“I… should sit at the back seat?” she repeated, just to be sure she heard him correctly.Cole nodded. “We’re doing something right now.” He lifted his hand, still entangled with Maria’s.Amanda almost slammed the door and hailed another cab. But curiosity—and disbelief—kept her rooted. She had to see how this played out.She slid into the back seat. Cole didn’t even loosen his grip on Maria’s hand.Amanda’s stomach churned. She had never cheated on Cole. Never. Not even in a contract marriage. Never allowed a man to kiss her on the forehead… but here he was, calm as ever, holding another woman’s hand, and telling her to sit in the back.How could a man change so fast? She hadn’t expected this from Cole.“Did that help?” Cole asked as he started driving again.“Kind of,” Maria replied. “But I was expecting it on the lips.”Amanda’s blood boiled.“So… tell me more about your mother,” Maria continued casually.Wait… Cole already told this woman about his mother? Amanda’s heart sank. She

Amanda was having one of the worst days of her life.Some messed-up guy had just walked past with dirt caked all over his shoes. She had no idea where he came from, but the entire place she’d cleaned seconds ago was ruined—like she had been slacking on her job.As if this wasn’t insane enough already.She had to keep her face covered the entire time, terrified that one of her fans might recognize her. For whatever ridiculous agreement she had made with Cole that landed her here, she honestly didn’t know anymore. No idea at all.She didn’t even want to think about what happened the night before. The memory was still crawling under her skin.Fuck.She forced the thoughts away.“Are you done, honey?” the other cleaner asked—a slightly elderly woman, her voice gentle.Amanda tried to smile. Respect, right? “Just one second.”A few moments later, they walked out together. The work for the day was done.They were handed twenty-five dollars.Amanda almost slapped the note into her uncle’s fa

Her phone rang immediately after. Tiffany.Amanda almost declined the call. Almost. She wasn’t scared of that brat—but she also didn’t want Tiffany running her mouth later.She answered.“Did you see the picture I sent you?” Tiffany asked, her voice dripping with mockery.“What should I do with AI-generated images?” Amanda said, forcing her voice into something careless. Light. Almost bored.“She said AI-generated images,” Tiffany burst out laughing on the other end. “I love your delusion, but I don’t have the time—or the patience—to be creating shit.”“I wouldn’t put it past you,” Amanda shot back. “You already go around taking pictures of him.”“Pick one story and stick to it,” Tiffany snapped. “Do you know it’s real or don’t you? Because I’m about to blow your mind and send you the exact address where I saw your husband and some hot woman romancing on the street.”Amanda’s fingers curled into her palm. “Send it,” she said quietly. “If you dare.”“Already did. And we both know the b

“I think this house will be best for her,” Maria said after the realtor finished the tour. “It’s quiet. Very spacious. She could even have a small garden in the yard.”“Yes, ma’am,” the realtor replied smoothly. “The flowers are handled by the best horticulturist in the city. I can assure you—your mother-in-law will love it.”“She’s not my wife,” Cole said quickly.“Oh—” the realtor smiled sheepishly, clearly trying not to stare at Cole’s hand still intertwined with Maria’s. “My apologies.”“It’s fine,” Maria said lightly.“I’ll make the payment now,” Cole added.Minutes later, the documents were signed electronically. The realtor thanked them repeatedly and left.Cole checked the time. “It’s been one hour.”“That was fast,” Maria said as his hand slipped from hers. “I wish it could’ve gone on a little longer.”Her smile was soft. But not innocent at all. Cole didn’t catch the hint.“Like I said,” Maria continued easily, “I already called my partner. You heard how excited he was on t

The last—not even one of the top one million things—that Cole expected was to walk in and see dinner already set.Not that Amanda didn’t make meals when he wasn’t around. She did. Plenty of times.But… this was different.This was suspicious.You had to be traumatized to be suspicious of peace the way Cole was—but hey, honesty mattered. And right now? She was acting way too nice. Freaky nice.“How was your day, babe?” she asked, a big smile stretching across her face.Cole’s eyes scanned the room before he even answered.“Your parents?” he whispered.She laughed lightly. “Come on, we’re the only ones here.” Then, casually—too casually—she added, “You’re going to take a shower before dinner, right? I made your favorite.”She pointed both hands dramatically at the table like she was presenting a prize.Cole stared at her.Then at the food.Then back at her again.Is he… really safe?“You can go shower,” she said, already pushing him toward the bedroom.Cole let himself be pushed. Not li