Revenge After Divorce (Olivia and Nick) novel Chapter 1

OLIVIA

I hoped Nick would come home early today. He hadn’t been around much since he started working with my best friend, Sandra. Things had been hectic at the office, but I still hoped today would be different, seeing how it was our fourth-year anniversary. I also had big news; I was finally pregnant, and we were about to have the family we’d always dreamed of.

I couldn’t wait to see his reaction when I told him, and I didn’t even want to think about my mother-in-law—she’d be thrilled. I’d call and tell her after telling Nick. I was sure they’d cut their trip short once they heard the news of my pregnancy.

I hummed as I moved around the kitchen, cooking. I was happy, despite knowing things hadn’t been the same between Nick and me lately. I hoped that after hearing the news of my pregnancy, he would become the man I fell in love with again.

Just as I placed the last dish on the dining table, the front door opened. My heart leaped with excitement, and I rushed to greet him. Nick was taking off his jacket when I reached him, but he didn’t look pleased to see me. I smiled and greeted him anyway. “Good evening, my love,” I said, then went to hug him as Sandra walked in, wearing a smile.

Why was she there? I’d told her it was my anniversary and that I wanted to spend the evening alone with Nick.

“Sandra, you’re here?” I forced a smile.

She hugged me. “Yes, friend. Nick and I still have a few work things to sort out, but I suggested we finish here.”

Fine. I would talk to Nick after dinner, once Sandra was gone.

“The food’s already on the table. I’ll just grab the juice,” I said.

A short while later, we were seated at the dining room table. I decided to make some small talk. “Nick, how was your day? I hope things are calming down now at the office.”

He glanced at me. “You chose to stay home and take care of the house. Why do you care about work now? It doesn’t concern you anymore.”

His words stung. He was my husband, and I thought I had the right to ask how his day was.

“I got you a gift,” I said, standing to go and get it.

“I don’t need anything,” he said with derision. “And why are you acting so desperate today?”

My heart sank. Had he forgotten our anniversary? Since when did he forget that, and since when did he talk to me like this? What had happened to my husband? He was becoming colder and more distant every day. I sat back down, feeling crushed.

“Come on, Nick. Olivia just misses you. She didn’t mean to annoy you,” Sandra chimed in.