My Perfect Second Life

I stared at the house from a distance. I wasn't seeing things. It was my in-laws' house, and there was my husband with a woman and their child. My whole body was shaking with rage. I couldn't believe my own eyes. How could my mother-in-law and my husband have done that behind my back?

Magnolia had indeed been pressuring me to get pregnant after Thorne and I had been married for three years. However, I never expected her to take such a shortcut. Instead of scolding her son, she welcomed that cheap woman and her baby into her home.

Since when has Magnolia stopped standing by my side and sided with another woman? I couldn't believe she chose my best friend to be my husband's mistress. I met Lilybeth after marrying Thorne. Even though she was the daughter of a successful businessman, she wasn't the type to pick and choose her friends.

We met a few times at events I attended with Thorne. They acted like two people who knew each other, nothing more. My husband took me wherever he went and never spoke alone with Lilybeth.

What should I do? Even though Lilybeth was wrong for getting involved with a married man, her child was innocent. If Thorne chose her over me, what would become of me? Should I end our marriage?

I glanced at the digital clock on the dashboard. Realizing I had work to do, I calmed myself down. My hands were shaking on the steering wheel. I couldn't drive in that state. After drinking some water and turning on the music, I felt better.

I was late for the meeting, but everyone waited patiently for me. The directors presented their reports on each division's progress and their targets for the week. We focused on plans to promote vacant apartments ahead of summer.

I wasn't the company's owner-my brother was. Since Briar was in a coma, I'd taken over as CEO and was doing everything I could to fulfill his responsibilities. I wanted him to be happy when he woke up, knowing his beloved company was still standing.

I headed to my office after the meeting. I wanted to put my phone on the desk, but it vibrated. I took a deep breath before answering the call. "Hi, Thorne," I said.

"Hi, sweetheart. There's been a change of plans. I'm done with work today. I'll be coming home tonight," my husband said cheerfully. "My assistant booked a vacation spot for this weekend. What do you think?"

"You just got back from abroad. Aren't you tired of traveling again?"

"I want to be alone with my wife," he teased.

I smiled, playing along with his act. "Alright. I'll have the maid pack our clothes for the weekend."

Thorne uttered words of love as he ended our conversation. I replied smoothly. After he hung up, I stared at my phone. How could he do that? He slept with another woman, had a child with her, yet claimed to love me.

My phone vibrated; I frowned at the name of one of the directors on the screen. "Hello?" I answered.

"I have bad news, ma'am," the woman said.

The phone nearly slipped from my grasp after hearing the director's explanation. Two people who had promised to lend my company money had backed out. One was supposed to transfer the funds that afternoon, while another was due tomorrow afternoon.

Lilybeth was my best friend who helped me convince those two to lend their money. My brother's real estate company needed an investment. I was renovating two of his apartment buildings to keep existing tenants happy and attract new ones.

Unfortunately, the CFO embezzled the project funds. The police found him last month, but all the money had gone to the gambling table. I couldn't do anything to get that money back. Lilybeth came and offered her help. I gladly accepted.

"There's a debt due next Monday. What should we do, ma'am?" the finance director asked in a panic.

"I'll look for another loan," I replied.

"We have to pay the employees tomorrow," she reminded me.

"Don't worry. All of you will receive your pay on time," I promised.

"Alright, ma'am. Thank you," the woman sighed in relief.

"You're welcome," I said before ending the call.

After hanging up, I called Lilybeth. She didn't answer my call. I stopped after trying three times, as she ignored me. Her behavior was completely out of line. What had she told that potential lender?

I didn't confront her at my in-laws' house because I needed that loan. Besides, I kept my personal life separate from my work. Briar built that real estate company from scratch. He would be heartbroken if he saw his hard work go to waste. I was also worried that hundreds of employees would lose their jobs.

I left work as evening approached. My heart was heavy because I hadn't found a solution. As I passed the intersection leading to the hospital, I turned the car around. I didn't want to go home and face Thorne. I decided to visit my brother and calm myself down.

