The $18 Billion Wife He Abandoned Novel – Emma Carter’s butt had gone numb from sitting in the same cushioned seat for three hours. Not even the luxury boxes at Boston Arena had chairs comfortable enough for the marathon that was playoff hockey. The crowd roared as the final buzzer sounded—Boston Blades 3, Montreal 2. She stood and stretched, watching as her husband Jack scored the winning goal in overtime.
The fans stomped and chanted his name, their hero on ice. Emma smiled, genuinely happy for him despite everything else. “Mrs. Reynolds? Would you like me to call your car?” the suite attendant asked, already gathering her empty water bottles. “Not yet, thanks. I’m heading down to congratulate the team.” Emma grabbed her purse, a simple leather tote that clashed hilariously with the designer outfits of the other hockey wives. The attendant’s smile tightened. “Oh, I believe there’s a private team celebration tonight. Players only.” Emma’s phone buzzed with a text from Jack: *Don’t wait up.
Team party at Murphy’s.* She read between the lines. Don’t show up. Don’t embarrass me. Again. “Right. Of course.” Emma forced a smile. “I’ll take that car now.” — Three hours and two unanswered calls later, Emma sat cross-legged on their king-sized bed, laptop open to a spreadsheet that tracked the household budget. Jack made millions, but old habits die hard. Her grandfather had taught her to watch every penny, even when you had billions of them. The front door slammed downstairs.
Emma closed her laptop and took a deep breath. “Em? You still up?” Jack’s voice echoed through their too-big house, slightly slurred. “In the bedroom,” she called back, slipping on her glasses like armor. Jack appeared in the doorway, still in his game-day suit, tie hanging loose around his neck. At thirty-two, he was in his hockey prime—six-foot-two, shoulders like a coat hanger, jawline that could cut glass. He’d been gorgeous when they met in college.
Now he was *sculpted*. “Helluva game, huh?” He grinned, running a hand through his dark hair. “Did you see that last goal?” “It was amazing.” Emma smiled genuinely. “That spin move was insane.” “Coach said it’s going on the season highlight reel.” Jack loosened his tie further but didn’t move to take it off. He just stood there, swaying slightly.