Chapter 3

3.

The next day was the annual Gotham Literary Awards.

It was the Oscars of the publishing world, and Chloe, with her so-called "debut novel," was nominated for "Best Newcomer." That book, of course, was Star-dusted Whispers, which Liam had stolen from my unpublished cloud drive.

Marcus had already arranged everything. I was to appear as the "special mystery guest presenter" right at Liam and Chloe's "shining moment."

Before the ceremony, Liam texted me to check in.

Wife, made it to Vermont? Is it cold in the mountains?

I knew he was just confirming my location, making sure his little show could go on without a hitch. I found a stock photo of a snowy Vermont landscape online and sent it to him.

Just got to the lodge. It's freezing.

He sent back a cartoon cat-patting-head emoji, some cutesy trick he probably picked up from Chloe. I felt sick and turned off my phone.

On the big screen, the host was enthusiastically introducing the nominees. Liam, as Chloe's editor and "mentor," sat beside her in a custom Armani suit, looking dapper and successful. Chloe was in a white Vera Wang gown, looking as pure as a lily. They held hands, the perfect power couple.

Finally, it was time for the "Best Newcomer" award.

Chloe's parents were in the audience, a respectable-looking middle-class couple from the Midwest, beaming with pride.

"Chloe, darling, we are so proud of you!"

"And Liam, when are you two going to make it official? You know, we're not getting any younger!"

Chloe blushed and lowered her head while Liam smiled like a perfect gentleman, soaking in the praise and envy. The whispers in the audience were all about them.

I stood in the shadows backstage, holding Lily's hand, watching it all with cold eyes.

Lily tugged on my hand. "Mommy, why is Daddy holding Chloe's hand? He said he would only ever hold Mommy's and Lily's hands."

I stroked her head, saying nothing.

On stage, the presenter had opened the envelope.

"And the Gotham Literary Award for Best Newcomer goes to... Star-dusted Whispers, by Chloe!"

The spotlight hit Chloe. She stood up,激动, and gave Liam a deep, emotional hug. She gracefully walked to the stage, accepted the trophy, her eyes glistening with tears.

"Thank you. Thank you so much to the judges, and thank you, God. But most of all, I want to thank my editor, Liam. He's not just my mentor... he's my soulmate. Without him, this book wouldn't exist, and neither would the me you see today..."

Liam watched her from the audience, his eyes full of adoration.

Just as the applause thundered, as everyone was moved by this perfect couple's love story, I walked out from backstage with my daughter and picked up another microphone.

"Just a moment."

My voice, amplified by the Dolby surround sound system, echoed through the entire venue.

"Chloe, you said 'without him, this book wouldn't exist'... is that because he stole it from my laptop for you?"

I smiled, looking at the two of them, now frozen on stage.

"Am I right, darling?"