose he might be right. But something still doesn't sit well with me.

“Alright, bye now. Drive safe.” He said as he got out, shutting the door behind him.

While driving to the Lancaster mansion, I cranked up the music, attempting to drown out the relentless thoughts swirling in my mind. It was maddening how my first love continued to haunt my thoughts, no matter how hard I fought against it.

The unfairness of it all gnawed at me. When I first met Archer, he was a skinny, unassuming boy, and yet I developed an enormous crush on him due to his intelligence and undeniable cuteness. Our "dating" began in 5th grade, a journey that seemed endless. Even as puberty transformed him into the most attractive guy imaginable, our connection never wavered.

Yet, after the summer break, a nagging feeling in my heart warned that Archer might leave me for someone more attractive or alluring. But that never occurred. Despite my insecurities, Archer remained firmly devoted, his attention never straying toward other women who were smitten by his charm.

And there were a lot of them.

We navigated through law school together, Archer effortlessly excelling while also supporting me. Eventually, I successfully completed my law studies, thanks to his constant help. We transitioned into working together, got married, and started a family.

But challenges emerged after childbirth. My body changed, and nothing felt the same. In my eyes, I was unattractive, especially compared to Archer, who seemed to grow more handsome and accomplished with time.

The incredulous glances I received as Archer's wife chipped away at my confidence, and despite my best efforts, shedding the post-pregnancy weight felt impossible. I settled for what I believed to be a healthy weight.

Archer's affection toward me also shifted, particularly after having children. The most significant blow was our lack of intimacy following childbirth. Our sexual relationship faltered, worsened by safety concerns due to the rise of a new gang in town.

Additionally, Aurora, the stunning woman Sienna had hired as Archer’s right hand, entered the scene. She was Sienna's protégé, and there had been talk of her and Archer being a couple before I entered the picture. While no one ever openly acknowledged their history, the way Aurora like a goddess, during my weakest physical phase left me devastated.

I couldn't help but imagine the unspoken comparisons taking place in Archer's mind.

Soon, we confronted the issue and found ourselves in a major confrontation. I addressed the fact that we hadn't been intimate since our children's birth and expressed how I knew that he didn’t find me attractive anymore. He said that the heavy workload and the current challenging situation, emphasizing that his primary concern was our family's safety and he hasn’t had time to think about anything else.

Our dispute extended to Aurora, during which he heatedly denied any involvement and urged me not to make up baseless assumptions.

Obviously, after that argument, I realized that I just wasn’t cut out for it. Years of bottling up my insecurity and jealousy were coming out in the worst possible way after giving birth.

Despite his efforts to initiate sex after our argument, I always rejected his advances. It felt like he was doing this out of obligation, only because I complained about it. As time went on, our distance grew, leading to our eventual breakup.

As I parked the car, I sat there for a few minutes.

Yes, dealing with Toby is a bit challenging, and we don't have the best relationship in the world, but I can't go back to feeling terrible again—hating myself and dealing with constant jealousy. This place feels safe for me. I

I feel normal and not neurotic.

Also Archer deserves better. He deserves someone who is sure of themselves and can handle being around a man as magnetic as him.

I breathed in as I stepped out of the car knowing that I am going to meet Aurora.