Chapter 4

That afternoon, I dragged myself home, feeling completely drained. When I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I was shocked at how ghostly pale I looked. I collapsed onto the bed, too tired to move.

James strode into the bedroom, casting a superior, disdainful glance down at me. "Why can't you be more like Sophie? At least try to show some ambition."

I couldn't muster the energy to open my eyes. He didn't spare me another glance, grabbed his cologne and gave himself a quick spritz. "Emma."

My patience was wearing out. "What is it?"

"Where did you put my wedding ring?"

I forced myself to reach into the back of the nightstand and pulled out a jewelry box. He slipped the ring onto his own finger.

Something twisted inside me. He caught me staring, and his eyes flickered for a moment. "The company annual party allows plus-ones. You're not coming, so I'll wear the ring myself."

He'd never mentioned the company annual party before. Whatever, it doesn't matter anymore.

I had no idea how long I'd been asleep when I finally opened my eyes, still groggy. My throat was parched. I shuffled into the living room to get some water.

Out of habit, I opened my social media feed. The first thing I saw was a selfie of Sophie. I kept scrolling down. After a moment, I scrolled back up.

I zoomed in for a closer look. Even though only a bit of the suit draped over her dress was showing, I recognized it instantly. It was the custom suit I'd had tailored for James.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed, making the table shake. It was a notification from James's company's official account. The next second, my eyes landed on the photo. I went cold all over, like ice had flooded my veins.

Under "Best Couple at the Annual Gala," was my husband James's name. In the photo, James was bending down, gently helping Sophie out of her high heels. His expression was nothing but tender. And it was our wedding ring, shining on his finger.

The cup hit the floor with a sharp, jarring sound. I suddenly remembered that afternoon. He stood at the window and put the ring on himself.

He told me, "You're not coming, so I'll wear the ring myself." It Turned out, he didn't wear it for me. He wore it so another woman could play the part of his "wife."

"Emma, what's wrong with you?" Maria rushed over anxiously.

And then, everything went black. When I opened my eyes again, James was standing by my bed, his eyes rimmed with red.

I noticed he was still wearing our wedding ring. I let out a laugh, but tears spilled down my cheeks.

He was barely holding back his anger. "You'd better give me a damn good explanation. Why did the doctor tell me you had an abortion?"

My face was completely expressionless. "So, you and Sophie are husband and wife now?"

No guilt crossed James's face. "The couples' event at the annual party has a grand prize, a five-day trip to Malibu Beach Resort. She wanted to go. What's wrong with helping her? Besides, she's leaving soon. Can't you let her have this?"

"Emma, how can you be so cold?" He stared me down. "It's all because of your childish need to win. You went so far as to abort our only child."

I looked at him, and suddenly, I felt so tired. My voice came out soft and weary. "James, if I told you I was pregnant, would you ever let the world know about our child?"

James's patience finally snapped. "So now you're going to use our child to manipulate me? The company posted those photos from the annual party. Are you going to get upset about that too?"

"James," I cut him off. "Let's get divorced."