Chapter 5
Priscilla had not expected him to show up out of nowhere, and for a moment, she froze. Then, she said calmly, “It’s nothing. I was just saying that you’ve been gone the past few days and haven’t been at the hospital.”
Josiah relaxed when he saw her indifferent expression. Without batting an eye, he lied, “I’ve been working on a new project. The schedule has been crazy. There are many late nights and meetings. That’s why I haven’t been around to take care of you.”
However, Priscilla could see right through his act. She lowered her gaze slightly, her voice composed as she said, “Then don’t bother coming anymore. I can take care of myself.”
She meant every word, but Josiah thought that she was simply upset. He quickly comforted her, “I’m sorry. The project’s almost wrapped, so I’ll spend more time with you.”
However, he did not stop there. He even arranged for Ruth to deliver several designer handbags for Priscilla to choose from. Despite that, Priscilla remained expressionless as she looked at the glimmering display of high-end luxury.
When she said that she did not like them, Josiah immediately jumped to fix it, already calling for new options.
“Then I’ll send something else. Jewelry? Clothes? Whatever you want, I’ll buy it all. There has to be something you’ll love.”
Yet none of it moved her anymore. For three years, he gave her the same thing for every birthday, anniversary, or holiday—designer labels and seasonal collections. Her walk-in closet looked more like a showroom than a wardrobe, stacked with similar silhouettes and familiar logos.
Back then, she had thought that it meant he cared. So, she had always smiled, even if she did not need or want them. Nonetheless, she finally understood that he did not care enough to learn what she liked. In fact, he only picked what was expensive and easy. She figured he thought purchasing expensive items was a safe bet.
This time, Priscilla was direct and said, “Don’t bother. I don’t want any of it anymore, and I never will. No need to trouble yourself.”
Josiah had never heard her speak to him like that, and a strange sense of panic crept into his chest. He argued, “You’re my wife. It’s only right for me to give you gifts. Why would that be trouble?”
Priscilla silently scoffed. After all, she was no longer his wife. She thought that it was ridiculous how he was still unaware that he had already signed the divorce agreement.
…
Over the next few days, Josiah stayed home and did not go out. Meanwhile, Priscilla quietly began packing her things.
She gathered all the unused makeup, clothes she never wore, the suits and razors she had bought him, their matching mugs, and their framed photos.
Josiah noticed the growing pile and was surprised. He was about to ask what she was doing when his phone rang. It was Brittany. Instantly, he dropped everything and stepped out to take the call.
Priscilla had noticed the caller ID and knew exactly where he was headed. Once the door closed behind him, she tossed every item into the trash.
Just as she finished cleaning up, her phone rang. It was Ruth. The latter reported, “Ms. Collins, you need to get to Nightfall Club right now. Mr. Hughman’s in trouble!”
Ruth’s usual composure had vanished, and her voice was tight, on the verge of panic. Noticing that, Priscilla frowned and grabbed her bag.
On the way, she searched the place and found that Nightfall Club was known as an underground racing hub. She had thought that Josiah went to meet Brittany, so she wasn’t sure how he had ended up there.
But everything clicked when she arrived and saw who stood across from Josiah. It was Floyd Gallagher, Brittany’s ex from college—the reckless one.
Booze, cigarettes, bar fights, and illegal street races had been his whole personality. Rumor had it that he kept harassing Brittany even after their breakup. Judging by the scene before her, those rumors were true. He looked like a man who had nothing left to lose.
Floyd threw a racing suit at Josiah’s chest and taunted, “Brittany doesn’t want a boring golden boy like you. She’s into danger and thrill. She enjoys living on the edge.”
He took a step forward, his eyes burning holes into Josiah. “If you really think you can protect her, then race me. One lap, and the winner takes everything. Loser stays the hell out of her life—forever.”
