Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 142

But the moment Mr. Smith pictured Effie's porcelain skin, her graceful figure, and above all, the faint, intoxicating scent that seemed to linger around her, he felt his heart stir with longing.

Desire crawled beneath his skin, itching like a swarm of ants, impossible to ignore.

He glanced over at Mrs. Smith, sitting quietly beside him. She was only in her thirties, but her complexion looked dull and tired, makeup barely masking the exhaustion etched into her features. Her clothes were plain, her style uninspired— nothing about her caught his interest anymore.

The more he looked, the more resentful he became. It was maddening, the way life turned out when you compared yourself to others.

What on earth had he been thinking, marrying such a dreary woman?

Mrs. Smith had grown accustomed to his constant criticism and belittling. Her expression remained unchanged, as if she hadn't heard a word.

If he refused to listen to reason, then he could face the consequences. People who overstepped their bounds deserved whatever punishment came to them.

A flash of malice flickered beneath Mrs. Smith's lowered lashes.

...

suddenly remembered an

his phone and dialed her

the middle of dance rehearsal when the call came through, and the sight of Mr. Smith's name on her screen made her heart skip

it, why would he

past she'd rather forget-a chapter

had to in order to get noticed. Mr. Smith had taken a liking to her, and thanks to his influence, her career took off quickly. But that favor came at a price, leaving

celebrity, she wanted nothing more than

oozed with sleazy charm. "Isabel, long time no see. What have you been up to lately? I'm in

tone. "Mr. Smith, what a

to steer the conversation elsewhere, she

the resort. I'm here meeting with Mr. Etheridge. We've almost wrapped things up, and you just popped

heart skipped

Could he mean Lyman?

Smith dealt with some major players. If it was Lyman he was meeting, and if women came up in their talks,

you. I do have an engagement tonight, by the

Honestly, she's quite the looker," Mr. Smith said, still sounding distracted by