Every asset, every property, every investment, would be meticulously cataloged. The broken wedding photo, the stained ca

buzzed constantly with messages from concerned friends, bu

circle of friends in our group chat. "My treat

tly, a mixture of exc

't been out past 9 PM in years! Corbin used to say

Don't tell me you're finally dum

a! Don't be rude

getting divorced." I didn't wait for their reactions. I switched my pho

egance. Then, a quick stop at my favorite boutique. I chose a dress that was unapologetically glamorous: a

ing below like scattered diamonds. My friends wer

magnificent!" Sophia b

dess!" Isab

oe teased, gesturing to the three handsome men sea

. And I'm making up for lost time." My eyes scanned the men, settling on a charmi

made me laugh, something I hadn't done in months, years even. But even as I flirted, as I felt the lightness of ne

alcony, leaning against the cool glass, looking out at the sprawling city. The

when I

and K

r fingers with his thumb. She was wearing a simple, flowing white dress, almost ethereal. It looked suspiciously familiar. A smal

He was leaning in close, his voice a low murmur. I couldn't hea

rbin," she said, her voice carrying across the balcony, surprisingly clear in the quiet

llie, that's terrible. We'll get it fixed. I

voice trailing off. "And I still

any of that. I'll take care of it. All of it.

t let you. I'm not with you for your money. I'm with you because you se

hy wife? Her theatrical display was s

the charming man I'd been with earlier, a wry smile on his face. "Lo

flicker of curiosity mome

mysteriously deep pockets." He took a sip of his drink. "She's good. Really good. At cultivating an image, I mean. Pure struggle

g?" I asked, my voi

oject.' They fund her, promote her, believe they're nurturing raw talent. And then, when she's gotten what she can, she moves on. Preferably with a sli

ng-game player, Adeline. Don't be fooled by the i

ep in conversation, her head tilted, listening intently to his e

ed, my voice strain

ecure. He wants to be seen as the artist, not just the businessman married to money. Kallie offers him that fantasy. Sh

Corbin's left hand. No rin

eing noble, selfless. He's so busy trying to prove he's 'above materialism' by championing Kallie's 'pure' art, he can't

woman, Adeline. Sharp, powerful. You have a keen eye for art and a

smile. "You know, you're

ething more in his eyes. "Unlike some people." He gestured towards th

ng my voice. "Let's get you another drink. And

elighted smirk playing on

e. My eyes met Corbin's across the crowded room. His face im

hed. "Adeline! What are you doing here?"

joying myself, Corbin. Something I

darting to my companion who was making

ready left the building. Looks like her 'fragile' artistic sensibility couldn't handle th

ith a heavy sigh, he turned and walked

us. But I assure you, I don't lack for escorts. And that '

ng a fool of yourself with this... this boy." He gestured d

disdain. "And he, unlike you, doesn't need to be reminded of his origins. He doesn

h, then closed it. His eyes narrowed into slits. Without another word