The ballroom was suffocating. Crystal chandeliers dripped light onto the crowd, the air thick with the scent of lilies and old money. It was a celebration for the Miller family closing a massive merger, a deal that would secure their empire for another generation.
I stood by the champagne tower, a flute of untouched sparkling water in my hand. I was wearing a midnight blue gown, smiling until my cheeks ached.
“Maureen!”
A booming voice cut through the polite chatter. I turned to see Kyle, Denise’s brother and Brandon’s best friend, striding toward me. He looked tanned, fresh from his business trip in Dubai.
“Kyle,” I smiled, genuinely this time. I had always liked Kyle. He was brash, but he was honest. Unlike the rest of them.
He pulled me into a bear hug. “Good to see you, Mo. You look stunning as always.” He released me and clapped a hand on Brandon’s shoulder, who had just materialized beside me. “And you, you lucky bastard. Still punching above your weight, I see.”
Brandon laughed, clinking his glass against Kyle’s. “Always, Kyle. Always.”
“Hey,” Kyle’s expression turned serious. “I wanted to say thank you. For taking care of Denise while I was gone. I know she can be a handful.”
“Oh, it was nothing,” Brandon said quickly, his smile tight. “She’s been great. Very… quiet.”
I took a sip of my water, hiding a smirk. Quiet?
“Actually,” I said, my voice light and conversational, “it’s been lovely seeing her so happy. I think having a boyfriend has really settled her down.”
The air around us froze.
Kyle blinked. “A boyfriend?”
Brandon stiffened beside me. I could feel the heat radiating off him.
“What boyfriend?” Kyle asked, his brow furrowing. “She didn’t tell me she was seeing anyone. Who is he?”
“Oh, I…” I feigned confusion, looking between them. “I assumed you knew. She’s been out almost every night. I haven’t met him, but she seems very… involved.”
“Is that so?” Kyle’s jaw tightened. He looked around the room, scanning the crowd until his eyes landed on Denise. She was by the dessert table, laughing with a group of young socialites. “Excuse me.”
Kyle marched off toward his sister.
“Maureen,” Brandon hissed the moment Kyle was out of earshot. His grip on my elbow was painful. “What the hell was that?”
I pulled my arm away, looking at him with wide, innocent eyes. “What? I thought he knew. You said they were close.”
“You know damn well he didn’t know!” Brandon’s face was flushed, a vein throbbing in his temple. “Why would you say that? Now he’s going to interrogate her. If she slips up…”
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, looking down. “I didn’t mean to cause trouble. I just… I slipped.”
“Damn it, Maureen!” He ran a hand through his hair, looking frantic. “You know how strict Kyle is, that’s why Denise rebelled back then, and got into depression. Now she’s okay, and you’re ruining it again?”
Across the room, the scene was escalating. Kyle had cornered Denise. He was gesturing animatedly. Denise looked flustered, her smirk vanishing as her brother’s voice rose. People were starting to turn and look.
“Denise is getting hysterical,” Brandon muttered, watching them. “I have to go stop this before she says something stupid.”
He glared at me one last time. “Stay here. Don’t say another word to anyone.”
He rushed off toward the siblings, diving into the fray to do damage control.
I watched him go. I watched him place a calming hand on Kyle’s shoulder, watched him whisper something to Denise that made her pale. He was so busy spinning his webs, so busy keeping his two lives from colliding.
This was it.
I set my glass down on a passing tray.
I didn't say goodbye to anyone. I simply turned and walked toward the exit. The heavy oak doors swung open, and the cool night air hit my face. It tasted like freedom.
I didn't take the limo. I hailed a taxi at the corner.
“Where to, ma’am?”
“Miller Estate,” I said.
The house was silent. It felt like a tomb I was finally escaping.
My suitcase was already packed, hidden in the back of the closet. I changed out of my gown into comfortable jeans and a sweater. I took off the diamond earrings Brandon had given me for my birthday. I took off the wedding ring.
I placed the ring on the nightstand, right next to a small, velvet box.
Inside the box wasn't jewelry. It was a USB drive. It contained every photo I had taken of them, every text message I had synced from his cloud, and the audio recording of them plotting to use me for the inheritance… and also killing my baby.
Happy Anniversary, Brandon.
I grabbed my suitcase and walked out.
I was in the taxi, watching the city lights blur past on the highway, when my phone rang.
Hubby Brandon.
I stared at the screen for a moment before answering.
“Maureen?” Brandon’s voice was breathless. He sounded stressed. “Where are you? I turned around and you were gone.”
“I’m sorry, Brandon,” I said, injecting a note of frailty into my voice. “I… I got a headache. The noise, the lights… it was too much. I felt dizzy. And I felt guilty because I caused them to fight.”
“Oh,” he exhaled, the anger draining out of his voice, replaced by the familiar condescension. “You should have told me. I would have driven you home.”
“I didn't want to ruin your night. You were busy with Kyle and Denise.”
“Yeah, well, that’s sorted,” he muttered. “Look, I’m sorry I snapped at you earlier. I was just stressed. You know how Kyle is.”
“I know. It’s okay.”
“Are you at home?” he asked. “I’m leaving now. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
My heart skipped a beat. I looked at the sign passing by. International Departures - 5 Miles.
“Actually, no,” I said. “Jessica called. You know, my friend who’s going through the divorce? She’s having a breakdown. She needs me tonight.”
“Tonight?” Brandon groaned. “Maureen, it’s late. And you’re not feeling well.”
“I have to go, Brandon. She has no one else. I’m already in the cab to her place.”
“Fine,” he sighed, clearly annoyed but trying to hide it. “When will you be back?”
“Soon,” I said. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Okay. Call me when you get there.”
“I will,” I promised. “Oh, and Brandon?”
“Yeah?”
“I left your anniversary gift in our room. On the nightstand. I’m sorry it’s late, but I think you’ll really love it.”
“You got me a gift?” He sounded surprised, pleased even. “You didn't have to do that, Mo.”
“I wanted to,” I said, a small, genuine smile touching my lips. “It’s very… revealing. It shows exactly how much I know you.”
“I can’t wait to open it,” he chuckled. “I love you, Maureen. See you tomorrow.”
“See you,” I said.
I hung up. I couldn't wait to see his face when he opened the PERFECT gift I prepared.
