Divorcing My Husband Over His Stepsister's Secret novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Anna’s POV:

“Wipe those tears,“Blake commanded, his voice devoid of any warmth. “And when we get back, keep your mouth shut about things that shouldn’t be said.”

I swallowed hard, tasting the salt of my own tears. He was letting me go, not out of any lingering affection, but because Claire was waiting for him. My chest tightened at the thought.

The drive back to the Wright Estate was suffocating.

I sat in the passenger seat while Claire curled up against Blake in the back. The silence in the car felt like a physical weight pressing down on me.

Through the rearview mirror, I caught glimpses of them – her small frame nestled perfectly against

his tall one, his large hand resting protectively on top of her head.

I kept noticing Blake’s eyes in the mirror, watching me. Every time our gazes met, something

unreadable flashed across his face.

After the fifth time our eyes locked, I couldn’t take it anymore. I closed my eyes and leaned against

the cool window glass.

“Your ballet director called me before,” Blake’s deep voice suddenly cut through the silence. “He said if you keep skipping rehearsals, they’ll remove you from the lead role in Swan Lake.” His tone was firm but gentle, so different from how he spoke to me. “Wright family members never leave things

half–finished.”

“I’m sorry, Blakey,” Claire responded in that childish voice that always made my skin crawl.

“I’m going to speak with the theater about transferring you to a different theatre,” Blake announced.

I felt the atmosphere in the car shift. Claire suddenly sat upright, no longer leaning against Blake.

“Anna,” she said with a trembling voice that sounded on the verge of tears, “was this your idea? To

make me change theatre?”

I turned slightly to face her, keeping my expression neutral. “Claire, why would you think that?”

She stammered. “I just don’t understand why Blakey wants me to change theatre. I finally got the

lead role at Dreamweaver Ballet.”

She turned to Blake, her eyes wide and blinking rapidly, like a child seeking reassurance.

“It has nothing to do with anyone else,” Blake said coldly. “You should know the reason.”

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Claire’s expression dimmed. “Blakey, I already resolved that issue with the guy at the theater.”

“Tell me the truth,” Blake demanded, his voice hard as steel. “Remember our agreement? Don’t lie to

me.”

Claire’s face crumpled. She covered it with both hands and began to sob quietly. She didn’t say another word.

I turned back to face the road, my mind racing. What man were they talking about? What kind of relationship did Claire have with this person, and why did it matter so much to Blake? The questions swirled in my mind, but I knew better than to ask them aloud.

When we arrived at the Wright Estate, Claire pushed the car door open and ran away before Blake had even turned off the engine. He made no move to follow her.

Instead, he walked around to my side of the car and opened my door. His fingers brushed against mine as he helped unfasten my seat belt.

“Lillian is here, and she’s disturbing my dad’s rest,” he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. “You need to get her to leave today!”

I nodded slightly, acutely aware that everyone at the estate was watching us. Blake must have noticed too because he deliberately brushed his cheek against my lips. In a voice loud enough for others to hear, he said, “Honey, people are watching. Save the kisses for when we’re back in our

room.”

“You’d be doing me a favor if you just divorced me already,” I whispered back through clenched teeth.

His expression hardened. “Nine million dollars to have you play your part isn’t excessive, is it?” he hissed. “I couldn’t even hire an A–list actress for that much. What makes you think you’re worth that price, Anna?”

Anger flashed through me. I jabbed him discreetly in the ribs, making it look like playful spousal

banter to anyone watching.

My mom approached us, a smile spreading across her face as she saw Blake firmly holding my hand. She took our joined hands and patted mine vigorously.

“When you didn’t come home last night, I was worried Anna was causing trouble again,” she said to

Blake. “Next time, don’t indulge her so much. There’s no need for all these little temper tantrums!”

Blake’s index finger traced a small circle on the back of my hand. “I like that she has some spirit,” he replied smoothly.

Caroline covered her mouth, hiding a smile.

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Chapter 26

I tried to pull my hand away, but Blake only tightened his grip.

“Alright,” he said, his smile never reaching his eyes. “Anna’s getting embarrassed.”