My 1000th Attempt Worked

Guess that struck a nerve. Her whole expression snapped.

"The one who's not loved? That's the side piece," she hissed. "Doesn't matter if you're his wife—you're just the extra."

I was about to clap back.

Then she glanced past me, grabbed my arm, and threw herself to the floor.

Her glass shattered, slicing her hand deep. Blood everywhere.

Mark burst in like some knight in shining armor. "Who hurt her?!"

He scooped her up and turned on me with a death glare.

"Guess that'd be me," I said flat.

Renee burst into tears, locking eyes with me. "It's... It's my fault. I fell for someone I shouldn't have. Jenna's right, I'm a homewrecker... She didn't do anything."

Mark lost it. "Jenna Jensen, you've gone too far. You want a divorce but now you're attacking and humiliating my friend?"

He held Renee like she'd break in his arms. Right before storming off, he hit me with one last ice-cold look. "Tomorrow's the final day for your mom's payments. If you don't want her thrown out of the hospital, apologize—SINCERELY. Then maybe I'll forgive you."

I watched him leave... and laughed.

'Mark Fletcher, can't wait to see your face when I don't show up tomorrow.'

Next morning, my phone blew up:

[I've invited my friends tonight. Ready to apologize?]

[If you're sincere, I'll give you another shot. You can still be my wife. I'll keep paying for your mom."]

[8 PM. My family house. Don't be late.]

***

By the time the clock hit eight, the Fletcher mansion was bursting at the seams.

Everyone showed up for the same reason—to watch Jenna crash and burn.

Whispers buzzed through the crowd.

"Place your bets—what lame excuse is she rolling out tonight to win Mark back?"

"Honestly, just dump her already. She's a total parasite. At least Renee knows how to treat a man."

Renee stood close, eyes locked on Mark like he was the only guy left on Earth.

Mark didn't even glance her way. He was too busy checking his watch.

Jenna was late.

He fired off a text:

[Where are you? You're already late. I'm giving you 30 more minutes.]

Message failed. Red exclamation mark.

She'd blocked him.

Gavin snorted. "Bro, you think she's actually for real this time? Like, final-final divorce?"

Mark scoffed. "No chance. Mrs. Jensen's her whole world. She won't leave me."

That's when Gavin's latest girlfriend, Ariana, dropped the bomb.

"Wait... Margaret Jensen? Room 6602 at PremierCare? That was Jenna's mom?" She blinked. "But... she died months ago."