f work," he said, his voice thick with sleep and feigned regret. "Let's go somewhere today. Just the two o

But she knew this was part of the performance she had to end

es from the closet, buzzing with an energy that felt entirely false. "I bought

h the chef who came to their table personally. The entire staff revolved around them, treating them like royalty. He held her hand across t

, raising his gl

t, the words a silent scream in her

ped a few photos of them through the window. The headline was already writing itself: "Billionaire Darius Madden Buys Out

howman, wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled

ll be right back," she murmured, needing a moment

eflection looking pale and fragile. She discreetly took out her phone, her fi

model had posted just an hour ago. It was a series of professionally s

loved this place, so he bought the entire restaurant for

arius had told her was a new "real estate investme

of the post exploded

" one comment read, bu

us the

a crisp property deed, held in her perfectly manicured hands. The owner's name was clearl

hat e

end is richer tha

jewelry. Your man gives you an en

nt appeared, instantly pinned to the very top. It was from a

or all to see: "Of cour

rs went wild, screaming about the my

with a string of heart emojis,

ning room where Darius sat. He was still staring at his own phone, a faint,

He was 'Lo

art of the perfect husband, while publi

ly. A sharp, physical pain ripped through her ch