After 10 Years of Humiliation, I Married His Rival — Novel

About

In a world where love and betrayal intertwine, Mary Winfield has spent a decade in the shadows, hidden behind the gilded walls of the Gilbert Mansion. Once a devoted wife, she now finds herself trapped in a web of humiliation, yearning for the son she rarely sees, while her husband, Joel, embraces another woman as his family. Can love endure when it’s overshadowed by secrets and scorn?

As New Year's Eve approaches, Mary's heart is a battleground of hope and despair. With each moment spent in Joel's presence, the echoes of their shared past haunt her. She remembers the promises made, the sacrifices endured, and the bitter taste of rejection. But when she receives a call from an unexpected rival—a man she once ran from—Mary is faced with a choice: cling to the remnants of a love that has brought her nothing but pain, or embrace the possibility of a new beginning.

With tensions rising and emotions boiling over, can Mary find the strength to reclaim her life and her son? Or will she be forever shackled to a past that refuses to let her go?

After 10 Years as His Secret Wife, I Married His EnemyChapter 1

Ten years of marriage, and Joel Gilbert still hadn't taken me home for New Year's Eve dinner.

I didn't dress up like I had in previous years, begging him to bring me along, pleading for just one glimpse of my son.

Instead, I straightened his collar with practiced care and stepped back like a good wife.

Joel ruffled my hair, his voice soft with reassurance.

"You've been so well-behaved lately. As a reward, I'll bring our son to see you."

Our baby had barely been weaned when Joel sent him to the Gilbert Mansion to win over Old Mrs. Abbott.

He'd promised me—once his mother accepted the child, she'd accept me too.

But yesterday, I'd snuck over to the mansion. And I saw Joel with his arms around his secretary, calling her his wife. I saw my son clinging to her, calling her Mommy.

Years ago, I'd made a bet with someone. If I couldn't make it through the Gilberts' door in ten years, I'd have to go back and marry him.

——

I pulled that number out of my blocked list—the one I could recite in my sleep.

"Send someone to pick me up tomorrow."

A low laugh came through the phone.