Chapter 2

Chapter 2

He glanced at Jax with a casual air of defense that was actually nothing more than a show of absolute dominance.

"Watch your mouth, Jax. Show some respect. Your sister-in-law is sensible and knows how to look at the bigger picture."

Jax immediately threw his hands up in mock surrender, the teasing grin still plastered across his face.

"Just joking around, man! She is way too generous to hold a grudge against me over a little banter."

Jax turned to me, winking playfully.

"Right, sister-in-law? We have known each other for years. You know how my mouth runs."

Easton took another drag of his cigarette and pointed his smoking finger lazily at Jax.

"Alright, that is enough. Apologize to your sister-in-law."

Jax dragged out his voice in a sarcastic, mocking drawl.

"Yes, boss! My bad, sister-in-law! I have got a trash mouth, so please be the bigger person and let it slide."

I watched the two of them put on their little performance, watching Easton sit behind his wall of smoke as if he owned the entire universe.

The frozen lake inside my heart did not stir with a single ripple.

I did not acknowledge Jax's insincere apology, nor did I look at Easton.

I simply nudged the signed agreement toward Easton, grabbed my designer clutch, and spoke in a quiet voice.

"I am heading home first."

Easton seemed thoroughly pleased with my submissive reaction and gave a quick nod.

"Yeah, go ahead. I probably won't be home for dinner tonight, so don't wait up for me."

Without a moment of hesitation, I turned and walked away from the scent of alcohol, expensive cologne, and fake laughter.

Behind me, their hushed voices rose again in amused conversation.

"Seriously, Easton, she is way too obedient. She signed a divorce decree without even blinking an eye. Does she really do everything you say without ever stepping out of line?"

Easton's smug voice drifted through the air, slightly raspy from the smoke.

"What, are you jealous?"

"Hell yeah, I am! Where on earth do you find a wife that docile?" Jax chuckled weirdly. "Though... her reaction was a little too calm, don't you think? Signing so easily... could she be plotting something big behind your back?"

Easton let out a dismissive scoff.

"Plotting what? You have been watching too many movies."

"Hey, you never know!" Jax's voice rose with sudden excitement. "A woman's mind is a mystery, bro. How about we make a bet on whether she actually shows up at the city clerk's office in twenty days to finalize the divorce?"

"A bet?" Easton sounded mildly amused.

"Yeah! I bet she won't show up! Or even if she does, she is going to make a massive scene instead of quietly ending it like this!" Jax shouted. "What are the stakes? A sports car? A luxury watch? How about that new Patek Philippe you just imported?"

Another friend chimed in with a laugh. "Damn, Jax, you have been eyeing that watch forever!"

Easton stayed silent for a few seconds as if considering the offer.

Then, the sharp click of a lighter echoed, followed by Easton's confident, mocking voice.

"Sure. Let's bet. But you are definitely losing."

He spoke slowly, letting every single word land with absolute certainty.

"I bet you that in twenty days, at nine in the morning sharp, she will be standing at the entrance, dressed impeccably with her hair and makeup done perfectly."

He paused, painting the scene like a script he had already written.

"Even if she is dying inside, she will quietly sign the final papers just like today, without a single word of complaint. You don't know her at all, Jax. You are handing me that watch."

"Damn! You are that confident? Then it is a deal! I am already clearing space on my wrist for that watch!"

Jax cheered, and the rest of the circle joined in with roaring laughter, treating my life and marriage like a cheap parlor game.