BAD WIFE

Chapter {39}

Fourteen months later...

Over the past year, Baylee had done exactly what she promised herself she would—stay away from the Ashers. It hadn't been easy. But she stuck to the boundaries she set. A strict co-parenting schedule was established with Niko, and they both honored it. She only spoke to him when it concerned Anola. No small talk. No reminiscing. No lingering stares.

And surprisingly... it worked.

They were both moving on with their lives—peacefully.

About a year ago, news reached her that he and Melissa had broken up. It came as a shock. A friend spotted him on a romantic date with a different woman altogether. At the time, it hit her like a punch to the chest. She'd felt crushed. But she didn't let it destroy her. Instead, she used that pain to rebuild herself.

In all the regret she had drowned in before, she'd forgotten who she truly was.

That day... she remembered.

And from that point on, letting go of Nikolai Asher had been a piece of cake. He no longer crossed her mind. In fact, if it weren't for Anola, she might've forgotten he even existed.

Now, standing in front of two towering French brown doors, Baylee held a bouquet of red and white roses, her fingers tightening slightly around the stems. The music had just shifted. The flower girls—Emmie and Jasmine—were already making their way down the aisle. The bridesmaids followed behind, their dresses swishing softly.

And now... it was her turn.

The massive doors creaked open.

Baylee lifted her chin and gracefully stepped forward, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she moved down the aisle with quiet elegance.

Ahead, she spotted her brother-in-law waiting nervously at the altar. He looked as though he were holding his breath—completely captivated by the sight of the woman about to marry him all over again.

Clarissa was a wreck backstage, trying to hold it together, but Jacob was already falling apart up front.

Baylee took her place at the side and looked out across the rows of family and friends filling the chapel. It was a full house.

In the front row, Anola sat clapping in her father's lap, giggling.

Baylee smiled and waved.

Niko took the toddler's tiny hand and waved back. "Say hi, Mom," he cooed.

She forced a faint smile but didn't miss the pang of discomfort that crept into her chest. She didn't want him there. But he'd been invited... and for Anola's sake, she could tolerate his presence for just one day.

Even their daughter's birthday had to be split into two separate parties.

Then, suddenly—Baylee felt a gaze burning into her skin.

Her eyes shifted to the back row on the groom's side.

A man. Tall. Handsome. Dark brown hair, light brown eyes. Immaculate black tux. And he was staring directly at her.

When their eyes met, he smiled.

And... she smiled back.

His name was Edison—Jacob's friend. Clarissa had been trying to set them up for months, but Baylee had always declined. She wasn't interested.

Until now.

Now that she'd seen him in the flesh... she might just reconsider.

The music changed again, crescendoing into the bridal march. The doors swung open one final time.