Secretly His: May The Best Man Dare To Kiss The Bride!

"Melanie, why don't you step away for a few days? I can take care of Saturday's interview."

At the sound of that, Melanie Shaw turned her head and answered in an even tone, "Thanks, but I'm fine. Really."

The day before, an anonymous envelope had arrived. Inside were several photographs. In each one, her husband stood close to a woman she didn't recognize, their bodies pressed together in ways no marriage should allow. The message needed no explanation. He was involved with someone else.

Tucked in with the photos was the address of a jewelry store.

Pulling herself back to the present, Melanie said, "You can go ahead. I'll walk around by myself for a bit."

Once her assistant left, her eyes drifted again toward the jewelry store across the street.

Through the glass, a man dressed in a fitted suit had his arm wrapped around a woman's waist. His expression carried warmth that felt intimate.

With a slight tilt of her chin, the woman gave him room to clasp a necklace around her neck.

They spoke to each other with easy smiles, and the closeness between them left no room for doubt.

For several seconds, Melanie kept watching before she forced herself to look elsewhere.

The suited man was none other than her husband, Gabriel Clayton.

As for the woman beside him, she had been a stranger until recently.

According to the investigator she hired, the woman was a well-known beauty influencer named Chelsey Wallace.

A sharp sting burned behind Melanie's eyes, and a heavy ache spread through her chest. She reached for the edge of a nearby counter to steady herself.

Ten full years. She had given Gabriel ten years of her life, yet now she stood outside like an outsider, quietly witnessing the happiness he shared with someone else.

Nearby, a sales clerk spoke to a coworker without lowering her voice. "That's the famous beauty influencer everyone's talking about. Her career's taking off, and she's got such a devoted boyfriend too. She's really blessed."

Every word landed on Melanie like a blade she couldn't see. The pain didn't stay on the surface. It sank deep and settled in her chest. Of course, that woman was blessed.

Without thinking, Melanie stepped away from the counter and drifted toward a quieter corner, yet her gaze betrayed her and returned to the couple.

Chelsey didn't come from wealth, and she didn't carry herself with the same polish Melanie had been taught. Still, her features were soft and appealing. Her eyes, bright and expressive, held nothing back as she looked at Gabriel.

A storm of questions rose in Melanie's mind. What had Chelsey done to win over the man who used to treat his wife with patience and care? How had she managed to erase ten years of devotion and make him cast aside his promises? When had he fallen so completely for a rising influencer whose fame had come almost overnight?

Tears blurred Melanie's vision.

--

By the time Melanie reached home, night had settled in, and the rain outside had grown heavy and relentless.

The door had barely closed behind her when Gabriel stood up from the foyer.

His broad hand slid around her waist, pulling her close. Noticing the damp strands clinging to her hair, he frowned. "Mel, where did you go? Why are you just getting back now?"

"Mr. Clayton was losing it! He must've called you a dozen times-no answer. He almost rang the police," Ethel Davis, the housekeeper, said as she hurried over from across the foyer, her voice filled with concern.

Without a word, Gabriel accepted the towel she offered. He carefully dried Melanie's rain soaked hair, then gathered her chilled hands between his palms. "Next time, please answer me. I was worried sick."

As Melanie stepped closer, a trace of unfamiliar sweetness drifted from him. The scent of another woman's perfume clung to his clothes.

In that instant, clarity settled over her. The tenderness he showed now felt rehearsed. His heart no longer belonged to her.

When the investigator had first delivered those photographs, she had rejected the evidence outright.

Yet after watching Gabriel laugh beside Chelsey, she had stood there like an outsider staring at someone else's happiness through glass.

Silence stretched before she managed to respond, "I went out to shop. My phone ran out of battery."

Turning away with an easy smile, Gabriel addressed the housekeeper, "Ethel, warm up some milk for her first. And make a few of her favorite dishes. Keep the salt and oil light. She's been watching her diet."

After Ethel withdrew, the spacious living room felt too quiet with only the two of them remaining.

Drawing Melanie into his side, Gabriel rested his arm around her shoulders and lowered his voice. "Don't be upset, sweetheart. I only reacted that way because I was anxious. That's on me. Work's been overwhelming lately. In a few days, I'll take you somewhere nice so you can unwind."

Searching his face, Melanie held his gaze and tried to read what lay behind those deep eyes.

Yet the longer she looked, the less she recognized the man in front of her.

After ten years of loving him without holding back, she now felt as though she were standing across from a stranger.

"I haven't been angry. I've just felt a little suffocated staying home lately. Don't read too much into it."

"If that's all, then I'll take you out tomorrow. We'll go shopping, and I'll get you a new purse," Gabriel replied at once.

