Left Behind, Never Looking Back

Start Reading

Ninety-nine times, Gabriel had proven he didnt deserve a place beside me, and ninety-nine times I still chose to stay, convincing myself that love could still change him, that maybe I just had to endure a little longer. But the hundredth betrayal didnt just break my heartit shattered whatever remained of my loyalty.

He allowed Camillehis drunken secretary and the woman he kept hidden behind excusesto drive me home that night, and that reckless decision ended in a violent crash that took the life of the four-month-old baby I was carrying.

At first, I thought the suffering had ended when the accident did. I was wrong. The real nightmare began when I woke in the hospital and heard them through the thin divider between beds, their voices slipping through like poison.

Im really sorry, Gabriel Camilles voice cracked, drenched in panic. Im terrified. Marielle is going to hate me shell kill me. It was my fault. I shouldnt have driven like that, I shouldnt have listened to her. I thought I could still get us home safely. I killed your baby.

Hey, calm down, Gabriel murmured back, his tone soft in a way I hadnt heard in yearsgentle, reassuring, almost loving. Shes not going to hurt you. I wont allow it. And youre okay, thats what matters.

But the baby she choked out between sobs. Arent you angry? You wanted an heir I ruined everything.

There was a brief silence, then a faint, almost amused soundcold and dismissivethat made my stomach twist.

Dont be dramatic, he said lightly. Why would I be angry at you? It was an accident.

But your son

Gabriel exhaled, like someone finally relieved of an obligation. To be honest, I never really wanted that child. She was the one pushing for it all the time. She was fixated on it. I just went along because my grandfather wouldnt stop demanding an heir. I needed him off my back.

Everything in me went still. Nausea rose fast and sharp. He didnt want our child? The nursery we carefully painted together, the names we whispered at night, the future I built in my headwas any of it ever real?

I only want a baby with you, Camille, he said after a pause, his voice dropping into something intimate and low.

Then leave her! Camille suddenly cried, desperation breaking through her fear. Why are you still with her? Just divorce her. Be with me, Gabriel. Lets start over. Lets have our own family.

Weve already talked about this, he replied patiently, as if calming a child. I cant divorce her yet. Not now. After what happened, especially with the baby it would be a scandal. The press would tear me apart. And my grandfatheryour brotherhed lose it if he found out everything.

So we just wait? she asked weakly.

We wait until the inheritance is secured, he said firmly. Once everything is in my name, Ill let her go. I promise you.

Do you love her? Camille whispered.

The answer came without hesitation. No. I only love you.

Then I heard itthe sickening closeness of kisses, soft and unbothered, as if I wasnt just a few feet away bleeding and broken.

I didnt scream. I didnt burst through the curtain. I didnt even cry.

Something inside me went quiet instead. Cold. Detached. Final.

That was the moment I died with my unborn childthe version of me who still believed in Gabriel, who still forgave him ninety-nine times, disappeared without a sound.

I stayed still until their voices faded, until I heard footsteps approaching and the door finally opened.

Gabriel walked in first, already shifting his face like an actor stepping onto a stage. The warmth I had just heard vanished instantly, replaced by a grieving husbands mask.

Marielle he said softly, rushing to my side. He reached for my hand, his palms damp. Thank God youre awake. I was so worried about you.

He squeezed my fingers gently, eyes shining as if he had been crying. Im so sorry, love. The doctor told me about the baby. I I cant believe its true.

I stared at him then. Really looked at him. And for the first time, I didnt see the man I once lovedI saw someone else entirely. Someone I didnt recognize at all.

I pulled my hand away like his touch burned.

Pain flickered across his face. Marielle? I know this is unbearable, but Im here. Well get through it together.

That was when I noticed her.

Camille stood at the doorway, one arm in a cast, looking fragile and broken in all the right ways. Tears clung to her lashes like she had practiced them.

What is she doing here? I asked quietly.

Gabriel sighed, already defensive. She insisted on coming. Shes been a mess since the accident.

