Chapter 1 · Model Marriage, Multiple Wives

Kyler Bennett and I had known each other for seventeen years, dated for three, and been married for nine.

To our friends, we were the picture-perfect couple, always head over heels for each other.

And honestly, I thought so too.

He was always reserved and aloof around others, but he saved all his tenderness just for me.

Back when we were kids, Kyler would chase off any street punks who tried to mess with me. He even picked up odd jobs just to help pay my tuition.

After college, we started our own business, and when things were at their worst, we squeezed into a cramped studio apartment that cost only 200 bucks a month.

The windows and doors let in every bit of winter chill. To save money, I learned to cook, but the icy water left my hands covered in chilblains.

Kyler saw how much I was suffering, pulled me out of the kitchen, and swore that one day, he'd buy me a spacious villa with a pool.

And sure enough, after our business finally took off, we really did move into that dream villa he'd promised me.

But that was when I discovered I wasn't the only Mrs. Bennett.

*****

[Honey, Grace is leaving tomorrow. Will you come stay with me? It's my birthday on Friday, and I really want to celebrate it with you.]

I saw the message while Kyler was still in the shower. He'd been coming home later and later these days.

I'd voiced my concerns, but he always said the company was swamped with orders and that if things kept going like this, we could even expand by the end of the year.

"But we've already got plenty of money, haven't we?" I looked at him, hoping he'd say yes. "You promised me at the beginning of the year that you'd take me to the Lanterra Festival in Tiusla this October. Next month is..."

"Come on, babe, just hang in there while I get through this crazy stretch, okay?" Kyler said, looking guilty. "This order is a big deal. If it all works out, I'll get you an even bigger place next year, promise."

"Whatever." I pulled my hand away from Kyler, grumbling under my breath.

"How about I have Olivia go with you to the Lanterra Festival this year?" Kyler said, half-kneeling and grabbing my hand, trying to comfort me with a grin.

He added, "I'll cover everything. If you're still not satisfied, you can even extend your trip to Bogbri for a few days."

My eyes sparkled. I asked, "Really?"

Seeing my mood lift, Kyler didn't waste a second. He dialed Olivia right then and there. "Ms. Parker, how's work going lately?"

I heard Olivia complain loudly to the speaker. "Oh, come on, Mr. Bennett. You should spend time with Grace after work. Why are you calling to chase me about deadlines? You're such a slave driver."

"Well, I was actually planning to give you a few paid days off to take my wife to Tiusla for a vacation, if you'd wrapped things up. But now..." Kyler drawled.

He shot me a look, raising his eyebrows as if to say, "See what I have to deal with?"

I chuckled. "Alright, stop messing with her."

"Grace." Olivia cheered when she heard my voice. "I'm totally free. Don't worry, Mr. Bennett. I'll finish all my work within a week, and then I'll be dedicated to taking Mrs. Bennett on vacation."

*****

[You liked the new lingerie I got last time, right? Well, I bought something even sexier this time. I know you'll love it. Honey, come spend some time with me, okay?] A moment later, another message popped up from the same person.

My mind went blank for a second, and before I knew it, I'd opened the chat. The account called "Kye" was one I'd never seen before, and the only contact in the chat was someone named "Lori."

Looking further up, their messages were short but constant.

On Tuesday, Lori sent. [Baby, I got some new lingerie. Wanna see?]

Kye: [Get over to my office.]

On Saturday, Lori sent Kye a message and a selfie. [I've been drinking so much milk lately, and I swear my boobs are getting bigger. Do you like it, baby?]

Kye: [Naughty girl.]

Lori: [I'll be waiting for you tonight.]

Kye: [Okay.]

On Friday, Lori sent: [Honey, I heard Grace call you and asked you to come home early, but I have to work late tonight. Can't you stay with me for a bit?]

Kye: [You really think you can compare to her? Don't push your luck.]

Chapter 1

Kyler Bennett and I had known each other for seventeen years, dated for three, and been married for nine.

To our friends, we were the picture-perfect couple, always head over heels for each other.

And honestly, I thought so too.

He was always reserved and aloof around others, but he saved all his tenderness just for me.

Back when we were kids, Kyler would chase off any street punks who tried to mess with me. He even picked up odd jobs just to help pay my tuition.

After college, we started our own business, and when things were at their worst, we squeezed into a cramped studio apartment that cost only 200 bucks a month.

The windows and doors let in every bit of winter chill. To save money, I learned to cook, but the icy water left my hands covered in chilblains.

Kyler saw how much I was suffering, pulled me out of the kitchen, and swore that one day, he'd buy me a spacious villa with a pool.

And sure enough, after our business finally took off, we really did move into that dream villa he'd promised me.

But that was when I discovered I wasn't the only Mrs. Bennett.

*****

[Honey, Grace is leaving tomorrow. Will you come stay with me? It's my birthday on Friday, and I really want to celebrate it with you.]

I saw the message while Kyler was still in the shower. He'd been coming home later and later these days.

I'd voiced my concerns, but he always said the company was swamped with orders and that if things kept going like this, we could even expand by the end of the year.

"Whatever." I pulled my hand away from Kyler, grumbling under my breath.

"How about I have Olivia go with you to the Lanterra Festival this year?" Kyler said, half-kneeling and grabbing my hand, trying to comfort me with a grin.

He added, "I'll cover everything. If you're still not satisfied, you can even extend your trip to Bogbri for a few days."

My eyes sparkled. I asked, "Really?"

Seeing my mood lift, Kyler didn't waste a second. He dialed Olivia right then and there. "Ms. Parker, how's work going lately?"

I heard Olivia complain loudly to the speaker. "Oh, come on, Mr. Bennett. You should spend time with Grace after work. Why are you calling to chase me about deadlines? You're such a slave driver."

"Well, I was actually planning to give you a few paid days off to take my wife to Tiusla for a vacation, if you'd wrapped things up. But now..." Kyler drawled.

He shot me a look, raising his eyebrows as if to say, "See what I have to deal with?"

I chuckled. "Alright, stop messing with her."

"Grace." Olivia cheered when she heard my voice. "I'm totally free. Don't worry, Mr. Bennett. I'll finish all my work within a week, and then I'll be dedicated to taking Mrs. Bennett on vacation."

*****

My mind went blank for a second, and before I knew it, I'd opened the chat. The account called "Kye" was one I'd never seen before, and the only contact in the chat was someone named "Lori."

Looking further up, their messages were short but constant.

On Tuesday, Lori sent. [Baby, I got some new lingerie. Wanna see?]

Kye: [Get over to my office.]

On Saturday, Lori sent Kye a message and a selfie. [I've been drinking so much milk lately, and I swear my boobs are getting bigger. Do you like it, baby?]

Kye: [Naughty girl.]

Lori: [I'll be waiting for you tonight.]

Kye: [Okay.]

On Friday, Lori sent: [Honey, I heard Grace call you and asked you to come home early, but I have to work late tonight. Can't you stay with me for a bit?]

Kye: [You really think you can compare to her? Don't push your luck.]