His offer made her chest tighten, but she still curved her lips upward.

Noticing the change in her expression, he asked, "Why are you smiling like that?"

"With a husband who's this thoughtful, I might even laugh in my sleep. And if something's weighing on you, don't carry it alone. You can always tell me," Melanie answered, keeping her eyes fixed on his.

"How could I hide anything from you?" he responded with an easy smile, then leaned in and brushed a quick kiss against the corner of her lips.

The curve of his lips, filled with affection that no longer felt real, tightened something deep inside her.

Instead of responding, she calmly lifted a folder from her bag and held it out to him. "I've been considering a plot of land on the outskirts of the city. Can you sign this transfer for me-as a gift?"

Without even glancing through the pages, Gabriel accepted the document. He signed his name where indicated, set it aside on the table, and leaned in as though eager to trail kisses along her neck.

Before he could get closer, she shifted back and stopped him. "You're not going to read what you just signed?"

"You're my wife. If there's something you want, you don't need to explain it to me."

Lowering her gaze to the papers, she let out a faint, tired smile.

The sudden vibration of his phone cut through the room. When he saw the name on the screen, his expression shifted. "Mel, I have to take this. It's work."

Melanie gave a small nod.

He walked toward the balcony, and the pale moonlight settled across his shoulders. From where she stood, she could see the way his mouth curved gently, and a softness filled his eyes as he spoke.

After watching for a moment, Melanie picked up the divorce agreement and made her way upstairs.

She had prepared those papers the day she learned about his affair, though she had hesitated ever since.

More than once, in the quiet hours of the night, she had told herself that if he admitted everything on his own, she might still choose to forgive him.

Then she saw what she saw today. And that was the end of it.

There was no way she could continue living beside a man who had given his heart elsewhere and still pretended nothing was wrong.

From a drawer, she took out an elegant gift box. She placed the signed document inside, closed the lid carefully, and tied a ribbon into a precise bow. This would be her farewell.

"Mel, I'm sorry. I have to step out for a while. I won't be able to have dinner with you," Gabriel said as he walked over, sounding apologetic.

Melanie's eyes dropped to the phone still in his hand. The call hadn't ended. He couldn't even spare a second to hang up.

A faint, ironic smile touched her lips as she lifted her gaze to him. "It's alright," she replied gently. "Work comes first. Don't worry about me."

Gratitude and guilt flashed across his face, and he quickly tapped the screen to end the call.

"I'm so sorry. When I get back, I'll bring you something you like."

He stepped toward her, clearly intending to pull her into his arms, but she moved aside before he could touch her.

Facing the mirror at her dressing table, she began removing her earrings with steady hands. "You should head out. It's not polite to keep your client waiting."

Without saying anything else, Gabriel grabbed his coat and hurried out.

Through the mirror, Melanie caught the last trace of his departing smile, and a heavy ache settled deep in her chest.

The signs had been there all along, so why had she chosen to ignore them until now?

Facing her reflection, she noticed how pale she looked, yet her expression remained steady and unreadable.

His signature was already on the divorce papers. All that remained was the legal waiting period.

Judging from the way he behaved, he likely believed he could keep both women in his life for as long as he pleased.

Unfortunately for him, he had miscalculated. He thought too highly of his control and too little of her resolve.

It was just typical of some men.

No matter how passionate love once felt, betrayal often followed the same path.

If he could step outside their marriage without hesitation, then she could choose a different road for herself. She didn't need him to survive.

With measured movements, Melanie began packing her belongings. Once finished, she dialed her lawyer's number. "Mr. Jones, the papers have been signed."

On the other end, the lawyer's tone turned cautious. "Are you confident your husband won't object after he's officially notified?"

A low, humorless laugh escaped her. "You don't need to worry. I know how to handle him."

Gabriel had always had his weaknesses-and she knew how to use them.

"I understand. Then let me congratulate you in advance on your freedom."

The call had barely ended when a new message popped up from the private investigator.

Melanie opened it and found a fresh set of photos. Under the glow of the streetlights, Gabriel and Chelsey stood pressed against a car, tangled in each other's arms. Chelsey's hands looped around his neck, her bracelets catching the moonlight.

Her stomach twisted, but Melanie forced herself not to look away.

In the next image, Chelsey leaned into Gabriel's side, holding his arm as if it belonged to her. They looked like a couple who had shared years of devotion, not something secret and recent.

Old memories rushed in without warning. A faint buzz filled Melanie's ears, and each breath seemed to press against the ache in her chest.

After standing still for a long moment, she picked up her phone and called her friend. "Lacey, about that aviation club you mentioned before-are you free tomorrow?"

