After I Was Framed as the Other Woman

The day I flew back home, someone punched me right on the street,calling me a homewrecker.

A swarm of reporters shoved microphones in my face, demanding to know if I was the secret lover of Scarlett Rossi, CEO of Rossi Enterprises.

Stunned, I stared at them, then showed them a photo on my phone C our wedding picture from seven years ago.

What the hell are you talking about? Im her legal husband!

The crowd froze. The guy whod punched me went deathly pale.

Thats when I found out---while Id been overseas, Scarlett had gotten cozy with some hotshot actor, Liam Chase.

All of them assumed Liam was the future Mr. Rossi.

Theyd actually come along with him to catch the homewrecker.

But it turns out that he was the other man.

Afterwards, Scarlett tried to explain, Christopher, youve been abroad for years. Im a normal woman with normal needs. Hes just an obsecure actor who wont threaten your position at all. Why make a fuss?

Can you please not do this?

I slid the divorce papers across the table. Because I find it fucking disgusting.

...

The hospital room was sterile white. Grandma struggled to lift her hand, touching gently on my cheek.

Christopher when Im gone take care of yourself. And take care of Scarlett.

I sniffed hard, nodding, and my throat thick with tears.

At eleven that night, my only family member passed away.

I pulled out my phone and texted my wife back home:

[Grandma passed away.]

Soon, a reply came:

[R.I.P. Shes in a better place now.]

[Can you handle things alone over there? If you need anything, call my sister. Shes in London too.]

[Im swamped with something critical right now. Sorry I cant be there, Christopher.]

The gentle tone was the same as it had been for seven years.

The only difference was her less calls and texts.

I still remember those first three years after I left. Scarlett wouldve called me eight hundred times a day if she could.

Wed married at the peak of our passion, yet ended up living apart in different countries after tying the knot.

Throughout it all, she had always been my steadfast anchor.

I didnt suspect a thing, just figured she was swamped.

Her parents had dumped massive expectations on her, running Rossi Enterprises single-handedly.

Of course she couldnt chat all day.

I shut off my phone and handled Grandmas funeral alone.

Gazing up at the clear blue sky, the thought of going home took root.

Seven years.

From studying in London to caring for Grandma during her illness, Scarlett and I had been apart for seven years.

Shed be thrilled to know I was coming back, right?

I unlocked my phone, looking at her profile pic C that goofy black cat avatar so unlike her sharp personality.

I hesitated, then closed the chat.

I decided not to tell her.

Make it a surprise.

Two days later, I landed in Chicago, a city I hadnt seen in years.

In the cab heading towards Scarletts place, I texted her,

[Where are you right now?]

Two hours later, the black cat icon buzzed, [Home.]

I smirked, [Guess where I am?]

Scarlett: [London?]

[Wrong. Im home! Get ready to welcome your husband!]

I hit send just as the cab pulled up.

A beautiful house stood before me. The one Scarlett and I bought with our savings when we got married.

This place wasnt Rossi or Parker property. It was ours.

Every sweet memory of us was tied to these walls.

I grabbed my phone, expecting Scarlett to be freaked out with excitement.

Minutes later, she sent a question mark, then asked, [Are you serious?]

Confused, I replied, [Dead serious. You think Id joke about this?]

I snapped a picture of the house and sent it. Then, she called immediately.

Her voice, cool and smoky like aged bourbon, was still that attractive.

Christopher, she said, sounding annoyed instead of thrilled. Why didnt you tell me?

Surprise? I just flew for ten hours. So tired. Lets talk in person.

I hung up and walked inside.

Surprise number two, not a single staff member in sight.

The living room was spotless, but the windows were sealed shut.

I opened a window, then a cupboard.

In the corner sat the matching mugs wed bought.

No dust, but arranged with sterile precision, like museum pieces untouched for years.

Scarlett?

I called upstairs, but no response came.

The huge house felt like a tomb.

After checking the bedrooms, I was sure that Scarlett hadnt lived here in ages.

So why did she say she was home?

I was baffled, so I called her.

Her voice was calm, and she explained, I moved downtown for work. Thats why I asked why you didnt warn me.

Honey, just wait there. Ill come get you.

Her explanation eased my mind. Well...sort of.

Waiting, I posted on social media, Back in Chicago!

Instantly, notifications lit up my screen.

Everyone was shocked, asking when I got back.

[This afternoon.]?I replied to each.

Close friends congratulated me, asking how long Id stay.

[I will not go back London anymore. My grandmas gone, so I decided to work in Chicago.]

They didnt reply me in a while.

Then, a message popped up: [Youre back?]

I checked the name C Liam Evans, CEO of Grandeur Group.

We were not that closed.

[Yep.]? I replied.

He shot back, [Did Scarlett know?]

[Of course she knows.] Weird question. [Why?]

Evans, whod gone to school with Scarlett and me, replied cryptically, [Just figured you might not keep up with the gossip rags over here.]

Gossip rags? What was he talking about?

True, I didnt follow celebrity news. So what?

The conversation died there. Scarletts car pulled up, and she stepped out.

Last time I saw her was six months ago, when she flew over for New Years.

I walked towards her. She hugged me naturally. Miss me, honey?

Her cool features softened with a smile. I tapped her nose affectionately. Like crazy.

