My Husband Wants An Open Marriage (Julie and Ryan)

CHAPTER 020: My Wife

Julie laughs, but it's more nervous than before. "That's the point, right? I mean, it's supposed to look real."

I watch her carefully. I don't even know how to answer that without giving myself away.

I see something flicker in her eyes-something unsure, maybe even vulnerable. But she brushes it off, returning her focus to the iPad, as if that will shield her from whatever tension is building between us. "Let's get back to the plan," she says.

And so we dive back into the details, hammering out strategies and scenarios, but all the while, I'm watching her, realizing what I really want.

I want Julie.

I'm determined to get her.

I'm going to play along with her stupid plan-because one way or another, she's going to end up mine.

I drop Julie off in front of Paragon Jewels, my eyes following her as she steps out of the car. She adjusts her blouse, throws a glance at the building, then back at me. Her smile makes me wonder if she can read my thoughts. God, I hope not. If she knew the whirlpool of ideas and let's be honest-desires swirling around in my head, she'd probably sprint up those stairs without a second look.

"Thanks for the ride," she says. "It's not every day a girl gets chauffeured by her fake boyfriend. Also, thank you for today. I really enjoyed myself."

I smile, leaning against the driver's seat, watching her. "I'm here to serve, princess. Perks of the job."

"Yeah, well, don't let it get to your head."

"Too late for that."

She gives a playful sigh before turning to face the glass doors of Paragon Jewels.

"Luke," she calls over her shoulder, "don't wait. You don't have to."

I nod. "I know. But I want to."

Her eyes soften for just a second, and then she turns, walking inside the building.

For a moment, I don't move. I just watch her figure disappear.

I lean back, waiting until I see her step into the elevator and out of sight.

Showtime.

I have a meeting with Ryan, and I don't want Julie to know about it. She might get worried.

It's not like I, myself, haven't thought this meeting through. I have. Over and over again.

I push the car door open and stride into the building.

The lobby is too perfect, as usual. Gleaming floors, meticulously arranged flowers. But my eyes catch on

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CHAPTER 020: My Wife

the lady standing by the receptionist's desk. A bit too eager.

She steps forward the moment she spots me, flashing a smile so wide it almost hurts to look at. "Mr. Martinez, my name is Lucy," she chirps. "Mr. O'Brien asked me to escort you to his office."

I raise an eyebrow. "Oh? Couldn't trust me to figure out how an elevator works?"

Her smile doesn't falter. "It's just procedure," she says. "Right this way.

Sure, it is. I follow her, hands in my pockets. It's obvious why Ryan sent her. He's playing his game, trying to make sure I don't stray toward Julie's office on the way up. He doesn't want me anywhere near her, even if he's the one who left her in the first place. The irony is almost laughable.

Lucy leads me into the elevator. It's a quiet ride up.

The elevator dings, and we step out into the upper-floor hallway. As we approach Ryan's office, she turns to me with another bright smile. "Here we are. Mr. O'Brien will see you now."

I step into the office, and there he is-Ryan O'Brien, sitting behind his oversized desk, looking every bit smug. His suit is sharp, his expression sharper. He stands up, offering a hand. "Lucas," he says. "Good to see you."

"Likewise," I say, taking his hand. It's a strong grip, but squeeze back just a little harder.

We exchange the usual pleasantries, talking about business deals and markets as if there isn't a massive elephant sitting right between us. I can feel the tension building. I can see it in his eyes, the way they narrow slightly whenever I mention the marketing department, Julie's department, the way he tries to steer the conversation back to neutral ground.

Finally, after what feels like an hour of bullshit small talk, Ryan leans back in his chair. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you."

"Go ahead," I say, though I know exactly where this is going.

"You know, I love my wife, Julie, so much." He says it like a confession. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for that woman. She and I, we've been through some storms together. Friends storm, family storm... even a literal storm." "A storm?" I ask.

"Yeah. A giant tornado. Almost died. Best near-death experience of my life." He laughs. "And through it all, we're still waxing strong."

I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

Ryan continues, undeterred. "Her family is my family, her friends are my friends. You know how it is when you're in love, right? You become one." "That's right," I say.

"Well, Julie told me you're a friend of hers."

"She did?"

He nods. "That means you and I are more than just business partners now. We're family."

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CHAPTER 020 My Wife

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"I appreciate that, Ryan," I say, trying not to let my annoyance show.

He smiles. "I just want to make sure we're on the same page." He leans forward, eyes boring into mine." Julie's... important to me."

"I'm sure she is. She's a special woman."

Ryan doesn't look comfortable. "Right," he says, leaning back in his chair. "So, it's true, then. You're her friend?"

"I guess I am."

"And there's nothing more to it?"

I tilt my head, feigning ignorance. "Something like what?"

"I don't know," Ryan says, his voice growing more strained. "Maybe a little extra?"

I give him a blank look. "Extra how?"

He sighs. "You know what I mean."

"Do I?"

Ryan's jaw clenches, but he doesn't back down. "Mr. Lucas," he says, his voice low, "are you fucking my wife?" Today's Bonus Offer