Stanle

e' d long forgotten. He' d make a point of holding my hand in public, his grip possessive, his eyes scanning for any sign of recognition from his peers. He announced,

realizing what he had. The years of emotional neglect, the public humiliations, the constant feeling of being less than-it was beginning to feel like a distan

er on the divorce papers. I thought, perhaps, I owed it to myself, to the girl I once was, to see this through, to give our "deal" a proper, dignified farewell,

O, was at my side, his hand firmly on my waist, his smile dazzling. He raised a toast, his voice smooth and heartfelt, speaking of our ten years together, our "unwavering lo

display, choreographed to romantic music, visible from the ballroom's panoramic window

en I s

set up a small bar, stood Anais. She wasn't supposed to be here. She was supposed to be gone. But there she wa

wa

hair, pulling her closer. As the biggest fireworks burst overhead, illuminating the scene in a br

emembered another fireworks display, years ago, on our first anniversary. He had held me then, too, promising fore

ce. This was who he was. This was what his "love" truly meant. It was a transa

by a profound, desolate peace. My heart, which had been broken into a million pieces over the years, had

vious. I walked away, not running, not crying, just walking. I went to the ladies' room, pulled out the divorce papers I had meticulously prepare

kward glance. The grand anniversary gala, the fireworks, the lies-all of it was b

d Lea

he was smiling, she was here. She even looked... almost happy. Maybe I could still salvage this. The spirit

practiced it with Anais, late one night on the terrace, wanting to make sure every w

you're the best! I wish I could be your lucky charm forever." She leaned in, her eyes wide, expectant. She wanted a kiss. I hesitated. For a moment, I saw Kacey's face, her quiet disappointment, her weary resignation.

side. The fireworks were magnificent. I felt a surge of tr

rned to Kacey, ready to continue our

ies' room. I waited. And waited. Anais, ever present, came up to me, a

bled, "she's..

she went home? She l

ened the door, a pristine white envelope sat on my desk. My name, elegant

pened the envelope. Divo

ecy, my cold, calculated words. "You belong to me." She hadn't said a word then. She hadn' t fought me on anything. Her silence. He

re you okay? I just... I saw the ri

ell on Anais. She was wearing a delicate silver necklace. A family heirloom. Kac

I roared, pointing a tremb

et admirer, I suppose. It came in an anonymous package. I thou

d. Kacey had left it for her to fin

n, a text message. F

istant to swap the data. It was never about success

at the bottom. The

e lucky charm, the entire foundation of my marriage

shaking hand. I crumpled them, th

out of the study, out of the house, into the night. I ha