Chapter 3

Andrew texted back right away. "Got it. Since you've both signed the agreement, we can proceed. Once we do, the law requires a month to process everything. After that month is over, you'll be officially divorced." Suzanne replied with a single "Okay." She set her phone down and stared out the window at the cold, dark night, her eyes empty. Over the next few days, she shut herself inside her place. She was like a shell that had already been hollowed out. She ate, slept, and drew blank. She didn't cry or make a sound, and she didn't say a word. Spencer seemed busy with the last preparations before he ended his revenge against her. He rarely came home. Even when he did, it was always late, and he reeked of alcohol. The way he looked at Suzanne was still gentle, even more tender than before, as if he were deliberately leaning into it to sell the surprise that was coming. Suzanne watched him put on the act and felt only nausea and a deep, sinking desolation. She swallowed it all and made sure nothing showed. That night, Spencer came home early for once. He walked into the bedroom and saw Suzanne propped against the headboard, staring blankly. He went over, sat down beside the bed, and reached out to touch her hair. Suzanne's body tightened slightly, so subtly it was almost impossible to notice. She forced herself not to move away. Spencer's voice stayed low and gentle, with an apologetic edge. "Suzie, work's been overwhelming these past few days, and I've ended up neglecting you. A friend of mine has a birthday banquet tomorrow. "Come with me and take your mind off things, okay?" Suzanne felt the pain twisting inside her, but she still gave a small nod. "Okay." Spencer seemed satisfied by how compliant she was. He bent down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Get some rest." … The next evening, Spencer brought Suzanne to a lavish birthday banquet. She was dressed up for the occasion. It wasn't until she stepped into the banquet hall that Suzanne finally understood why Spencer had brought her. She saw the birthday girl in a white gown, surrounded and treated like royalty. He'd brought her here to humiliate her. The birthday girl was Imogen, Spencer's beloved. He had brought his wife, Suzanne, to Imogen's party. As Suzanne went in with him, Imogen was standing on the staircase in a white gown, looking poised and luminous. She saw them and smiled as she came down to meet them. "Spencer, Suzie, you're here." Spencer nodded and handed over the gift. "Happy birthday." "Thank you." Imogen took it and slipped her arm through his. "Spencer, will you dance the opening with me, like we used to?" Spencer glanced at Suzanne, who looked away. "Okay," Spencer said. He released Suzanne's hand and walked with Imogen toward the dance floor. The music started, and they held each other as they danced. Spencer was tall and handsome. Imogen looked soft and luminous at his side. Their steps fell into rhythm without effort, as if they were a natural match. Guests nearby watched them with looks of envy and quiet recognition. Suzanne was left standing where she was, alone and conspicuously out of place. She could feel eyes on her from every direction, probing, pitying, or taking quiet pleasure in it. A glass of champagne appeared in front of her. "Why're you standing here by yourself?" Mason was at her side before she even saw him approach, wearing a roguish, careless smile. His burgundy suit only sharpened the aggressively handsome angles of his face. Suzanne took the glass, her fingers trembling. She turned her head slowly and looked at Mason. His face was handsome and deep-set, with a cocky, roguish edge that couldn't have been more different from Spencer's cool, aristocratic restraint. She had never understood why Spencer was distant and proper during the day, then turned intense, domineering, and possessive once night fell. Now, she did. It hadn't been the same man. Mason smiled as he spoke. "Don't take it personally. Spencer and Imogen have been close since they were kids. Every year, the opening dance at her birthday is with him. You'll get used to it." Suzanne said nothing. She looked into Mason's eyes and realized, all at once, that the look he had for Imogen was the same look Spencer wore. It held possession and want. So Mason liked Imogen, too.