"I thought you refused because you're scared of heights."

A quiet, dry laugh slipped from Melanie's lips. "I've got something worth celebrating. It's time I tried something new."

"Then tomorrow morning at the club."

Once the call ended, Melanie opened her messaging app and typed to Gabriel, saying, "Our wedding anniversary is next week. I've prepared a surprise for you."

Just then, a notification sounded from the iPad on the table.

Curiosity pulled her closer. When she glanced at the screen, she realized his WhatsApp account was still logged in. A new message sat at the top. "Hotel's booked. Don't worry-I'll cover for you with your wife on your anniversary."

A sharp tremor tugged at the corner of Melanie's mouth, and her fingers shook before she stilled them.

So Gabriel had never intended to spend their anniversary with her.

While she was still holding onto the date, he had already arranged everything in advance to keep her unaware.

Without another glance, she set the iPad aside and walked into the bathroom.

At dawn, as Melanie shifted in bed, a sudden warmth at her side jolted her awake.

Still heavy with sleep, Gabriel drew her closer and murmured in a rough voice, "It's early. Come back to sleep."

A faint scoff escaped her as she pushed herself upright. "Did you come home last night?"

"Of course I did. I got back around eleven. You were sleeping so deeply that I didn't want to disturb you."

His lies washed through her like cold water-then settled, distant and still.

After everything, the pain had worn her down to the point where it barely registered.

She had stayed awake until nearly three in the morning. If he had truly returned, she would have known.

"I've got plans today. I'm heading out," she said flatly.

As soon as Melanie stepped into the club, Lacey Reid hurried over with an eager smile. "You sounded mysterious on the phone. What's the occasion?"

A calm curve touched Melanie's lips. "I'm ending my marriage."

The words hit Lacey like a shockwave, and she stood there staring. "You're getting divorced?"

In her eyes, Melanie had always been patient with Gabriel and deeply devoted to him. The idea that her friend would walk away felt impossible.

"Mel, did he mistreat you?"

Instead of answering right away, Melanie moved to a couch and picked up her coffee. She took a steady sip before shaking her head. "No."

Relief flickered across Lacey's face.

"He cheated. That's all," Melanie added in an even tone.

"He cheated?" Lacey's voice shot up, and anger colored her expression. "After everything you've done for him, he still had the nerve to cheat? What kind of man does that?"

Noticing the emptiness in Melanie's eyes, Lacey quickly softened her tone. "Don't let this crush you, dear. Walking away from someone like him is a win. Young, gorgeous, successful-you'll have plenty of options."

She understood how much that marriage had meant. It had once been Melanie's dream since she was a teenager.

After sitting quietly for a while, Melanie finally lifted her head. A faint smile appeared on her lips. "I'm not heartbroken. If anything, I'm relieved I found out before we had a child together."

She blinked and felt a steady, burning stare resting on her.

Instinctively, she followed that sensation and locked eyes with a man across the room.

He was stretched out on a nearby couch, dressed in a black leather jacket that gave him a composed, commanding presence.

Her breath caught for a second as recognition hit.

It was Rhett White.

What was he doing here?

And more importantly, had he heard what she just admitted?

Heat rushed to her face. She lowered her head and covered part of it with her hands as she leaned toward Lacey. "Let's leave. We need a different place."

Confusion crossed Lacey's face. "Why? This club's amazing. I heard the owner's a pilot, and apparently he's really hot."

At that point, Melanie wished the ground would open and swallow her whole.

Carefully, she parted her fingers and peeked out. The couch was empty.

Her gaze swept across the room, and the moment she turned around, she collided with someone solid. She gasped and stumbled back.

"Looking for me?" asked Rhett.

Regaining her composure, Melanie forced a small, awkward smile. "Why are you here?"

One brow lifted as he replied, "This place belongs to me. Should I not be here?"

A teasing curve tugged at his mouth. "You're scared of heights, yet you show up at a flying club. Planning to make a scene?"

Melanie's breath caught for a second. She remembered now. He had mentioned such a club before.

Back then, she hadn't cared enough to ask for details. She never thought she'd run into him like this.

Irritation slipped into her tone. "I paid for the experience. Isn't that what matters? Or do you only welcome certain guests?"

"Relax. I'll be your pilot today."

Before she could object, he turned and walked off as if the matter were settled.

"Why does he talk to you like that? I've heard he barely speaks to anyone."

"Don't mind him. He just enjoys being difficult."

Soon after, they changed into flight suits, and Melanie headed toward a helicopter.

Inside the cabin, Rhett rested his head against one hand and studied her with lazy interest. "You're not trembling. If you panic up there and throw up in the cabin, you're buying me a helicopter. Or... you could just pay up with yourself."

