Chapter 3

But Scott stopped hiding it altogether. He spent more and more time with Selena, growing fonder of her by the day. He let Selena show up at every kind of event as Mrs. Harrington.

This was the first time Veronica had ever brought up divorce to Scott.

Scott brushed it off. When she stayed silent, he tossed out, "Relax. Don't say things you don't mean to piss me off," then turned and climbed into his car.

Veronica had no choice but to walk slowly back along the road, stop by the bakery to grab the birthday cake she had ordered, and then head to the hospital.

Scott was busy whispering sweet things to Selena and had likely forgotten it was Domira's birthday. But that didn't matter. Veronica remembered, and that was what counted.

When Veronica stepped into the hospital room, she froze in horror. Selena, dressed in a bright red dress, was holding Domira upside down by her ankles, swinging her up and down like a rag doll.

Domira was screaming herself raw, trying to squirm free, but she was too weak from being sick to do anything more than sob, "Mommy... Mommy, help... I don't feel good..."

Veronica's eyes blazed with rage. She charged forward, snatched Domira out of Selena's grip, and slapped Selena hard across the face. "Selena, don't think I won't hurt you!"

Selena was caught off guard, her head snapping to the side. Instead of fighting back, she turned toward the door with tears in her eyes. "Scott, please!"

Veronica turned and saw Scott standing in the doorway, his face like stone.

"It's Domira's birthday today. I was only trying to play with her. But Veronica hit me the second she walked in!" Selena whimpered, clinging to Scott's sleeve, her eyes glistening with tears.

Veronica said nothing more. She laid Domira gently back on the hospital bed, patting her back and soothing her.

"Scott," Selena called out, her voice trembling with urgency and a note of pleading.

But Scott gave her a cold look. "That's enough. You should go."

Selena stood there, her eyes full of resentment, but in the end, she shuffled out of the room, clearly unwilling.

Veronica met Scott's eyes and caught the look of annoyance on his face. She stood there in disbelief. "You're seriously buying Selena's story?"

"Veronica, you need to dial it back," Scott said, his voice tight. He didn't answer her question.

Veronica's voice rose. "Maybe I stretch the truth sometimes, but Domira's four. She doesn't know how to lie. Selena was the one messing with her today—"

"Oh, that's rich." Scott's tone went ice cold. "Domira's four. And you're the one she learns from. This stops now. Don't be hard on Selena."

With that, he set the cake down and walked out without another word.

Veronica stayed rooted to the spot, her mind struggling to catch up.

This wasn't the first time Selena had set her up. But in the past, Scott would mess up her hair and say something like, "I know it wasn't you. You think I don't know my own wife?"

'So he never believed me. Not once. He was playing a part before. Now he can't even be bothered to act,' she thought.

Domira had gone quiet, her little face turned up toward Veronica. "Mommy, is Daddy mad at me? Did I do something bad? I'm sorry—"

"No, baby. No." Veronica pulled her close and held on tight, her throat burning. "You didn't do anything wrong. Mommy's the one who's sorry."

That night, Veronica stayed in the hospital room. She never left Domira's side.

Early the next morning, Selena was at the door again.

Veronica snapped out of a nightmare, frowning as she looked at her.

"Feeling good about yourself?" Selena leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Scott iced me out yesterday because of you. But don't get too comfortable. He told me this morning he believes me.

"I know your type. You dig your nails into a guy with money, and you never let go. But his family can't stand you, and Scott's already getting bored.

"That ring on your finger? It's coming to me. It's only a matter of time."

Veronica's hands moved to cover Domira's ears. When she spoke, her own voice surprised her. It came out flat and steady. "I already told him I want a divorce.

"Once Domira's surgery is behind us, he's all yours. Do whatever you want with him."

Selena's mouth twisted. She didn't look pleased. She looked annoyed. "Oh, I see. Playing the patient little martyr. That's a classic.

"It takes serious talent to land a billionaire and then pretend you're too good for him. But here's the thing. You want to know who he really cares about? I'll show you today."

Veronica's blood went cold. Before she could move, Selena slipped out and slammed the door. The lock clicked from the outside.

'What the hell is she doing?' The thought barely had time to form before smoke started curling under the door. Then the fire alarm went off, loud and shrill and everywhere at once.