Chapter 26: Husband of the Year.
*Jane*
I stared at her, blankly at first, then with growing dread.
“Frozen? There must be something wrong somewhere. Perhaps
there is something wrong with the machine? That’s my account.
If it is frozen, I will know.”
The receptionist’s expression remained cold, as if she had been
accustomed to encountering guests with card problems late at
night. “I’m afraid so, madam,” she said. “It shows as restricted“.
A wave of frustration welled up in my heart. No matter what it
is, Xander’s name is written on it. However, deep down in my
heart, I was skeptical. This might be a coincidence, because I
couldn’t figure out how Xander could have frozen this account
without my consent. This was a joint account. The reason why
it was called a joint account is that decisions related to this
account must be signed jointly by two people. So, yes, there
must be a reasonable explanation for this matter. It would be
best if there were.
I fumbled with my bag and pulled out my phone. I quickly
navigated to the banking app. But when I tapped it, the loading
wheel just kept spinning endlessly… nothing was happening.
Chapter 26: Husband of the Year.
I tried again. And again. A part of me hoped it was just the hotel
Wi–Fi being slow, or the app was buggy, or maybe I’d put in the wrong password. But even as I made up excuses in my head, I
knew the truth already.
My grip on the phone tightened until my knuckles turned
white. I could practically feel Rose’s discomfort radiating from.
behind the desk. The screen remained stubbornly blank. And
just as I was about to give up, a message finally came into view:
“Please contact customer service for assistance.”
I managed a tight smile and looked up at Rose. “This is probably
just a huge misunderstanding. I better check with my bank.”
Rose couldn’t even care less, but the humiliation was
threatening to send me to an early grave. She nodded politely,
clearly relieved to no longer be a part of my crisis.
I turned and walked away from the counter, feeling rage bubble
up inside me. Of all days… Why today? I was supposed to start
over, to finally get away from Xander and have peace. But he
couldn’t just resist the urge to fuck me over… again.
I made my way to a quieter corner of the lobby. I tapped the
Silverclaw Bank customer service number and waited.
“Thank you for calling Silverclaw Bank. This is Diana. How can
Chapter 26: Husband of the Year.
I help you today?”
I straightened up and took a deep breath. “Hi, Diana. I’m calling
because my joint account with Xander Blackwood was just
declined. I can’t access it through the app either.”
There was a short pause on the other end. “Can I get your full
name and account number to verify your identity?”
I quickly gave her the details, pacing as my heart pounded
against my ribs. She asked for my birthday, the last transaction,
my address.
“Thank you,” I could heard her typing, the distant clack of keys
only adding to my irritation as I watch the receptionist at the
counter occasionally glance my way, probably regretting not
swapping shifts.
Finally Diana’s voice returned shortly. “Mrs Blackwood, Thank
you for holding. I’ve checked the account details, and yes, the
account is currently restricted.”
I closed my eyes, pressing my fingers against my forehead. “I
need you to remove the restriction.”
There was a light pause, and then she said, “Emm, it was frozen
earlier today by the primary account number. Mr. Xander
Blackwood. He’s listed as the primary on the account. You’re
Chapter 26: Husband of the Year.
registered as the secondary holder.”
I didn’t respond. Hell, I couldn’t form any words. I didn’t see one coming. For years I’d believed we were in a true partnership,
meanwhile, Xander was controlling me all along.
He’d told me it was ours. And now I was learning I was nothing
more than a secondary holder of my own money.
“So that means he can just freeze it without telling me?”
“Yes. as the primary holder, he has full authority to restrict access. Unfortunately, secondary holders don’t have the ability
to reverse or override those restrictions.”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me about this absurd arrangement?” I asked, my voice rising involuntarily. I could sense the gazes of the receptionist and the concierge all looking towards me, but I really couldn’t pay attention. “I have deposited all my savings. into that account. Not a penny was left.” My voice trembled. I
was sure she must have heard it on the phone.
My wolf growled, enraged that our mate would treat us like
this. But it wasn’t over. I was going to make sure of it.
“I’m very sorry, Mrs. Blackwood,” she said, with just the right amount of apology in her tone, but I could tell that it was most
likely her feigned sympathy. But if you want to regain access,
Chapter 26 Husband of the Year
you have to talk directly to Mr. Blackwood.”
I gave a wry smile. “This bastard.”
“What?” She said.
I paid no attention and shook my head, although she didn’t see
- it. “Nothing, Diana. Thanks for your help.”
I ended the call and walked back to the front desk. Rose didn’t
look surprised when I told her I wouldn’t be needing the room
after all. She just nodded and turned back to her computer.
I turned to walk towards the door. The magnificence of the
hotel seemed to be mocking me. The glass chandeliers and
polished floors all reminded me that Xander had deprived me of
that way of life. Now, my account was frozen and I had fewer
and fewer choices. It seemd as if he reached out his hand from
anywhere, still manipulating my life and still ensuring that I
had nothing. There was nothing but the bitterness in the mouth
and a rage that seemed capable of burning down the entire city.
That was all because I’d fallen in love with the wrong man. If
only I’d ignored his advances all those years ago… maybe my life
would be different. Maybe I wouldn’t be standing outside a
hotel, shivering in the cold, luggage by my feet.
He coudn’t get away with this. That was my money, my
Chapter 26: Husband of the Year.
lifesavings. I would get them back.
I pulled out my phone, and stared at the screen. I navigated to
speed dial and my fingers hovered over Xander’s contact.
Maybe if I spoke to him, if we just talked things out…
But then I froze.
I know this is exactly what he wants. He wants me to fold, to
reach out, desperate and embarrassed and tell him that he was
right all along, that I’m nothing without him. That he made me,
that I need him.
I won’t give him that satisfaction. If he wanted to go low, I was
prepared to hit him in the fucking gut.
I’ll see him in court.
But first, I had to get out of here.
My fingers felt numb as I scrolled through my contact list again.
I wasn’t even sure what or who I was looking for. And then I
saw Aaron’s name. He was the last person I should be calling,
but he was alson the only one who’s ever shown up when I
needed someone, no questions asked.
I pressed the “Call” button, listening to the ringing of the phone. Each ring lingered longer, reverberating in the night sky. I was
just about to hang up the phone, cursing myself for still trying
to do so when he picked it up.
“Jane” his voice was breathless, like he’d been running. “What’s
wrong?”
I paused, my throat tight, “I’m sorry for calling this late, but….. I
don’t know what else to do.” I let out a deep breath. “Aaron, I’m
