Page 168 of My Big, Fat, Accidental Billionaire Husband

She responds immediately:Boring. But fine. 7pm. Making pasta.

I set my phone down just as my work line rings. It’s the main receptionist downstairs.

“Ms. Cole, there’s a courier here with a package requiring your signature.”

“Be right there.”

I take the elevator down and when I reach reception, a bored-looking guy in a bike helmet hands me a manila envelope and a digital tablet to sign. Once he leaves, I open it right there, curiosity winning over professionalism.

Inside is a formal letter from Arthur Sterling, Dominic’s attorney. My heart stutters as I scan the contents.

“This letter confirms that the settlement amount of $500,000 has been transferred to your account, effective immediately. In addition, although you have already received one hundred thousand dollars as an advance for incidentals, Mr. Rossi has chosen not to deduct this amount from your final settlement. Please note that Mr. Rossi has authorized this payment independent of and prior to the finalization of the annulment proceedings.”

I blink at the paper. Reread it. He’s paying me before the annulment is finalized? And letting me keep the advance without deducting it from the final settlement? Why?

Something shifts uncomfortably in my chest. I fold the letter carefully and head back toward the elevator. Before entering, I grab my personal phone and log into my banking app.

There it is. A pending deposit for half a million dollars.

Holy shit. Half a million dollars. I could buy a small apartment outright. Start my own business. Travel the world for a year. Or maybe just retire to a cave and never interact with another human being again.

Cave renovations are surprisingly affordable these days, after all.

But why would he release the funds early? Why not wait until the annulment was finalized as originally planned?

I enter the elevator, and when I reach the office, I sit behind my desk and call my own lawyer.

“Tatiana,” she answers briskly. “I was about to call you. You’ve seen the transfer?”

“Yes. I just got the letter. But I don’t understand. The annulment isn’t finalized yet.”

There’s a slight pause. “That’s what I was calling about. Mr. Rossi hasn’t signed the papers yet.”

The world tilts. “What? It’s been three days. I thought—”

“Arthur Sterling has been pushing him, apparently. But he’s refused thus far.”

“But the money—”

“Is yours, unconditionally. He specifically instructed that your settlement be processed regardless of the annulment status.”

I sit heavily in my chair. “I don’t understand.”

“Neither do Mr. Sterling or I, frankly. But you should know that legally, you’re still married until those papers are signed and filed.”

I thank her and hang up, mind racing.

Still married. Still technically Mrs. Dominic Rossi. Dear God, why is nothing in my life ever clean and simple?

I rub my temples, trying to ward off an impending headache. I should be angry. He’s dragging this out, extending my limbo state. But the settlement money... sending it early, unconditionally, doesn’t fit with someone playing games.

My phone buzzes with a notification. I freeze when I read it:Voice memo from Dominic Rossi.

My finger hovers over the screen. Delete it? Listen to it? Throw my phone out the window?

Come on, Tatiana. You’re a big girl. Listen to whatever pathetic excuse he’s cooked up, then move on with your life.

I grab my earbuds, plug them in, and press play before I can change my mind.

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