Page 29 of The Husband I Left

As we walk away from the table, I feel Oliver’s eyes on my back, burning like twin lasers.

As soon as we reach the bathroom, Mom turns to me, arms crossed. “Alright, young lady. Spill it. What’s going on?”

I consider putting her off, deflecting until I’m ready to have this conversation. But looking at her worried face, I realize I need her on my side. I need someone who will understand why I’m doing what I’m about to do.

“I’m leaving Oliver,” I say, the words coming out in a rush.

Mom’s eyes widen, but she doesn’t look as shocked as I expected. “When?”

“Soon.” I twist my wedding ring around my finger. “I just have…I have a few things left to do.”

Mom studies me for a moment before she asks, “Does Oliver know?”

I hesitate. “Not exactly. But he won’t be surprised.”

“Why?” she asks, her voice gentle. “What happened, honey?”

Before I can answer, her expression shifts to one of dismay. “Oh, Genny. I saw something online a couple of weeks ago. You and some mystery man made a scene at a fancy event. I didn’t read it because I thought it was just baseless gossip and didn’t believe a word of it.” She looks up at me, her disappointment clear. “Are you having an affair?”

The accusation stings more than I expected. I feel my face flush with a mixture of shame and indignation. “No! That was Evan. I was with Evan. I just…might be letting Oliver believe I’m having an affair.”

Mom just looks at me, saying nothing, but her silence speaks volumes.

“He started it,” I mutter, sounding childish even to my own ears.

“Genevieve Rose Palmer Sinclair.”

“He did! Oliver is the one having an affair,” the words burst out of me, tinged with bitterness. “With his assistant, Victoria. They have a history together. She’s the woman he wanted to marry before he met me.” I don’t mention that I now know Oliver married me to get revenge against Thomas. That’s a humiliation I’m not ready to share, even with my mother.

“I just wanted him to feel some of the pain that I’ve felt,” I whisper.

Mom reaches out and takes my hand, her touch warm and familiar. “Oh, Genny. Nothing good ever comes out of such things. When you try to hurt others, you only end up hurting yourself more.”

“We’ll have to agree to disagree on that one,” I say, pulling my hand away. “He deserves it.”

“Maybe he does,” Mom concedes. “But you don’t have to lower yourself to that level.”

I don’t have an answer for that. We sit in silence for a moment.

“Is this why you didn’t want us at Nancy’s party tomorrow?” Mom asks suddenly. “Are you planning something?”

I shrug, avoiding her eyes. “Maybe.”

“Genevieve Rose Palmer Sinclair,” she says, and I wince. It’s been a while since she used my full name twice in one day. “Whatever you’re planning, think it through. Revenge might feel good in the moment, but it doesn’t heal anything.”

“I know what I’m doing, Mom.”

“Have you at least thought through the practical side of this?” she asks, switching tactics. “Have you talked to an attorney about your options?”

I nod. “Kylie’s sister is a lawyer. She looked over the prenup I signed. It’s airtight; I get nothing. We haven’t been married long enough, and we don’t have children.”

Mom’s brow furrows with concern. “But what will you—”

“I’ll be fine,” I cut her off. “I can work. I’ve got my degree now. I’ll be okay.”

She doesn’t look convinced, but she gives me a small smile, anyway. “I’m sure you know best.”

I lean over and kiss her cheek. “I do. Don’t worry about me.”