Camille stepped forward quickly, voice trembling. Marielle I dont even know how to say this. Im so sorry. I never meant for any of it to happen. Please, you have to believe me. I didnt want you driving because youre my boss and I just thought

Stay away from me, I cut in, my voice low and sharp.

She flinched but still tried. Im suffering too I feel so guilty.

Good, I said coldly. You should. You were drunk. You insisted on driving. You killed my son. You shouldve been the one in that crash.

Thats enough! Gabriel barked.

In an instant, the careful mask he wore for me disappeared completely.

Shes injured too, Marielle! he snapped, pointing at Camille as if defending something precious. Do you think she wanted this? It was an accident. Stop treating her like a criminal.

She might as well be one, I said, my gaze locked on him. And you put me in that car with her.

His frustration exploded. This is ridiculous. Youre not thinking clearly. Youre grieving, finebut dont turn this into an attack on her. Camille is practically family. She didnt mean toshes been driving like that before, I didnt expect

Family? I let out a hollow laugh. Is that what she is now?

He glared at me. What are you even trying to say? Im done with this. Youre emotional. You need rest. Well talk when youre calmer.

Without another word, he turned away and offered Camille a gentler tone, as if switching realities. Come on. Lets get you some coffee. She just needs time.

He placed a hand on her backprotective, familiar.

The same hand that once held mine.

Something in me finally snapped clean.

Gabriel.

He paused at the door, irritated already. What?

I pushed myself up despite the pain tearing through me, and when I looked at both of them, I felt nothing but absolute clarity.

Let's get a divorce.

"Let's have a divorce."

Gabriel went rigid.

His hand, which had just been hovering protectively behind Camille, fell away like it had been burned. For a moment, everything inside the room went completely still. Even Camille forgot to keep up her acther fake crying paused mid-sob as she stared at me, eyes darting between us like she couldnt believe what she had just heard.

Youre joking right? Gabriel let out a shaky laugh, but it sounded forced, thin. Marielle, come on. Dont say things like that.

Do I look like Im joking? I asked flatly.

The color in his face shifted. Not fear of meno. I could see it clearly now. It was fear of consequences. Of exposure. Of contracts. Of his grandfather.

You cant just say that, he lowered his voice, stepping closer until he loomed over the edge of my bed. Do you even understand what youre doing? Were not just a couplewere the face of everything. The merger depends on us staying intact. My grandfather He dragged a hand down his face. He wont survive this kind of news. Hell never accept it.

I dont care about your grandfather, I said, even though my fingers were shaking under the blanket. And I dont care about your precious merger. My son is dead, Gabriel. And that happened because of you.

For a moment, he inhaled deeply like he was forcing himself back into control. Then the expression on his face shifted againcarefully arranged, practiced.

He fixed his tie. Adjusted his sleeves. Put the mask back on like it had never slipped.

Then he reached out and gently tucked my hair behind my ear.

I hated how familiar that gesture used to feel.

Baby, listen to me, he said softly, almost soothing. Youre not thinking straight right now. Youre overwhelmed. The hormones, the grief its messing with your judgment. You dont really mean what youre saying.

A bitter laugh almost escaped me.

What exactly do we have, Gabriel? I asked quietly. A life together or a graveyard?

His jaw tightened.

I know I havent been perfect, he said quickly. Ive been under pressure. Things have been complicated. But I can fix it. I can do better. We can go out once you recover. Just the two of us. Ill take you somewhere niceyour favorite restaurant. We can start over. And we can try again. Have another baby.

Something inside me cracked at the ease of it. As if the child I lost could just be replaced like something forgotten on a shelf.

You think thats how it works? I whispered. Like I can just replace him?

He smiled faintly, like he already knew he had me.

You love me, Marielle, he said with quiet certainty. You always have. Youre not going to throw everything away over this.

And me? My voice broke just slightly. Do you love me, Gabriel?

Of course, he answered immediately.

Then he leaned in and kissed me.

It was soft. Familiar. The kind of kiss that once used to make everything in me melt without effort.

But now it felt wrong. Hollow. It tasted like betrayal I hadnt fully understood until this momentlike perfume that wasnt mine, like something borrowed from someone elses skin.

