Chapter 6: The Other Woman

He paused, swirling his scotch in the glass.

“I’m not saying you’re not good, Rachel. You’ve always been perfect in my heart... It’s just that Ashley is different.” Her name on his lips made me want to gag.

“She’s not as smart as you, not as strong as you. She’s very obedient. So obedient that when she found out she was pregnant, she was terrified, but just cried and asked if she was causing me trouble.” He actually smiled at the memory, like her helplessness was charming.

He pulled at the corner of his mouth, helpless, sure, but also weirdly proud—like a dad showing off a new car.

“Rachel, I’m a man. I need to feel needed too.” He stood, straightening his jacket. “With you, I always felt like I was the one who needed more. You never really needed me, did you? Your trust fund, your connections, your strength—you would’ve been fine without me.”