[BL] Dear Hushand, I want divorce-Chapter 48: Game of jealousy?

Ash’s pov ;

It feels like the same cycle again. First, he cheated with Samantha, then that strange perfume scent on him, and now this girl.

Will he cheat on with this girl as well?

Am I not worth nothing to him? Am I just a toy that he can play around with whenever he feels bored?

No! Since when have I lost my worth?

Since when have I become this fragile, that he can easily break me with his touch?

This is not me. This is not the Ash who always fights. I’m not a crybaby, so why am I crying?

I roughly wiped away my tears and straightened my posture.

No, I won’t let him have the satisfaction of seeing me hurt. I won’t show him the vulnerable side of mine.

I’m not an emotional mess who needs constant attention and affection.

"She’s hot, isn’t she?" A voice spoke behind me. I glanced over and saw Ryder standing with one hand in his pocket and another one holding a glass of drink with a wide smile on his face.

He was looking at the woman and Elijah. I didn’t reply.

"She’s the famous model, Victoria. She’s the biggest name in the modeling industry right now. Her shows are always sold out. And she’s single."

"I don’t care about the information." I raised an indifferent brow at him. "Why are you telling me this?"

He laughed. He’s always so silly.

"I thought you’d like the information," He nudged me and winked.

"No, I don’t. I’m not interested in knowing about other people’s personal lives."

"Really?" He frowned. "How about this? Elijah and her have known each other for a long time."

I glare at him, trying not to show how much his words affect me. "What are you getting at, Ryder?"

He grinned mischievously, his eyes twinkling. "Nothing. I’m just sharing general information."

"Whatever," I sighed.

"You don’t seem to be enjoying the party," he asked, gesturing to the crowded hall.

"I’m not," I replied honestly.

"Hmm, thought so," he nodded in acknowledgment.

We stood there in silence for a few minutes. My eyes were unwantedly focused on Elijah. I couldn’t look away, no matter how much I tried.

"You know, sometimes it’s important to let your feelings out instead of bottling them up," Ryder suddenly spoke in a solemn tone contrary to his usual playful nature.

I looked at him in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"The reason you’re not enjoying the party. You’re angry and sad because of something, and you’re hiding it behind a smile. Don’t you think it’s better to just admit it instead of pretending?"

I glanced at him and found him staring at me with a knowing expression. I was surprised to see him serious for once.

"What are you talking about, Ryder? I’m not pretending. I’m perfectly fine," I lied in a weak attempt to look strong.

"Are you really? Then why your eyes are red? You look like you’ve been crying.

He’s sharper than I thought. I mean he’s a top-class businessman, so obviously, he’s not that dumb.

I averted my gaze, looking back at Elijah and that model.

"You’re right, but...it’s not something I can just say aloud," I muttered helplessly.

"Why not? When we feel bad, we need to let it out. It’s not healthy to keep it all inside. You can’t move forward if you’re stuck in the past."

His words struck me deeply.

"I guess..." I murmured, feeling conflicted.

He patted my back and gave me a reassuring smile. "Elijah can be a pain in the ass, but deep down, he’s a good guy. I’m aware you guys have your own misunderstandings and problems because you both are idiots. But if you both keep this going, you guys will get nowhere. You will just hurt each other. So, if you have something to say to him, just say it."

"Easier said than done," I mumbled, feeling defeated.

"That’s true. But sometimes, it’s worth it. Take one piece of advice from me. Just say whatever you have on your mind out loud to him, let him know you’re feeling sad, happy, angry, or anything at all. Let that bastard know how you truly feel. Because even you have realised by now how slow he is."

I couldn’t help but laugh. "How come he’s only slow when it comes to understanding my feelings but not when he cheats on me?"

"Did he tell you that he cheated?" His tone was extremely defensive and offensive.

I turned to him with a confident look. "I have proof, Ryder. The photos Samantha sent me--"

"One thing I for sure believe is Elijah is a man of his word. And he’s not scared to hide anything, he does everything openly. So, if he’s cheating and gets caught, he would admit it. I have trust in Elijah and he’s not a man who will go behind someone’s back to hurt them intentionally."

"You think I’m lying?" I asked, incredulously and feeling blamed for being lying.

He shook his head. "Absolutely not. I’m just stating opinions otherwise I’m no one to speak in between your matters. Whatever is happening is not my business, I’m not a cupid. You guys have a problem, it’s between you two and it will get solved only when you both talk it out. But if Elijah says that he didn’t cheat on you, then I’ll believe him. And if you can’t believe him then it’s also fine. It’s your journey to test Elijah and your relationship with him. Take as much time as you want."