When he pulled away, he was smiling.

There, he said lightly. See? Nothings changed between us.

A sound escaped me thennot quite a laugh, not quite anything human. Something broken and sharp that I couldnt swallow back.

Of course I love you.

The lie had always been effortless for him.

And suddenly, I was no longer in that hospital bedI was somewhere else entirely, dragged backward by memory.

Our marriage hadnt begun with romance. It had begun with signatures and obligations. A deal made between two powerful families over expensive cigars and heavier expectations. I was twenty. Gabriel was twenty-two.

I remembered being afraid and strangely hopeful at the same time. I had known who he was long before I married himthe heir everyone admired, the man everyone expected me to end up with. Charismatic. Untouchable. Always out of reach.

And always, there was Camille.

Not just his secretary back then. She had been part of his orbit for as long as I could remember. After her father died and left nothing but debt, Gabriels family took her in. She lived within their world, always close, always presentespecially because her brother Martin was Gabriels closest friend.

When we first got married, Gabriel barely looked at me. He was polite, but distant, like I was simply part of the arrangement he hadnt chosen. Most of his time belonged to themCamille, Martin. I was there, but never really included.

Then Camille left for Paris.

For two years, she disappeared into fashion school, and something in our house finally changed. The silence she left behind made room for me.

Gabriel began to notice me. Slowly at first, then all at once. We talked more. Laughed more. He came home earlier. I started believing that maybe this wasnt just a contract anymore.

I still remember the first bouquet he gave mewhite lilies wrapped awkwardly in paper. I remember the Maldives, the way he held me under a sky full of stars, whispering that he was glad it was me he married.

I had believed it then. Completely.

I thought I had finally been chosen.

But six months ago, Camille returned.

No triumph. No warning. Just her arrival, a failed degree, and a fragile story that made Gabriel open the door for her againthis time as his executive assistant.

And just like that, everything that had been built in her absence began to rot.

It didnt collapse loudly. It happened in pieces.

One forgotten birthday because Camille needed help.

One anniversary missed because she was going through something.

One diamond bracelet that appeared on her wrist after I never received it.

Ninety-nine small cuts I convinced myself were nothing.

I swallowed every one of them. Smiled at events while she held onto his arm like it belonged to her. Ate dinner alone while he stayed late at work with her. Told myself I was imagining things. That I was just insecure. That Gabriel still loved me.

But now, hearing his kiss linger on my skin, everything finally cleared.

He never really chose me.

I was convenience. Stability. A cover story. A necessary piece for inheritance, reputation, and appearances.

And behind him, Camille was watching me.

Her eyes werent soft. They were sharp, measuringcareful. She wasnt afraid anymore. She was checking if I was still standing in her way.

If I fought now, weak and trapped in a hospital bed, I would lose everything. Gabriel would twist the story. Make me the unstable grieving wife. Use his name, his influence, his grandfathers power.

So I let something else take over.

Not surrender.

Strategy.

I lowered my gaze, letting my shoulders sink like I was breaking.

Maybe youre right, I whispered. Maybe Im just overwhelmed.

The relief on Gabriels face was immediate. Visible. Almost relieved enough to disgust me.

I knew it, he said softly, squeezing my hand like nothing had changed. You dont really mean it.

Im just tired, I murmured, closing my eyes so he wouldnt see what was burning behind them. I want to sleep.

Good, he said quickly, already stepping back like he couldnt wait to leave. Rest. Ill take care of everything here.

Okay.

And Marielle, he added at the door, pausing without turning fully back, dont say that word again. Divorce. Its unnecessary. Well fix this.

Okay, I repeated.

He nodded, satisfied, then guided Camille out with him like she belonged beside him.

The door closed.

Silence followed.

I reached under my pillow, pulled out my phone, and dialed a number I hadnt touched in a decade.

A number I promised I would never need again.

It rang once.

Twice.

Then a voice answeredcalm, elegant, distant.

Hello?

Mother, I said, my throat raw. My voice barely held together, but something harder was forming underneath it. You once told me if I ever changed my mind, youd help me. You said you still wanted to make things right between us.

