She Had Germaphobia—But Only for Me

Mila Galloway claimed to have a severe phobia of germs. Specifically, my germs.

She forbade me from using the restroom in her office and banned me from leaving any personal items in her workspace. I accepted this as her eccentricityuntil today.

When her little assistant, Ryan Delgado, spilled coffee on his clothes, Mila didn't hesitate. She ushered him into her private bathroom to shower. Worse, she opened her desk drawer and pulled out a fresh pair of men's boxers she kept specifically for him.

Cold rage spiked through me. I grabbed her wrist, forcing her to meet my eyes.

"You claim to be a germaphobe," I said, voice low. "Why is he allowed in there when I'm banned? You won't even kiss me because of 'hygiene,' yet you keep his underwear in your desk?"

Inside the bathroom, the water stopped. Ryan's voice drifted out, dripping with mockery. "Face it, David. Big Sister just loves me more than she loves you."

Mila ripped her hand from my grip. She didn't speakjust grabbed a sanitizing wipe and furiously scrubbed the spot where my skin had touched hers. Pure disgust on her face.

Without a word, she walked into the bathroom, chatting and laughing with Ryan as he dressed.

Something inside me snapped. Seven years of endurance shattered in a single moment.

I slid my wedding band off and tossed it into the trash with a decisive clank.

"Divorce." My tone was flat. "I'm done with a wife whose germaphobia is selective."

The laughter died. Silence stretched, heavy and suffocating.

I turned to leave, hand on the doorknob, when the door swung open. A group of salespeople from a luxury boutique filed in, arms laden with bags.

"Mr. Weiss, good afternoon!" the lead associate chirped, oblivious. "Mrs. Weiss custom-ordered these shoes and suits for you personally. You're a lucky manher devotion is the talk of our store."

"Indeed," another added, setting down a velvet box. "Mrs. Weiss was so particular. Insisted no one touch the items with bare hands. Said her husband dislikes others handling his belongings."

The irony tasted like ash.

I stared at the pile. In seven years, Mila had never bought me a gift. Not once. And the brand was flashy, gaudycompletely opposite to my taste.

These weren't for me. They never were.

On cue, Mila emerged from the bathroom, Ryan close behind.

Ryan stepped forward, reaching past me to snatch the garment bag from the salesperson's hands.

"Oh, careful," he said, clutching it to his chest. "Ms. Galloway bought this for me. Not for... other men." He shot me a smug look. "You lot are blind. Stop praising the wrong person."

The air left the room.

The salespeople froze, smiles faltering. Their eyes darted from me to my bare ring finger to Mila.

Mila, usually ice-cold, looked at Ryan with a warmth I had never received. Doting. Indulgent.

"Do you like them?" she asked him, ignoring me entirely.

"I love them," Ryan replied, voice sugary. "But my apartment's so small... nowhere to keep all this."

"Leave them here, then," Mila said. "When you want to change, just come in. You don't need to ask."

Ryan beamed, shooting me a provocative look over her shoulder. He expected me to explodewanted the jealous, impulsive husband of the past.

But that man was gone. I felt nothing but hollow resolve.

The salespeople held their breath. They'd walked into a minefield. The expensive "husband" gifts were for the assistant. The humiliation was absolute.

"Look at you," Mila chided softly. "Your collar's crooked. You're like a child."

She raised her handthe same hand she'd scrubbed clean of my touchand straightened Ryan's collar. Her fingers lingered. They stood so close their shadows merged.

The salespeople mumbled apologies and fled.

They would talk. By tonight, all of high society would know that David Weiss was the biggest cuckold in the city.

"Why stop at the collar?" My voice cut through like ice. "Why don't you two just strip naked and finish the job right here?"

Mila stiffened. She stepped away from Ryan and spun around, eyes blazing.

"David Weiss, have you had enough?" she snapped. "I've endured your attitude for a long time."

"Is that all you do? Stare at me and pick fights because you have nothing better to do?"

I loosened my tie, the silk feeling like a noose. Nothing to do? I barely had time to eat between saving her family's legacy and managing the chaos she created. Yet in her eyes, I was just a nuisance.

"You're mistaken," I said flatly. "I'm not looking for a fight. I'm simply done. I've reached my limit. Consider this your freedomnow you can flaunt your affection for that pretty boy without guilt."

"Divorce?" She scoffed. "That's your only threat?"

"I don't make threats. I make decisions."

Her face twisted. Without a word, she snatched the crystal ashtray from the desk and hurled it at me.

I didn't dodge. Didn't flinch.

Thud.

Crystal met forehead. Pain exploded behind my eyes, followed by warm blood trickling down my face.

Silence. We stared at each otherher chest heaving, my expression frozen.

Seven years ago, Galloway had been on the brink of collapse. Theodore Galloway, desperate and out of options, had practically begged me to marry his daughter and inject capital into the company.

Back then, Mila was breathtakingthe unreachable star of our university days. I agreed, driven by a foolish, lingering crush.

