Page 178 of Checkmate
Wiping away a tear, she checked the date of the message.
“So long ago now,” she said to no one in particular. It must have been a week or two after Erica left him, but it didn’t take away the sting of his words.
God, she really was pathetic.
Only ten minutes ago she told herself she didn’t love him anymore and now here she was weeping over how much he hurt her. It didn’t matter that he’d sent the message so long ago; the fact was, he’d followed it up with so many other messages since then.
How did she ever convince herself he cared for her?
And the real kicker was that he had been completely right. She had been desperate. Her entire affair with Alex was born out of jealousy over Erica. Yes, she had fallen for Alex, but in the beginning, she wasn’t even really interested in him.
All she had wanted was to get one over on the woman who seemed to have it all. The beautiful clothes and immaculate hair. A rich husband who was good-looking and completely doted on her. A beautiful house and a fantastic car. The admiration of those around her and the security of loyal friends.
Sophie wanted everything Erica had.
She thought all it took was to present herself a certain way. Dress well and keep on top of her appearance. Stay friendly and open towards people. Hold herself high. She thought if she did all those things, everything else would slot into place and for the longest time, it seemed she was right.
Sophie stole Alex and stole Erica’s wealth. She took her position at Alex’s company and lived the life she always imagined for herself. All the pieces were there for her to erase Erica from Alex’s history. But that was the problem - she wasn’t Erica.
And what did it matter, anyway?
Erica still had the handsome guy who doted on her, the beautiful house, the thriving business and large cash flow. And what did Sophie have?
In the end, everything Sophie had done had been for nought. Erica had won the war, and everything had changed without changing at all.
In fact, all Sophie had done was give Erica a better life with a better man and a better love story.
She laughed out loud into the darkness. “How’s that for karma, Anna?” She said with a scoff. Looking down, she tossed Erica’s phone away, not realising she still had it in her hands. What had she wanted her own phone for?
Oh, right. Yes. To text Alex.
Well, that was out of the question.
She wouldn’t embarrass herself further and beg him to take her back. Not even for the sake of her child.
First thing in the morning, she’d leave this wretched house, book into a hotel and figure it out from there.
Screw Alex.
Screw Marcus.
Screw lovely, perfect Erica.
She didn’t need anyone else.
Not now, not ever.
Chapter 53
Erica
“So, what, is she living with you guys now?”
Erica scoffed and rolled her eyes. “No, Lottie. My boyfriend’s ex-wife is not living with us.”
“You mean your ex-husband’s mistress, right?” Lottie’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Okay, sorry, I’ll behave. But seriously, how long has she been staying with you?”
“Four nights so far,” Erica said. “It’s honestly not been as bad as you’d expect.”