A pause.

Then softer: I did say that. And I meant it. What do you need?

I closed my eyes.

Help me leave, I whispered. Get me out of here. Papers. Visa. Anything. Im done, Mother. I want out. I want to disappear.

Its a tragedy, Arthur said, his voice rough like gravel dragged across stone. He set his wine glass down with a sharp clink that cut through the dining room. A damn tragedy. My great-grandson gone before he even had the chance to draw a breath.

His eyes shifted toward me, and for a brief moment the severity in them softened. I am sorry, Marielle. Truly. I know how much that child meant to you.

Thank you, Grandfather, I replied softly, keeping my gaze lowered to my plate. I moved a single pea around with my fork, pretending appetite existed. I had barely touched my food.

Then Arthurs attention snapped toward Gabriel, and whatever softness had been there disappeared instantly. It was replaced by something sharpercold, commanding anger.

But what I fail to understand, Arthur said in a low, dangerous tone, is how this even happened. I was told you were at a company gathering. I was told chauffeurs were available. So why, in Gods name, was your secretary the one driving my granddaughter-in-law home while she was intoxicated?

Across from me, Camille visibly shrank into herself. She wore a simple black dress tonight, modest and carefully chosen, like she was auditioning for forgiveness. family, they had called her. The word alone made my stomach twist.

It was an accident, sir, Camille said quietly, voice shaking. I I thought I was okay to drive. I just wanted to make sure Marielle got home safely.

Safely? Arthurs fist struck the table hard enough to rattle the cutlery. You sent her to the hospital! You ended the life of my heir! And you call that safety?

Grandpa, please, Gabriel cut in quickly, leaning forward as if trying to smooth the situation over. Lets not escalate this. Pointing fingers wont change anything. Camille is already distraught. Shes been blaming herself nonstop. It was an accident. The roads were slippery.

The roads were fine! Arthur shot back. It was the driver who failed. Tell me, Gabrielwhy didnt you drive her yourself? Or hire someone competent?

I stayed behind with the investors, Gabriel replied smoothly, too smoothly. You know the merger couldnt wait. I had no choice.

So instead, Arthur said with open disgust, you let your pregnant wife leave with a drunk woman?

I told them I would drive, I said suddenly.

Silence fell like a dropped blade.

No one looked at me at first. I kept my eyes on my plate, my voice steady. I asked for the keys. I said I was fine to drive. But Camille insisted. She said no one else touches her car.

Arthurs gaze sharpened. Is that accurate? he demanded.

Camilles composure cracked immediately. I I dont remember saying that, she cried, shaking her head frantically. I was just trying to help! I didnt mean anything bad! Im sorryIm really sorry!

She broke into tears on cue, burying her face in her hands, shoulders trembling in a performance so polished it almost looked rehearsed.

Gabriel reacted instantly. He reached for her and patted her shoulder, protective. See, Grandpa? Shes already falling apart. Marielle, please dont make this worse. She didnt intend any harm.

She didnt intend it, Arthur repeated slowly, skepticism heavy in his voice. His eyes moved between them like he was weighing every lie. Just make sure it never happens again. I want a grandsonwith Marielle. No one else.

The dinner ended shortly after, suffocating and unfinished. I stood up the moment it was socially acceptable and left the table, walking fast toward the foyer.

But I barely made it halfway when hurried footsteps followed behind me.

Marielle! Wait up! Camilles voice rang out.

I stopped reluctantly.

Please, she said breathlessly when she reached me. You have to forgive me. I cant handle you hating me like this. We used to be close.

We were never close, Camille, I replied evenly. You were my husbands best friends sister. Thats all.

For a second, her expression tightenedsomething sharp and real flashing beneath the maskthen it disappeared again as quickly as it came. She reached out suddenly.

I stepped back. Dont touch me.

As I turned to leave, she suddenly staggered backward with a sharp gasp and dropped to the floor, landing hard on her side.

Ow! she cried out dramatically.

What is going on here?

