Chapter Five

Jacqueline stood where she was, too stunned to move, as she took in what she had just overheard.

He married me for money! Although he hadn't expressed it in those exact words, Jacqueline wasn't as naive as Ben thought her to be, and was more than capable of putting two and two together.

She was still unable to move, as she processed the newly acquired information when Ben made his exit from the lounge, almost knocking Jacqueline over in his haste.

"Jacqueline, honey. I didn't know you were up" Ben gushed as he made a show of steadying Jacqueline on her feet. "Did you sleep well?" He enquired, searching her expression for any hint that she had overheard his earlier conversation with the lawyer.

Jacqueline managed to look her husband in the eye, and for a second was confident of maintaining control of her emotions. But the lone tear that tricked down her cheek betrayed her, conveying her newfound knowledge to Ben.

In that instant Ben discontinued the charade of the loving husband, reaching out and grabbing her upper arm. For a second Jacqueline thought he was going to strike her as he raised his other arm.

Instead he let out a soft chuckle, and ran his hand through his hair, moving past Jacqueline to the front door.

"I'll be back by morning," Ben spoke as he paused at the door before exiting to drown his sorrows at the saloon. "And remember, you are still my wife, this changes nothing Jacqueline, nothing."

To be continued…