Chapter 2

2

I walked out of that house with only a few things―items Luna hadn't touched.

The rest of it felt tainted. It made my skin crawl just thinking about her in my space.

The night air was biting, and the wind cut right through my coat as I wandered the streets.

My mind drifted back to a month ago.

It was the night of the company's big anniversary gala.

As Gavin's wife, I was supposed to be the guest of honor by his side.

But the gown he sent over was a size too small. I couldn't even zip it up.

With the event starting in an hour, there was no time to find a replacement.

I was panicking, but Gavin just looked at me with total indifference.

"Take it off and give it to Luna," he said. "She'll go in your place."

I stared at him, my heart dropping. "Are you insane? Every reporter in the city will be there. You're taking your secretary instead of your wife?"

He didn't even argue. He just made me hand over the dress.

When Luna put it on, I realized the truth.

The gown fit her like a second skin.

Every curve, every hemline―it was tailored specifically for her body, not mine.

Gavin had done it on purpose.

He wanted a reason to bring her as his date.

That night, I curled up on the sofa and watched the live stream of them walking the red carpet together.

They looked like the perfect power couple.

I felt a toxic mix of rage and heartbreak, yet I still clung to the tiny bits of affection he occasionally showed me.

When he came home that night, he actually apologized.

He promised I could go with him to an event the very next day.

I was so happy I stayed up late prepping my outfit and doing my own makeup.

But when we arrived, I realized it wasn't a gala. It was a business dinner in a smoke-filled private room.

He didn't want a date. He wanted a distraction to help him land a contract.

I grabbed his arm and whispered, "Gavin, you know I have a history of stomach issues. I can't drink like this. Why would you bring me here?"

He just shrugged, his tone dismissive.

"It's just a few drinks, Jada. Since when are you so dramatic? This used to be what you were best at."

I felt like I had been slapped.

Back when Gavin was first starting his company, we were struggling to survive in the city.

I was the one who went to every dinner, handled every client, and drank until I was dizzy to close deals.

Gavin came from a fallen wealthy family; he was too proud and clumsy with people. He kept offending the wrong people.

So, the burden fell on me.

I grew up watching my parents run a business. I knew how to work a room and hold my liquor.

In the beginning, Gavin would stay by my side and take shots for me.

But as the company grew, he stopped coming. He just sent me out alone.

I endured the wandering hands of greasy executives and laughed at their crude jokes, all for Gavin's success.

Three years ago, during a massive deal, I pushed too hard.

I ended up vomiting blood right at the table.

In the ER, the doctors told me I had severe gastric bleeding from alcohol abuse.

They warned me that if I didn't stop, I was looking at a high risk of cancer.

Gavin cried back then. He swore he'd never let me touch a drop again.

He promised to love and protect me forever.

And for a few years, he did.

Until that night.

The way he spoke to me―with such utter contempt―made me feel like a piece of trash.

Like I was something he had picked up off the street and was now bored with.