The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 20

Ramona had the nerve to bully her and her daughter like that? One day, she’d make sure to pay her back a hundredfold.

That evening, when Jotham came home, Brianna had prepared a lavish dinner. Knowing Ramona was out, Brianna was in high spirits—finally, just the three of them, free to enjoy a peaceful dinner without any outsiders.

Brianna and Milo chatted happily, but Jotham barely managed a smile. Even with the table piled high with food, he barely touched his fork before pushing his plate away, claiming he’d lost his appetite and retreating to his study to work late.

Work was a mess, and things at home were hardly any better. Jotham’s head throbbed with the weight of it all. And if Ramona got her way this time by throwing a tantrum, who was to say she wouldn’t threaten him again in the future?

The more he thought about it, the tighter his chest felt. Especially when his mind wandered back to Ramona, then the pressure grew unbearable.

He tried to focus on work, but his attention kept drifting. He picked up his phone, staring at Ramona’s number, his thumb hovering over the call button. At the last moment, he forced himself to put it down. If he caved now, she’d only have more power over him.

Jotham spent the entire night distracted, keeping his distance from Brianna. Even when she knocked on his door, he brushed her off with the excuse of being too busy.

“Ramona isn’t coming home tonight. Are you missing her?” Brianna asked as they were getting ready for bed, catching the faraway look in his eyes.

Jotham scoffed, reaching over to muss her hair. “Thinking about her? Sure, I’m thinking. I’m wondering how she could throw such a fit over my mom and Eulalia.”

“She’s never lost her temper with you before. Does that scare you?”

“Scared of what?”

“Scared of losing her?” Brianna’s probing was obvious, but Jotham felt too drained to spar with her tonight. He just let out a cold laugh. “Don’t say nonsense.”

With that, he clicked off the bedside lamp, set his phone aside, and ignored her. Brianna wanted to say more, but he’d forced the conversation to an end.

Feeling a sting of defeat, Brianna waited until Jotham was sound asleep, then quietly unlocked his phone. To her surprise, his screen was still open to his chat with Ramona. Two hours ago, Jotham had sent her a message, trying to talk, but she hadn’t replied.

No wonder he’d been glued to his phone all night, pretending to be busy with work, when really he was just waiting for Ramona’s response.

Watching him sleep, his brow still furrowed in worry, Brianna felt a chill sweep through her heart.

...

The next evening, as dusk settled, Jotham was stuck at work, entertaining clients. Suddenly, his long-dormant college alumni group chat sprang to life, his phone buzzing with one message after another.

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