Chapter 8

A few minutes later, Aria's message came through, laced with unmistakable smugness. "Ms. Caldwell, I almost forgot to mention that today's my birthday! That's why Liam brought me to the auction. He bought me every piece of jewelry I had my eye on. And guess what? We're off to Borelua for a little birthday getaway. 24's treating me very well. I hope your day's going just as great!" She'd attached a picture she had taken of herself holding up the jewelry in the passenger seat. Emily read through the message in silence, then pulled out a suitcase and began to pack. She kept only the bare essentials. Everything else—unused clothes, old handbags, everyday items she no longer cared for—went straight into the trash. Next were all the gifts William had ever given her. She dropped them into the trash, one after another. It took her three, maybe four days to erase every trace of herself. During those days, Aria spammed Emily's phone with intimate photos and videos of herself with William. Emily didn't respond. She ignored every single one. When William finally came home, he froze, staring at the half-empty villa. "Emmy, why's so much stuff missing?" "We had a rat problem two days ago," she replied evenly. "I packed a few things away so they wouldn't get chewed." William's eyes swept the room, his frown deepening as he slowly realized that it was only her things that were missing. Just as he was about to demand an explanation, Aria opened the door, cutting off his thoughts midstream. "Mr. Silverstein, these are the documents that need your approval today. Please take a look when you get the chance." William had been letting work pile up lately. With a nod, he took the files and disappeared into his study. Emily couldn't have cared less whether they were talking business or something else entirely. She stepped out onto the balcony alone, feeding the cat she'd raised for years one last time. While she was bustling about, she heard footsteps approaching from behind. She turned to see Aria approaching and quietly tapped her phone to start recording. "I've got to hand it to you," Aria said. "The guy you've been in love with all these years falls for someone else, and you're still walking around like nothing happened. How do you even stomach it? I sent you everything, more than enough to prove Liam is into me now. But you still won't step aside. "Eight years, and he never even proposed. It took me three months to make him mine. You really think you still have a chance?" Emily knew Aria was trying to get a rise out of her, so she stayed quiet, no matter what Aria said. To Aria, that silence felt like outright contempt. The more Emily refused to take the bait, the angrier Aria became. Finally, she snapped, humiliated and seething. "You really do love playing dumb, don't you? Fine. Let me spell it out for you. I knew Liam would come save me. That's why I had someone sabotage the chandelier at your anniversary party! "You got lucky surviving that crash, but don't count on being lucky twice. If you keep clinging to him, I won't stop coming for you!" Emily finally looked up, her eyes dark with a tangle of emotions. "So? What's your game today? Figured out a new way to screw me over?" Aria gave a smug shake of her head, then walked over to the balcony. She grabbed the napping cat and squeezed it hard. The sudden movement made Emily's stomach lurch. She lunged forward, trying to wrench Aria's hands open and pull the shrieking cat free. Smirking, Aria shoved her aside, then hurled the cat off the third-floor balcony. Upon witnessing it, Emily snapped. Her vision blurred with rage as blood pounded in her ears. Without thinking, she struck Aria hard across the face. The sharp slap left a crimson mark on Aria's cheek. But instead of fury, her eyes sparkled with triumphant satisfaction. "You asked why I came today, didn't you? Well, here's your answer. I'll throw myself off the balcony. Let's see if Liam believes you pushed me." With one last, mocking smile aimed at Emily, Aria turned and threw herself over the edge without hesitation.