He threw money on the bed after our one-night stand.
I threw it back in his face at his own inauguration.
By sundown, we were engaged. By the week's end — married.
Franklin Flemington needed a wife to secure his empire. I needed a miracle to save my family. For two years, we played our parts flawlessly — the golden couple the whole city envied.
Behind closed doors, I was invisible to him.
When the two years were up, I handed him divorce papers without blinking.
He stared at me like I'd lost my mind. "I've given you everything a husband should. What more do you want from me, Octavia?"
I smiled, signed my name, and walked out.
I thought that was the end. I thought I'd finally won.
I forgot one thing — Franklin Flemington has never lost anything in his life. And he has no intention of starting with me.
Game on.

I was happy—genuinely happy—that Octavia remembered me. And I was even happier that her father had decided to let me see her, despite Franklin's protests. I guess Ben was simply doing what any father would do to make his daughter happy. That was good enough for me.


After Franklin stormed out, Ben returned to the ward. 


"So I just spoke to your mom," he said, smiling at Octavia. "She's already working on that homemade chicken soup and sourdough breadsticks. You'll have a proper dinner tonight."


"That sounds great," Octavia replied, her smile lighting up the room.


Ben turned to me. "Since this is your good friend, I suppose proper introductions are in order." He extended his hand. "I'm Ben Herman."


"Nice to meet you, Mr. Herman," I said, shaking it firmly.


"Likewise." He gave a warm nod, then glanced at the door. "I was actually about to step out and grab something to eat before you arrived. Would you like to join me?"


Chapter 111 - ~ 111