Chapter 0007

Caroline’s POV:

Hearing Martin’s soft-spoken words sent a flurry of mixed emotions washing over me. He wanted me to rely on someone?

As I was silently deliberating what to even say to that, my phone started to ring. I curiously glanced at the caller ID to see that it was James, William’s personal assistant. Giving Martin an apologetic look, I said, “I have to take this call. Do you think you could give me a few minutes?”

Martin’s smile was kind and sweet. “Of course. I’ll go get us some coffee, alright?”

As soon as he was gone, I reluctantly glanced down at the Caller ID. I didn’t want anything to do with William right now, but I had no choice. Sure enough, there was James’ snippy tone on the other end. “Mrs. Anderson?”

The title made me wince with pain. It didn’t feel right to be called his wife after his unfaithfulness to me, even if we were still married. “Please, just call me Caroline. What can I help you with?”

“I’m just here to remind you that Sara Anderson’s birthday party is tomorrow, and Mr. Anderson doesn’t want you to be late,” James informed me, hitting me with a sense of realization.

I couldn’t believe I forgot William’s mother had her birthday the next day. The Anderson family always invited a plethora of business partners and celebrities every year, and as a “dutiful wife”, I was expected to attend. I had always enjoyed these extravagant parties back when William and I were together, but excitement evaded me this time.

Did Sara even know that William and I were getting a divorce? If she did, would she look at me any differently?

“Caroline? Is everything alright?” James asked, a hint of concern in that normally rigid voice.

I swallowed my emotions, trying to remain calm. “I’m fine,” I replied, my own voice stiff as well. “I’ll be sure to attend on time. Thank you for letting me know.”

Martin sauntered in with the coffee he’d promised, worry etched into his face. “I see you’re finished. Is everything alright?”

“Everything is fine,” I lied. My smile was tight-lipped. I paused with consideration before I announced with shaken confidence, “I’m going to consider chemotherapy.”

Pleasant surprise flicked over Martin’s soft features. “You are? That’s fantastic!”

I couldn’t bring myself to match his enthusiasm. “Part of me wonders if it’s even worth it, but… I’ll put some thought into it.”

A bright smile graced Martin’s face. “Good to hear.” The hug he gave me was warm and comforting. “Just remember that there are people out there who care about you.”

I expressed my gratitude to Martin and left the hospital soon after, getting a taxi back to Cindy’s house since she was having a late night at work. On the way back, anxiety welled up inside me.

What happened between William and I was kept under a tight lid. If the press found out about it, they would have a field day, printing out scandalous tabloids left and right.

A dark part of me wondered if I should tell them just as a way to get back at William. For all that he’d done to me, he would deserve it.

Upon arriving home, I nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw William sitting on the sofa. The way he looked at me was cold. I could feel the disdain he held for me radiating off of him. It was clear he wasn’t here for a social visit.

“William!” I gasped, nearly dropping my keys in shock. Shouldn’t he be with Sophia and his son, George; his family? “What are you doing here?”

William looked me over with suspicion tinting his stolid gaze. “I’ve been waiting here for hours, Caroline,” he said outright, rudely ignoring my question. “Where were you?”

I blinked back my surprise. Why would he care to know where I was? I asked myself.

“I just went out with a friend,” I lied, my voice rigid. “Why are you here?”

“Why am I here?” he sneered, “Why shouldn’t I be here? What are you guilty of?” His sharp eyes scrutinized every detail of my face, searching for something.

“What do you mean?” My heart was pounding a mile a minute.

No proper answer was given, for William quickly stood up and roughly grabbed me by the shoulders. I cried out as I was pushed onto the sofa without care. The way he had handled me just then made me frightened. Who treated their wife like that?

“Who is he?” he demanded, his expression twisted in cold contempt.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, William,” I said quickly. My answer came out too fast, however, and it only heightened William’s suspicions.

“I saw him, Caroline,” William said. “How long have you known him? How long have you been together?”

I immediately knew who William was talking about: Martin. How did he know about him? Terror clenched my beating heart as I struggled to speak out.

I don’t know how much William knew about Martin, but for Martin’s sake, it was best that my husband knew as little about him as possible. My husband was a powerful man, and any slight against him would be life-ruining for the offender.

“I have no idea who you’re talking about,” I shot back, my arms crossed and gaze hardened with defiance. I refused to let him intimidate me.

“Don’t play dumb!” William scowled, his features twisted with a deep frustration. “I saw someone bringing you to his car. Tell me, how long have you been with him, Caroline?”

My heart stopped in my chest upon hearing those words. Everything felt so surreal at that moment. There I was, staring up into the eyes of a man who I’d been with for so many years. I’d poured my heart out to him and given him every ounce of my trust, and now all I could feel was immense disappointment for him.

I was not only humiliated by his cruel mistress, but I had also fallen sick and fainted on the side of the road and was almost raped by a couple of strange men. Where was he for any of that? Why hadn’t my husband been there to protect me and save me?

All he cared about was that I was carried into the car by another man. Martin, however, was not some secret fling I was having behind his back! Martin had saved my life!