Gabriel came rushing from the dining room, his voice already tense. His eyes landed on Camille curled on the floor, then on me standing nearby.

She pushed me! Camille sobbed immediately, clutching her leg. I was just apologizing and she shoved me!

I stared at her, stunned. It was so blatant, so childishand yet, somehow, perfectly effective.

Gabriels gaze snapped to me, anger already forming. Are you serious right now, Marielle? Youre laying hands on her in my grandfathers house?

I didnt touch her, I said calmly. She threw herself down.

Oh, come on, he scoffed. Why would she do that? Look at hershes hurt. He bent down and helped her up, his hand lingering at her waist a little too long before he straightened. Youre not yourself. Youre letting grief turn you into someone cruel.

I exhaled slowly. Im done with this, Gabriel.

I stepped closer. Choose. Right now. Me or her.

He froze completely.

His eyes flicked between me and Camille, who was still clinging to his arm like she belonged there. His mouth opened, then closed again. For the first time, he looked cornered.

Marielle thats ridiculous, he finally said, voice uneven. I cant choose. Youre my wife, and shes shes important too.

Thats an answer, I said quietly.

I turned and walked out into the night air.

Outside, the cold hit my skin like a wake-up slap. I stopped on the porch and inhaled deeply, trying to steady myself, forcing back tears that refused to fall.

I wouldnt cry for him. Not anymore.

Marielle?

A voice called from the darkness near the drivewaydeep, familiar.

I looked up.

A black sedan sat parked nearby, and leaning against it was MartinCamilles older brother, Gabriels closest friend.

He looked different. Tired in a way I didnt remember. His tie was loosened, a cigarette between his fingers, like he hadnt slept in days.

Martin, I whispered.

He immediately dropped the cigarette and stepped forward. I heard about the baby, he said quietly, voice rough. I dont even know what to say Im really sorry.

Just seeing himsomeone who had once treated me like I mattered before everything turned rottenbroke something in me. A tear slipped out before I could stop it.

Its been difficult, I managed.

Martin didnt hesitate. He pulled me into an embrace.

It wasnt like Gabriels hugsperformative and empty. This one was firm, grounding. Real. I caught the faint scent of tobacco and cologne and let myself lean into it for a second longer than I should have.

Im sorry about Camille, he murmured. If I had been here, I never wouldve let her drive. Shes unstable sometimes. I shouldve known better.

We stood there quietly, two people carrying different kinds of grief.

Later that night, back inside the house, I sat in front of my vanity, slowly removing my earrings. The woman in the mirror looked drainedolder, hollowed out, unfamiliar.

The bedroom door suddenly slammed open.

What the hell was that? Gabriels voice exploded into the room as he stepped in. Out therewith Martinoutside my grandfathers house?

I turned slightly. We were talking. He was comforting me. Something you clearly couldnt bother to do.

Comforting you? He let out a sharp laugh. Is that what you call it? You were hugging him. I saw it. Dont lie.

He stormed over and grabbed the back of my chair. What is this? Are you trying to get revenge on me? Is that it? Running to my best friend now?

Revenge? I stood up abruptly, pushing his hand away. He hugged me because I was crying, Gabriel. Because my husband was too busy protecting the woman who caused all of this.

Dont twist this! he shouted. Youve always had feelings for him, havent you? Is that why youre suddenly so eager for divorce? So you can run straight to Martin?

The irony was almost laughable. Almost.

I looked at him slowly, my voice dropping into something dangerously calm.

So hugging someone while Im grieving is cheating now? I said. Is that what youre saying?

I stepped closer, close enough that he had to meet my eyes.

Then tell me, Gabriel by your logic, are you admitting youve been cheating on me with Camille all along?

Gabriel blinked, and for a split second the rage in his eyes wavered. Panic slipped in where certainty had been, and he instinctively stepped back as though the ground beneath him had shifted. His posture, once defensive and sharp, softened into something almost pitifulsomething that looked a lot like fear dressed up as denial.

