Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

So he was just a designated driver!

The driver glanced between Effie Bagnold and Maurice, eyes full of barely concealed curiosity. He looked like someone who'd stumbled onto some juicy gossip and was eager for the details.

Damn it, the guy must have completely misunderstood her relationship with Maurice.

But honestly, Effie didn't care enough to set the record straight. Why bother explaining herself to a stranger she'd never see again? Whatever he imagined made no difference to her.

She turned to the driver. "Change of plans-just take us straight home. No need to drive around in circles."

"Sure thing,” he replied, and off they went.

Before long, the car pulled up in front of Effie's apartment building. She turned to the two drunks in the back seat. "Alright, we're here. Out you go."

Maurice and Nita, still clinging to each other, were about to climb out when Nita suddenly froze. She pointed toward a figure nearby. "Effie, isn't that your husband?"

Effie followed her gaze, puzzled—and, to her surprise, spotted Lyman Etheridge standing there.

She hesitated, about to wave hello, when she saw Luther, Lyman's assistant, get out of a car and lift a woman into his arms.

Even from a distance, Effie recognized her instantly. It was Isabel Foster.

Why? Why was Isabel here?

"Aren't you going to say hi?" Nita nudged her.

Turning back, Nita caught the complicated look in Effie's eyes as she stared at Lyman.

With a mischievous grin, Nita waved in Lyman's direction and called out, "Mr. Etheridge! I brought your wife back safe and sound!"

Both Lyman and Isabel turned to look their way.noveldrama

Effie quickly ushered Nita and Maurice back into the car. "Let's go somewhere else," she told the driver.

The driver, clearly reluctant to miss the unfolding drama, tore his gaze away and nodded. "Alright."

He was almost disappointed to leave-the scene was more dramatic than any soap opera he'd seen.

That brief moment seemed to sober Maurice and Nita up faster than any black coffee.

When they reached Nita's apartment building, Nita glanced at Effie, hesitating. “Effie, maybe it's all just a misunderstanding? Lyman didn't actually carry Isabel-he had his assistant do it."

Maurice chimed in, his words slightly slurred, “Effie, just say the word and I'll go punch him out for you!" He swayed on his feet and nearly toppled over.

Effie rolled her eyes. "How about you two just take care of yourselves first?"

Suddenly, Nita slipped her arm through Effie's, giving her a pleading look. "It's been ages since we had a sleepover. Will you stay with me tonight?"

Honestly, Effie had been thinking the same thing. Since Nita had asked, she saw no reason to refuse. "Of course," she agreed.

"I'm in too!" Maurice declared.

Nita gave Maurice a playful kick. "You can have the couch. We're taking the bedroom."

"No problem," Maurice replied, not missing a beat.

He shot Effie a reassuring smile. That's what good friends were for-he just didn't want her brooding alone.

Effie's phone buzzed several times; she didn't need to look to know it was Lyman calling. She had no intention of answering.

It wasn't Lyman showing up with

Isabel that upset her-he'd at least kept his distance and let Luther carry tsabel instead. What really bothered her was Lyman's lack of honesty.

If he'd told her from the start that his business involved Isabel, she wouldn't have

minded. But Lyman's secrecy? That was what stung.

Enough, she told herself. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

Effie and the others headed upstairs together.

***

Isabel sat in her wheelchair, studying Lyman with a troubled expression. "I'm sorry-Effie has misunderstood us. I can explain everything. Give me her number, please. I want to tell her myself."