The Eight Year Lie Of My Fake Secretary Wife

The first time I went to my wifes company to ask for sick leave, the receptionist was visibly baffled.

You have to be kidding me, sir. The person youre referring to... shes the owner of this entire corporation.

She tilted her head, her smile fading. And our owner and her husband come and go together every day.

Her husband definitely isnt...

The elevator doors opened.

In that next second, my wifewho should have been confined to a sickbed in our shabby apartmentstepped out, smiling brilliantly, arm in arm with her college sweetheart.

Our eyes collided. Her smile fractured, freezing on her face.

I looked at the cashmere and the diamond watch, the sheer extravagance clinging to her, and the tears that came felt like a bitter, hysterical laugh.

That single one of your dresses is worth a year of my wages, but you played the role of a secretary making forty grand a year.

You took my entire savings to start this company, then told me you were broke and in debt. I worked three jobs just to help pay it off, so exhausted I didnt dare take a day off even with a fever.

Tell me, Blair. Why did you play me for a fool?

Blair Caldwell fumbled for words, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly.

Her companion, Miles Albright, stepped forward before she could speak.

Its not a mystery, man. When I got married, she promised me shed wait. Her company, her successits all part of the future she built for us. He shrugged, adjusting the cuff of his bespoke suit.

So, no. She really doesnt have a dime she can give you.

It was then I realized the depth of the deception. Not only had she hidden her entire identity and fortune from me, but she had made a lifelong vow of fidelity and commitment to another man.

Yet, I was Blair Caldwells legal husband, Noah Harrison.

Could she truly walk away and leave me with nothing?

Blairs hand reached out for my shoulder. I flinched, pulling back abruptly.

Her hand hung in the air, then dropped with a sigh.

Noah, listen to me. I loved the simplicity of the life we had. I really did. I never planned to keep this from you forever. I was going to tell you the truth... soon.

Soon? Eight years, Blair! Weve been married for eight years! Was that not long enough? My voice was trembling, the rage a fragile thing beneath the surface of my shock.

Or did you just think I was a fool you could lie to for the rest of your life?

She tried to take my arm again. Its not like that, Noah.

I took a shaky step back. My feet felt unstable because the soles of my shoes were worn flat, but Id never felt I could justify buying a new pair.

My gaze settled on Miles Albright. He was wearing gleaming custom oxfords, a charcoal gray suit that screamed couture, and on his wrist, a Patek Philippe. Id only ever dared to peek at those through a jewelry store window.

I remembered joking with Blair years ago: When youre rich, buy me a Patek, too.

She had laughed, ruffling my hair. I promise. Ill buy you two. One to wear, one to keep in a safe.

She had bought one. Shed just given it to him.

Fighting the sickening bile in my throat, I forced a smile. Not like what? Then what is he?

Blair glanced nervously at Miles. Miles is just a friend.

Miless smug expression immediately soured. Blair!

She grabbed his arm, shooting him a silent look, then turned back to me, her voice dropping to a low, urgent murmur.

Trust me, if I were involved with Miles, you wouldnt have lasted this long. He just got divorced. Hes been really unstable, and Im just trying to look out for him.

Hes always loved a cruel joke. He was just messing with you now. Dont take it to heart.

Noah, you have to believe me.

Believe her.

I flashed back to our first year of marriage, her first supposed failed startup, and the fifty thousand dollars in debt. The day the angry creditors showed up, she was huddled in the corner, sobbing, telling me how sorry she was. I held her and told her it was okay, wed face it together.

That night, I emptied my savings account. Twenty thousand dollarsmy entire safety net. I pressed the debit card into her hand. Take this. Well figure out the rest. I believe in you.

She cried in my arms for hours, promising shed never betray my love.

Eight years of deceit. That was her definition of not betraying me.

Believe you? I heard a strangled, watery sound that might have been a laugh. My cheeks were wet.

Blair Caldwell, look me in the eye and tell me again that you are just friends?

She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

That silence was more brutal than any confession. I knew I didnt need to ask anything else.

I took a deep, shuddering breath, wiping the tears away.

Blair, lets get a divorce.

Its seven words. Thats a million a word. A seven-million-dollar buyout of our marriage. To seal your freedom with him. That seems like a bargain.

Blair seemed genuinely panicked.

Noah, you need to calm down. Lets go home and talk.

I cut her off. You mean the seven-hundred-dollar-a-month apartment with the peeling paint on the walls?

I wanted to laugh again, a truly terrible sound.

Her expression tightened. She reached out to grab me. Stop making a scene. Its unprofessional.

Let go, I ground out.

She held firm. Not until you promise to come home and talk this through.

Miles, watching our struggle, drawled, Mr. Harrison, if you ask me, you should be grateful. If you think the money is too little, Ill tell Blair to up your monthly allowance. Five thousand. No, make it eight thousand. That should cover your expenses, just try not to be too extravagant.

