Divorcing My Husband Over His Stepsister's Secret novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Anna’s POV:

“To Blake Wright?” The blonde in the red dress practically purred, adjusting her dangerously low neckline. “We’d be honored.”

1 nodded toward the bar. “He’s been drinking alone all evening. I’m sure he’d appreciate the

company.”

As escorted them across the ballroom, I felt oddly detached. This opportunity was golden for them -a chance to meet Blake up close, maybe even make an impression.

And honestly? I hoped one of them would. Any one of them could be the next Mrs. Wright for all I

cared.

Blake was standing near the bar, his tall frame immaculate in his tailored tuxedo. Claire hovered

nearby, as usual.

When they spotted our approaching group, their expressions dafkened simultaneously.

“Darling,” I said pleasantly, “I’ve met some fascinating women who work in marketing. They’re quite

interested in your new development project.”

Before Blake could respond, the blonde pressed against him, her hand on his arm. “Mr. Wright, your reputation precedes you. Let me buy you another drink.”

Her brunette friend giggled, leaning in from his other side. “We have so many questions about your business strategies.”

Blake responded with practiced politeness, though his eyes occasionally flickered to me with

unspoken questions.

I stepped back, watching as the women surrounded him.

If they could get Blake drunk enough to cheat, that would be even better. Then I could divorce him

without a hitch.

Then I retreated. I circulated through the ballroom, engaging in the small talk expected at these

events.

I handed out business cards, smiled at the right moments, and accepted the empty compliments that flowed as freely as the champagne.

EcoMarine Group is doing fascinating work,” one older gentleman said.

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I was about to respond when my gaze landed on Claire across the room. She was tallting with Frank. I blinked in surprise. As far as I knew, they had no reason to be acquainted.

Frank’s instincts were sharper than Claire’s. He suddenly looked up, locking eyes with me. When he recognized me, his expression softened a bit, the steel in his gaze fading.

I excused myself from my conversation and watched as Claire said goodbye to Frank, them made her way toward me.

“Anna,” she said, her voice lacking its typical energy. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Is everything alright?” I asked, genuinely curious about her subdued demeanor.

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a nervous gesture I’d rarely seen from her. “Blake has arranged for me to transfer to Infinity Theatre with a new ballet company. I’m going to finish my performance season there, and then…” she paused, taking a small breath, “I’ll be going to Paris for a year to study.”

“That sounds like a wonderful opportunity,” I said, keeping my voice warm and supportive. “Having a plan is good. Would you like me to take you home? You look tired.”

Claire nodded, relief washing over her features. “Thank you.”

“Come on,” I said, gently taking her hand. “I’ll let Blake know we’re leaving.”

That night, after Blake dropped off his things in the room, he just left.

I stared at the closed door, listening to his footsteps fade down the hallway. I wondered where he went. Perhaps to Claire’s room across the hall.

When I woke the next morning, the space beside me was untouched, the sheets still perfectly

smooth. Blake hadn’t returned all night.

At breakfast, Blake was nowhere to be seen. I ate quickly, relieved that I might be able to take Claire

to her new theatre without Blake’s cold presence adding tension to the car ride.

However, when Claire and I stepped outside to the waiting car, my heart sank. Blake was already

there, sitting in the front passenger seat.

“You two sit in the back,” Blake said, his voice cold and clipped.

Claire slid in first, and I followed, closing the door with perhaps more force than necessary. The car pulled away from Wright Estate, the silence inside thick and uncomfortable.

“Blake used to spoil me, Claire said suddenly, her voice quiet. “Now I feel like he’s changed.”

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I wasn’t sure if she was speaking to me or to Blake’s rigid back, but I saw an opportunity to fulfill my part of the bargain with him.

“People always change,” I replied, choosing my words carefully. “And you need to grow up too. Don’t you want to advance your ballet career in Boston too? You’ll have plenty of time together in the

future.”

Claire’s head snapped toward me, her eyes widening. “Anna, what are you saying? You and Blake are the ones who should be together forever. After this season ends, I won’t even be home. I’ll be in Paris for a year. By the time I come back, you two will probably have children.”

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I needed to say next. “Blake and I only have a business

marriage. There’s no love between us. We won’t be having children.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Blake’s shoulders tense, but he remained silent.

“You’re our child, in a way,” I continued, watching Claire’s reaction carefully. “Look how well we’ve raised you these past four years. You’re thriving. Blake has arranged for you to join one of Boston’s top theatres and premier ballet companies. Focus on your career. Don’t disappoint him after everything he’s done for you.”

Claire stared at me in shock, then looked toward the back of Blake’s head. “Blakey, is what Anna saying true?”

Blake caught my eye in the rearview mirror, his expression darkening.