ouched champagne flute on a passing waiter's tray and made her way quietly towards the French doors that led t

ed against the stone balustrade, looking out over the glittering expan

to

urse. He wouldn't even gra

ts of footsteps.

ice was laced with faux concern. "It's

r gaze fixed on the city lights. "I don't feel w

her, blocking her path. "I

pale. Maybe... maybe it's my fault. My being here has made her unhappy. I should be the one

as he looked at Ava. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze

ing. Can't you, for o

hysterical laugh escaped Chloe's lips. She finally turned to f

e to stand here and smile while my husband brings his mistress to my birthday party, wearing the n

was infused with two years of repressed pain and

ponse. She was done. She

d him. He lunged forward, grab

ii

designer gown gave way under the force of his grip. The sleeve tore away, exp

ake of breath. A hot wave

saw the whole thing. There were stifled gasps, eyes w

er exposed shoulder, and for a fleeting moment, a flicker of something-regret? shock?-crossed his

gracefully slipping a silk shawl from her own sh

oice dripping with pity. "Don't worry,

of pity from the woman who had orchestrated he

and away. The shawl

an's. With a terrifying calm, she spoke, her voice clear

ch word a perfectly formed shar

t. The city noise belo

ly hadn't expected this. Not here, not now. A cold, cyn

he scoffed. "What do yo

ey? I don't want a cent more than what's in our prenup." She looked at him, her gaze traveling to Ava, who s

et her eyes. "She has nothing to do with this," he s

swer she needed. I

f her dress together, holding them in place with one hand. With the last ounce of her strength, she held her head high, turn

ntil it disappeared into the hotel. For the first time, a str

a soft, tentative whisper. "Jul

t the knot of his bow tie, suddenl