"Stop talking and focus on flying." Melanie shot him an annoyed look.

"You argued with Gabriel?" Rhett glanced at her again just before sealing the cabin.

The question sounded casual, but his eyes stayed on her. His grip on the controls tightened without him noticing, as if he were waiting for a specific answer.

"Isn't this what you've always wanted to witness?" Melanie asked.

During their school days, Melanie, Rhett, and Gabriel used to be inseparable. However, everything changed after she began seeing Gabriel, and Rhett no longer treated her the same way. Once she became Gabriel's wife, the sharpness in his tone only grew stronger.

"From the very beginning, I told you that the two of you didn't belong together. Yet you chose to marry him anyway. Come on. You think he'd settle for one tiny fish in a sea full of them?"

Through the years, she learned to brush off his cutting comments, yet she never imagined he would push things this far today.

A fierce look crossed Melanie's face as she shot back, "One tiny fish, you say?"

With a lazy grin forming on his lips, Rhett offered no further explanation.

Out of nowhere, he appeared unusually pleased with himself.

Silence filled the small cabin. That faint feeling of floating unsettled Melanie, and she tightened her fists until her palms felt slick.

Each sharp rise and sudden drop of the helicopter felt even more intense than any amusement park ride.

She couldn't keep quiet any longer, so a scream escaped her, along with a few frustrated words thrown in his direction. "Are you messing with me on purpose?"

Gradually easing the controls, Rhett answered in a rough tone, "Did you submit the divorce papers?"

Keeping her mouth shut, Melanie chose not to respond.

Given that Rhett and Gabriel shared a close bond, she had no way of knowing whether he would immediately inform Gabriel.

Quiet settled between them once more. The moment the helicopter surged forward again, another cry slipped from her lips.

"Did you file for it?"

Casting an irritated glance at the man beside her, she finally admitted, "He still doesn't know."

Right after speaking, she caught the subtle shift in his expression as it turned slightly colder.

"But I already made him sign the divorce petition," Melanie added in an even voice.

Her statement stirred something in him, and a brief spark of delight flashed through his eyes before disappearing.

"You've got more tricks up your sleeve than I thought." His remark carried a mix of mockery and praise.

Letting out a humorless chuckle, Melanie avoided the topic and said, "Just slow it down. I want to take in the view."

From that height, the landscape stretched out in breathtaking detail. After adjusting to the motion, the earlier dizziness slowly faded away.

"What's his mistress's name?" Rhett asked suddenly, cutting through the quiet.

A crease formed between Melanie's brows as she replied, "Why do you want to know? Are you thinking of tearing them apart?"

With a mocking tone, he answered, "You're overthinking it. I'm just curious whether she's more attractive than you, since he seems so obsessed." Even as he spoke, his eyes stayed fixed on her with open interest.

At that, Melanie rolled her eyes in annoyance and complained under her breath.

Since the day she and Gabriel became a couple, Rhett had kept this same attitude. Anyone watching from the outside might assume he was bitter because she had taken his beloved one away.

To her knowledge, Rhett wasn't into men. That only made it harder to understand why he kept criticizing their relationship.

"Would it hurt you to talk less? Do I not look good enough? Rhett, if paying for an eye exam is the issue, just say so. Since we are friends, I'll handle the bill for you."

Her sharp reply drew a low laugh from him. Slowly, he turned to face her and asked, "Does Gabriel know you speak like this around other people? Why do you act one way with him and completely differently with me?"

For years, Melanie showed Gabriel only her soft and thoughtful side. Because of that image, he felt entitled to keep someone else by his side. In his eyes, she was easy to control, and he used that to his advantage.

Meeting his gaze, Melanie pressed her lips together and said, "Aren't you doing the same thing? You act distant and disciplined in front of everyone else." His earlier words kept repeating in her thoughts.

Deep down, she wondered whether Gabriel would still care for her if he saw who she truly was. After all, what he adored was someone who never pushed back.

"Have you hired an attorney yet? I know an excellent divorce lawyer. Do you want me to introduce you?" Leaning slightly closer, Rhett spoke in a mild tone that carried a subtle test.

Tilting her head, Melanie looked at him from the corner of her eye and asked, "You're not worried I'll repeat this to Gabriel?"

"I'm only offering help. If you're not interested, then forget I mentioned it," Rhett replied, keeping his voice even.

That unexpected support only confused her further. "Rhett, there are times I really can't figure you out. Do you honestly see Gabriel as your friend?"

Never before had she witnessed someone so willing to interfere in the marriage of a person he claimed was close to him.