What? Noabsolutely not! he blurted out, laughing awkwardly like the sound might erase what I had said. He dragged a hand through his hair, clearly unsettled. Marielle, youre misreading everything again. Im not cheating on you. Im just protective, okay? Seeing you with Martin threw me off. I got jealous. Thats all. Its because I love you.

He reached for me then, hesitating for only a moment before pulling me into his arms. I didnt move. I stayed stiff, unresponsive, feeling the frantic rhythm of his heartbeat pressed against me like a confession he didnt realize he was making.

Im sorry, he murmured into my hair, his voice shifting into that familiar, gentle tonethe one he always used when he wanted things to go back to normal. Were both overwhelmed. I shouldnt have snapped like that. Im sorry, baby.

Pulling back slightly, he brushed a tear I didnt even notice I had shed. Lets just leave this behind us, he said softly. We should focus on what matters. We can plan something for the baby a memorial. Something meaningful. And after that, when youre ready, we can try again. We can still have the family we always dreamed of.

I stared at him, almost in disbelief at how easily he could reshape reality with words. But I was exhausted in a way that went deeper than sleep could fix. My body felt heavy, my chest hollow. I didnt have anything left to throw back at him.

So I nodded.

A small, fragile curve formed on my lips, like something dry cracking under pressure. Okay, I said quietly. Alright, Gabriel.

Relief washed over him instantly. His shoulders loosened as if someone had cut a string tied too tight. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

Thats my girl, he whispered. Rest now. Ill see you tomorrow.

Once he left, I locked the door behind him and slid down slowly until my back met the floor, my face buried in my arms.

Morning came too brightly, too clean, as if the world had no idea what it had done to me. I sat on the edge of the bed staring blankly when my phone vibrated against the sheets.

Its all arranged, my mothers voice came through the linecalm, precise, controlled. Your papers are finalized. Visas approved. I had to pull a few favors, but its done. Youre booked on a flight to Zurich in three days.

For a moment, I couldnt breathe. Three days.

Zurich? I repeated softly.

Its private there. Safe. Remote. We still have that chaletno one knows about it, she explained. Are you certain about this, Marielle? Because once you leave, you dont come back.

I just need to get out, I whispered. Thank you, Mother. Ill leave as soon as I can.

Before she could answer, the door clicked open.

I ended the call too quickly, my body going still.

Gabriel walked in carrying a breakfast tray, placing it on the bedside table like nothing had changed. His tone was casual, but his eyes werentthey were sharp, watching.

Who were you talking to? he asked lightly. Then, his gaze narrowed slightly. And what did you mean by Ill leave?

He stepped closer, suspicion creeping into his voice. Are you planning to leave me, Marielle? Is that it? Are you doing something behind my back? I already told youno divorce. Were not

No, I interrupted softly, forcing ease into my tone. I was just talking to a travel agent.

A travel agent? he repeated, clearly unconvinced.

Yes, I continued, smoothing the moment over. I was thinking after everything, maybe we should take a break. A trip. Just us. Like you said last night. I reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. We could go somewhere far. Romantic. Paris Italy somewhere like that.

The suspicion in his face dissolved almost instantly, replaced by relief so obvious it almost made me sick.

Oh, he exhaled, letting out a small laugh. Thank God. You really scared me for a second there. He shook his head, smiling again as he kissed my knuckles. Thats a great idea. Of course. Well go anywhere you want. Ill clear my schedule.

Really? I asked, widening my eyes as if I believed him.

Anything for you, he said without hesitation.

For the next two days, I played my role flawlessly. The grieving wife learning how to breathe again. I talked about Italy like it was a dream we shared. I smiled at hotel options beside him. I let him hold my hand, let him believe we were still intact.

On my second nightthe last before everything endedhe surprised me.

Get ready, Gabriel said as he entered the room, holding a small velvet box.

Inside was a diamond necklace that sparkled under the light.

I got us tickets, he added, almost proud. Phantom of the Opera. I know its your favorite.

I looked at the necklace for a long moment before taking it. It was breathtaking. And yet it felt like something meant to decorate a cage.

Thank you, I said quietly as he fastened it around my neck.

