Chapter 12
Simone never imagined that simply going out for dinner with a client would end with her running into her ex–husband.
And not just seeing him–he had stormed over, grabbed her wrist, and shouted in her face jealously, demanding to know if he still mattered to her. That question made Simone laugh out loud, more in disbelief than amusement.
“What are you talking about? Cameron, we’re divorced. You and I have nothing to do with each other anymore,” she said indifferently.
Cameron’s face darkened completely.
“Mona, stop being ridiculous,” he said through clenched teeth, trying to hold back his temper. “That divorce agreement you had me sign doesn’t count. You tricked me into it.”
Simone looked unimpressed. “You don’t get to decide what counts and what doesn’t. That’s up to the civil registry, not you.
“Didn’t you get the divorce certificate in the mail? I already received mine overseas.”
As she spoke, she reached into her bag and pulled out the document.
When Simone had left the country, the divorce process hadn’t been fully completed yet. She hadn’t received the certificate in time.
After arriving in Kiverton, she hired a lawyer to finish the paperwork for her. The lawyer had been thorough.
Once the divorce certificate was issued, he mailed two copies—one to Simone abroad, and the other to Cameron back in the country.
But standing there now, staring at the certificate in Simone’s hand, Cameron looked completely confused.
“What divorce certificate? I never got anything!” he insisted. “Mona, are you seriously trying to pass off a fake certificate just to scare me?”
Before Simone could respond, he barreled on, waving a hand dismissively. “Enough. Stop with the drama. I know you’re angry, so angry you felt like leaving me, but marriage isn’t a game. You don’t just walk away the moment things get tough.
“I’ve realized I was wrong, okay? I know I’ve neglected you lately. But you have to believe me. There’s nothing going on between me and Sylvia. I was just trying to take care of her because she’s my late brother’s wife.
“Caleb gave his life for me. I owe him more than I can ever repay. He’s gone, and I can’t do anything for him anymore, so I try to be there for Sylvia instead. That’s all. It’s the only way I can live with myself.”
It was the same old story with the same tired excuses, Simone had heard it all before.
“You really think I’m that stupid?” she asked coldly. “Stop pretending. I know exactly what you and Sylvia have been doing behind my back!”
Cameron flinched. His expression tightened, but he didn’t back down. “You’re imagining things! That’s not true! Mona, why do you always assume the worst about people?
“I swear to God, there is nothing between me and Sylvia. If I’m lying, may I never have children, and may something terrible happen to me!”
The curse was harsh, ruthless even. But all it earned was a mocking smile from Simone.
“If you’re swearing that,” she said calmly, “then I’m afraid your curse is about to come true.”
With that, she pulled a small recording device from her purse and pressed play.
The moment the recording started, Sylvia’s sweet, breathy voice filled the air. “Ah… Cameron. You’re amazing… So strong… I love it so much…”
Chapter 13
