The Monster He Married

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Julian Kensington had one golden rule for his mistresses: if you dare to flaunt yourself in front of my wife, you will be disposed of by morning.

The second one dared to flaunt herself in front of his wife, she would be disposed of by morning.

Yet, the women kept crossing the line. They took one look at me and saw an easy target.

When I married Julian, I signed an ironclad prenup. If we divorced, I walked away with absolutely nothing. Later, to keep my son, I agreed to send him to the main estate. I was allowed to see him exactly once a month.

I had no power, no money, and absolutely no family or friends to fall back on. In their eyes, I was just a trophy wife whose biggest daily struggles were scheduling chemical peels and arranging peonies.

Until the latest mistress marched up to me, desperate to mark her territory.

Julian is so wicked, she purred, tracing her collarbone. He made me stay on my knees all night. They're still swollen.

I smiled, setting my pruning shears down on the marble counter before leading the way, offering to fetch it for her.

The second she stepped over the threshold, entirely off guard, I shoved her hard between the shoulder blades.

The heavy oak door clicked shut behind her.

Since you're so exhausted, take a couple of days off. You won't be seeing anyone.

Chapter 1

A week later, he brought back a teenage orphan named Chloe. She was the mentor's daughter. She called him Uncle Julian.

He raised the girl for two years.

On her eighteenth birthday, she got completely wasted and cornered him.

Uncle Julian, she slurred. I want you.

Julian's face hardened.

He grabbed the back of her neck and plunged her head straight into a basin of freezing water.

Are you sober now?

He looked at me later that night, his jaw tight. If I had any idea she harbored those kinds of thoughts, I never would have taken her in.

I offered him a perfect, placid smile. Of course I believe you.

But he was still paranoid I would overthink it. The very next morning, he shipped Chloe off to Europe. He promised me she would never come back.

Everyone in our circle whispered about how ruthless Julian Kensington was. They didn't know about the phone call he made the second her plane took off.

Take care of her, he told his contact in Paris. Don't let her suffer or get hurt. Tell her to be a good girl, and I'll visit whenever I can.

The friend on the other end was confused. If you can't bear to part with her, why send her away?

Julian dragged a hand over his jaw, his voice dropping to a gravelly whisper. I can't risk it. I'm terrified of what Eleanor might do to her if she snaps.

The friend scoffed. No way. At the end of the day, you just can't let go of Eleanor. You two have too much history.

Julian let out a dark, mocking laugh. He didn't say another word.

To the rest of the world, Eleanor was the ultimate submissive, obedient wife. Only Julian knew exactly what a monster she could be.

So, he locked his most precious girl safely away across the ocean. And to keep my eyes off her, he started parading a string of mistresses through the tabloids.

For two years, he took countless private flights to Europe. He spoiled Chloe. He made her untouchable. And he made her bold.

Bold enough to finally come after me.

Today was my birthday. My phone buzzed with a text from her.

[Happy birthday, Aunt Eleanor. But I feel so sick today. I just want Uncle Julian here to hold me. Who do you think he'll choose? You, or me?]

Today was my birthday. Julian adjusted his tie in the mirror and told me he had an emergency overseas trip.

I'll make it up to you when I'm done with this deal. Whatever you want, I'll bring it back for you.

Julian's new assistant was a force of nature. Vibrant. Flawless. Toxic.

She didn't even bother to knock. She just punched the master code into the penthouse door and strutted in on her stilettos. Her eyes raked over me, dripping with undisguised contempt.

Good morning, Mrs. Kensington. I'm here to pack Julian's bags.

Chapter 2

She did not wait for my answer. She kept walking. But as she brushed past me, her eyes darted to the side, and she stopped dead in her tracks.

Mrs. Kensington, could you run upstairs for me? Grab the third and fifth suits from the center closet. For underwear, grab the new ones I just bought him.

Second drawer down. You can find those, right?

She offered a sugary smile, bending slightly to rub her knee. I really hate to bother you.

But Julian is so wicked. He made me stay on my knees all night. They are still swollen.

I listened in silence. My fingers held a perfect, crimson rose.

The pruning shears snapped shut, slicing clean through the stem.

I cut too much. It was ruined, stripped of all its elegance.

I let out a soft sigh of pity and tossed the mutilated flower into the trash. I set the shears down on the marble. I looked up and gave her a fragile, compliant smile.

Julian mentioned a contract he needed to bring. I am not sure which one it is. Could you come help me find it?

My utter lack of a reaction made her scowl. She looked completely put out.

I lowered my gaze. Never mind. You probably do not know either. I will just call Julian and ask him.

Of course I know. I run Julian's entire life. She tipped her chin up. Show me where it is.

Okay.

I led the way down the hall. We turned a corner and descended the stairs to the basement level.

Where are we? What is this place? Why would a contract be down here?

It is the darkroom. For developing film. Julian brought the file down here a couple of days ago.

It should be right on that table. Take a look.

She stepped inside without a second of hesitation. Where is the light switch

She did not get to finish the sentence.

I stared at the back of her head, my eyes dead.

I slammed the heavy door shut.

What are you doing? Eleanor, what the hell are you doing? Let me out!

My tone was entirely flat. Hollow. Since you're so exhausted, take a few days off. You won't be seeing anyone.

Chloe's toxic little text was still glowing on my screen. I picked up my phone and typed my reply.

[Julian is not coming. Pace yourself with the tantrums. You might just break.]

I hit send. Blocked her number. Deleted the thread. Then I dialed Julian.

Hey, Ella

I locked your assistant up.

For a split second, the line went dead silent. Five seconds later, Julian's voice ripped through the speaker in a raw roar.

What did you do to her? Eleanor, what did you do?

I casually spun a paring knife between my fingers. The silver blade caught the light.

Relax. She can still scream. Want to hear?

Oh, wait. The basement blocks cell signals. You would not be able to hear her anyway.

I continued seamlessly. I will just repeat it for you. She said you will not let me get away with this. She said once you find out, you are going to kill me.

Something in that sentence struck an absolute nerve.

He growled my name again. Eleanor.

A genuine, delighted laugh slipped past my lips. Actually, I have been meaning to ask you about that. Julian, if I kill her right now, are you going to call the cops on me, or are you going to help me bury the body?

Eleanor. Ella, I am sorry! Julian's voice shook violently, though he was desperately trying to force a calm, soothing tone.

I am already on my way back. Just wait for me. Do not do anything crazy.

Ella, this is all my fault. I am not going anywhere. I will stay home and celebrate your birthday with you. I will cook your favorite dinner

You have not answered my question, Julian. My voice was soft. Hypnotic.

Answer me. Are you going to be the whistleblower, or the accomplice?

Chapter 3

Julian's breathing shifted from heavy, ragged pants to a terrifying calm. He inhaled deeply. When he finally spoke, his voice was a low, resonant rumble.

I'm your accomplice.

He made it back in less than thirty minutes. Julian tore through the front door, chest heaving. He did not even look at me. He sprinted straight for the basement