Chapter 1
I was Alexander Grant's wife, rightfully and officially.
But everyone around him knew he didn't love me.
Three years married, and they'd only call me "Mrs. Grant" when I was there.
But behind my back, they called me "the actress".
I'd gotten used to it.
That was, until we signed the divorce agreement.
Then, people got even bolder, making jokes about me right in front of him, not even bothering to hide it.
Alexander just smirked.
The next second, a bottle shattered over that guy's head.
*****
When I stepped into the private suite, the energy in the room was electric.
Alexander's buddies were cracking jokes, half-dragging me toward the seat next to him.
But a girl was already sitting there.
When she saw me coming, she locked eyes with me, her gaze defiant, clearly not planning to budge.
Someone jumped right in, teasing, "Wow, Mrs. Grant shows up and you're still clinging to Mr. Grant?"
"Who'd dare?" the girl shot back.
With a smirk, she leaned in even closer to Alexander.
Her chest was nearly brushing his arm.
"Mr. Grant, I just want to sit next to you," she cooed.
Everyone turned to Alexander with grins on their faces.
They were all waiting for the show to start.
Alexander acted like he didn't even notice.
He barely spared me a glance, like I wasn't even worth his attention.
I took a deep breath, slipped on my usual smile.
I said, "It's just a seat. If you want it that bad, then go ahead and stay."
With that, I headed straight for Ryan Shaw and plopped down next to him. He'd been stirring up the most drama.
The girl nodded, chin tilted up and looking all smug.
She looked really pleased, probably happy I'd backed off without making a scene.
Even Alexander, who was usually unreadable, had a hint of something deeper in his smile.
It was like watching a gentle sparrow suddenly, awkwardly, try to nip at someone's fingers.
The little drama died down, and the party rolled on.
Today was Alexander's birthday.
Alexander was the top dog in this circle.
He was always surrounded by people fawning over him and trying to curry favor.
The girl from earlier was just there so everyone could show off how eager they were to please Alexander.
During the party, someone raised a glass to me.
I picked up my drink, but they insisted I switch to liquor.
"Come on, Mrs. Grant, don't be a buzzkill," someone teased.
I looked over at Alexander, hoping he'd step in.
He knew I was allergic to alcohol.
But he just gave me a gentle smile and a nod, basically telling everyone it was fine.
With his approval, the guy wasted no time. He snatched my drink right from my hand and thrust a glass of liquor at me.
After I drank, my head grew heavier, a dull ache settling right in.
Sulking a little, I started bantering nonstop with Ryan, making sure Alexander saw me having fun without him.
Then, a voice cut through the noise.
"Emma, come here," Alexander called out.
His voice was unmistakably tense, barely keeping his irritation in check.
My vision was fuzzy, but I just flashed him a smile and waved him off, not bothered at all.
"Nah, you've already got someone sitting next to you," I said.
More muffled snickers drifted over.
"See? Mrs. Grant is so sensible. That's how she's managed to stay with Mr. Grant for so long," someone joked.
"Are all actresses as obedient and pretty as Mrs. Grant? Maybe I'll go get myself one, too," another guy laughed.
I was way too drunk to catch the sarcasm in their voices.
Instead, I squinted, trying to spot who'd said that, and thanked him with a smile.
The laughter in the room only got louder.
But only Alexander's expression changed. His usual calm was gone, and something dark was clouding his expression.