All Chapters of Dear Ex-husband, My Stepbrother is Your Replacement.: Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

ASTRIDMy fingers tremble with fear and frustration as I dial my husband’s number for the fiftieth time tonight. No answer. Once again, I’ve been sent to voicemail.I catch my reflection in the floor-to-ceiling windows and can’t help but feel sorry for myself. My makeup and perfectly coiffed hair seem to mock me, screaming that once again, I have wasted time, money and effort on a man who might never love me.“The food has been served, the guests are here and the decor seems perfect, but once again, there’s no husband.” My mother sneers. “Didn’t this happen last year? You organized a feast but as usual, Nathan did not show up. What a shame!”At her harsh words, my cheeks redden in embarrassment and my eyes burn with unshed tears. Why are you doing this to me, Nathan? “I’m sure he’ll be here soon, mother. He’s probably stuck in traffic.”She scoffs.“Stuck in traffic? Do you realize that this is the exact excuse you made up for him last year but he showed up after midnight drunk as a

ASTRID“Catrina!” My father snaps, pulling his wife away from me.I massage my throbbing cheek with one hand, still reeling from shock. My mother finally calms down, but she doesn’t seem the least bit remorseful that she hit me. “I am not a violent person, Astrid. You realize that, don’t you? I only hit you because you pushed me. Your words were not very kind.”My blood boils with rage as I wait for an apology. Of course I get none. The emotional manipulation is so obvious, it makes me sick to my stomach.“Just a few hours ago, you called Nathan good for nothing. Suddenly, he’s the best option because he proposed to Claire?” I ask bitterly. Mrs. Montessori takes a deep breath. From her expression, you would think she was dealing with an unrepentant, recalcitrant child.“You’re well aware of Claire’s heart condition, Astrid. Nathan may not be the best man in the world, but your sister is in love with him and he loves her too. If you insist on holding onto your relationship, Claire’s

ASTRIDAn hour has passed since I received Dr. Graham’s call. Once again, I’ve been rendered speechless and numb.A part of me is grateful that I left a horrible marriage without bringing a baby to the mix and a greater part of me grieves the loss of something I never had. But one thing that call did was give me extra motivation to go out and get wasted tonight. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll find someone who will fuck me six ways to Sunday and make me forget my sorrows for a little while. Thankfully, Gemini agreed to go with me to the club tonight. I will no longer sit all alone in my house and drown in depression. My ex-husband is out and about living his best life with my ex-sister after they ruined my life. It’s high time I started living my own life.Maybe, just maybe, I’d get to meet my anonymous man tonight. ***SILVAN ROURKE“Sir, your special guest is here.”My pulse rate doubles with barely restrained excitement as I get to my feet and make my way to the balcony.It’s been yea