low

cold over my fingers. My movements were mechanical.

closet. The emerald silk dress came off. I hung it carefully in it

after our anniversary. He walked in, loosened his tie, a

her night. Singapor

my eyes on

cour

of ice. My distance was a chasm he didn't bother to look into

s. A reminder about the annual Thornton Corp.

stomach clench. The forced smiles. The feeling o

did my own hair and makeup, my hands steady. I chose a dress from the

, impeccable in his tuxed

" he said, the

nt. The air in the small space w

explosion of flashbulbs. R

Over

omment on the Alex

y gesture, purely for the cameras. His touch was cold. I

f New York's elite. The air buzzed with conve

estors. His hand dropped from my back. He walked

a passing waiter. The cold glas

wives. The quick, pitying looks, shield

g, he's never

ith Adelle A

ness arrangemen

hampagne, my gaze fixed on a dista

energy. A hush near the gr

exander h

a fiery contrast to my black.

A current sparked between them, so pal

nd moved through the crowd, his path a

y hand. I watched as my husband greeted another wo

a microphone announced the new strategic partn

CEO, Mr. Axel Thornton, and the CEO of Alexander Tech,

obligation. A

center of the floor.

They moved together perfectly. He leaned in and whispered something in h

intensified. The w

el escorted Adelle off the floor, his hand ling

d, my back straight, and walked toward the grand exit.

alk