The crystal flute trembled in my hand as I moved through the crowd of Manhattan's elite, the weight of their judgmental stares heavier than the silver tray I carried. The Pierce family penthouse glittered with wealth—crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and guests draped in designer clothes that cost more than my entire childhood home in Oregon.
"Averie, darling," Karla's voice cut through the murmurs of conversation, sharp as a blade wrapped in silk. "The Whitmores need their champagne refreshed. Do try not to spill."
I nodded, keeping my eyes downcast as I navigated through the crowd. My dress—the simplest black thing I owned—felt like a servant's uniform compared to the couture surrounding me.
"More canapés for the Thompsons," Harrison added without looking at me, his attention fixed on his Ivy League friends gathered by the bar. "And do check if the kitchen needs help with the lobster bites."
Five years of marriage, and I'd become nothing more than hired help in my own home. I touched my grandmother's locket at my throat—the only piece of jewelry I wore that wasn't chosen by Karla—and tried to steady my breathing.
"Mrs. Pierce," I murmured to an older woman in emerald silk. "Would you like another glass?"
She barely glanced at me. "Yes, but do make sure it's properly chilled this time."
I retreated to the kitchen, where the caterers moved with practiced efficiency. They at least treated me with respect—more than I could say for my husband's family.
"Careful with those," the head server warned as I balanced a fresh tray of canapés. "Mrs. Pierce has a system for everything."
Of course she did. Karla's systems existed solely to remind me of my place.
I returned to the party, weaving between clusters of laughing guests. Harrison stood tall among them, his tailored suit and easy smile marking him as one of their own. Not once had he introduced me as his wife tonight. Not once had he acknowledged my presence.
"The salmon tartare is divine," a woman in pearls gushed to Karla. "Your chef must be French."
"Only the best for our gatherings," Karla replied, her eyes flicking to me with disdain. "Though sometimes one must settle for... less."
The implication stung like a slap. I focused on my task, approaching a group of women near the window overlooking Central Park.
"Mrs. Whitmore?" I offered the tray. "Fresh glasses."
Margaret Whitmore turned, her diamond earrings catching the light. "Oh, yes—"
My foot caught on the edge of a Persian rug. The tray tilted. Time slowed as I watched red wine cascade down the front of Mrs. Whitmore's cream-colored dress—a Valentino, if I remembered correctly from the fashion magazines Karla left scattered around the house.
"You clumsy bitch!" Mrs. Whitmore gasped.
The room fell silent.
Karla materialized beside me, her face contorted with rage. "What have you done?"
"I'm sorry," I whispered, grabbing a napkin. "It was an accident—"
"Accident?" Karla's voice rose to a shriek that echoed off the marble. "This is why small-town trash doesn't belong in civilized society! You worthless creature who trapped my son!"
The room froze. Harrison's friends stopped laughing. The caterers paused their work. Even the waitstaff stood motionless, watching the drama unfold.
"You think you're one of us?" Karla continued, her perfectly manicured finger jabbing toward my face. "You're nothing but a country bumpkin who got lucky. And now look at you—serving drinks and causing scenes like the help you are!"
I stood there, wine bottle still in hand, as tears burned behind my eyes. Elia was upstairs with her nanny. Thank God she couldn't see this.
Harrison finally stepped forward, but not to defend me. "Mother, perhaps we should discuss this privately."
"See?" Karla spat. "Even my son knows you're an embarrassment."
Hours later, after the guests had gone and the penthouse had quieted, I moved through the hallways like a ghost. The cleaning crew had already restored order, erasing all evidence of the evening's disaster.
Voices drifted from Harrison's study—male laughter, the clink of glasses. I paused outside the door, not intending to eavesdrop until I heard my name.
"—trapped me with the pregnancy," Harrison was saying, his voice loose with alcohol. "Averie was sweet at first, but God, the baggage. Her family, her background..."
"And your mother?" someone asked.
"Mother's right for once. I need someone suitable. Rebecca Manning's been hinting for months."
"Rebecca? Good choice. Old money, right schools."
"I've already talked to my lawyer," Harrison continued. "Clean break. Mother thinks we can spin it as a mutual decision, but I'm not sure Averie will go quietly."
I pressed my hand against the wall to steady myself, the locket suddenly heavy against my skin.
"You worry too much," another voice said. "She's got nowhere to go."
Their laughter followed me down the hallway as I walked away, each step more determined than the last. They were wrong about one thing: I wasn't going anywhere.
I was coming back.
