My Cheating Ex Is Now My Housewife While I Rule His Empire

My husband was celebrating another womans birthday. The despair had hollowed me out, leaving me standing on the edge of the penthouse balcony.

Just as I prepared to step over the railing, a torrent of texta frantic, unsolicited Live Feedflashed across my vision.

[DONT YOU DARE, SIS! That dog of a man will be on his knees for you soon!]

[If you die now, youll miss the whole damn show where he regrets everything!]

[Dont believe us? Two minutes. Hes going to text you to run a bath and wait up for him!]

I stood there, paralyzed by the sheer audacity of the words. A split-second later, my phone vibrated in my hand.

Gavin: On my way home. Run a bath for me, will you?

The text was there. Exactly two minutes later.

I believed. This wasn't a hallucination; it was a divine, chaotic intervention sent to teach me how to win my life back.

So, following the bizarre instructions of The Feed, I adjusted the subtle, suggestive bruise on my necka deliberately ambiguous red markand braced myself to greet my late-returning husband.

The sound of the lock turning in the door was my cue. I took a deep, steadying breath and opened the door.

Gavin Caldwell was standing there, his arms wrapped around a heavily intoxicated Gwen Foster. The air around him was thick with expensive cologne and stale alcohol. His brow was furrowed in his usual, preemptive scowl, ready with his standard excuse.

She had too much, I was just

I actually have to go out tonight. I cut him off before his practiced denial could fully form, my voice as soft and inviting as a spring tide.

He froze.

I stepped aside, offering him a pleasant smile. Just get her settled. Take a shower and get some rest when you're done. Don't worry about the house; the cleaning crew will handle it tomorrow.

This stream of cooperative, not-a-tear-in-sight, utterly accommodating dialogue stunned him into silence.

Gavins gaze finally pulled away from his confusion and landed on me.

For the first time in months, he looked at me like I was a stranger he was assessing.

I was wearing a sleek black silk slip dress, which subtly defined curves I hadn't let him see in years, and his eyes snagged immediately on the glaring red mark high on my neck.

His face darkened instantly.

What is that on your neck?! Gavins voice held a rare, shaky tremor.

I instinctively reached up to cover it, feigning a fleeting moment of panic. Its nothing, probably a mosquito bite?

Without waiting to see the full fury on his face, I grabbed my clutch from the sofa, clicked my heels, and walked straight past him.

Where in Gods name are you going?! His voice, tight with suppressed rage, exploded behind me.

I didn't turn back, leaving him only with the image of my confident, swaying silhouette.

Outside, the cool night air sent a shiver down my spine. I leaned against the exterior wall, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm.

Feed, I whispered to the empty air, was that was that right?

Instantly, the dense lines of text swarmed around me again.

[YES! Absolutely! You are the QUEEN!]

[Did you see the look on that dogs face? Im living for this!]

[You were too much of a good girl before, Helena! He thought you were his permanent fixture!]

[Remember: Good women get a nice headstone; bad women get everything!]

I thought of Gavins stunned, disbelieving furya sign of engagement and attention I hadn't received from him in ages. I felt a rush of adrenaline.

I believed The Feed more than ever.

[You need to commit to the bit! Sis, go to a nightclub! Let him spin out trying to find you!]

A nightclub?

I was naturally reserved; I barely dared to raise my voice.

But The Feed was relentless, a hundred invisible hands pushing me forward.

The deafening music, the flashing, dizzying lights, the writhing mass of people on the dance floor. I perched awkwardly in a corner, nursing a single drink for ages without taking a sip.

[Dont be shy, Queen! Youre gorgeous! Own it!]

[Get up! Feel the rhythm! Release the demon!]

Fueled by the chaotic energy of The Feed and the atmosphere, I found myself, almost involuntarily, stepping onto the dance floor. My movements were stiff at first, but slowly, I let the music consume me. For the first time, I realized how exhilarating dancing could be.

When I was finally exhausted, I returned to the booth and picked up my phone, which Id silenced.

The screen blazed with: Missed Calls (27)

Gavin Caldwell.

