Page 88 of Cursing My Cheating Husband

“No, Gwen, nothing. It’s good that you’ve given up being a mistress, but I don’t ever want to lay eyes on you again. The next time you see me coming, run the other way.”

“As you wish,” Gwen said.

“And you’re never to go back to Nightshade Cove.”

She bowed her head. “I will never set foot there again.”

“Good. Now please go.”

“Anything you say.” Gwen grabbed her crate and scurried off, low to the ground and rat-like.

I stood there processing for a moment. When Kyra had explained the snow globe curse to me, I never would have predicted this outcome.

After that bizarre encounter, there was clearly no chance of having the relaxing afternoon stroll I had hoped for. With a resigned sigh, I conjured a teleportation spell and zapped myself back to the front walk at Astrea’s house.

Before heading inside, I paused to take a breath. Fallen leaves scattered the path, and a light drizzle misted the air, cool and clean against my skin.

It was good to be back. I felt steadier as I climbed the steps to the door.

“Mother, I’m home!” I called out as I crossed the threshold.

“We’re in the conservatory,” Astrea called back.

We? I wondered who she was with.

Walking briskly down the corridor, the murmuring of Astrea and another voice grew louder as I approached.

As I entered, I saw immensely pregnant Astrea talking to a man with his back to the door.

I would recognize those massive shoulders anywhere.

Maddox turned to face me.

Astrea caught my eye and gave me the most mischievous, devilish smile. “You’re just in time, dear!” She looked to Maddox. “Do you want to tell her, or should I?”

Maddox didn’t immediately respond, and my patience was zero.

“One of you better start talking. Now.”

CHAPTER 38

CALLIE

Maddox squared his shoulders. “Callie, I’m so sorry to ambush you like this. We thought you wouldn’t be back this early. I was planning just to write you a letter⁠—”

“Great, I’m here. I can save you the postage.”

He took a deep breath. “I asked your mother to recreate the curse.”

After what he’d done to get out of it? “You did not.”

Astrea clapped her hands. “He did! Isn’t that a fun request?”

“It’s insane.” I stepped toward my mother. “You’re not actually going to do it, are you?”

“I already have!” she crowed with delight.

Maddox looked at me, a soft smile below his hopeful eyes. “You’re the only woman in the world for me.”