The reality was a cold awakening. She rarely smiled at me. Refused intimacy, citing severe germaphobia. One rule: I was never allowed to kiss her.

I respected her boundaries. Thought it was genuine. Until I saw her at the mall one afternoonwalking hand-in-hand with Ryan, laughing, hugging, kissing him with a passion she'd never shown me.

That was when the illusion shattered. Ryan was the one she'd always wanted. Her "germaphobia" had a specific trigger: me.

I pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the blood from my brow. Mila stood frozen, eyes widening at the red stain on white cloth. Perhaps she hadn't expected her tantrum to draw blood.

Not that it mattered anymore.

Ryan seized the moment. He grabbed her hand, his face twisting into practiced martyrdom.

"Mila, please, don't fight because of me." His voice dripped with fake guilt. "If my presence is causing problems between you and your husband, maybe I should just resign."

"No!" She gripped his hand tighter. "I'm sorry, David. It's all my fault. Don't blame"

"Shut your mouth."

The command tore from my throat, low and dangerous. I glared at Ryan. His voice was nails on a chalkboard.

"You have no intention of leaving," I said coldly. "Stop the performance."

Ryan shrank back, playing victim perfectly. Mila immediately stepped in front of him, shielding him like precious treasure.

"Ryan isn't the one in the wrong! Why should he apologize?" She turned her glare on me. "David, apologize to him. Now."

Her voice carried the imperious tone of an heiress used to getting her way. She'd forgotten who held the real power here.

Before I could respond, shrill voices erupted from the doorway. Mila's clique had arrived.

"Mila, why are you begging him?" one sneered. "Just fire him! Kick him out!"

"Exactly," another chimed in. "He thinks marrying you gives him rights to everything. If Galloway hadn't been in trouble, a man like him would never have touched the hem of your dress. He's the one who broke you and Ryan apart."

The gallery of hypocrites. These women spent their days burning through their husbands' money and sneering at me, riding Mila's coattails to feel superior.

Usually, I ignored them for her sake. Today, the blood on my face made me less charitable.

"Broke them apart?" I turned to face the group, a humorless smile forming. "When Galloway was bankrupt and drowning in debt, Theodore came to me. Where were you loyal friends then?"

They quieted, exchanging nervous glances.

"Let me refresh your memory." I stepped closer. "You all ghosted her. Blocked her number because you were terrified she'd ask to borrow money. I saved this family while you hid."

My gaze swept over them, sharp as a blade. They stammered, faces flushing, unable to form a coherent response.

"Enough, David!" Mila's voice turned shrill. "If you're angry, take it out on me. Don't humiliate my friends."

I looked at her one last time. The woman I'd spent seven years protecting now looked like a stranger.

"My lawyer will deliver the divorce papers."

"David Weiss!!"

I didn't look back. I walked out of the office, blood drying on my forehead, ignoring the stunned stares of employees as I left the buildingand my pastbehind.

"Mr. Weiss finally showed some backbone today."

"About time. You have no ideaMs. Galloway and Ryan are practically living together in her office. They don't even hide it."

"The humiliation that man has swallowed... Anyone else would have snapped by now."

The whispers faded as I stepped into the elevator. I checked my phone. A call from the villa.

"Mr. Weiss, please come home immediately."

Aunt Jade's voice trembled.

"A woman forced her way inMrs. Delgado. She had a key. Brought a whole group of relatives, declaring this is her house now." A stifled sob. "They threw me out, sir. Your mother came to visit, but that woman was so vile, Mrs. Weiss left in a rage."

The elevator pinged open. Another call overrode the first.

My mother.

"David Weiss!" Her voice cracked like a whip. "Is this the dignity you promised me? That woman you married is flaunting her kept man, and now his trashy family has taken over your home? Divorce Mila. Immediately. I would rather see you alone forever than tethered to that disgrace."

Cold fire spread through my chest. I hung up and marched toward the garage, intent on clearing the vermin personally.

My parking spot was empty.

I stared at the vacant slab. A vein pulsed in my temple.

"Pull the surveillance," I ordered security.

The footage confirmed it. Ryan's smug face filled the screen as he unlocked my car and drove off, laughing.

I turned to the guard. "Call the police. Grand theft auto."

He blinked. "But... sir, Ms. Galloway gave him the keys..."

I rested a hand on his shoulder. "Report the theft, or pack your things. Decide now."

He scrambled for his phone.

I signaled my assistant. "Take me to the penthouse."

In the backseat, I pulled up the live feed from the villa. My jaw clenched.

Josephine Delgado was parading through my living room wearing my mother's vintage silk nightgown. Barking orders at the staff. When a maid hesitated, Josephine kicked her.

"What are you staring at? Do your job, you wretches!" Josephine screeched, reclining on my leather sofa. "I am the mistress of this house now."

I dialed the precinct directly.

"Yes, I'd like to report a break-in and trespassing."

Ryan was already in a holding cell. Only right to send his mother to join him. A family should stick together.

I tapped my earpiece. "Monitor the situation. Itemize everything that woman touched, ate, or wore. I want full compensation for every item."