The theater was exactly as I remembered itgrand, glowing, full of music that once made me believe in forever. We sat in a private box as the chandelier rose and the orchestra swelled.

For a brief moment, I let myself drift. Back to the first time we watched this show together. Back when I had cried during the finale, and he had held my hand like I mattered.

I turned to him in the dim light. His face was lit by the stage glow, focused, almost perfect.

Do you love me? I had once asked.

Of course I do, he had said.

A lie I had mistaken for truth.

Halfway through the second act, his phone buzzed.

He ignored it at first.

Then again.

And again.

His brows pulled together as he finally pulled it out. The screen lit his face. I saw the name before he even reactedCamille.

His expression changed immediately. He read the message, jaw tightening, then glanced at me before typing back quickly. Another buzz followed almost instantly.

He sighed, annoyed now, and leaned toward me with a practiced look of regret.

Marielle, he said under his breath. I need to go.

I blinked slowly. Now?

Its urgent, he replied quickly. Something came up with the merger. Investors are panicking. I have to handle it.

Cant it wait? I asked, watching him carefully. You promised this night was ours.

I know, he said, already standing and reaching for his coat. Im sorry. Ill make it up to you. Stay and finish the show. Ill have the driver pick you up later.

He pressed a quick kiss to my cheekbarely there, already gone in his mindand left without another glance.

The velvet curtain swung shut behind him.

I turned back toward the stage. The Phantom sang about darkness and longing, filling the space he had left behind.

I sat alone in the private box, the diamond necklace suddenly heavy against my skin. The empty seat beside me felt louder than the music.

Still, I didnt cry.

I was past that.

Instead, I opened my bag and pulled out my phone.

One last call before I disappeared.

I dialed the lawyer my mother had given me.

A rough voice answered. Yeah?

This is Marielle, I said clearly, steady despite everything breaking around me. Im ready. Prepare the divorce papers. Send them tomorrow.

Before I left, I still had to attend the mergers celebration nightotherwise, people would start asking questions, and suspicion would spread too quickly. For one last time, I needed to wear the mask of a devoted wife and act like nothing in my world had already fallen apart.

So I smiled until my cheeks stiffened painfully. I shook hands with investors, nodded politely as they offered condolences for the miscarriage, and played my role so well that even I almost believed it.

You look beautiful, darling, Gabriel murmured beside me, his hand settling possessively at the small of my back. He was dressed sharply in a tuxedo, every inch the polished young CEO everyone admired.

Thank you, I replied evenly, keeping my tone smooth. Youve done well, Gabriel. Everyones impressed.

Weve done well, he corrected with a light clink of his champagne glass against mine. I couldnt have pulled this off without you.

It was almost funnyhow convinced he was that everything between us had somehow returned to normal. That the Italy trip he assumed we were taking tomorrow had somehow stitched our broken marriage back together.

Excuse me, I said suddenly when I spotted a passing waiter. I need water.

I eased away from him, slipping through the crowd, needing even a few seconds where I could breathe without him in it. His presence had started to feel like pressure against my ribs.

I found a quiet spot near the terrace doors and took a slow sip of water. From there, I could see almost the entire ballroom.

And then I saw her.

Camille, of course.

She stood out immediatelytoo short, too red, too attention-seeking for a corporate event that demanded elegance. She was laughing loudly near the bar, leaning far too comfortably into one of the junior partners from the acquiring company.

Her hand lingered on his arm. She leaned closer, whispering into his ear. The man laughed, then placed his hand casually at her waist like theyd known each other longer than they had.

And then she kissed him.

Right there. Bold. Careless. Almost proud.

I watched without jealousy, without angerjust a strange, distant awareness, like I was observing something irrelevant happen to someone elses life.

Then I noticed Gabriel.

He was across the room speaking with his grandfather, but his attention wasnt there. His gaze was locked onto the bar. I saw the way his expression tightened, jaw clenching sharply. A vein pulsed at his neck.

Without another word, he excused himself mid-conversation and moved.

Fast. Controlled. Angry.

