ech business from the ground up, putting my art curating aspirations on hold. All to support Ethan. I'd even turned down a pre

give you the wedding you deserve." All lies. He was waiting for Isabella. My family's wealth, my connections, I'd kept them

ter in hand. "Ava? You're leaving? But Ethan was just sayin

. "Something better ca

iming. Did you hear? Ethan and Isabella Rossi are official. She was here

I checked my phone. Ethan had blocked me

later. Ethan stood at the front, beaming

I have some wonderful news. Firstly, please join me in congrat

t the back, my resignation

unce Isabella will also be joining Innovat

was it. The ultimate humiliation. He hadn't ju

ound mine in the crowd. He gestured for me to com

ping with saccharine sweetness. "Ava, darling. Ethan has tol

as just about to hand in her notice. Personal reasons, she says." He gave me a look th

cus, the spotlight burning into me

ou see that diamond necklace on Isabella? Must have co

't matter anymore. Thi

he resignation letter in my hand. H

ression turning cold

letter on his

ed it, his eyes fixing me with a contemptuous stare. "A meltdown, Ava? Real

it up, smoothing it out. I wouldn't g

you ever were," he sneered. "She has real-world experie

" My voice was calm, but inside, I remembered every late night I'd

to work under Isabella? You'll be reportin

not be his subordinate, not in work, not in life. I

ret this, Ava. Don't think you can just walk away

ing behind me. My path was clear now. New York