cold, efficient machine dismantling the wreckage of our marriage. The news of our divorce spread like wildfire

enings, charity balls-I attended them all, a dazzling phoenix rising from the ashes. I dan

bordered on obsession. He was securing her exhibitions, arranging private viewings, even-I heard-funding a massive, experim

andard, handed me an ornate invitation. "A private concert," he

brow. "Are you

n't you want to see th

s the end of an era. I chose a sleek, black gown, simple yet undeniably powerful. No

ored. As I stepped inside, a wave of cloying sweetness hit me. The entire space was decked out in flowers. Thousands of white lilies,

es. He remembered. He always rememb

y. "Corbin really outdid himself. Rumor has it, he person

what they symbolize, don't you? Purity. Devotio

d she was furious about somethi

h. Corbin always tolerated it, but Kallie's so gentle, so artistic

digging into my palms. Mat

and saw me. Her eyes widened in alarm. "Oh! Ade

e is the 'pure' artist. I hear it often enough." My voice was calm, but the ice in my veins was palpable. "Just be careful, won't you? Words, like rumors, have

played a haunting, minimalist piece on a grand piano, her fingers dancing across the keys. Corbin sat in the front row, directly

that once looked at me with such intensity, such promise. The same eyes that now held only disdain when they landed on

was a deep, soul-crushing ache of realization. He had never loved me. Not the way he loved her. Not the

The music, Kallie's pure, artistic expression, now sounded like a funeral march for

bowing gracefully. Then, with a radiant smile, she walked direc

her voice carrying clearly in the suddenly quie

yes, still soft with adoration, met hers. "My beautiful Kallie

o figures bathed in the warm glow of the stage lights, a perfect picture of their twisted love sto

at had dared to fall. This was

y from the wall. It

rm wrapped around my waist, pullin

you are! I've been looking all over for y