Things between Arthur and Lyla seemed to have become a bit tense.

Nora Madison was the one who gossiped about it.

Arthur started a company that contracts writers to produce online novels, and Nora was a top editor at his company. I was the one who recruited her, so we were pretty close.

Ever since she found out the reason for my divorce, she had been furious and had been voluntarily reporting to me on Arthur and Lyla's latest developments.

After Arthur and I signed the divorce papers, he became pretty depressed and often stared blankly at our photo on his desk.

On the contrary, Lyla was visibly excited and strutted around the office with a newfound arrogance.

[Avery, you wouldn't believe it. She acts like she owns the place, bossing everyone around.]

[A homewrecker secretary rising through such shameful tactics, where does she get the nerve? I bet Mr. Ford doesn't even like her.]

She said Lyla had been overly attentive to Arthur recently, even at the company. She would link arms with him and cling to him in front of everyone, coming and going as a couple.

But lately, Arthur was clearly annoyed with her. Employees often saw them arguing in the stairwell.

Lyla tried to kiss him, but he pushed her away so hard that she slammed into the wall, her hair coming undone.

Some employees felt a bit sorry for her when they saw this, but most said she deserved it.

Nora's was gleeful as she gossiped with me.

[A mistress will always get her comeuppance!]

[I've read too many novels about chasing wives till they're cremated, and now seeing it in real life is really satisfying. Avery, let me tell you, Mr. Ford is trying every way to win you back now, and he doesn't want to deal with that Lyla at all.]

I laughed, releasing a sigh of relief.

This situation was within my expectations. Arthur's affair was a fact, but it didn't necessarily mean he was indeed in love with Lyla. After ten years together, seeing my face every day, he was probably just bored and looking for something new.

Lyla was using this as her leverage, but it was clear she was going to lose badly.

I didn't like getting involved in these kinds of things, but I wasn't a saint either. Seeing them suffer brought me more joy than I'd like to admit.

So, I sent Nora a coffee cards as a gift, which she repeatedly refused.

[I just can't stand seeing a scumbag and his mistress," she said. "I hope you're not too upset, Avery.]

[I was pretty heartbroken when I found out, but I'm feeling better now.]

I added: [But I can get you coffee.]

Nora sent a cute emoji and accepted it.

[Thanks, Avery. Mr. Ford's life is going to be miserable without you.]

[Everyone knows half of this company's success is thanks to you. I have no idea what he sees in Lyla.]

I smiled but didn't reply anything.

[But I'm still curious. Lyla graduated from a prestigious university, too. How could she stoop so low? If I were her, I'd be disgusted with myself.]

[Sometimes education doesn't reflect a person's character.]

[You're right, Avery.]

After that, Nora went back to work, and I exited to open Emmett's messages.

Since that day, Emmett and I had grown closer, and he often invited me out under the guise of easing my stress.

After several outings, his friends started giving us knowing looks.

But I didn't refuse. Partly out of a desire for revenge and partly because I didn't know many people in Mayby, nor did I have much of a social life, spending my days under constant pressure from readers to update my writings. Having some diversion wasn't a bad thing.

Moreover, Emmett is indeed very handsome, standing at six-foot-three with a well-built physique, exuding a rugged charm just by being there.

He was exactly the type I go for at this age.

Arthur was handsome and well-built, too, but by comparison, he was practically a beanpole.

I looked down at Emmett's message.

[Want to hang out tonight?]

[Sure.]

Emmett's daily activities fit his tough-guy image perfectly.

The first time we went out, he took me to a boxing gym.

He taught me how to throw a punch, where to channel my strength, and where to hit for a knockout.

I spent a day punching a sandbag until it broke, feeling exhilarated, and Emmett gave me a thumbs up.

The second time, he took me to a paintball range.

We chased each other through dense woods. I was quite the novice, so Emmett pulled me behind him, lifted his gun, and fired away at the opposing team.

He looked attractive when he closed his eyes to aim, his muscles tensing and forming sexy lines. I couldn't resist reaching out and touching him.

His body stiffened for a moment, and he turned his head to look at me. He didn't stop me, but his ears turned red.

At first, I felt embarrassed about my wandering hands, but eventually, I just let myself go.

What did it matter? We had already been intimate.

Once the divorce cooling-off period was over, I was completely free.

But I didn't expect Arthur actually to come to Mayby to reconcile with me.

That night, after an exciting escape room adventure with Emmett, I was still buzzing with excitement, discussing the plot in the car. When we got out, I saw Arthur at the entrance of the complex. I was stunned, and so was he.

Arthur's face turned ashen. He rushed over, grabbed my wrist, and demanded, "Who is he?"

"None of your business."

I tried to break free from his grip but to no avail.

Arthur was furious. "Avery, we're not divorced yet!"

I gave him a cold look and scoffed, "You cheated on me even when we were married."

Arthur's face turned pale momentarily, his mouth opening and closing without words.

"I...I know I was wrong. I never really thought about splitting up with you.

"I do love you, but why would you do the same?"

I tilted my head, amused as I watched him.

Emmett got out of the car, came over, and pried his hand off me, chuckling.

"Love her? Save the lies for your buddies, don't fool yourself too."

"What the hell are you supposed to be?" Arthur spat.

Emmett curled his lip.

"Her lover."

Arthur's face went white in an instant, his lips trembling as he looked at me questioningly.

I nodded with a smile amidst his frantic gaze.

"Avery! Do you really need to demean yourself just to get back at me?"

"What, you can have a mistress, and I can't seek some excitement? Be fair, Arthur."

Arthur's body swayed. "Avery, please don't hurt me like this."

I laughed joyously.

"Once the cooling-off period for the divorce is over, we'll be strangers on different paths. Why should you care what I do? Is Lyla's bed uncomfortable?"

"I never thought about leaving you..."

"But I have, Arthur. You disgust me. Don't learn the hard way. I, Avery, am never the soft-hearted type."

I scoffed, brushing past him, but he grabbed my wrist.

He turned, his eyes rimmed red under the streetlight.

"I don't mind this incident, can we not divorce?"

I glanced at him and pushed his hand away.