The whiskey scorched my throat, leaving behind a bitter aftertaste that couldn’t compare to the ache lodged deep in my chest. I sat at the farthest booth of a low-lit bar, the neon glow flickering off the untouched glass in front of me like a cruel spotlight on my loneliness.
Adrian’s betrayal haunted me—fresh, raw, and merciless. His indifference as he stood beside her… as if I hadn’t given him every piece of myself for years. Talia’s presence at his side wasn’t just painful—it was humiliating. I could still see the way he defended her, shielded her, chose her.
How had everything unraveled so completely?
My phone vibrated against the wood of the table, snapping me out of my spiral. My hand trembled as I picked it up, a sinking feeling already settling in my stomach. I unlocked the screen and opened the message.
It was from the private investigator I had discreetly hired—someone positioned within Adrian’s own company.
“Mrs. Brooks, I’ve completed the investigation. Mr. Brooks and Ms. Talia had been intimately involved for over a year before her pregnancy was confirmed. Enclosed are screenshots of conversations, travel logs, and other relevant materials confirming their ongoing relationship.”
One year.
Twelve months of deception, of sleeping beside me while loving someone else. My eyes stung with unshed tears as I opened the files—text exchanges, hotel receipts, flight bookings. Everything I needed was right there in black and white.
I used to believe the sudden vacations and surprise gifts were tokens of love. An apology for the failed IVF attempts, the emotional toll of it all.
Now I realized it had been guilt. Bribes, even.
He had been in someone else’s bed and returned to mine as if nothing was wrong. He kissed me with the same lips that whispered to her.
My grip tightened around the phone until my knuckles turned white. I exhaled sharply, trying to keep the rising nausea and grief at bay. This wasn’t the time to fall apart.
I wouldn’t let him—or her—see me broken.
I opened my contacts and pressed the number I had dreaded using. It rang only once before a voice answered.
“Cassia?”
“I need you to draft the divorce papers,” I said, tone calm and flat, even as my soul quaked beneath it all.
A beat of silence. “You’re certain?”
“I’ve never been more sure.”
---
By my fourth drink, the edges of my pain had dulled, replaced by a cold emptiness. That’s when I overheard a conversation just a few tables away.
“Apparently, he’s searching for a wife. Doesn’t even care about falling in love—just wants someone to play the role.”
“Who, Julian Vale?”
That name yanked me out of my daze. I turned slowly, heart hammering.
There he was—seated in the exclusive section of the bar, bourbon in hand, gaze cool and detached.
Julian Vale. My ex-fiancé. Adrian’s fiercest business rival. The man my family had once hoped I’d marry... before I had foolishly chased what I thought was love.
And now? Look where that had led me.
An idea, as sharp and bold as the liquor I’d just swallowed, struck me.
With deliberate confidence, I rose to my feet and crossed the room. His eyes met mine as I approached, recognition flashing behind them before suspicion took its place.
I slipped into the seat across from him, setting down my drink.
“How about we finally tie the knot?” I said smoothly, a hint of mischief in my voice.
His brow rose. “I beg your pardon?”
“You heard me,” I replied, my tone laced with challenge. “We were supposed to get married once, weren’t we?”
Julian leaned back, clearly intrigued. “You’re still married to Adrian.”
“Not for long,” I answered, unbothered.
He eyed me for a long moment, then chuckled. “You’re being serious.”
“As serious as a divorce settlement.”
I leaned forward, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “There’s a private gathering next week. A high-profile event hosted by you, if I’m not mistaken.”
His expression darkened slightly. “And?”
I smiled, tilting my head. “Make it our wedding reception.”
He stared at me, amusement glinting in his eyes. “What’s in it for me?”
“You need a bride. I need a clean break,” I answered with a shrug. “And let’s not pretend you wouldn’t enjoy the chance to humiliate Adrian. After all, didn’t he undercut you in that multi-million deal last year?”
Julian’s smirk deepened.
I lifted my glass. “So? Do we have an agreement?”
He mirrored the gesture, the clink of glass between us finalizing a silent contract.
“We do.”
I took a long sip, a slow smile forming.
“See you at the altar, Mr. Vale.”
---
Later that evening, I stepped back into what used to be my home and immediately regretted it.
Talia lounged on my couch, visibly pregnant, one hand absentmindedly stroking her stomach as she shoveled chips into her mouth like royalty. She glanced up with a mocking smile.
“Well, look who’s home.”
I didn’t answer, walking past her toward the stairs, not trusting myself to speak. But then she opened her mouth again.
“I feel bad about how everything turned out,” she said with exaggerated sympathy. “I never meant for your marriage to fall apart.”
I stopped in my tracks, my back still turned to her.
“But you knew he was married,” I replied, voice icy.
“And he still came to me,” she answered smugly. “What was I supposed to do? Say no?”
She stood, cradling her belly like it gave her power. “You couldn’t give him a baby. I could.”
My fists clenched at my sides.
“Doesn’t that make you feel… inadequate?” she continued sweetly. “All these years, and you gave him nothing. No wonder he strayed.”
A deep fury welled inside me, white-hot and consuming. I turned, fast.
“You absolute parasite,” I growled, lunging at her.
She shrieked as we collided, nails flying, limbs entangled. We crashed against the coffee table, knocking over decor and scattering cushions.
“You manipulative bitch!” I shouted.
She slapped me hard across the cheek. “You’re a failure!”
“You destroyed everything!” I screamed, shoving her toward the hallway.
We were clawing and shoving like wild animals, breath coming in pants, neither of us backing down. Somewhere in the chaos, we stumbled near the open balcony doors.
The room spun.
Talia shrieked.
And then—
There was nothing.
A loud crash.
The world went silent.
Then came the dark.
