The Billionaire’s Secret Wife(55)

“Sometimes couples break up.”

“But with the love of their lives?”

“Maybe it wasn’t really the love of their lives.”

“No, no. Shane and Ginger were together since high school.”

“Well…feelings change.”

Like her parents. All those passionate love letters, but the love had turned into poison and they were now divorcing. Logically, she knew it was better than staying together and being miserable. You didn’t have to be alone to feel lonely. But emotionally…

Her mother’s words came back to her. Love wasn’t enough. And children certainly weren’t enough to keep a couple together. They were often pawns used to squeeze more concessions out of the other party.

Vanessa’s marriage didn’t even have love as the foundation. They were together for the baby, but would that be enough for them in later years? Or would Justin resent the fact that her pregnancy had trapped him into doing the right thing?

“I’m sure there’s more to the story than just her version,” Justin was saying. “We won’t know the whole truth until Shane gets back.”

The ring on her finger flashed, and she looked at the brilliant diamond, the sapphires…this supposed symbol of his commitment to her. But was it? Unlike most men, Justin could buy millions of those rings without a second thought. It was about as significant as a lollipop she’d received from a boy in kindergarten.

Suddenly cold, Vanessa hugged herself.





Chapter Eighteen




Vanessa went to a mid-morning class at the yoga studio. She was restless, and hoped some exercise would help her regain some balance. The previous night had been awful, full of crazy, vivid nightmares about her being trapped. She’d been as small as a cricket, and a clear glass jar had been put over her. She punched and kicked it, but it didn’t even crack. Then as panic grew in her chest, she saw a gigantic Justin outside. He had a forefinger on the jar, and he was staring at her with a smug smile. “Gotcha.”

“Where’s my family?” she’d yelled, but it had been no use.

Dane, Shane, Iain and Mark wagged their fingers at her, and then Ginger was there. She put her hand on the back of Justin’s head and kissed him deeply, and he kissed her back.

Vanessa shook her head to clear her mind. It was just a bad dream, a mix of her anxiety and Ginger.

A petite brunette walked up. “Hey,” she said.

There was an instant of non-recognition, then the name clicked. “Hi, Peggy.”

“You here alone?”

“Yeah. Just me today.”

“Oh.” Peggy cleared her throat, her cheeks pinkening. “Do you mind if we talk privately for a moment before class?”

Vanessa checked the time. They had at least fifteen minutes before it started. “Sure.”

The two women went to a green juice and smoothie bar adjacent to the studio. It served freshly made spinach and kale concoctions that Vanessa loved for the quick and easy micronutrient effect. It seemed more natural than taking a bunch of pills. “So.”

“Um.” Peggy’s left foot started tapping rapidly. Vanessa glanced down at it, but Peggy seemed oblivious. “I… I didn’t really come here for a job. I actually came to L.A. to see you. I called your law firm to see you, but they said you weren’t available to take on any new clients and hung up on me.”

Vanessa sighed and shot her an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry they treated you that way. I’ve been sort of”—she struggled for the right word—“busy with things.”

“I know. I heard you’re an amazing lawyer.”

With a career that was going nowhere fast. “If you want, I can give you some referrals.”

“Oh, no, please.” Peggy waved away. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“Okay, sure.”

“It’s just…I don’t know how to begin, but we’re sisters.”

“We’re… I’m sorry, what?”

“We’re sisters. Half-sisters, really.”

Vanessa’s mind blanked for a moment, then heat flooded her face. Was Peggy another of Salazar’s love children? She didn’t look anything like him, but it was entirely possible, given the number of mistresses her father had had. “Um. Okay… You’re sure about this?”

“One hundred percent. But I’m happy to take a test or whatever if you want.” Peggy shifted. “Look, I’m not here to ask anything for myself, but…the fact is, my mom has cancer, and neither one of us can afford the chemo. I was wondering if there’s any way you can help with the cost. I know it’s a lot to ask, but…” Peggy blinked fast, dropping her gaze. “I don’t know what else to do. I tried not to involve you, but it’s been impossible. It’s just…totally shameless of me to ask, but could you please do this for me? Save my mom? She’s all I have.”