His words were more painful than a punch. I thought of the endless string of calculated, careful days: the sale-rack groceries, the used shirts I bought on eBay, the badly trimmed hair I cut myself.

The rush of humiliation was overwhelming.

One of my arms was locked in Blairs grip. The other one moved, an instinctual, desperate reaction, and I slammed my open palm across Miles Albrights smug, self-satisfied face.

The crack of the blow echoed in the silent, polished lobby.

Time seemed to stop.

A few seconds passed before Miles reacted, clutching his cheek, his eyes wide and wet with rage.

Blair! He hit me! It hurts!

Blairs reaction was immediate. She shoved me away. I staggered backward. My lower back slammed into the sharp corner of the reception desk. A white-hot burst of pain exploded in my spine. I hadn't even found my footing when she grabbed me again.

Noah Harrison! Are you insane! she screamed, shaking my shoulders and then delivering a vicious, final push.

The world tilted.

My head hit the corner of the heavy marble table with a sickening thud. A dull, heavy pain radiated from the back of my skull. I reached up and felt the slick warmth of blood.

I gripped the table, struggling to stay upright. My vision was blurry, but I saw her clearly: she was cradling Miles's face, meticulously checking his cheek.

It hurts, Blair, it hurts so bad... Miles whimpered.

Blair patted his back like a childs. Its okay, darling. Im right here.

Then she looked up at the stunned receptionist. Are you blind?! Cant you see Miles is hurt?! Get an ice pack! Now!

The young woman gasped and scrambled away to find the ice pack.

The blood ran down the back of my neck, warm at first, then chilling as it soaked into my collar. I was cold. I was cold all over.

Blair finally turned back to me. Go home. I have to take Miles to the emergency room. We can talk about us another time.

My vision was swimming, but I fought to keep my voice steady.

Blair Caldwell, as of today, we are done.

She frowned. What are you talking about?

You think seven million is too much? Fine. The savings you owe me, the eight years of my life you stole, the blood I just shedIm going to get it back. Every last cent, in court.

The community property. The company she started with my money. The profits. The houses, the cars, the luxury watches she bought him. Everything. I would claim my rightful share.

Miles shot up, his eyes blazing. Youre dreaming!

I didnt answer him. I simply turned and walked toward the main doors. Every step sent a jolt of throbbing pain through the back of my head. Every step, I bled.

But my back was straight. A man can fall, but he must never bend.

Whether I was dreaming or not, my lawyer would soon answer.

It was dark by the time I left the law office. I drove home, wincing from the headache, and as soon as I stepped inside, I saw an open suitcase in the middle of the living room.

Blair was folding dresses into it. Miles was sprawled on our threadbare couch, scrolling on his phone.

Youre back? Blair looked up, her tone as calm as if nothing had happened.

Good. I have something to tell you.

Miless body is sensitive. That slap you gave him made his heart race. The doctor says he needs constant care. Ill be staying with him for a few days.

I barked a laugh. Dont bother telling me. Were in a divorce cooling-off period, Blair. You can live wherever you want. I dont need a report.

She let out an impatient sound. Noah, dont be like this. I know youre emotional, but we can talk later. Miles needs me now.

Need.

When she needed me, I was there.

When I needed her, she was with someone else.

Was it fair? No.

But marriage isn't about fairness. Its about willingness. I had been willing for eight years. Now my heart was dead, and my willingness was gone.

Fine, I said, turning and walking into the bedroom.

She probably expected me to break down, to beg, to try and stop her.

I didnt.

I opened the closet and began tossing her belongings into the case. My hand paused only when I reached a photo frame. It was our wedding picture. She was beaming. My eyes were full of light.

Noah, what are you doing? She followed me in, and there was a tremor of genuine alarm in her voice.

Youre leaving, arent you? I continued throwing things into the suitcase without looking at her.

Im helping you pack. Saves you a trip.

I said its just for a few days

Then dont ever come back. Take your things, and the man who needs you, and get out.

Miles appeared in the doorway.

Blair, are you still going to the yacht auction tonight? You promised to bid on that limited edition watch for me...

Yes. Blair answered instantly, not sparing me a glance. I keep my promises.

Hearing her reply, Miles looked at me, a smirk playing on his lips.

A high-society event like that... I doubt Mr. Harrison has ever been to one. I suppose its for the best. Lots of rules, not suitable for someone... impulsive like Mr. Harrison.

Blair turned back, offering an explanation. Noah, Im not excluding you. Its just that these events are for business partners. We have to be careful what we say and do. I was worried you might not fit in, that you might say or do something to offend an important client

I cut her off, cold. Are you done?

She blinked.

I pointed to the door. Then get out. Get out of my apartment.

Noah, this is our

No. This is mine. I pay the rent. I pay the utilities. I bought the furniture and appliances. What did you contribute in eight years, other than your presence?

