“Mrs. Alaric,” he said cautiously, adjusting his glasses, “I reviewed your prenuptial agreement. I’m afraid you can’t file for divorce. According to the terms you and your husband signed… it’s until death do you part.”
The words struck like bullets.
Once upon a time, those words had been romantic. Back then, Keith and I had sworn never to leave each other, had promised forever with stars in our eyes. We were so young, so foolish, believing that love alone could protect us. And when his lawyers suggested the prenup, I didn’t even question it. Why would I? We were in love. Why would we ever need an escape?
And now, staring at the paper, I realized just how stupid I had been.
I let out a bitter laugh, pressing my fingers to my temples. “Don’t worry,” I murmured coldly. “He’ll sign it. One way or another. Whatever happens, I’ll make sure of it.”
The lawyer hesitated, but he printed out the draft and slid it across the desk.
I folded it carefully and tucked it into my bag.
The next morning, I cooked breakfast. Just a few more days of pretending and I’d be gone.
Then, Keith finally came into the kitchen. He slipped his arms around me from behind, his chin resting lightly on my shoulder. For a fleeting second, my heart betrayed me—it fluttered, remembering the man I had once loved.
“How are you?” he murmured. “Sorry I was busy yesterday.”
Yesterday. Our anniversary. He didn’t even say the word.
“Fine,” I replied quietly, prying his arms off me.
That was when his eyes fell to my hand. His brows furrowed. “Where’s your wedding ring?”
I turned back to the stove, flipping the eggs. “I don’t want to wear it anymore.”
The air shifted. His voice hardened. “What’s happening, Katerina? Is this because I missed our anniversary? I told you I was busy. I would have made it up to you.”
I gripped the spatula tighter.
“You know how busy I am with the business,” he went on, voice rising. “I mean, what would you know? You don’t even work. You just stay here.”
The words cut deep, sharper than any blade.
Because suddenly, I remembered.
I remembered years ago, when I had tried to work. When I had burned my hands scrubbing boats, when my palms bled from carrying crates. And Keith had been furious.
“Don’t ever do that again,” he had said, his eyes blazing. “I’ll provide for us. You don’t have to work. I’ll take care of you.”
I had believed him then. And now? He was using it against me.
“Busy with business,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Or busy with Faye?”
His eyes snapped to mine. “Are we here again? With Faye?” He slammed his hand on the counter. “What, did you stalk us again? Did you use my own money to follow us around? When I told you it was purely business?”
“Business?” I choked.
“Yes!” he shouted. “We’re losing investors. I need her connections. Unless, of course, you can help? But how could you—when you have nothing?”
The words hit like a physical blow.
Nothing.
I was nothing.
He froze the second it left his mouth, realizing what he’d said. But it was too late. The damage was done.
“I…” His voice softened, guilt flashing in his eyes. “I’m sorry. Let me make it up to you. Dinner later. Just us. What do you say?”
But before I could answer, the front door opened.
And in she walked.
Faye. Dressed in a red silk dress that clung to her curves, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Her lips painted in the same shade as her dress. She moved like she owned the place.
“Oh!” she gasped playfully, striding up to Keith. “Sorry.” Then, without hesitation, she leaned forward and kissed him square on the lips.
My stomach turned.
Faye laughed softly. “Muscle memory. I’m just so used to kissing him.” She flicked her gaze at me, feigning innocence. “Oops.”
Then she leaned closer, her perfume suffocating me. “Mind if I borrow your husband? We have a business party to attend.”
My hands clenched at my sides.
But Faye wasn’t finished. She smirked. “Actually… why don’t you come, too? I mean, you’re his wife, right? Even if it’s still a secret.” Her tone dripped with mockery. “Maybe you can be introduced as his secretary or something.”
“Enough, Faye,” Keith said firmly. “She doesn’t need to be there. She’ll just stay home.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat, but before I could reply, Sasha walked in.
“No,” my mother-in-law said smoothly, her eyes cold. “Let her come. She needs to see it for herself.”
The ballroom glittered with chandeliers and crystal glasses, laughter and music echoing against the marble walls. Keith never once held my hand. Never once looked my way.
I became invisible. A wallflower standing at the edge while cameras flashed on him and Faye, while guests whispered about how perfect they looked together.
“They’re meant for each other,” someone said behind me. “Such a perfect pair.”
Sasha leaned close to my ear, her voice a dagger. “See? You don’t belong here.”
I stood frozen, swallowing my pain, until I decided to simply eat. Maybe if I kept my head down, no one would notice. But as I made my way toward the buffet, Faye intercepted me.
“You should eat a lot,” she said sweetly, though her eyes burned with cruelty. “After all, you never had the chance when you were that poor little island girl. See the difference between our worlds? You don’t belong here. So why don’t you just give him back to me?”
I bit my tongue, refusing to answer.
But then her heel slipped forward—deliberately. She shoved lightly against me. My body crashed into the towering display of food. Plates shattered. Trays toppled. An avalanche of sauces and meats splattered across my dress.
The room gasped.
“Who the hell is she?” someone shouted.
“She ruined everything!”
Laughter followed. Cruel. Merciless.
Guards rushed forward. “Ma’am, you need to leave.”
“No—please,” I whispered, trembling. “I’m sorry. I was with Keith—”
“No, I don’t know her.”
My jaw dropped. He never even moved. He just stood there. Silent. Watching. Embarrassed.
As mocking hands shoved me toward the door, as laughter chased me out of the ballroom, my vision blurred. And then, in the cold shadow outside, I fainted.