Talking about dinner, I suggested our old college haunt, that Italian place.

The driver took us there.

The flashy car attracted the college kids nearby.

I heard they were saying,

Holy crap, whos that woman? Looks familiar.

Is that her boyfriend? Damn, hes hot

I smiled, warmth spreading through me.

We werent just dating. Wed been married seven years.

A quiet ceremony, just close friends and family.

Shed waited all this time, so I wouldnt let her down.

Time time, I rushed back was partly for her birthday.

After dinner, I expected her to take me to her new place, but she stopped at a hotel.

Christopher, you came back so suddenly. There's nothing prepared at home yet. Could you bear with staying at a hotel for tonight?

Her tone was apologetic but firm.

You dont need to prepare anything. I brought toiletries. We can share a room, cant we?

Scarlett frowned, squeezing my hand. My room is in a mess. Once the housekeeper sorts it, Ill pick you up.

Fine.

It was almost eight at night, and I was exhausted.

Also, I didnt want to argue with her at the first night back here.

Next day, Scarlett took me to her downtown condo.

It was spotless, obviously cleaned. The closet held mens clothes in my size.

We shopped and ate together.

To make up for it, she didnt go to work for two weeks.

We even hiked at a nearby park.

Scarlett was panting hard. Me? Just a little winded.

I kept workout when I was abroad. The solid muscle hid under my shirt.

I carried her the last stretch.

Sitting atop the hill watching the sunset, our fingers laced.

I noticed her wedding ring was missing.

Casually, I asked. She said shed put it away.

I didnt push it. My phone buzzed C a message. The custom bracelet Id ordered for her birthday was ready.

It could arrive within three days.

The day the bracelet arrived, I cooked lunch and brought it to Scarlett at work.

Before I even reached the Rossi Enterprises building, a guy in black blocked my path.

He was wearing sunglasses and threw a fierce punch at me!

You slimy homewrecker!

[PAYMENT REQUIRED FOR CONTINUATION]

My cheek burned, instantly swelling under the skin.

Camera flashes exploded around me. Reporters, lying in wait, surged forward.

They shoved lenses in my face, firing questions:

Whats your relationship with Ms. Scarlett Rossi? Youve been seen together constantly. Are you her kept man?

Its common knowledge Liam Chase is Ms. Rossis boyfriend! They havent split. When did you start seeing her? How long have you been the other man?

The barrage hit me. I stood frozen, dazed.

What the hell are you talking about?

Anger warred with confusion.

The guy who punched me ripped off his sunglasses and flung photos at my feet.

Deny it? Scarletts been dodging me for weeks, saying shes busy!

But the paps caught her with you.

Steal my girl? My fans will tear you apart online!

Shutters clicked relentlessly. A crowd gathered, loving the free show.

Isnt that Liam Chase? Hes huge right now!

Whos the other guy? Looks hotter than a movie star!

Heard Liam call him a homewrecker. Liams dating Scarlett Rossi, right?

Phones came out, recording, snapping pics. Voices joined the chorus: Slimy homewrecker!

Slowly, my brain rebooted. I picked up the photos.

What are youto Scarlett Rossi? I asked slowly.

Liam Chase smirked, red lips curling.

Im her boyfriend. Her future Mr. Chase. This watch?

He thrust his wrist forward, showing off a ridiculously expensive timepiece.

Her token of love. Whats she ever given you?

I didnt answer. I opened my phone, found the seven-year-old wedding photo.

Im her legal husband.

Silence. Absolute.

The reporters eyes widened with shock and glee. Cameras zoomed in on my phone screen.

The crowds jaws dropped. Literally.

Holy shit! Scarlett Rossi is MARRIED??

Then whats with Liam? Is HE the homewrecker?

Plot twist! The other man was the husband all along!

Social media exploded instantly.

LiamChaseScarlettRossi

LiamChaseHomewrecker

ScarlettRossiMarried

Trended everywhere.

Liam Chase went sheet-white. You youre Christopher Parker? But youre supposed to be abroad

He caught himself, clammed up, fumbling for his sunglasses.

My mistake. Wrong guy.

But the reporters smelled blood. They swarmed him.

Mr. Chase! You recognized this man?

Any comment on his claim to be Ms. Rossis husband?

Liam looked sick. Panicked, he called Scarlett.

Scarlett? Hey

Rossi security soon appeared, shooing the reporters away.

Liam escaped into the building. I followed.

Inside, he caught his breath. His look of panic morphed into something else C a blatant, jealous once-over.

Christopher Parker. Scarlett mentioned you. He tried for casual, failing. Weve been together four years. He sounded almost proud, zero shame.

My heart clenched, ripped open.

Four years.

Scarlett had been cheating for four years.

Seeing my expression, Liam smirked.

Didnt know it was you earlier. My bad. Water under the bridge? Fake smile.

Dont bro me, Liam. Disgust twisted my gut. I put every ounce of fury into the punch I threw back.

Thats for the sucker punch.

It didnt feel good. Just made the ache worse.

Christopher! Scarletts voice cut through.

Liam rushed to her. Scarlett!

I turned to leave. Scarlett pushed past Liam, grabbing my wrist.

I wrenched my arm free, teeth gritted. Dont fucking touch me!