Disposing Of My Safe Bet

I chose Mike because he was the only man in our circle who didnt come with a warning label.

He was the anomalyhe didnt smoke, he rarely drank, and he possessed a sense of boundaries that was almost architectural in its precision. In a world of men who treated infidelity like a corporate perk, Mike was the "Safe Bet."

But at our companys annual gala, the man who prided himself on sobriety ended up in the ER because hed spent the night drinking on behalf of his new assistant.

I didn't cause a scene. I didnt scream. I simply waited for him to come home, lined up every expensive bottle from our cellar on the kitchen island, and gestured to them.

Drink up, Mike. You seemed to enjoy the hospital bed so much the first time, I thought you might want a permanent reservation.

He ended up back in the hospital the next day.

Even then, I said nothing. I continued to appear by his side at board meetings and charity brunches. But the thing about rules is that once theyre broken, they dont just bendthey shatter. Trying to glue the pieces back together only leaves you with something jagged, ugly, and unrecognizable.

A last-minute crisis at my own firm kept me an hour late for the gala.

By the time I stepped into the ballroom, the air was thick with the scent of expensive cologne and desperation. The party was in full swing, a chaotic blur of champagne and forced laughter.

I spotted Mike immediately.

He was at the center of a group of tech moguls, but he wasn't alone. A young girl I didnt recognize was clinging to his arm like a decorative vine. When a glass was pushed toward her, she tilted her head back, looking up at Mike with wide, pleading eyes.

Mike looked down at her with a flicker of what looked like weary affection. Then, with a practiced grace, he took the glass from her hand and toasted the executive across from him.

Shes allergic to alcohol, he said, his voice carrying that steady, protective weight. Ill take this one for her. Don't give her a hard time.

The protectiveness was visceral. It was a slap in the face delivered with a smile.

I raised an eyebrow, handed my coat to my assistant, Shirley, and walked toward them. The crowd parted like a receding tide.

Mike saw me first. He didnt move toward me, though. He just gave me a curt, professional nod. The girl didnt let go of his arm; if anything, she tightened her grip.

One of the vendors, a man named Miller whod been trying to get her to drink, gave her a pointed look. This is Mrs. Harrison. Mikes wife.

The girl beamed instantly. Oh, hello! Im Lexi, Mr. Harrisons new Executive Assistant. You can just call me Lexi.

She said it while her hand remained firmly anchored to Mikes bicep. Neither of them seemed to realize how damning that looked.

I let out a soft, dry laugh and turned to Miller. What were we discussing?

Before Miller could answer, Mike cut in. Youre just in time, Jade. You should toast Mr. Miller on Lexis behalf.

I shifted my weight, tilting my head as I looked at him. On whose behalf?

Mike, I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous silkiness. The new girl doesn't know the rules. Have you forgotten them too?

Mikes expression stiffened. He looked uncomfortable as he handed the glass back to Lexi. This is your first time meeting my wife. You should be the one to toast her.

Lexi pouted, taking the glass with a visible lack of enthusiasm.

I guess some women are just born lucky, she chirped, her voice dripping with backhanded sweetness. Married to a man as patient and sophisticated as our CEO. No need to work, just show up and have everyone bow to you. It must be nice. Some of us actually have to break our backs just to keep our heads above water.

She held the glass with one hand while the other stayed locked on Mike. Her tone was a toxic blend of condescension and poorly veiled contempt.

I glanced at Mike. He was watching her with a deep, unreadable intensity. He made no move to correct her.

I ignored her entirely and looked back at Miller. I believe I heard you mention that Mike was feeling generous today? Something about a limited-edition designer bag as a year-end bonus for his assistant?

Lexis face darkened instantly. She looked like a child whose candy had been threatened.

Mike frowned, stepping forward to take my hand. Jade

I caught his eye, a cold, sharp warning, and he went quiet. Miller, a man who survived on reading the room, gave a nervous laugh and looked away.

I knew everything I needed to know in that moment.

I didn't interrogate him. I simply signaled Shirley.

Shirley, I want a full tally of every female employee at Harrison Group, whether theyre here tonight or not.

Yes, ma'am?

Every single one of them gets a limited-edition bag. Anyone who doesnt want the bag gets the cash equivalent. Plus, a ten-thousand-dollar performance bonus for the top tier. Dont bill the corporate account. Take it out of my personal trust.

Lexi scoffed, her voice a loud whisper. Must be nice to spend the CEOs money like that

She thought she was being quiet. In a room full of sharks, she might as well have been screaming.

Miller, who had been entertaining her five minutes ago, let out a sharp, mocking bark of laughter.

Sweetheart, let me give you some free advice. If youre going to be a social climber, at least check the weather report. Your bosss wife is the sole heiress to the Kensington empire. She doesn't need his money; she is the money. Even Mikes mother treats her with kid gloves. You? Youre just a temp with a loud mouth.