He crossed the room toward her, careful not to make a spectacle, but the force in his movements made everything clear. When he reached Camille, he grabbed her elbownot gentle, not even closeand leaned in to hiss something into her ear.

Camille pulled away with an irritated look, clearly drunk and unbothered. He grabbed her again, firmer this time, and guided her toward a side exit that led into the gardens.

I waited a beat.

Then I followed.

Outside, the garden was swallowed in darkness, broken only by fairy lights strung across the trees. I stayed low, moving through the hedges until I could hear them clearly.

Their voices carried from near the fountain.

What exactly do you think youre doing? Gabriels voice was sharp, strained with anger. In front of everyone? Have you lost your mind?

Its a party, Camille slurred back. Im just having fun, Gabriel. Or am I supposed to stay locked up like some secret forever?

You were kissing him, he snapped, voice lowered but still cutting. Do you realize how that looks? Youre my assistant.

Im your mistress, she shot back bitterly. Lets stop pretending otherwise. And Im done waiting in the shadows while she plays grieving wife in public.

Keep your voice down, he warned, glancing around nervously.

No, Camille shoved him lightly. I told you already. Choose. Divorce her, or give me a child. A real heir. Not like that mistake she lost.

My chest tightened.

Mistake.

She called my child a mistake.

Camille, stop, Gabriel said, reaching for her again.

She slapped his hand away. If you wont give me what I want, Ill find someone who will. That guy at the bar didnt seem so bad. Maybe Ill let him take me home.

You wont, Gabriel growled.

Try me. She turned away.

He moved in an instantgrabbing her waist, spinning her around, and pinning her against the stone edge of the fountain.

Youre not going anywhere with anyone else, he said harshly. Youre mine. Understand?

Then prove it, she whispered, voice shifting into something softer, darker. Prove Im the only one.

Something in him snapped.

Fine, he muttered. Fine. Ill divorce her. Ill handle it. Just stop looking at other men. Ill give you what you want. A child. Now.

Then he kissed her.

Not gentle. Not hesitant.

Hungry. Possessive. Absolute.

I stood in the shadows, phone raised, my hands shaking slightly as the red recording light blinked steadily.

After a moment, I stopped it. Saved everything to the cloud.

Then I turned away.

I walked back into the ballroom, collected my clutch, and left through the main entrance without a single goodbyenot to Gabriel, not to Arthur, not to anyone.

Outside, I hailed a taxi.

We stopped at the house first. I retrieved the suitcase I had hidden weeks ago, then went upstairs into the bedroom I no longer felt belonged to me.

On the bed, I placed a velvet-wrapped box where he would see it immediately.

Beside it, I left an envelope.

Inside were fake Italy ticketscarefully printed, perfectly believable.

Inside the box: divorce papers, my wedding ring, and proof of everything he had been hiding.

Two hours later, I stood at the airport gates with my passport in hand as the final boarding call for Zurich echoed through the terminal.

My phone rang.

Gabriel.

I stared at the screen for a moment longer than necessary before answering.

Marielle? His voice came fast, breathless. Where are you? Ive been searching everywhereyou disappeared from the party.

Im leaving, Gabriel, I said calmly.

Leaving? What do you meanleaving the party?

No, I replied. Im already on my way to our trip. I left early.

What? Confusion sharpened his tone. Without me? We were supposed to go tomorrow. I didnt even pack yet.

I know, I said gently, almost sweetly. I wanted to surprise you. Your ticket and a gift are on the bed. Everythings arranged. Just go home, pack your things, and meet me there.

A pause.

Then relief.

Oh, he exhaled. Okay you really scared me for a second there. Grandpa already thought something was wrong, so tell him were fine, alright? I dont want him getting involved in the inheritance talk. He laughed lightly. Im leaving now. Ill grab everything and catch the next flight. See you soon, baby.

Alright, I said softly. Goodbye, Gabriel.

I love you, he added.

I said nothing.

I lowered the phone slowly.

Then I walked to the nearest trash bin and dropped it inside.

The sound it made was small. Final.

Without looking back, I straightened my spine, held my passport tighter, and handed my boarding pass to the gate attendant.