Cassia Gavin Julia Novel My Husband Had a Second Family Next Door

My husbandwho had always claimed to hate childrensuddenly became obsessed with the neighbors baby. He stayed up with the infant every night, doting on him like he was the childs father.
Meanwhile, he ignored me completely.
He didnt show up during my car accident. He didnt visit after my surgery. Not even once.
So the night of the party celebrating my discharge from the hospital, I made my decision.
In front of everyonefamily, friends, well-wishersI stood up and said, I want a divorce.
Gasps rippled through the room.
Someone whispered, Has the accident messed with her brain?
My husband, Gavin Mercer, flung his wine in my face and barked, I ignored you because of the accident and recoveryand now youre jealous of a six-month-old baby?
I wiped the wine off my face slowly. My eyes dropped to the faint red mark on his necktoo high for a baby to have made. My voice came out cold.
Since you love her child so much, Ill give you both the freedom to be together after the divorce.

Gavins face twitched, the fake affection in his eyes replaced with panic. He pulled up his collar in a feeble attempt to hide the mark. His eyes burned red with fury.
Cassia, what the hell do you mean by that? he snapped.
Ive been taking care of Julia to learn how to be a better fatherfor our future children!
And now you want to throw away ten years of marriage over something this petty? Are you insane?
I didnt respond. I simply reached into my bag, pulled out the divorce papers I had prepared, and laid them calmly on the table in front of him.
Sign them. Well finalize it at the County Clerks Office tomorrow morning.
The entire room froze. My friends stared at me in shock. My family exchanged panicked glances.
They couldnt believe itwe were the couple everyone envied. The perfect love story. The unshakable bond.
But I wasnt playing along anymore.
Gavin gaped at the documents, stunned Id already come this far. Even my mother, usually silent, began to tremble.
She rushed forward. Cassia are you serious?
My father grabbed the papers and scowled. Ten years, Cassia. You and Gavin were always so good together. What happened?
Gavins brothers joined in, all desperate to change my mind.
Cassia, dont do this. Its just a misunderstanding.
The neighbors a single mom. Gavin was just being kind.
He didnt want a baby yet because he supported your career. How can you not see how much he loves you?
Their words pierced me like a thousand needlesbut I stayed silent.
I picked up the divorce agreement again and pressed it back into Gavins hands. This marriage is over. I cant do it anymore.
Just then, my father stormed forward. Before I could move, he slapped me so hard my head snapped to the side.
You ungrateful girl! he shouted. How dare you divorce a man like Gavin? I should beat some sense into you!
You think you can throw him away after all hes done for you? Do you have no shame?
My cheek throbbed. My mouth filled with the metallic taste of blood. I didnt flinch.
My mother clutched my arm, her voice shaking with desperation.
Please, talk it out, she begged. Dont make such a rash decision.
Youll never find a better man. And if this is because youve fallen for someone elsedont expect my blessing!
I slowly raised my head, my face stinging, my pride in pieces. Around me, voices murmured and judged.
And just like always, Gavin stepped in to play the hero.
He held me gently, wiping the blood from my lip, shielding me like I was his most cherished treasure.
To everyone watching, he looked like the perfect husband.
But only we knew the truth.
Only we knew the rot beneath the surface.