All Chapters of I Was Never the Wife: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

In year two of my so-called marriage to Zachary Jurg, I tried applying for a joint bank loan to launch a business.The bank guy kept flipping his eyes between our marriage certificate and his screen, looking more confused by the second. Finally, he said, "Ms. Arden, this marriage certificate's not valid. You're showing up as single in our system."I blinked. "That can't be right. We got married—registered everything two years ago."He leaned in, frown deepening. "The system has you as single. But Zachary Jurg? He's married."Then he spun the monitor toward me."His spouse is listed as Cathryn Sludd. Because of that, I can't approve your loan."I stared at the screen, frozen. "Cathryn Sludd"—her name cut through me like a knife. Every breath felt like it was slicing me open.My head spun. Everything went black.When I came to, the staff had already helped me into a chair.I choked out a plea for them to double-check. They did.And that broke me.It was like drowning in ice-co

That night, I came home to find Zachary pacing the living room, totally on edge.The second he saw me, he rushed over and grabbed my hand."Baby, where were you? You didn't answer your phone or text—I was losing my mind."I stared at him, heart a mess. His panic felt real.It reminded me of that college trip—my phone died, and he showed up hours away, frantic.Back then, he loved me like I was his whole world.But now? That love wasn't mine alone.If I once had all of his heart, 90% was already gone.The ache hit hard—every breath burned.But I held it in.I dropped my gaze, shoved everything down, and shrugged."Just went shopping. Phone was on silent."Truth was, I just didn't want to pick up. My head was a mess.He visibly relaxed and pulled me in."You scared me. I thought something happened. Just check your phone next time, okay?"I nodded.He kissed my neck, voice low."Come try the strawberries I got you—and the glazed ribs I made."Then he let go and led me to

Zachary shot her a light warning. "Cathryn, tone it down."I stared at her, blank. Hesitated. Then said nothing and headed to the restroom.Zachary trailed after me. "I'll go with you."But when I came out, he was gone.I turned to leave—and then I heard soft moans coming from the lounge next door.Something in me just knew.I eased the door open.Zachary had Cathryn pinned on the couch, kissing her like he couldn't breathe without it. Neither of them noticed me."Stop... Ms. Arden's still waiting," Cathryn whispered, barely resisting, voice all breathy."Forget her," Zachary said.His eyes were wild with want, hands all over her."But she'll worry if you're gone too long," Cathryn said, pushing him off—barely.He cupped her face. "You ran through the rain just to see me. You're drenched... I hate seeing you like this."Her eyes shimmered. "I just wanted a glimpse. That's enough for me."His face softened. He pulled her into a hug. "I missed you too."Then he unclasped t

Cathryn looked wrecked. "I'm sorry. It's my fault—I felt dizzy and lost my balance. Ms. Arden got hurt because of me."Zachary brushed her tears away. "You're not well. It's not your fault. You're my wife—how could I ever blame you?"She kept crying. "Really?""Of course. Don't beat yourself up. Say 'hubby,' come on. That'll cheer me up."He kissed her tears.She blushed. "Hubby..."He grinned, pleased. "Good girl. I'll handle this. Don't stress. Go on."She gave a sweet nod and walked off.I shut my eyes, silent, but the pain crawled through me like ants under my skin. I couldn't stop the tears.There I was—bruised and broken—while he doted on her right next to me. What a joke.I wanted to scream, to call them out for what they'd done. But why? What would it even fix?Cathryn caused the accident. She crashed into the prop. Yet somehow, she got a free pass. He didn't even flinch—just cradled her like she was made of glass.Even if I exposed her, it wouldn't matter. He'd nev

Death was closing in. I really thought that was it.Then—boom. Like getting hit by a freight train. Pain ripped me back.Someone was beating me. Over and over. An iron rod.Bang! Bang! Bang!Each hit felt like it was tearing me in half—bones snapping, insides breaking apart.The pain surged like a tidal wave, drowning everything else.I bit down hard, trying not to scream, but a muffled groan still slipped out.Blood—mixed with filth—spilled from my mouth, pooling beneath me, staining the ground.Fifty lashes.Zachary delivered every single one.Through the haze, I saw his face—wild, twisted. Burned into my memory like a curse.As everything dimmed, he grabbed my hand, pried open my pinky, and sliced through it with a blade."Ah—!"The scream tore through the tape, raw and sharp.My body convulsed. He'd cut it clean off.Zachary froze. That scream—it hit something in him. He shook his head, confused, like he couldn't believe it.Cathryn, pale and shaking, rushed over an