Jessica Simpson dropped a Thanksgiving bombshell on hubby Nick Lachey when she released a statement that the pair were separated. As far as Nick was concerened he felt betrayed says a published report.

Nick is fuming

The former 98 degrees band member's temperature was sent through the roof.

A friend of the Lachey family dishes to the tabloid Life & Stylethat he had been appeasing his superstar wife Jessica, keeping up a charade of a happy marriage for - who else - Joe Simpson.

"Nick is fuming," the friend dishes to L&S. "He's had to live a lie (about the pair being happily married). This year has been a nightmare for him.

Lachey is said to have "fought for the marriage," according to L&S but now realizes the marriage is "doomed." He reportedly now just "wants out" and is hoping to "get the divorce settled."

Funny - he has yet to file for divorce.

One reason may be that the pair still hopes to reconcile as other reports say that both parties are feeling their way through this.

That does make sense as this is the first marriage for both.

So - will there be a Christmas miracle? Jess isn't counting on it. She believes she will be alone, without Nick, for Christmas this year.

--Lynda Johnson