Lexi turned pale. But she didn't apologize to me. Instead, she looked at Mike with the watery, helpless eyes of a wounded animal.

Mike looked at me, theneither out of spite or sheer stupidityhe reached out and ruffled Lexis hair right in front of me.

Shes still learning, Jade. Its fine. Lexi, apologize to my wife. Just be more careful next time.

Lexi bit her lip, clutching Mikes arm with both hands now. Im sorry maam.

Miller snorted.

I felt a laugh bubbling up in my chest, bitter as bile. If youll excuse me, the Kensington gala is still wrapping up across town. I need to be there.

I turned to the group. If any of you have time later, feel free to drop by for a real drink.

I took my coat from Shirley and walked out without looking back. Not once did I acknowledge Lexi again.

I hadnt been at the other venue for thirty minutes before Shirley found me.

Ms. Kensington, she whispered. The word from the other party is that Mr. Harrison has been rushed to the hospital.

I raised an eyebrow, signaling my VP to take over the conversation while I pulled Shirley aside. What happened?

Apparently, the new assistant said something else offensive, Shirley said quietly. Once you left, people started intentionally trying to get her to drink. To see what would happen. Mr. Harrison played the hero. He drank every single glass meant for her. And then his stomach gave out.

For the first time that night, I actually laughed. Quite the knight in shining armor.

Get the car. Ill go to the hospital.

I arrived at the private wing an hour later. Shirley led me straight to Mikes room.

As I reached for the handle, I heard the sound of muffled sobbing from inside.

Im so sorry, Mike, Lexis voice wailed. If I could handle my liquor, you wouldn't be in this bed. Its all my fault. Please let me stay and take care of you. I wont be able to sleep if I leave.

Through the small window in the door, I saw her. She was clutching Mikes hand, her face a mess of tears and mascara.

Mike didn't pull away.

Instead, he reached out a trembling hand and brushed a tear from her cheek. Its not your fault, he whispered. I did it because I wanted to.

Because he wanted to.

I stood in the hallway and laughed again, silent and cold. I suppose not every hero saves the girl out of duty. Some do it because theyre looking for a way out of their own lives.

I didn't open the door. I turned around and walked out.

When Mike texted me later to report his condition, I sent back a two-word reply: Copy that.

On the day Mike was discharged, I was finalizing a major acquisition. He messaged me saying he was waiting downstairs.

I didnt decline the ride. A well-timed public appearance with my husband kept the tabloids quiet and my professional standing stable. I still had a use for Mike Harrison.

I walked to the car, and as I reached for the passenger door, the window slid down.

Lexi poked her head out, a triumphant, bright smile on her face.

Oh, sorry, Mrs. Harrison! Mike just got out of the hospital and I was so worried, I insisted on coming along to keep an eye on him. You dont mind, do you?

My face went cold. I didn't look at her. I looked at Mike.

Are you going to tell her to get out, or am I going to have someone drag her out?

The "innocent" smile froze on Lexis face. She looked at me, a flicker of genuine hatred masked by a sudden pout.

I was just worried. I stayed in the front seat so I could make sure he didn't get dizzy while driving.

She didn't move. Mike didn't tell her to move.

I smiled, pulled out my phone to call security, but Mike finally spoke.

He looked past Lexi at me, a small, patronizing smile on his lips, his tone "warm" and "indulgent."

Lexi, honey, get in the back. Listen to her.

Only his eyes were different. They were cold. Empty.

Lexi climbed out with a theatrical sigh and slunk into the backseat. I stood by the open passenger door and didn't move.

Mike met my gaze. After a long moment, he unbuckled, got out, walked around the car, and adjusted the seat to my exact preference. Then he held the door, shielding the roof so I wouldn't bump my headthe perfect, attentive husband.

I ignored him. I pulled a silk handkerchief from my bag, covered my nose, and said, It smells like trash in here.

My own driver pulled up behind us at that exact moment. I walked away from Mikes car and climbed into the back of my own.

In the rearview mirror, I saw Mike still standing there, holding the door for a ghost. He looked like an idiot.

Mike arrived home minutes after I did.

He walked into the foyer and reached for my coat, hanging it up with a sigh. Youre still acting like were newlyweds, Jade. Always looking for a reason to be dramatic.

He was referring to the beginning.

When we first married, his mother tried to pull the traditional card. She demanded I be in the kitchen at 5:00 AM every morning to make breakfast for the family. I had agreed with a smile. The next morning, I sent the staff away, locked the kitchen windows, turned on the gas range without lighting the flame, and waited.

When the levels were high enough, I tossed a lit Zippo into the room.