"Mrs. Watson?" a nurse said. She looked at me in confusion. "You usually come on Mondays. Are you here to see your brother?"

"Can't I come on a day other than Monday?" I asked. "I didn't know this hospital had rules about family visiting hours."

"Oh, I'm sorry," the nurse apologized. "You can come anytime during visiting hours, but you'll have to wait. Someone is checking on Mr. Gagnon."

I furrowed my brow. "Who?"

The ICU room door opened, and the nurse and I turned at the same time. A man in a wheelchair looked at us kindly. I was stunned to recognize that handsome, oval face. His hair was the same color as his eyes-dark brown. He was my brother's best friend from high school.

"Rhodes?" I asked in surprise. "What are you doing here?" I glanced toward the ICU.

"Hi, Primrose. I'm visiting Briar," he replied.

I looked at his legs. "What happened to you?"

The man smiled. "You should go see your brother. If you still want to talk to me after you're with him, meet me in the cafeteria," he suggested.

I wanted to say something, but his suggestion made sense. We were in front of the ICU, not exactly the right place to talk. So, I nodded. I saw a man approaching Rhodes. They excused themselves and headed for the elevator.

The sight broke my heart. Rhodes was a cheerful and energetic person. What had happened to make him end up in a wheelchair? Judging by how calmly he maneuvered it, he must have lost the ability to walk a long time ago.

Remembering his message, I hurried to see my brother. I knew he wasn't conscious, but I couldn't hold back my disappointment. I thought that after a visit from his best friend, he'd surprise me by opening his eyes and shouting.

"I'm selfish. I know. The injuries you sustained after the accident were severe. The fact that you survived is a miracle. Doctors and medical staff are studying your case because of your strong will to live. Take as much time as you need to recover," I said.

"You know? I had problems, but they all vanished after meeting your friend. I knew I'd find a way out during my visit tonight. Brother, help me save your company," I whispered.

I headed to the cafeteria with my heart pounding. I thought through every word I would say to convince that man to give me the help I needed. Rhodes was my only way out of my big problem.

Seeing Rhodes eating his meal, I approached the counter to choose my order. After filling my plate and glass and paying my bill, I carried the tray to his table. The man with him stood up to help pull out a chair for me. I sat down across from him.

"Thank you," I said to the man.

"You're welcome," he replied. The man sat back down beside Rhodes.

"Um, hi, Rhodes," I greeted him.

The man smiled. "Hi, Primrose," he replied.

"I didn't know you lived in this town," I said. "Do you visit Briar often?"

"I opened a branch here two years ago. Even though Briar forbade it, I wanted to compete with him. I was tired of living in the old town," he answered. "I visit him every Thursday."

I nodded. I visit my brother on Mondays. Therefore, I didn't know who visited him on other days. Besides, the nurses wouldn't let anyone see him.

"I know you told the nurses not to let anyone visit Briar without your permission. I bribed them to keep their mouths shut," Rhodes admitted, half-jokingly.

I chuckled. "You're my brother's best friend. I won't complain about your visit tonight," I said.

"Thanks," the man smiled.

Seeing him continue eating, I did the same. I was hungry because I hadn't eaten anything since leaving the meeting room. The issues that day had taken up my time and consumed my thoughts. I hadn't felt like eating. Thankfully, I felt better after visiting Briar and meeting Rhodes.

The problem was that I didn't know how to start our conversation. I didn't want to make small talk, and Rhodes wasn't the type to enjoy meaningless chatter. He was the kind of person who spoke his mind, but my tongue was tied.

I could easily get a loan from Thorne at a low interest rate, but I didn't want to work with that selfish man. We had a huge fight when I decided to take over my brother's company and refused his offer to appoint someone else as CEO.

"Is there something on my face?" Rhodes smiled.

"Ah, n-no," I stammered.

"You've been looking at me like you want to say something. You open your mouth, but then change your mind." The man set his fork and knife down on his plate. "What's wrong? Did the nurse or doctor say anything about Briar?"