Page 71 of My Big, Fat, Accidental Billionaire Husband

“Ma’am, this area is temporarily—” Nichols’ voice, firm but professional.

“Don’t be ridiculous Nichols. It’s a public restroom. Now if you don’t mind moving aside, I have topee.” A woman’s voice, cultured and dismissive.

The door swings open, and a stunning blonde strides in. She’s tall and thin, dressed in a structural silver dress that looks expensive. Her ice-blue eyes flick over me.

“I thought I recognized you from the tabloids!” she exclaims, clapping her hands. “And seeing Nichols outside only confirmed it. The mysterious Mrs. Rossi! How fascinating.”

I straighten, instantly on alert. “And you are?”

“Sofiya Rowan.” She opens her clutch, extracting a lipstick that matches her blood-red manicure. “Dominic and I have... history.”

The ex. Of course. Because this day wasn’t complicated enough.

“Ma’am, is everything all right?” Nichols calls through the door.

“I’m fine,” I call back, keeping my eyes on Sofiya.

She smirks, applying her lipstick with precision. “Dominic is certainly taking the charade seriously if he’s assigned Nichols.”

My heart skips. “Excuse me?”

“Oh, please.” She rolls her eyes. “We both know what this is. Dominic doesn’t do commitment. Whatever arrangement you’ve worked out, it won’t last.”

I keep my face neutral. “I appreciate your concern for mymarriage.”

She laughs. “Marriage. That’s cute. Did he tell you about our little arrangement? Three nights a week, no questions asked?” She leans closer, her expensive perfume sharp and aggressive. “He always comes back, you know. When he’s bored of playing house. Where do you think he’s been all those late nights when you think he’s still at work?”

Don’t react. She’s baiting you.

“Fascinating,” I say, echoing her earlier tone. “If you’ll excuse me, my lunch companion is waiting.”

As I turn to leave, she catches my wrist.

“One last thing,” she purrs, leaning in so close I can smell the notes of her cloying perfume. “When he’s done with you and thrown you to the side of the road like the trash you are, I’ll be there waiting. I always am.” Her perfectly manicured nails dig slightly into my skin as she adds, “It’s just the natural order of things, darling. You’re the temporary distraction. I’m the addiction he keeps coming back to.”

My stomach lurches and I pull my arm free. “Goodbye, Sofiya.”

I walk out with my head high, but my heart is pounding.

Nichols falls into step beside me, his expression concerned. “Everything okay?”

“Fine,” I say tightly. “Just a bathroom chat.”

When we return to the table, I find Anya signing the check.

“I took the liberty,” she says. “I have another appointment.”

“Of course. Thank you for lunch.”

She stands, appraising me one final time. “You handled yourself well today, Tatiana. I look forward to seeing more of you.”

As she walks away, I sink back into my chair, exhaustion washing over me.

That’s when I get a call from Dom.

“Are you okay?” he asks. His voice sounds strained.

“Why do you ask?”

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