My husband, who had been emotionally distant for an entire year, had called me twenty-seven times?

After a year of me being the one desperately trying to reach him, the sight of those missed calls was deeply satisfying.

[Ignore him! Let him stew! He needs to know what its like to be cut off!]

I dutifully slipped the phone back into my bag, a sly smile creeping onto my face.

Honey, I thought, it's not that I don't want to call you back. It's that I need to make you... fall in love with me again.

Youll understand, right?

I stayed out all night.

I returned to the apartment the next morning, exhausted and faintly nauseous from the lingering scent of alcohol.

The living room light was on. Gavin was slumped on the sofa, his eyes bloodshot, an overflowing ashtray at his feet.

Seeing me, he bolted toward me, grabbing my wrist with a desperate urgency. His voice was hoarse. Where were you?!

I caught the cloying, residual scent of Gwens perfume on his shirt.

When I remained silent, his face contorted in disbelief. This isnt like you! You never stay out all night!

I lifted my eyes and blinked innocently.

Whats the big deal about staying out late?

Gavin, were adults. Doesnt everyone need their own life?

My retort silenced him instantly. The bloodshot eyes, for the first time, held a foreign mix of confusion and a flicker of genuine panic.

Isnt that what you always used to tell me? I tilted my head, smiling sweetly. You said you were busy. You said you had obligations. You said adults always need their own space.

I tossed his own dismissive, well-worn phrases right back at him.

My heart was racing, my palms sweating from the sheer tension of the performance.

[Steady, Queen! Dont break character! You are now the Empress Helena Barrett!]

[Yes! Fight fire with fire! So satisfying!]

The Feed provided an infinite well of nerve.

Just then, the master bedroom door clicked open.

Gwen Foster, swathed in an oversized silk robe, rubbed her sleepy eyes and strolled out, radiating a lazy, practiced sensuality.

That robe was my favorite one.

In the past, this sight would have sent me into a jealous frenzy, ready to claw her eyes out.

[The mistress is here! High drama alert! Remember, whoever loses their temper first, loses the game!]

I took a deep breath. Calmness was my greatest weapon.

Gwen feigned surprise upon seeing me, covering her mouth with a hand, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness. Oh, Helena! Youre back! Im so sorry, I drank too much last night, and Gavin was worried Id ruin my dress, so he just he just grabbed one of your robes. You dont mind, do you?

Gavins face was awkward and tight. Her clothes were stained. I just grabbed the first thing.

Mind? I laughed, walking directly up to Gwen. My tone was full of reproach, but directed pointedly at Gavin. Gavin, how could you give Gwen one of my old, worn-out things? Thats so thoughtless.

I took Gwens hand and, with startling affection, led her toward my walk-in closet. Under the astonished gaze of both of them, I pulled a brand-new, never-worn silk slip dress from the closet and pressed it into her hands.

This ones new; it hasn't even been worn. The color will look stunning on you. Go put it on, darling. Its perfect.

[HOLY CRAP! That is next-level queen behavior! Psychological warfare!]

[Gwens face is GREEN! She tried to provoke you, and you treated her like she was picking up discards!]

I ignored their petrified expressions, returned to the bedroom to change into a crisp, business-ready pantsuit, and picked up my bag.

Passing through the living room, I stopped at the hallway safe and removed a small velvet box.

Where are you going?! And what is that?!

Gavin finally snapped out of his shock and grabbed my wrist.

I gently, but firmly, pulled my hand away and opened the box. Inside, nestled on the satin lining, was a brilliant sapphire jewelry set.

Oh, this? I picked it up, my tone intimate, laced with playful complaint. The Azure Heart, remember? The one you spent eight million at auction for the year we got married? The same set you wanted to give Gwen but never did.

Gavins pupils contracted sharply.

I looked at Gwen with a faux-apologetic expression. Im sorry, Gwen, its not that Im stingy. Its just that Mrs. Sinclair, the wife of the CEO of Sinclair Holdingsthe massive account Caldwell Industries is chasingsaw this set a few days ago. Im meeting Mrs. Sinclair for afternoon tea today. Im giving her this as a gift to finalize the partnership.