The explosion blew out the windows and woke up every living soul in the estate. As the smoke cleared and my mother-in-law came screaming downstairs, I stood there in my silk robe and smiled at her.

Im sorry, Beatrice, Id said. But my hands aren't built for anything heavier than a pen. If you ask me to cook again, I might accidentally burn the whole house down next time.

Now, Mike was smiling at me. I didn't let her stay in the car. I came home alone.

I didn't say a word. I just nodded toward the bar, where the maid had already lined up every bottle from the cellar.

Drink. Since youre so fond of being the hero. You looked so happy in that hospital bed; I figured youd want to earn your way back there.

Mike blinked, stunned. Then, he started to laugh.

He took my hand, kissing my knuckles. So thats what this is.

I was wondering why you were being so petty with a new intern. Youre jealous because I stepped in for her. Jade, Im actually flattered. Youre usually so cold, so composed. I thought you didnt care enough to feel anything for me.

He leaned in to kiss my lips. I turned my head, and his kiss landed uselessly on the corner of my mouth.

The same man. The same routine. But for the first time, I felt a physical sense of revulsion.

I looked into his eyes. They were the same eyes Id seen in the photos before our mergerdeep, soulful, seemingly full of tenderness.

I traced his cheekbone and sighed. You have such beautiful eyes, Mike. Its a shame

A shame what? he asked, confused.

Its a shame youre blind.

I pulled my hand back and drained the first glass the maid had poured.

Of course I care. Were a strategic alliance. Our contracts are woven so tightly theyll outlive us both. And honestly, I liked you as a person. You were stable. You were clean. You had boundaries. You were the one thing in my life that didn't require constant management.

I met his gaze, my smile fading. Because dealing with a husband is much easier than dealing with a husbands scandals. Now, finish the bottles. Don't make me ask again.

Mike ended up back in the hospital that night.

The maid called the ambulance. She also told me that the moment he was admitted, Lexi appeared. She was hunched over his bed, sobbing as if shed just been widowed.

Apparently, someone had leaked the news to Mikes mother.

Beatrice had been looking for a reason to claw at me for years. She called my cell, her voice shrill with indignation.

Jade! We brought you into this family to be a wife, not a drill sergeant! If youre so incompetent that you cant keep your husbands heart, thats your problem! Youre a disgrace!

I hung up. I sent a text to Shirley:

Cancel the new partnership with the Harrison-Reed firm. Ill cover the penalties personally.

Beatrices maiden name was Reed.

Ten minutes later, the phone rang again. It was Beatrice. Her tone was significantly softer.

Why dont you come over for dinner tonight, dear? Ill have the chef make those scallops you like.

Well see, I said coldly, and hung up.

When I left the office that evening, Mike was waiting at the curb.

He looked pale, his face drawn. Hed followed orders this time; Lexi was nowhere to be seen. I didn't ask him how he felt. I just climbed into the back seat.

The silence in the car was suffocating. Mike was radiating anger, but I didn't have the energy to soothe his bruised ego. I kept my eyes on my phone, answering emails.

We pulled up to the Harrison estate thirty minutes later. Mike didn't wait for me. He slammed his door and marched inside.

I knew this wasn't just a dinner.

Sure enough, when I walked into the drawing room, Beatrice was sitting on the sofa. Lexi was tucked right beside her.

Beatrice was holding Lexis hand, looking at me with a smirk that felt like a challenge.

Lexi is such a sweet girl. So attentive. So thoughtful. Beatrice patted the girls hand. Unlike some people, she actually knows how to treat a man with respect.

Lexi looked up at me, her eyes dancing with malice. If youd like, Mrs. Harrison, I can come by more often to keep you company. Between helping Mike at the office, Im happy to make sure youre looked after.

Beatrice beamed. What a darling. Honestly, if my son weren't already married, Id She trailed off, then turned to Mike. Mike, what do you think? Maybe I should just adopt her as a goddaughter.

My useless husband was busy peeling an apple, a faint smile on his face, saying absolutely nothing.

I didn't even take off my coat. I stepped forward.

A goddaughter? Why go through all that paperwork? Lexi, where are you from originally?

I looked at her, my voice sharp and clear. Ill have Shirley prepare the dowry tonight. We can send a car to your parents house by morning. Mike is technically pre-owned, but hes high-maintenance and well-groomed. Hell suit a girl like you perfectly.

The room went dead silent.

Beatrice stood up, slamming her hand on the table. Jade! How dare you! Have you no respect for your elders?

I smiled, but the warmth didn't reach my eyes. Respect? Beatrice, have we met? I thought you knew by nowin this world, I am the rules.

Oh, and one more thing, I added, turning toward the door. Ive just pulled out of all other Reed family ventures. Goodnight. Enjoy your dinner.

I walked out to the sound of Beatrices screeching, leaving the three of them behind.