The Second Marriage Chance

Jane

My heart pounded as the weight of an arm draped across my body.

"Ahhhh!" I screamed, instinctively recoiling from the unexpected touch. Beside me, Brody jolted upright, eyes wide with alarm.

"What the hell, Jane?!" he exclaimed, his voice hoarse from sleep.

A rush of memories from our last encounter flooded my mind. I pointed an accusatory finger at him, confused about why he was there with me.

"W-what the hell are you doing here?" I stopped short, taking in the unfamiliar room. It was spacious and elegantly furnished, with large windows framing an unknown view.

"Shit! W-where am I?" A serene landscape greeted me outside the window, with lush green leaves and colorful flowers swaying gently in the breeze.

"Calm down, alright? You're at my place in Henderson," he said, his tone calm and reassuring.

"Your place? How?" I could hardly believe it. I'd met Brody in Europe, and we'd been together there for four years. He never mentioned owning a home in Nevada. It wouldn't be surprising if he had properties scattered across America, but the revelation left me feeling blindsided.

Why didn't I know about this place?

He looked at me as if I'd suddenly sprouted three heads; his brow furrowed in confusion and growing frustration.

"Where's my phone? I'm leaving!" I declared, throwing back the covers and scrambling out of the plush bed.

"Jane, I picked you up from Bronn's place. I'm exhausted, alright? You've worn me out over the past few days. From London to Highland Hills and then here to Nevada. I'm drained and don't want to argue with you right now."

His words only fueled my anger. My eyes narrowed as I spat back, "You don't need to argue with me because we're done talking!"

I spotted my phone on the nightstand and snatched it up, striding toward the door.

"Damn it! What do you want me to do?" Brody's voice rose, unable to contain his frustration any longer. "I already explained it to you. Sonia needed a place to stay, so I let her stay at the apartment."

I whirled to face him, tears welling up and spilling down my cheeks. "Brody, you're a married man!"

He stepped toward me, his face etched with a mixture of guilt and defiance. "But we have no relationship!" he insisted.

"But I need peace of mind, too! This isn't about whether you have a romantic relationship with Sonia or if you're cheating with her or not. This is about me as your fucking wife!"

Brody swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing visibly. My eyes burned, red-rimmed from anger, frustration, and tears I refused to let fall. How could he not see that he'd done something wrong?

"No matter what explanation you give, I can't believe it anymore. I gave you three months to sort things out. I tried to forget what kind of relationship you had with Sonia before. I tried to talk to you, but it wasn't enough! I wanted to salvage our marriage or even our friendship, but I've had enough, Brody!"

I clenched my teeth, struggling to hold back the grief.

"At first, you supported her financially; then, there were several out-of-town trips with Sonia. And now this last thing-letting her stay in our home..."

I wasn't sure if it was because of their past open relationship or if they were used to having other partners stay over. Just the thought made my stomach churn.

"Maybe you didn't realize, but my feelings for you are real!"

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For a moment, Brody's face softened.

"That's how I know you don't love me," I explained, swiping angrily at the tears that had begun to fall despite my best efforts.

"No, I love you, Jane!" Brody protested, taking a step toward me.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. "Don't feed me that bullshit, Brody! My heart has suffered too much, and the layers of lies are only crushing me more!"

Confusion clouded his expression. "But it's true. I've always treated you well because I love you."

"No! Lies! If you truly loved me, you'd first consider how I feel. You wouldn't let someone who makes me uncomfortable stay in our home!"

Brody grabbed his head in frustration. "But Jane, Sonia is the past. She's just a secretary now. I gave her a job because she needed it."

"Brody, you wouldn't be supporting Sonia's lavish lifestyle if she were just a plain secretary," I spat. "You wouldn't let her stay in our penthouse apartment or borrow my nightgown if that's all she was! What kind of fool do you take me for? Do you honestly think I'm naïve enough to swallow these lies?"

My husband trembled, clearly unsure of how to fix things. He was still trying to make amends. "Listen, I'll cut all ties with Sonia if that's what you want."

"But is that truly what you want, Brody? Because if it's not, I can guarantee we'll find ourselves right back here in this same predicament. We'll end up arguing about her again, and you might even throw this back in my face someday." His broad shoulders slumped.

"I've made my decision. What I want is peace of mind, which I now realize you're incapable of giving me, Brody! The way you justify your 'professional relationship' with Sonia leaves me constantly on edge. You keep making excuses and never face the truth!"

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Without sparing him another glance, I turned and walked out of his mansion.

It wasn't until the crisp morning air hit my skin that I realized the state of my attire: I was clad only in Brody's oversized T-shirt and lace panties.

I had no choice but to call Sarah. After just two rings, she answered.

"Where are you, Jane? That imbecile Jakob informed his cousin yesterday that I took you to BM Technologies. When Brody Martin showed up at Emily's, I was trying to keep you from going with your husband, thinking you'd be more composed this morning, but you were so stubborn, clinging to Brody like a lifeline."

I winced. "Sarah... I don't know where I am. I'm just wearing Brody's big old T-shirt. Please tell me you're still in Henderson."

"Yes, I'm still here, waiting for your call. I told Philip last night I wouldn't leave you stranded."

Relief swept over me, quickly followed by a rush of emotions that nearly made me lose control. Tears stung my eyes. Damn him!

The scent of fabric softener and the faint traces of Brody's cologne on the collar made it feel like he was still there with me, haunting me.

Sarah's sleek black Audi pulled up to the curb after what felt like an eternity but was probably only ten minutes. We didn't speak, but I leaned against her.

As we drove back to Highland Hills, I couldn't help but question whether I deserved Sarah's forgiveness, especially since I hadn't given my husband a fair chance.

I missed Sarah-my best friend, my rock-with an intensity that surprised me.

Simultaneously, my traitorous body yearned for Brody's tender touch, the way he used to cradle me in his strong arms, his lips pressed softly against my forehead. Did I go too far with my decision?