Chapter 004: The Shocking News

NATE’S POV

I threw my head back and let out a sharp grunt as I released in Isla's mouth, feeling satisfaction spread through my body. She got off her knees and wiped the corner of her lips before smiling and plopping down next to me on the sofa.

"Pour me a glass?"

“Of course.” She smirked. Just as she was pouring the wine, there was a sharp knock on the door, reminding me that I supposed to be working. The door opened and Mike, my friend walked in.

"Hey Mike," I said absently.

"Have you heard the news?" he asked.

There was something about his voice that had me dragging my eyes away from Isla's cleavage.

"What news?"

"It's about Clara-"

I couldn't resist an eye roll. "Mike, why would you mention her name here? Do you want to ruin the mood?" I glanced meaningfully at Isla.

Mike did too. Isla was already pouting.

Oh great! Now I would have to buy her something fancy to make her happy again. Not that it would be a problem though. There was plenty of money to throw around.

Michael bowed slowly. "I apologize if I spoke out of line, but I thought it would be important for you to see the news."

I was beginning to suspect that something serious must have happened for Michael to be reacting this way. Did Clara die? Maybe the stupid woman had finally met her end and then she would be forgotten forever. Or could she have made a mess in my name?

"It better be important for all the fuss you're making." Sighing, I grabbed the remote from my desk and turned the TV on.

"Turn on the news channel," Michael said.

As soon as I did that, the first thing my eyes caught was the headline boldly shown on the screen:

CLARA HARPER, EX-WIFE OF MILLIONAIRE AND BETA NATHANIEL BENNETT TIES THE KNOT WITH BILLIONAIRE AND ALPHA OF BLUE MOON PACK, EDWARD STERLING.

My arms felt like they belonged to someone as I shoved Isla off my lap. I stepped closer to the television, blinking rapidly to make sure I wasn't just imagining things. But the headline was right there, staring back at me, taunting me. I redirected my attention back to what the newscaster was saying.

The screen cut back to the face of the newscaster who was saying, "The two reportedly tied the knot today at the family court. Witnesses to the ceremony say them seem very much in love. When asked about her recent divorce from her ex-husband, Clara said it was bound to happen and that she wishes him well as she is now happy with Alpha Edward..."

"Bullshit!" I cursed furiously, flinging the remote so hard on the ground that it shattered into pieces. "She's happy? It was bound to happen? What the hell is she on about? That bitch must be crazy!"

Michael stepped forward. "That's what I've been trying to tell you from the start. It's not looking very good. It's all over every news channel and–"

"Just shut the fuck up!" I cut him off. "In fact, get the hell out of my office."

Mike's eyes widened in surprise. "What?"

"You heard me. OUT!"

When he still didn't move, I took a couple of steps towards him. That got him out the door fast enough.

I cursed as I paced the office. I wanted to punch something, to break something...

"Nate, you need to calm down," Isla said in a tiny voice. "Can you-"

I turned on her. "I can't believe that bitch married Sterling. Who the fuck is she? A nobody! Why the hell would Sterling even want her?"

"It doesn't matter. They suit each other. They're both miserable losers-"

"Don't patronize me, Isla." I jabbed a trembling finger at the television. "They called me a millionaire and Sterling, a fucking billionaire! DIDN'T YOU SEE THAT?"

Isla swallowed. "It's not- it's not-"

"Fuck!" I ran at the table, swept everything on it onto the floor.

"Nate!" Isla screamed.

"What?" I screamed back. "She doesn't even bother to come beg me for another chance. Instead she jumps right into another man's arms! How could she remarry only a few days after our divorce?! That cheap whore! I always knew she was cheap and useless.”

"Breathe, Nate. Breathe," she murmured. I struggled but obeyed. "Good."

She rubbed my chest in soothing circular motions.

"That whore-" I began.

"No more of that now," she said. "It's good riddance to Clara. It's obvious her marriage won't last. I mean, what man will want to be stuck with a boring and unattractive wimp like her?"

"I- I guess you're right," I conceded.

"Of course I'm right! Edward just married your leftover." She scoffed. "And he's supposed to be smart."

I nodded again.

Isla was right. Edward was having my sloppy seconds and I knew he would soon throw her out like I did when he was through with her.

So why did I feel so furious?

Maybe it was because Clara had kept up the saint-like act for the two years of our marriage when inside she was a cold, scheming calculating bitch. And I like a fool had fallen for that act.

How the fuck had she even convinced Edward to marry her? An Alpha? How?

I stiffened as a thought crossed my mind. Had they been having an affair behind my back?

My hands started to twitch. If only she were here now, I would shake the truth out of her, shake her until she-

"Nate..."

Isla's voice in my ear brought me back to the present. She was tugging on my arm.

I allowed her to lead me to the sofa. When she got me to sit, she crawled into my lap. She cupped my face in her hands so I was forced to look right at her.

"Clara is not worth your time," she said. "I promise to make you so happy you will forget all about her. Okay?"

It took some effort, a lot of effort, but I managed to give Isla a smile- a convincing one by the look of relief that crossed her face.

"It's okay, Isla," I said. "I was mostly upset about the bad publicity this would give me. Whatever feelings I had for Clara died long before I met you. She is nothing to me now."

But as I watched Isla smile and begin to undress, my thoughts remained on Clara.

Had I really forgotten about her? If Clara meant absolutely nothing to me like I claimed, then why did I have this overwhelming desire to deal with Edward and make him suffer?