The Other Woman

I became a homewrecker in the tenth year of dating my boyfriend, Ryan Maple. We were checking out our potential new home before we got married. It was at that moment his wife came looking for him.

The scene of a wife getting into a catfight with the mistress unfolded at the sales gallery.

I lost part of my scalp in the fight, but all Ryan cared about was his pregnant wife, Jessie Rivers, whom I had shoved onto the ground.

Ryan later tried to get a divorce from Jessie in order to marry me.

"Madison, I beg of you. Please forgive me this once."

…

"Ms. Pell, the unit size and floors of this apartment suit your requirements. What do you think?"

Many couples were looking at apartment units at the sales gallery, including me and Ryan. I had visited many apartments alone in search of a suitable apartment.

The one we were viewing was a riverside apartment. Its location and other facilities satisfied my wants.

As our marriage drew closer, the more I looked forward to married life, especially after I found the perfect home.

"What do you think of this apartment—" My excited voice trailed off when I set my gaze on Ryan's face. His brows were knitted, and his eyes were scrunched up.

He looked upset.

I understood he was mad at me for taking leave on his behalf that day. So, I backed down and said, "Hey, please don't be mad, okay? You've worked hard for months. Taking a day off is fine!"

Ryan's company had been busy after business took off. He often worked late nights, which explained why I had to go on apartment visits alone. I held his arm and cuddled against his chest to persuade him.

I pulled the same trick many times in our ten-year relationship. It was silly and unreasonable, but he bought it regardless.

As expected, Ryan caved before I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Alright, darling. I forgive you."

Smiling, he squeezed my hand. He joked, "I'll just see it as going on a honeymoon in advance."

He doted on me so much that he would never be mad for more than half a day. He would always make up with me quickly.

"Mr. Maple and Ms. Pell, you are so sweet together!" The saleswoman flattered us.

Nodding sweetly, I waved. "We'll get this apartment unit. We can sign the contract today."

When we were about to sign the contract, I made a trip to the bathroom because I had a stomach ache. When I returned, I found Ryan facing off a woman in a pair of loose-fitting pants.

I shook the water off my hands and hurried over in confusion, just in time to hear the woman growl at him, "The Maple family is shameless!"

That did not sound good. Before she slapped Ryan, I managed to stop her. "What are you doing? Why are you hitting my boyfriend?"

My words stoked her anger. She shook my hand off with disgust as though it was filthy. Driven by anger, she grabbed my hair and said word by word, "I can do whatever I want as his wife! We got marriage license!"

The woman dropped a bombshell on me. My mind went blank.

The onlookers started to murmur. Even the saleswoman, who had greeted me with smiles, scrutinized me. I bet she would have flashed me a look of disdain if I weren't her client.

I mustered all my energy to free myself from the woman's grasp. Ignoring everyone, I focused on Ryan. "Ryan, what was that?"

I found it ridiculous that my boyfriend of ten years was a married man. I set my burning gaze on him, and I called him by his full name. "Ryan Maple, what is she talking about? Since when are you married?"

That was a clear signal of my impending temper. He would always stop what he was doing when I called him by his full name. Then, he would crouch in front of me and grab his ears like a child who was awaiting punishment.

This time, he did not budge. I tried to convince myself that the random woman must have gotten the wrong man.

Alas, Ryan kept his silence. He fiddled with the hem of his shirt with his thumb and index finger. It was a nervous tick of his.

"Maddy, hear me out…"