Chapter 1
I stared at my phone in disbelief, scrolling through the email that had just landed in my inbox. The subject line read: "Disney World Private Event Booking Confirmation." My fingers trembled as I opened it, revealing an invoice addressed to my husband, Elliott Shaw.
"Private rental of Magic Kingdom for one evening: $2,100,000."
The amount made my stomach lurch. Two million dollars—for Phoenix Bell's birthday celebration.
I placed a protective hand over my swollen belly, feeling my baby kick against my palm. Six months pregnant, and here I was, sitting alone in our penthouse while my husband planned a fairy tale for another woman.
"Elliott?" I called out, my voice echoing through our empty home. Of course, there was no answer. He hadn't been home in three nights.
My phone buzzed with a text from Dr. Chen: "Stella, please remember to pick up the prenatal vitamins I prescribed. They're essential for your baby's development."
I sighed, remembering my conversation with Elliott just yesterday.
"The vitamins cost $200 a month," he'd said, barely looking up from his laptop. "That's unnecessarily expensive when you can get generic ones for half the price."
"They're not generic," I'd insisted. "Dr. Chen says they contain specific nutrients for—"
"I've made my decision, Stella," he'd cut me off, his tone final. "You're being irrational about this pregnancy. Everything doesn't need to be the most expensive option."
Now, staring at the invoice for Phoenix's Disney World birthday extravaganza, the hypocrisy burned like acid in my chest.
* * *
Two nights later, I stood in the corner of the Shaw Corporation gala, a glass of sparkling water in my hand. My maternity gown—the one Elliott had once called beautiful—now felt like a costume. I watched as he took the stage, Phoenix standing just behind him in a dress that probably cost more than most people's monthly salary.
"This year," Elliott announced to the crowd, "we've achieved record profits. And no one deserves recognition more than Phoenix Bell, whose innovative strategies have transformed our approach to the Asian market."
The crowd applauded as Phoenix stepped forward, her red lips curved into a practiced smile.
"In recognition of her exceptional performance," Elliott continued, "I'd like to present Phoenix with a small token of appreciation."
He snapped his fingers, and an assistant appeared with a blue box bearing the Cartier logo. The room collectively inhaled.
"Open it," Elliott urged, his eyes never leaving Phoenix's face.
With theatrical slowness, she lifted the lid and gasped. "Elliott, I—this is too much!"
The diamond necklace caught the light, sending prisms dancing across the walls. Even from across the room, I could see its quality—platinum setting, at least five carats of diamonds. My wedding ring—the one Elliott had claimed was "substantial enough for any woman"—paled in comparison.
"A half-million-dollar 'performance bonus,'" I murmured to myself, gripping my water glass so tightly I feared it might shatter.
As if sensing my thoughts, Phoenix's eyes found mine across the room. She deliberately turned to Elliott, brushing against his arm as she leaned in close.
"Thank you," she whispered, loud enough for nearby guests to hear. "It's exquisite."
Her fingers trailed down his chest as she straightened, a gesture so intimate that several board members exchanged glances.
Elliott didn't step away.
* * *
"You're being paranoid and hormonal," Elliott said dismissively, loosening his tie as he packed a suitcase. "Phoenix is my assistant. We have a good working relationship."
"A good working relationship doesn't include renting Disney World for her birthday," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Or giving her jewelry worth more than our car."
Elliott zipped his suitcase closed with finality. "You're creating problems where none exist, Stella. This pregnancy has made you irrational."
"Is it the pregnancy," I asked quietly, "or is it that you don't love me anymore?"
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he checked his phone, frowning at whatever message had just arrived.
"Phoenix and I need to fly to Paris tomorrow morning," he said finally. "There's a potential acquisition we need to pursue in person."
"On a weekend?"
"It's business, Stella." He picked up his suitcase. "Something you wouldn't understand right now."
The door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving me alone in our bedroom. Through the window, I could see Manhattan glittering below—a city of lights and possibilities that suddenly felt as cold and distant as the stars.
I placed both hands on my belly, feeling my baby shift restlessly inside me.
"It's just us now," I whispered, tears sliding silently down my cheeks. "Just us against the world."