Deceiver Husband

Author Note:

Hey readers,

This book delves into the darker side of romance, featuring explicit language, scenes, and a slow-burn romance intertwined with a stalker trope. Please be aware that the content is intense and may not be suitable for everyone. If you enjoy dark romance novels and want to stay updated, follow me to my F******k group, Tracy Readrats, for more insights and discussions.

Happy reading!

Tracy

Raisel – POV

My eyes are glued to my phone screen, but no texts come from Alaric. He’s probably busy at work. I’m dressing for a charity event, selecting a midi white classic sleeveless dress from my wardrobe. It’s a solid cream color, adding to its understated charm. The bodice is snug, with a square neckline that complements my collarbones and provides the perfect backdrop for a simple pearl necklace. Once dressed, I rechecked my phone, but there was still no text.

I call Hazel my best friend. “Hey, are you coming with a plus one?” I ask.

“Not lucky enough. I’m coming stag to the event,” Hazel replies, reassuring me that I won’t be alone. “Wait, did your husband stand you up again?” He has been doing this often in the past few months; perhaps his new project is why he’s working late.

“Yeah,” I say in a weak voice.

“I’ll come to pick you up then,” Hazel offers, wisely choosing not to add more. She knows I’ll get defensive if she says anything against Alaric. I can’t take any criticism against him, not even the nasty rumors circulating lately about Davina, his new secretary and former lover before me. No, my Alaric loves me. I won’t let any rumor get to me; our love is strong. Hazel and I arrive at the charity event.

“I hate going to charity events,” Hazel hissed as we stood at the entrance of the event hall. I chuckled.

“You hate it because you never find good eye candy at such events,” I added. Hazel pouted.

“Yet, my mom wants me to attend these events, hoping I’ll meet the man of my dreams,” Hazel said. “How can I make her understand that I have book boyfriends who set such high standards, standards that real men I meet at events can’t match?” I chuckled; Hazel was indeed entertaining.

“I agree, book husbands and boyfriends are sexy. I feel like I’m married to one,” I said. Hazel rolled her eyes, clearly not agreeing with me. She doesn’t like Alaric much; she thinks he’s using me. I wonder why she would think that.

“Why are you all by yourself, Hazel?” I asked, handing her a drink.

“Busy with work,” I replied. Hazel’s eyes scanned the room while I focused on my drink, not wanting to look around. Social anxiety surged through me at the sight of the crowd. Suddenly, Hazel’s eyes widened. I turned to follow her gaze, and my heart stopped at the scene unfolding before me. I saw my husband entering the event with Davina, who was dressed in a beautiful red gown with a sweetheart neckline and a body-fitting design that I recognized—I had ordered this dress myself for our anniversary tomorrow, planning to wear it for a date night.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. Davina’s gaze met mine. She held Alaric’s arm and whispered something in his ear. Alaric’s gaze then met mine, surprised; he hadn’t expected me here since I had told him I was planning to back out if he didn’t show up. Davina whispered something else in his ear. Alaric nodded, and Davina smiled at him lovingly as she placed a kiss on his cheek. It felt like I was watching a horror film.

“What does this mean?” I asked loudly, my anger raging and tears in my eyes. The paparazzi’s attention was now on me, and murmurs flared around the room about him cheating on his wife in front of everyone.

“Can’t you see, I am standing with a lady I love,” he said calmly, without guilt. Instead, he held Davina’s hand and walked towards me. I couldn’t believe his words as he stood before me. “I want a divorce. I’ve kept my relationship hidden from you, but I can’t hide it anymore. I want Davina as my wife, not you.” Tears flowed down my cheeks. I slapped Alaric across the face.

“You bastard,” I hissed. “I trusted and defended you, believing my husband would never betray me, but you’ve proven my love and trust wrong. You’ve made me look like a fool.” I snapped. “I have been a devoted housewife, caring for you, and this is how you repay me?”

“You have no status, power, or career. Being a housewife isn’t a job; it’s being a freeloader who stays home and spends my money. Davina here is working her ass off, and I am close to being a billionaire because of her. You are nothing, and I don’t feel the same about you anymore.” His words were a slap to my face. I had no career, and I realized I was wrong to have chosen to marry and stay with Alaric. I never pursued my dreams and made the mistake of choosing love over a career. Overwhelmed and humiliated, I couldn’t stand it any longer and walked out of the event broken.

I could have run in my heels, possibly tripping, but someone stopped me. I looked up at the strong hands holding me, shock on my face as I saw my best friend, Soren Dalton, who had been gone for five years, standing before me when my world collapsed.

“Soren,” I whispered.

Soren’s hazel eyes stared into mine, confusion evident as his bodyguards whispered something in his ear. Even his bodyguard gave me a sympathetic look. Soren’s cold gaze shifted to the entrance gate of the event, and I turned to see the paparazzi rushing towards us, with Alaric and Davina standing at the staircase.

“Do you remember back in college, we had this thing where I’d be your ‘rent-a-boyfriend’ to keep other guys away? Let’s do that again, but I don’t need any money this time,” he whispered. Torn by the situation, I looked back and forth between Soren and Alaric.