When I didn’t speak, he added, "You have every right to doubt him. It’s natural, and I’m not saying that he’s completely innocent. But I am 100% sure that unless he admits it himself, there’s no way he would hide something so big."

I shot him a sharp look. Everything he was saying made perfect sense, and yet, I didn’t know what to think. I still felt conflicted and confused.

"You’re his best friend, so I understand you’ll say such things," I laughed bitterly.

"I’m not just his best friend. I’m his only friend and also someone who knows him better than anyone else. And the reason I’m telling you this is that, even though I care for Elijah and want him to be happy, I’m not blinded by our friendship. I can see his flaws and mistakes too. He’s not the perfect human being, far from it. And he makes a lot of mistakes, but do you really think that if he had cheated on you, I would support him? You’re equally important to me, Ash, so don’t think so lowly of me."

I stared at him for a moment, speechless. My heart squeezed at his words, and I felt a rush of warmth and affection from him. "I..am?"

"Of course, silly," he gave me a devastated gasp. "Did you forget I have taken you as my younger brother?"

I let out a soft chuckle and a small smile curled my lips. "Who said I want to be your brother?"

"You little--" He growled dramatically

"I’m just kidding," I laughed, punching his arm.

"You better be," he grumbled. "Now tell me what you were upset about."

"Elijah and that girl..." I admitted trailing off my words, glancing back at them. The girl was still standing there, laughing with Elijah.

"Hmm, are you jealous?" He teased with a smirk.

I sighed. "Maybe."

"So, what’s the big deal about that? If you are jealous then make him jealous as well," He suggested so casually that it took me a moment to register his words.

"What?" I asked with wide shocked eyes.

Is it even possible to make Elijah jealous? I feel like that man is made of a stone. Nothing can affect him. And why would he feel jealous, it’s not like he has feelings for me.

But I have never seen him getting jealous or anything, so it’s making me curious about his reaction.

"Two can play this game, right?" Ryder playfully took a sip of his drink without taking his eyes off me.

I stood flabbergasted and gulped nervously. "How...?"

"Oh, come on. Don’t give me those puppy eyes. I’ll help you out to make him jealous. Now, do you know how to dance?"

I bit my lip and contemplated. Part of me knew whatever he was planning would be a terrible idea and another part wanted to take the risk.

"No, at all," I shook my head, not getting his point.

He laughed and rolled his eyes. "Good. Because I have the perfect plan."

He smirked, his eyes bright with mischief. And before I could ask what his plan was he was moving towards the stage.

"Ryder wait-!"

"Just watch," he winked and climbed the stairs. He cleared his throat and tapped the microphone.

"Excuse me, everyone," He spoke with a loud voice, capturing everyone’s attention.

"I just wanted to thank all of you for coming tonight. It’s a huge honour to be here in front of so many amazing and talented people. And I’m sure everyone is having a great time."

The crowd cheered, and he continued. "Now, let’s have a little fun. We’re all here to enjoy ourselves, aren’t we? So, why don’t we dance? But with a twist."

He looked at me with a playful expression, and I immediately felt nervous. "There is a rule to the game. In every one minute, the music will change and you have to switch your partner. So, you will have to keep on changing partners throughout the song."

"Ohhh!" A roar of excited murmurs spread through the hall.

"What do you say?" He looked at everyone again, and the crowd cheered loudly.

"Alright, alright. I’ll take that as a yes. Now, who’s going to join me?" He glanced back at me with a wicked smile and my heart did a flip.

I don’t feel good about this.

The thought of running away crossed my mind. But before I could do that, stupid Ryder gestured to me. "That cutie will join me."

God! Either kill me or this man.

Everyone’s gaze turned towards me, and I felt my face burning with embarrassment.

"Come on," he beckoned me with his hand, and I hesitantly stepped back, shaking my head.

"No way. I can’t dance," I shouted back.

"Don’t worry. I’ll teach you."

"You can’t be serious, Ryder."

He laughed and grabbed my wrist, dragging me onto the stage. "Trust me."

I tried to shove his hands away with my heart thundering in my chest. I should have known he’s Ryder and all of his ideas would be weird and ridiculous before agreeing to him.

"You have lost your mind, Ryder!" I exclaimed, but he was grinning and ignoring my protests.

The music started playing, and Ryder successfully dragged me to the stage. The crowd was clapping and cheering, and I felt like I was going to faint.

"Ryder, this is not a good idea!"

"Stop whining and enjoy. It will be fun. Look, your hubby is already ready to kill me." He laughed, and I glanced at Elijah and found him glaring daggers at Ryder.

And...me.

"You’ll get me killed," I whispered in panic.

But the idiot only laughed.