Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 142

But the moment Mr. Smith pictured Effie’s porcelain skin, her graceful figure, and above all, the faint, intoxicating scent that seemed to linger around her, he felt his heart stir with longing.

Desire crawled beneath his skin, itching like a swarm of ants, impossible to ignore.

He glanced over at Mrs. Smith, sitting quietly beside him. She was only in her thirties, but her complexion looked dull and tired, makeup barely masking the exhaustion etched into her features. Her clothes were plain, her style uninspired—nothing about her caught his interest anymore.

The more he looked, the more resentful he became. It was maddening, the way life turned out when you compared yourself to others.

What on earth had he been thinking, marrying such a dreary woman?

Mrs. Smith had grown accustomed to his constant criticism and belittling. Her expression remained unchanged, as if she hadn’t heard a word.

If he refused to listen to reason, then he could face the consequences. People who overstepped their bounds deserved whatever punishment came to them.

A flash of malice flickered beneath Mrs. Smith’s lowered lashes.

...

Restless and flushed, Mr. Smith suddenly remembered an old acquaintance he hadn’t seen in years.

He picked up his phone and dialed her number.

Isabel was in the middle of dance rehearsal when the call came through, and the sight of Mr. Smith’s name on her screen made her heart skip in alarm.

Damn it, why would he call me now?

Mr. Smith was a reminder of her past she’d rather forget—a chapter she had no desire to revisit.

Back when she was just breaking into the industry, Isabel had done what she had to in order to get noticed. Mr. Smith had taken a liking to her, and thanks to his influence, her career took off quickly. But that favor came at a price, leaving plenty of leverage in his hands.

Now that Isabel had become a renowned dancer and A-list celebrity, she wanted nothing more than to sever all ties with him.