My Husband Chose His Secretary

Married to Travis Armstrong for three years.

He was 35.

I was not yet 21, just starting my senior year in college.

I hadn't decided if I wanted to be a full-time housewife when I overheard him casually chatting with his business associates:

"Chelsea, apart from being young, doesn’t bring much to the table."

"Skyler is so much more sophisticated."

"I'm starting to regret marrying. Keeping a younger girlfriend would be cheaper. A divorce now would be a huge loss."

Without hesitation, I handed him the divorce papers.

When he saw the stark terms indicating I was leaving without any claims, he let out a long sigh of relief.

He then feigned generosity, saying, "I'll transfer two million dollars to you as compensation."

I refused with a smile, "I'm still young. I can afford to take risks."

What Travis didn't know was that my brother, Garrett, had been the one supporting him in the New York City business scene. All these years, his entry into elite circles was solely because of Garrett’s backing.

Divorcing me was just the beginning of his losses.

---

During my senior year internship, I thought I’d get a glimpse of my handsome husband more often.

I boldly applied for a position at Travis’s company. As a low-level intern, I kept a low profile, so much so that Travis wasn’t even aware I was there. I made sure not to disturb or distract him.

Occasionally, I overheard interns gossiping about Travis. I listened quietly and never joined in.

"Mr. Armstrong is really handsome. At 35, he's in his prime."

"Too bad he's married, and his wife is apparently just some nobody."

"Why can't I have that kind of luck..."

When I was 18, Travis had been upfront about his intentions from the start. He proposed immediately, with a ring. I responded with equal enthusiasm. After a year of dating, we got married. It was impulsive, exhilarating, sweet, and filled with happiness.

He had given me a whirlwind, fairy-tale romance, a thrilling love that swept me off my feet. If I hadn't joined his company as an intern, I might never have uncovered his secrets.

Skyler Gardner.

Travis's secretary.

Seductive, beautiful, the epitome of a mature woman.

She frequently traveled with Travis for work and joined him at social events. She managed the company’s affairs skillfully, sometimes even showing more acumen than Travis himself.

Before they knew Travis was married, everyone at the company assumed Skyler was the boss’s lady.

In the cafeteria, as I grabbed lunch, I overheard veteran employees who had worked with Skyler gripe and gossip.

"Travis has no clue how stunning Skyler is. He doesn’t appreciate her."

"Skyler made a big move leaving her executive role at a public company to become his secretary."

"Just watch, once the excitement wears off, Travis will divorce and end up with Skyler."

Rumors were rampant, but I brushed them off.

After all, the passion between Travis and me played out every night.

Until one evening, at a company event, Skyler got drunk and confessed her feelings for Travis in front of everyone.

Calling it a confession is an understatement; it was more like an ultimatum for Travis to make a choice.

Skyler asked if she held a place in his heart.

Travis stayed silent for a long time.

Skyler pressed again, "If I mean nothing to you, why won’t you approve my resignation?"

Travis, looking strained, finally replied with one word, "Yes."

Then he gazed at Skyler with intensity, "You matter to me, I can't do without you, which is why I cannot approve your resignation. Is that clear?"

Skyler laughed, downed a glass of whiskey, and walked out with her purse.

The room fell silent for a moment.

Travis followed her out.

The gathering was attended by colleagues who had known Travis and Skyler for years. I wasn’t there, but my lively friend Kamari, who loved gossip, recorded the scene and sent it to me privately.

Kamari texted me, "Do you think something will happen between Mr. Armstrong and Ms. Gardner tonight?"

I replied, "Probably not...right?"

"They're both adults, known each other for ages, shared deep feelings, drank, confessed—do you really think nothing will happen?"

I firmly typed back, "Travis is married; he should know his boundaries. Besides, Skyler doesn’t need to be the other woman!"

"You're probably right. But whatever happens, we’ll find out tomorrow."

I didn’t understand what Kamari meant by "we’ll find out tomorrow."

But the moment I exited our chat, I got my answer.

Travis messaged me, saying he wouldn’t be home that night because of an impromptu work meeting.

A tremor ran through my heart.

I immediately called him.

At first, no answer.

I dialed several more times before he picked up.

"Sweetheart, my phone was on silent; I didn't hear it. What's up?"

I suppressed my emotions, my fingernails digging into my skin.

"Are you really not coming home tonight?"

"Yeah, there's a gathering. Everyone’s here. I can't leave, hope you understand."

I clenched my jaw and persisted, "Are there any women at this gathering?"

He paused, chuckled, "No, are you checking up on me now? Want me to video call you to prove my innocence?"

As he spoke, I heard the rustling—a sound of expensive dress shirts brushing against hotel bedsheets.

In the past, when our love was wild, that sound was familiar.

A muffled groan escaped from Travis’s lips.

The knot in my heart unraveled in that instant.

After sharing so many intimate moments in three years, I knew all too well what that groan signified.

It was the release of emotion after intense pleasure.

I doubted even Travis noticed that detail.

Good.

I didn’t need to catch him cheating.

He'd already crossed that line.

I forced a bitter smile, "No need for a video, I’d rather not blind myself."

"Have fun. I'm going to bed."

My heart felt dead, ready to hang up.

Travis's voice came through again, hoarse and low, "Sweetheart, we sealed a big deal tonight. Starting tomorrow, everyone has to work overtime. I might be late. Don't wait up for dinner."

Is it working overtime on business or with Skyler?

It no longer mattered to me.