Chapter 2
“Uh… all right,” Saraphina said stiffly. “Let’s go to the county clerk’s office.”
She was surprised, but she still took me there.
We finalized the divorce without a hitch.
The moment I saw the three-million-dollar deposit notification from my bank, I couldn’t help grinning from ear to ear.
“Ex-wife,” I said cheerfully, “since you’re so generous, let’s keep in touch. I can help with anything except romance.”
By then, Saraphina’s mouth was twitching. She clearly couldn’t understand why I was acting this way.
I didn’t bother explaining.
I simply went back, packed my ridiculously sparse belongings, and left without a second thought.
First things first, I used the money to buy a fully furnished luxury apartment downtown.
As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, my next-door neighbor came out.
“Alex Thorne? Is that really you? Don’t tell me your wife kicked you out.”
It was true, but it still stung to hear it out loud.
I turned and saw the woman who used to be my ex-wife’s archrival.
Isabella Montes.
Because of my relationship with Saraphina, Isabella had often made snide remarks or tried to make things difficult for me. Running into her now was hardly a good sign.
I pursed my lips. “Jumping to conclusions already?”
Isabella looked me up and down, her smile deepening when she saw my suitcase.
“You’re a wealthy man’s husband. Why are you buying a small apartment here when you could be living in a mansion? Looks like you really did get kicked out, didn’t you? Alex Thorne, what is this? Did you finally wise up and decide to stop being a kept man?”
My temple twitched.
“Isabella Montes, if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. And when was I ever a kept man?”
She scoffed. “Fine. Play tough. Let’s see how long that lasts.”
Since the apartment was fully furnished, I could move right in.
That evening, I bought some groceries from the supermarket, planning to treat myself to a decent meal. I also figured I should start looking for something to do. I could take it easy for a while, but I couldn’t just do nothing forever.
Then the doorbell rang.
I walked to the door and found Isabella again.
She was holding several takeout containers, all of them still warm.
“Want to share a drink?”
I was a little surprised, but there wasn’t much reason to refuse, so I let her in.