Are you insane?! Gavins voice trembled with disbelief. You know how much you cherished this set! You wouldnt even let me touch it back then!

Ive had a change of heart, I looked at him earnestly, my gaze clear. Its just jewelry. Its been sitting there gathering dust. It should be used to achieve greater value, don't you think?

I smiled, closed the box, and patted his shoulder. You two enjoy your time at home. Im leaving.

I clicked my heels and walked out without looking back.

As I got into my car and closed the door, I held the velvet box to my chest, and a sharp, familiar pain pinched my heart.

After all, this was once my most treasured proof of his love. Giving it away, no matter the reason, hurt.

[Dont be sad, sis! You have to risk the bait to catch the whale!]

[Closing the Sinclair deal means at least fifty million in profit for Caldwell Industries! You're a shareholder! You're getting paid!]

[Think bigger! You traded his tainted jewelry for money and power! Most importantly, he will see you in a completely new light!]

I looked at The Feed, took a deep breath, and nodded firmly.

The Feed was right.

I needed to think bigger. Sacrificing a material object for a massive business advantage was absolutely worth it.

When I presented "The Azure Heart" to Mrs. Sinclair, the look of unbridled delight in her eyes was all the assurance I needed.

Predictably, the partnership between Sinclair Holdings and Caldwell Industries was swiftly finalized, and I was personally named the lead project liaison by Mrs. Sinclair herself.

The following days were a whirlwind.

I plunged back into the corporate world I had abandoned three years ago, absorbing everything like a sponge. Meetings, reports, corporate dinners my schedule was packed tight.

[Go, Queen! Let him see how utterly captivating you are when you focus on your career!]

[Thats right! Ignore him! Men only slow down your money flow!]

The Live Feed was my unwavering support system.

I could feel Gavin's eyes constantly lingering on me, filled with curiosity and a complex emotion I couldn't quite decipher.

But I had no time to respond.

Firstly, The Feed forbade it; secondly, I was genuinely too busy.

The night of the massive celebration gala, as the project lead, I was required to attend with Gavin.

I changed into a champagne-colored mermaid gown, which perfectly sculpted my slender figure.

When I stepped out, Gavin was leaning against the wall, waiting. The moment he saw me, his breath visibly hitched, and his eyes held a look of undisguised admiration.

I felt a surge of secret satisfaction but kept my face cool. I merely asked, Shall we go?

His Adams apple bobbed. He silently stepped forward and opened the door for me.

Just as we were about to leave, a syrupy voice chirped from the side.

Gavin, darling, Helena! Where are you two off to?

Gwen materialized seemingly out of nowhere, holding a glass of deep violet juice. She took a theatrical stumble and lunged straight toward me!

The icy liquid splattered across my champagne dress, instantly spreading a large, glaring stain.

Oh! Im so sorry! Im so sorry, Helena! Gwen shrieked in manufactured distress, tears instantly welling up. I didnt mean to I just slipped What are we going to do? Tonights gala is so important. You cant go without a dress. We cant let Gavin go alone, can we?

She was apologizing, but every word carried a clear implication.

Gavins initial surprise turned into a hesitant look as he saw my ruined dress.

After a few seconds of silence, he actually spoke. Maybe Helena, you should go home and change. Were running out of time. I can take Gwen to the venue for now.

[NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT!]

[The audacity of this man! Can he really not see through that manipulative witch?!]

[If you obey, Queen, all your efforts will be for nothing! He will immediately revert to treating you like the pitiful, disposable wife you used to be!]

I looked up at Gavins hesitant, yet somehow entitled, expression. Without a moment of hesitation, I swung my hand and delivered a clean, sharp slap across his face.

Snap!

The loud crack echoed through the marble entryway.

Gavins head jerked to the side. He stared at me in stunned disbelief.

Shes immature, but you, Gavin? You should know better. My voice was icy.

Then I turned to Gwen, who was still mid-act, covering her mouth, a triumphant glint in her eyes.

Snap! Snap!

I backhanded her twice, the force sending her sprawling onto the floor, momentarily stunned.