Three trophy wives explore ways of finding satisfaction beyond their boring marriages—until a mysterious woman joins their circle and threatens to undo their perfect lives. Shayla, Kyle, and Amber have a lot in common: stunning good looks, college educations, rich husbands, and—despite their affluent lifestyles— dissatisfaction with their lives. Each feels there is a void and seeks fulfillment beyond the routine of a trophy wife. The three often draw support from each other, but despite their close-knit relationship, each has her own secret she’s not willing to share. So when another woman, Terra, befriends the trio, it isn’t certain whether she’s sincere or whether she has her own special agenda... As the skeletons in their closets start to come out, Shayla, Kyle, and Amber discover that glamorous looks and coveted worlds cannot shield them from the realities of life. Discover what happens when scandal meets suspense among these smart, rich—yet vulnerable—women. Charmaine R. Parker is the author of The Next Phase of Life , Under Wrapped , and The Trophy Wives . She is a former journalist who has worked as a reporter, copy editor, and managing editor. She also happens to be the sister of New York Times bestselling author Zane. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Howard University and a master’s in print journalism from the University of Southern California. She lives in Maryland with her husband and daughter. Visit the author on Twitter @CharmaineBooks, and Instagram at @CharWrites. The Trophy Wives CHAPTER 1 Shayla Shayla Benson opened the glass doors and entered the elegant, brand-new building. She slipped off her sunglasses, stopped briefly to wink at the handsome security guard on duty, then sashayed across the granite lobby floor. Her cobalt-blue clingy dress was tasteful enough for office attire but flirty and attention-grabbing as it swayed with each of her steps. She headed toward the bank of elevators with her clicking stilettos and pretended to push the up button. Today she was riding solo. She’d given her private driver, Tony, the day off. Suddenly, she faked that she had left something outside, reentered the lobby and walked in the opposite direction toward the rear of the building. Hopefully, no one had noticed. Mondays were usually light at New Visions, her public relations firm, where she spent several days each week. After all, she was the head honcho and could freely be off the clock anytime. Her assistant, Camilla, always managed to be on point. Her eight-employee office in Largo, Maryland was in capable hands. Shayla exited out the building’s rear doors where a black Town Car was waiting. She gazed to observe her surroundings before opening the car’s back door. She gracefully slipped inside where a gentleman dressed in an all-black Armani suit kissed her lips, then offered her a flute of champagne. She grasped the glass and the two toasted before they smoothly downed the refreshing Giaconda Chardonnay. The driver pulled from the parking lot and eased toward the main street. “Where are we headed?” Shayla inquired, snuggling up to Wilson and offering her best seductive smile. “I’m not telling. I like surprises.” Wilson placed his arm around her shoulder and pulled her even closer, caressing her tenderly. “You have to wait and see.” Wilson loved the shock factor. It was their ritual to meet in this fashion twice a month. Their adventures were unpredictable. He wasn’t the bland type of guy and she couldn’t wait to meet up with him whenever that time of month approached. Shayla closed her eyes and relaxed her mind, eager to find out their destination. Would they be having each other for breakfast? Hmmm. She smiled to herself and then gazed into Wilson’s eyes. The account executive was precisely what the doctor ordered. Besides his handsome looks, he was suave and cool. However, his charming ways sometimes proved overbearing. Shayla had a nickname for him: “Mr. Class.” It represented his gentlemanly demeanor. He made her feel like she was a reigning queen and he was a servant at her command. The driver steered onto the main street and then the expressway. Shayla felt her cell phone vibrate. She opened her purse and pulled out the phone to view the time. It was 9:10. She read the text message: Good morning, my lovely. And how are you feeling? I trust all is well at the office. Shayla sighed, then her mind started racing on how to respond. Having a great day. Miss you, sweetie. See you tomorrow. Will be wearing your favorite thong. Mmm-hmm…can’t wait. “What’s all that sexting about?” Wilson asked, guessing the nature of her messages. “You’re with me now. That’s a little rude, don’t you think?” “What would you be concerned about? I’m with you.” Shayla was defensive, then warmed up. “And, are you kidding? I can’t ignore my hubby.” She reached over and placed her right hand on his waist and snuggled even closer. “Can I?” “No, I guess not.” He rela