Page 126 of The Work Wife

“I took the company jet,” she explained.

“Of course,” Jamie said with a laugh as if she’d known there was a company jet. Did Wes not understand the first rule in impressing a woman with his wealth? Maybe if she was the type to be impressed by such things it would have given him incentive. “Okay. Let me get my bag.”

Moving like a robot, she went back to her office and got her bag. For a second she thought about calling Wes and asking for help. But she knew he was busy and was too far away to help her anyway.

It was a warm day so they parked by the waterfront and walked to the bistro on the next block. Mrs. Archer ordered a glass of wine. Jamie wished she could have alcohol to help get her through the meeting.

“I want to apologize for the way I acted the first time we met. I was shocked and hurt that I wasn’t included. But I’ve spoken to Weston and he told me the reason why you got married in the first place.”

“He did?” Jamie’s brows went up in surprise. She wondered what story Weston had told her. There was no way he would have told her the truth.

“Yes. I have to admit it was a pretty crafty plan. I’m not sure why Weston went along with it. He could have easily gone on a vacation anytime he wanted. And he didn’t really need his name on the Atlantic Global building when he’s begun work renovating the TriPlex property.”

Jamie bit her lip. He had told her the truth. Hell.

“The important thing is that we remedy the problem before it becomes an issue.” Mrs. Archer reached into her large designer bag and pulled out a file. “Feel free to have your own attorney look these over before you sign and send them back. I think he’s been very generous with the agreement.”

Jamie looked down at the papers in front of her. Three words popped out among the rest. Annulment of Marriage. She flipped the pages over and found the familiar swoopy W that started Weston’s signature on the bottom of the last page.

“Wes wants an annulment?”

His mother let out a sigh and folded her hands on the table. “He’s never been one for handling confrontation.”

This was true. Jamie knew he didn’t like rocking the boat. But this? An annulment without talking to her first? “He sent his mother to break up with me?” She couldn’t believe this.

“I’m sure he will follow up later after you’ve sent the documents back. He’s been so busy getting his feet under him as CEO.” She pulled an envelope from the bottom of the stack. “When you’ve signed it, just mail it back in this envelope.”

“But he didn’t mention this.” Granted she hadn’t spoken to him in a few days. Her flight had been delayed and she didn’t get home until after ten. She’d just wanted to shower and fall into bed before her first day back to work.

Her mind flitted back to the odd message he’d left two nights ago. He’d told her he’d made a terrible mistake. She’d texted him a funny message and he’d sent back a smiley.

What kind of person sends someone a smiley when they want to end their marriage? Jamie thought for a second before the answer came flying back at her.

A person who didn’t want to get married in the first place.

“He told me it was better for you,” his mother offered with her face pinched up in some semblance of sympathy.

Jamie was too proud to start crying or begging his mother for another chance at a marriage that was a sham from the beginning.

Instead, she pulled her phone out to call him. She wasn’t going to let him get away with this. Mrs. Archer frowned and rolled her eyes as Wes picked up.

“Yes?”

“Wes? Your mom is here with these papers.”

“Already?” he seemed surprised by the timing. “That was fast.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I know. I’m sorry I didn’t get to talk to you about this. Please just sign them so we can get it over with. We’ll take care of the rest later, okay? I have a huge problem here.”

He had a huge problem there? What about the huge problem that was her living in his place and no home of her own anymore? What about that?

“This is what you want?” she asked, the anger coming out in her voice.

“Yes. It’s for the best. I’m sorry for the inconvenience. Trust me, if you just sign them, she’ll leave.”

Inconvenience? She’d fallen in love with him and now it was an inconvenience?