I called Maxwell Mann.
"Maxwell, thank you so much, really!"
"How's that thing coming along?"
Listening to his answer, a genuine smile spread across my face.
"Great, I'll see you in three days then!"
"Three days? Where are you going?"
I spun around, startled, and found Mortimer standing there, his expression ice-cold.
"You misheard me."
The denial came out on instinct. The last thing I needed was to stir up trouble.
Mortimer frowned. He knew I wasn't telling the truth.
"Judy, we're getting married soon. I'll treat you well, I promise."
"We'll have three kids. They'll look just like you, I'm sure of it."
I kept my face neutral, saying nothing, while a single thought ran through my mind: Dream on. I'll be gone before any of that happens.
"Anyway, let's save that talk for later. The company's hosting a gala tonight. Think the boss's lady could grace us with her presence?"
It had been ages since I'd set foot in the office. I nodded.
"Sure."
I barely recognized anyone at the company anymore.
Mortimer really had played his hand well.
I dug my nails into my fingertips, forcing myself to stay calm.
At the gala, the employees who saw Mortimer walk in with me couldn't help stealing glances at Olympia.
I sat in a corner and watched Mortimer and Olympia clink champagne glasses, celebrating some project victory.
I didn't throw a tantrum. I didn't cry.
I just watched it all with blank detachment, like a stranger observing someone else's life.
Mortimer noticed. He frowned and walked over.
"Judy, what exactly is your problem?"
"Olympia is just a subordinate. Stop being so petty."
Before I could get a word out, Olympia sauntered over too.
"Is someone jealous? Mr. Henson was only celebrating with our project team. We actually delivered results, after all."
"Not like you, who can't really do anything or be of any help to Mr. Henson."
"Oh, I can't help your precious Mr. Henson? Do you have any idea what he was doing back when he—"
"That's enough, Judy." Mortimer cut me off, each word deliberate, something dark pooling behind his eyes.
"Olympia's young and doesn't know better. What's your excuse?"
"Is this all because I took your jasmine? Fine, I'll make it up to you."
"Just tell me what you want."
Looking at him playing the big shot, I couldn't help but laugh.
"How about you sign over all your shares in the company to me?"
"There's a limit to jokes, Judy."
Mortimer shut me down instantly, his gaze locked on mine, every trace of his usual tenderness gone.
I tugged at the corner of my mouth. "Forget it, then."
Halfway through the evening, Olympia asked me to help her cut a cake.
I had no idea what she was scheming, but I agreed anyway.
Then I spotted the small knife tucked in her pocket, and every nerve in my body fired at once.
"Go to hell, Judy Young!"
Olympia drove the blade into her own arm in one swift motion, then tossed the knife at my feet.
"Help! Somebody help! She stabbed me! The Young heiress stabbed me!"
The lively buzz of the ballroom froze solid. Mortimer's eyes went bloodshot as he charged toward me.
Before I could say a single word, he slammed me into a pillar.
"Are you okay, Olympia? I'm taking you to the hospital."
A whole entourage swept out after them.
I struggled to my feet. Something in my back felt cracked, like a rib had snapped.
At the hospital, after they wrapped my injuries, I stared up at the stark white ceiling and felt the last ember of hope die inside me.
He hadn't asked a single question. Hadn't spared me a single glance. He'd just convicted me on the spot and thrown me into a pillar. I would make him pay for that.
I went home, packed my things, and placed the broken-engagement agreement on the coffee table.
Back at the house, I finally saw Mortimer, who hadn't come home in two days.
He didn't spare a single thought for the fact that I'd been hurt. The first words out of his mouth were about her.
"I took care of the whole situation with Olympia getting stabbed. All you have to do is apologize."
"Come with me to her room right now. That princess attitude of yours needs to go. How are you going to act like this after we're married?"
I let out a cold laugh. "My attitude is none of your concern."
"And while we're at it, you slammed me into that pillar and hurt my back. Where's my apology?"
"If you want someone to apologize, do it yourself. I'm not going."
"You got hurt?" Guilt flickered across his face instantly. "I'm sorry. I didn't control my strength that night. Does it still hurt?"
"Don't be mad. How about I throw a party in a couple days and have Olympia make it up to you? Would that work?"
The man standing in front of me was a truly spectacular actor. I thought it quietly to myself.
It was time to start preparing to leave.
"Mortimer, I hope you'll always be happy. I hope you never regret the choices you've made."
I wrapped my arms around him gently, my eyes filled with nothing but hatred.
Such a gifted performer, Mortimer Henson. I wished him a lifetime of misery with no way out.
Two days later, Mortimer stood in the banquet hall surrounded by a crowd of guests.
But Judy never showed.
Olympia glanced at Mortimer's expression and spoke in a timid little voice.
"Do you think she's still upset with you because of me?"
"It's all my fault. I made her jealous."
Mortimer pinched the bridge of his nose. "Watch what you say, Olympia."
He knew Judy. She wasn't someone who broke her word.
Something must have held her up.
His assistant burst through the doors, panic written across his face.
"Mr. Henson, Miss Young is missing!"
Mortimer shot to his feet. His fingers were trembling.
"What did you just say?!"
