Chapter 3

(Cassie's Perspective)

My cellphone vibrated, and my pulse quickened as I saw Max's name illuminated on the display. Despite weeks passing since the incident in his office, every call from him still triggered a wave of discomfort in my chest.

I paused before answering. "Hi."

"Cassie, it's me," Max's silky voice came through. "I've got a surprise for you this evening. It's our wedding anniversary, remember? I've organized a celebration. The chauffeur will collect you at 8."

"Mhm," I replied, my voice monotone and disengaged. I hung up without a farewell.

The gentleman seated opposite me cleared his throat. "Are you sure about this, Mrs. Cornell?"

My attorney's face was impassive, his pen suspended above the signature line on the divorce documents.

I started to respond, but my phone chimed again. A notification. I reflexively reached for it, my heart rate increasing.

It was an update from Violet's Instagram.

My finger hovered over the screen, anxiety building as I tapped the alert. The image loaded gradually, my breath halting in my throat.

There they were—Max and Violet—seated at a cozy table near the window of a high-end eatery. A fresh arrangement of white roses sat on the table between them, identical to those Max used to bring home for me.

I exhaled, my chest rising and falling rapidly.

"Mrs. Cornell?" My attorney's voice snapped me back to reality.

I placed the phone face down on the table, the faint tap of my fingernails against the wood breaking the quiet. My lips curved into a slight smile, though it didn't reach my eyes.

"Let's proceed," I said resolutely, my voice unwavering.

"Pardon?"

"The divorce papers." I slid them towards him, my grip tightening on the edges. "I want them completed as quickly as possible and delivered to him."

The attorney gave me a measured look before nodding. "I'll initiate the process immediately."

The Cassie of yesterday, who desperately clung to hope and love, had vanished. She'd been replaced by someone who refused to be fooled any longer.

The vehicle came to a halt outside the grand mansion, and I sat motionless for a moment, gazing at the sparkling lights cascading from the windows. Laughter and soft music filled the air.

The driver opened the door, and I stepped out, smoothing my gown. Inside, the room hummed with familiar faces and warm conversation. Max spotted me right away. His smile widened as he crossed the room in a few steps, pulling me into an embrace.

"Cassie," he murmured, his voice oozing charm. "You've finally arrived."

My body tensed in his arms, but I managed a faint smile for the onlookers.

"Aww, look at them," one of our friends joked. "Still so affectionate after all this time!"

Another chimed in, "Really, you two are the ideal couple. What's your secret?"

The laughter swirled around me, but my heart felt like it was sinking deeper into my chest.

We were once affectionate? That's true, I thought bitterly, my gaze darting to the polished floor. My smile faltered, but I quickly regained composure, nodding politely.

My mind betrayed me, dragging me back to the moment everything changed.

It had all begun when Violet returned and Max was thrilled to reconnect, how frequently her name crept into conversations.

Then came the late nights. Excuses about business trips and unexpected meetings. I tried to believe him, clinging to hope that I was overreacting.

But the truth hit hard when someone anonymously sent me intimate photos of Max. That's when I knew Max had betrayed me.

I had stared at the images in disbelief, my hands shaking. Max and Violet, locked in a close embrace, their faces glowing with laughter in the dim lighting of a hotel room.

My heart shattered as I realized I could no longer doubt it: Max had betrayed me.

The memory left a sour taste in my mouth as I stood now, surrounded by friends who believed in our illusion of perfection.

Max's hand was on my waist as he guided me to a corner. His touch made me feel uneasy.

"Here, take this," Max flashed a smile as he handed me a small velvet box. "A gift," he added as he placed it in my hands.

I opened it and gazed at the sparkling diamond necklace inside.

It was a very costly necklace, the kind of gift Max thought could remedy anything.

"Do you like it?" he asked, his eyes searching my face for approval.

I forced a polite smile, letting my fingers brush over the cool gemstones. "It's lovely," I said softly as I held the box.

He leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "I know I've been preoccupied lately, but this is to remind you of how much you mean to me, Cassie."

I didn't respond. Instead, I reached into my purse and pulled out a carefully wrapped box, tied with a satin ribbon.

"I have a gift for you too," I said, handing it to him.

Max's face brightened with curiosity as he turned the box over in his hands. "You didn't have to, Cassie. What is it? My favorite sneakers? A new watch? A tie?"

I gave him a small smile. "Patience, Max. Open it in a week. Trust me, you'll love it."

His brows furrowed in confusion, but he nodded, tucking the box under his arm. "You're mysterious tonight."

I smiled and Max excused himself to join a group of business partners. I stood there, watching him laugh and charm the crowd like the perfect husband.

He would definitely love this gift, I thought, my lips curving into a sly smile. After all, it was the divorce papers neatly tucked into that box. Now, the lovebirds could finally be together without me standing in their way.

I turned, ready to leave the party, when a hushed conversation caught my attention.

"I swear, it's so cheap," Violet's voice rang out from a corner of the room, dripping with disdain. "That necklace was nothing special. My boyfriend gave me something much better."