Chapter 3

I drove aimlessly through the streets of Chicago, unsure of where to go or what to do. It wasn't until dawn that I finally headed back to the hospital. The on-call room was empty, and even though I lay down on the bed, sleep wouldn't come. My mind kept replaying Owen Collins and Michael West's conversation, along with Owen's drunken ramblings about Margot Bell.

My phone buzzed with a WhatsApp message from Owen.

"Morning, Adrianna. See you at the anniversary party tonight." It was followed by a smiley emoji.

I stared at the message, feeling nothing but bitterness. How could he still act so nonchalantly? Wasn't he tired of this charade after all these years?

That evening, the hospital hosted its anniversary celebration. Owen had invited Michael West and Margot Bell, the famous actress, as guests. I stood in the corner, watching the three of them laughing and chatting, a wave of bitterness washing over me.

Margot was dressed in a stunning, off-the-shoulder red gown, her makeup flawless and radiant. The necklace she wore caught my eye, making me squint slightly. I recognized it—Owen had bought it last month. Back then, I thought it was a surprise for our wedding anniversary. Little did I know, it would end up around Margot's neck.

She approached me, linking her arm with mine, faking closeness. "Adrianna, is your injury getting better?"

Nearby guests looked on with curiosity. "Isn't Margot Bell acquainted with Adrianna Collins?"

"I've heard things. Supposedly, Margot and Adrianna were high school classmates and both top choices for art school. Then Adrianna had that car accident and was scarred."

"Yeah, it's supposed to be pretty tragic. Owen Collins, really—it’s unbelievable how he could act that way."

I've grown numb to the comments about the scars on my face. I pursed my lips and gently pulled my arm away, replying quietly, "It's much better, thank you for asking."

Margot's gaze shifted to the scar on my arm, a barely perceptible smirk playing at her lips. "Adrianna, you used to be so beautiful, such a shame."

"Owen is such a good man to marry you," she continued, her tone dripping with insinuation, her eyes challenging.

I took a deep breath, suppressing the anger rising within me. As I turned to leave, I caught sight of Owen. The brooch on his chest matched Margot's necklace in design. He'd never coordinated anything with me, not even once wore matching accessories during our years together. Yet here they were, flaunting a private joke only they understood.

Bitterness filled my mouth. I needed to get out.

In the corridor, I thought I heard Owen and Margot's voices. Despite my better judgment, I moved closer.

In the fire escape, Owen was nestled against Margot like a child. "Margot, my Margot."

"Owen, thank you. Every time I see the scars on Adrianna's face, I remember you and everything you've done for me. But I'm getting married. How can I ever repay you..." she whispered, as she began to undo the buttons of her gown.

"Margot, I love you. Just this once, just this once, please."