She opened her mouth, ready to argue, but the words died in her throat. Because I was telling the truth. For eight years, the household money she gave mefive thousand a monthwas just enough for rent and basic expenses. When I said it wasn't enough, she told me to be thrifty. I was thrifty while she squandered fortunes on another man, and still called him just a friend?

Her tone went frigid. Fine. Ill go. But youll regret this!

Go!

The door slammed shut, and the apartment fell silent.

It was too quiet. I could hear the hum of the refrigerator, and the frantic drumming of my own heart.

I sank slowly to the floor, wrapping my arms around my knees.

Tears fell, hitting the worn linoleum floor. One drop, then another.

I dont know how long I sat there. The phone buzzed.

I picked it up. A photo from an unfamiliar number.

On a luxurious hotel bed, Blairs face was soft in sleep. Miles was nestled against her chest, giving the camera a triumphant thumbs-up.

Below the photo was a single line of text: Thanks for making it possible.

I stared at the image for a long, steady moment.

Then I replied: Thank you, too.

For sending me the proof. My private investigator hadnt been able to confirm physical infidelity. That would have complicated the divorce proceedings and limited my claim to the marital assets.

Now, I had it.

But the accident, the truly unexpected blow, came suddenly.

My stomach had been cramping painfully since I left the law firm. I drove to a walk-in clinic, which sent me to the ER.

The doctor told me I had severe gastric ulcers and internal bleeding. He gave me a prescription and told me to rest.

I sat in the waiting room, staring blankly at the lab report. Thats when I heard the familiar voices down the hall.

The doctor said youre delicate, Miles. You need to take it easy and avoid stress.

Miless voice was his usual, soft coo. I know, but Im a little cold. Will you hold me tonight, Blair?

I instinctively tried to get up and leave, but I turned the corner right into them. Blair was leaning on Miles, her face alight with an affectionate, doting smile.

Seeing me, they both froze.

Blair instantly dropped Miless arm and hurried over.

Noah, what are you doing here? Are you okay? Are you feeling sick?

There was a flicker of genuine concern in her eyes. For a split second, I almost believed she was the wife who used to stay up all night with me when I had a headache.

I quickly tucked the lab report into my bag. Routine checkup. Nothing to worry about. I didnt want her to know.

Blair hadnt seen my move, but Miles had.

He sauntered over.

Blair, Im thirsty. Can you get me a bottle of water?

Blair glanced from me to him, hesitated, and then conceded. Okay. Wait here.

Once she was gone, the kindness instantly vanished from Miless face.

Did you get the picture? Blair is so captivating when she sleeps, isnt she? She likes to spoon, and her arm holds you so tight.

Even as I told myself I was over her, the words still twisted something agonizingly deep in my gut. Eight years of devotion wasnt something you could excise easily.

I frowned. Move.

He blocked my way, his eyes locked on the bag where Id hidden my report. Youre sick, arent you?

None of your business.

He smiled, a flicker of pure malice in his eyes. Blairs future is my business, so...

He pulled a small utility knife from his pocket.

I scoffed. I advise you to put that away. This is a hospital. If you injure me, youll regret it.

He grinned. Then, with a sudden, vicious movement, he slashed a line across his own wrist.

Ah! Blair! Hes crazy! He cut me with a knife!

Blair came sprinting back. The water bottle she held clattered to the floor and rolled far down the hall. She grabbed Miless arm. When she saw the gash, her face went deathly pale.

I was stunned. My voice shook. It wasnt me! He did it to himself! Call the police! Yes, call the police! Check the knife for fingerprints

Before I could finish, Blairs foot shot out and slammed into my abdomen.

A searing, blinding pain erupted.

Miles whimpered again. Blair, it hurts.

Blair didnt even look at me. She threw her arm around Miles and ran toward the emergency room. Hold on! The doctor will be right there!

I collapsed, clutching my stomach. My heart felt like it was tearing apart. I doubled over and coughed up a huge mouthful of blood.

I heard the frantic scream of a nurse: Security! Help! Now!

Through the blurring darkness, I saw Blairs footsteps hesitate, and the look of cold, stark fear on her face.

...

When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed. A dull ache radiated from my stomach. I touched the areasurgical stitches.

It was night. Rain was falling outside the window.

The door creaked open. Blair walked in, her dress rumpled, her face etched with exhaustion.

She sat by my bed and was silent for a long time.

Noah, Im so sorry. I was panicking... I didnt know you were sick.

I closed my eyes, turning my face away.

But its okay, she rushed on, reaching for my hand. I told the doctor to perform the surgery immediately. Everything is fine now.

I pulled my hand back, tears stinging my eyes.

Her voice cracked. Noah, please. Look at me. I was wrong... Im begging you, just look at me.

Im sorry, I truly am...

Just then, her phone rang. She wiped her eyes and answered it.

The corridor outside was quiet. I could hear the voice on the other end: a court clerk.

She hung up after a long moment.

You filed for divorce...?