4 Chapter 4
“And this sketch on the napkin–it was the first art you ever gave me, Wright said softly. “You just doodled it while we talked, and I saved it”
He gave a small, self–deprecating laugh. “I remember commissioning that huge installation for you, and you ignored it completely. I told myself this little sketch was your real answer. Foolish, right?”
His eyes softened, and for a second, his handsome face was filled with an affection that once made my heart race.
I wanted to believe him. But my eyes were fixed on his wrist, where a new, dark tattoo peeked from beneath his cuff.
I gestured to it. “Wright, what’s that?”
Panic flared in his eyes. He yanked his sleeve down. “Oh, that? Just a logo concept for the firm. A design I was trying out.”
I said nothing, just watched him fumble through the lie.
The scent of whiskey hung on him. He announced he needed a shower, but I stopped him before he could escape.
“Wright,” I said, my voice steady, “do you remember our wedding vows?”
He looked surprised. “Why bring that up now?”
Then, he recited them perfectly. “As husband and wife, we are bound in this life. No betrayal, no deception, no turning back.”
He hadn’t forgotten a word. For a fleeting second, I wondered if he meant any of it.
Wright moved closer, brushing a kiss against my forehead. His eyes met mine, feigning love. “Don’t worry, my love. I will never betray you. That is my promise.”
His words were hollow. He disappeared into the bathroom, leaving me alone.
A few moments later, the doorbell chimed.
I opened it. His assistant, Lucia, stood there.
Lucia swept into the room, dangling the keys to her new sports car. She wore a tight, sleek dress, and the light caught the silver
gave me last Christmas.
O ret
on her wrist–a perfect match to the one Wright
She pushed her hair back, a deliberate move to show off the bracelet.
With a saccharine smile, she said, “Rannie, sorry to disturb you so late. Mr. Blackwood left a
02:22
4 Chapter 4
crucial report at the office. He needs to sign it tonight.”
She handed me the folder, and the cloying scent of her perfume filled the air. It was the same fragrance from Wright’s jacket, a sweet smell that made my stomach churn.
I felt a wave of disgust but kept my voice even. “He’s in the shower. You can wait.”
I stepped aside. As she passed, a smug smirk crossed her face. She thought I was oblivious, but I saw it all.
She placed a designer takeout bag on the coffee table.
“Oh, and this,” she added casually. “Mr. Blackwood barely ate dinner. I brought him a snack.”
She emphasized “dinner,” her eyes gleaming with a challenge.
The logo on the bag was from the Michelin–starred restaurant Wright had promised to take me to for our anniversary.
Lucia wasn’t being subtle. She was flaunting their evening together–at my restaurant, on our jet, and now, with his midnight meal.
In the past, I would have screamed, cried, demanded answers. I would have thrown the food at her and ordered her out.
But now, I just felt empty. I had made my decision. I was ready to leave.
“How thoughtful,” I said calmly.
Lucia was about to say more when Wright’s voice called from the bathroom.
“Honey, half my things are missing. Where’s that cedarwood shower gel you bought me? I can’t find it.”
His words hung in the air. Of course, things were missing. I was packing my life away.
I didn’t answer. In the next instant, Wright’s expression turned to ice.
“Lucia? What the hell are you doing here?” His voice was sharp with panic.
Lucia feigned innocence, but
dnswered for her. “She brought the report you forgot.”
“Yes, for tomorrow’s board meeting” Lucia added eagerly.
Wright stormed qut of the bathroom in a bathrobe, his hair dripping. His face was a thundercloud. He turned to Lucia, his tone harsh. “Take your report. Come to my study. Now.”
Then, his gaze softened as he looked at
- me. “My love, it’s late. Go to sleep. I’ll handle this.”
I nodded and walked to our bedroom, turning off the lights as I lay down. I heard their footsteps head upstairs, followed by the soft click of his study door locking.
02:
4 Chapter 4
I stared at the closed door, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. Did he really think I was that naive?
What he didn’t know was that I had hidden a camera in his study months ago.
I opened my laptop and pulled up the live feed. What I saw made me sick.
Comment