"Understood, Mr. Weiss."

"Not a penny less."

I retreated to my downtown penthouse, a sanctuary Mila rarely bothered to visit. I shed my jacket, loosened my tie, and poured a glass of whiskey.

Two sips in, the front door slammed open.

Mila stormed in, eyes blazing. She grabbed a crystal vase from the console table and hurled it at me.

I sidestepped. The crystal shattered against the wall.

"David Weiss, are you fucking insane?" she shrieked. "Why did you call the police on Ryan and his mother? They didn't steal anything! How dare you have them arrested?"

Her voice was shrill. She looked derangedhair wild, face flushed with misplaced righteousness.

I swirled the whiskey, watching the liquid catch the light.

I didn't even look at her.

"The car and the house are titled in my name. Your 'guests' took the vehicle and occupied the property without my consent. In the eyes of the law, that makes them thieves." I paused, letting the words settle. "Oh, and I sent you the divorce agreement. Don't forget to sign it."

Mila's face went mottled crimson. Fueled by humiliation, she lunged at me, hand raised to strike.

I didn't flinch. My grip caught her wrist mid-swing, locking it in place.

"I used to love you," I said, my voice dropping low. "That love was the only reason I tolerated your tantrums for seven years. But that love is dead. I will not allow you to disrespect me again."

"Listen to yourself, David." She sneered, struggling uselessly. "I don't need your help anymore. Galloway is mine. I can kick you to the curb and bury you so deep you'll never crawl out."

Her eyes went manic. "One last chance. Go to the police station right now, kneel down, and apologize. Tell them it was a misunderstanding. Clear the Delgados' record."

She yanked her hand free, rubbing her reddened wrist.

I didn't argue. I pulled out my phone and dialed my assistant, holding her gaze.

"No settlements. No compromises," I ordered. "Maximum sentence. Let them rot."

That night, Mila messaged every shareholder. Her agenda was clear: strip me of all power.

The next morning, I walked into the conference room. Ryan was already there, seated at the head of the table beside Mila.

He glared at me, eyes burning with malice and smug satisfaction. Clearly, she'd pulled significant strings to fish him out so quickly.

"Don't bother sitting," Mila said coldly. "That chair no longer belongs to you."

"So this is how it ends?" I asked. "Discarding the tool once the job is done?"

"Glad you understand."

She turned to address the room. "Effective immediately, Ryan Delgado will assume the role of Vice President. David Weiss is relieved of all duties. From this moment on, he is nothing to this company."

Shock rippled through the shareholders. They exchanged uneasy glances, then looked at me.

I ignored the tension, walked past the stunned board, and sank into my usual chair.

Ryan slammed the table and shot to his feet. "David Weiss! Are you deaf? Didn't you hear what Ms. Galloway said?"

He sneered. "The company's surname is Galloway, not Weiss. You're just a glorified employee. Who gave you the right to act like you own the place?"

I retrieved my lighter, flicking the lid open and shut. I smiled at hima cold, predatory expression that made him twitch.

"What the hell are you laughing at?" Ryan barked, his bravado cracking. "You're a nobody now! Get out, or I'll have security throw you out."

I ignored the barking dog and focused on its owner.

"Mila." My voice softened. "Are you truly expelling me from the company for him?"

She didn't hesitate. "Yes."

Her chin lifted. "Our marriage was a business transaction. You resolved the crisis, but I've built my own influence now. I won't sacrifice my happiness for gratitude anymore."

Sacrifice? She thought marrying meletting me save her legacy with my capital and labor while she treated me like dirtwas her sacrifice?

Almost impressive.

Slap.

She threw a document onto the table. "You wanted a divorce? I've already signed it. The company is mine. You were just staff. As for assets, I'm generousten million dollars. Take it and leave."

I flipped the folder open. Ten million. For an empire worth billions.

A dark laugh escaped. "Mila Galloway. Since you've decided to be heartless, don't expect me to show you any mercy."

"Mercy?" She scoffed. "I don't need your mercy. Just like back thenyou were the one who insisted on this marriage. You were the one playing savior. I never asked you for a thing."

Ryan smirked, drunk on his own bravado. "Did you hear me? Get the hell out."

I didn't bother looking at him. Instead of standing, I pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a slow drag.

Mila's expression turned glacial.

"Ryan. Call security. Throw him out."

"With pleasure."

Moments later, security stormed in.

"Grab David and toss him out like a stray dog," Ryan barked. "And if he struggles? Break his legs."

He crossed his arms, posturing like a general. "Go!"

The guards surged forward

and surrounded Ryan.

A heavy boot slammed into his stomach before he could react. He crumpled, gasping, kicked across the polished floor.

Thud.

Mila shot to her feet. "What are you doing? I said throw David out!"

I clapped slowly. "They didn't make a mistake. They're disposing of the only dog in the room."

"What are you talking about?"

"This building might still say 'Galloway' on the sign." I exhaled smoke, finally meeting her eyes. "But ownership? That's been mine for years."