Chapter 4

I stared at my phone, the screen illuminating my face in the darkened penthouse. Three new notifications from Instagram—all from my former friends. Sarah, Jen, and Rebecca, all posting from the same rooftop party. Victoria Davenport tagged in each photo, her arm draped possessively around their shoulders like she was collecting trophies.

"Honored to be included in the Davenport Foundation's emerging artist showcase! #blessed #newbeginnings" Sarah's caption read, her beaming face a stark contrast to the apologetic text she'd sent me just days ago.

I zoomed in on the photo. There, in the background, the unmistakable silhouette of my husband,…