Chapter 3My Husband’s PhD Was Mine

A few days later, I was at the federal building to expedite my visa paperwork when I ran into her.

Lexie—the "pure, vibrant" girl Arthur was so obsessed with—was currently at the service counter, screaming at a clerk.

"What do you mean I can’t get a long-stay visa without a sponsor or a work permit? That’s literally discrimination!"

The clerk was trying to remain patient. "Ma'am, as I’ve explained, you don't meet the educational or professional requirements for this specific visa category. You need a different form of application."

She wasn't listening. Her voice rose an octave. A manager finally stepped out to escort her to a side seating area.

I stayed in my line. When it was my turn, I handed over my university credentials and my fellowship award letter. The process was seamless.

As I turned to leave, Lexie blocked my path. She pointed a finger at me and yelled at the manager, "Why does she get to go through and I don't? Look at her! She’s way older than me! If she can go, why can’t I?"

The manager sighed. "Ma'am, her qualifications and documentation are in order. This has nothing to do with you."

Lexie turned her glare on me. It was pure venom. "I know who you are. Artie told me everything. He said you’re a stalker who won’t sign the papers. Are you following him to London? Are you really that desperate?"

She stepped closer, her breath smelling like cheap energy drinks. "You’re clinging to a man who doesn't want you. You’re literally trying to be a third wheel in our relationship. Don't you have any dignity, you old hag?"

I’ve met all kinds of people in my life, but the sheer audacity of this girl was something new.

I gave her a cold, thin smile. "Let’s get one thing straight. Arthur and I are still legally married. In the eyes of the law, I am his wife. You? You’re just a girl he’s using to feel young because he’s terrified of his own mediocrity."

She let out a harsh laugh. "What century are you living in? The one who isn't loved is the real outsider. Do you know Artie drives forty minutes out of his way every night to bring me my favorite cupcakes? He stays up until 2:00 AM watching reality TV with me even when he has an 8:00 AM lecture. He tells everyone he’s 'at the lab' just so he can sneak out to see me."

My heart did a slow, painful somersault.

All those nights I thought he was grinding away at his research. All those nights I stayed up late proofreading his work so he could "sleep," he was actually with her. I had been fighting for our future while he was playing house with a teenager.

"He also said you’re like a dead fish in bed," she sneered, leaning in. "That’s why he’s leaving. You’re boring, June."

I didn't think. My hand moved on its own.

The slap echoed in the marble lobby.

But before I could pull my hand back, a grip tightened around my wrist. It was painful.

Arthur was suddenly there, his face contorted with rage. "June! What the hell are you doing?"

Lexie immediately collapsed into him, her voice turning into a pathetic whimper. "Artie, I just wanted to help with the visa stuff so we could be together... and she just started calling me names... she said she was going to kill me..."

Arthur’s eyes were like flint. "June, we signed the papers. We’re done. If you have a problem, take it out on me. Leave her out of this."

People were starting to whisper.

"Is that the ex? God, how embarrassing."

"She looks so professional, but she’s acting like a crazy person."

The comments stung, but I kept my eyes on Arthur. This was a man I had known for twenty years. From the group home to our wedding day. I thought I knew every fiber of his soul.

Now, he was a stranger.

I took a deep breath and smoothed my coat. "Done? Fine. But if we’re truly 'done,' then I want everything back. The papers I wrote for you. The data I collected for your experiments. The projects I secured for you. And especially that lead-author credit on the paper that got you your promotion. Do you want to return those, Arthur?"

I said it calmly, but Arthur’s face went white.

In our world, that wasn't just a divorce dispute. That was academic fraud. It could end his career in a heartbeat.

His grip on my wrist loosened. "June... let's not be dramatic."

I didn't answer. I rubbed my wrist, turned around, and walked out into the sunlight.