ManyWriters

For ten years of our marriage, whenever Damian Blackwood cheated, I was the one who cleaned up his messes.
It had become an open secret, whispered throughout the elite circles of Los Angeles.
Until he started toying with a viral model from Texas and carelessly knocked her up.
As was my routine, I threw down a ten million dollar check, ordering her to have an abortion and disappear.
But that very night, as Amber Lynn lay in the hospital, tears streaming down her face, Damian lost all control and kicked the door open.
"Who told you to lay a hand on her?"
"Claire, Amber isn't like the others. I'm keeping this child."
"From today onwards, you are to take care of her every need. If anything happens to the child, you'll be held solely responsible!"
His investment partner, standing nearby, tried to placate me:
"Mrs. Blackwood, this is just a passing fancy for him. Don't take it to heart. Amber is merely a pretty plaything; how could she ever measure up to you?"
"Making a bit of a fuss is one thing, but that should be the end of it. You wouldn't actually dare to divorce him, would you? You've endured this for ten years; this time will be no different."
He had cheated hundreds of times before, and each time, I was the one managing the public relations fallout.
Everyone said I was hopelessly devoted to Damian, that I'd sooner die than leave his side.
But this time, I suddenly felt… weary.

Gilded Cage, Broken Wings

That night, the villa's household staff packed their bags and got into the Maybach.


"Mr. Damian has instructed us to go and take care of Miss Amber, so you'll just have to stay here by yourself."


I lay awake all night, planning my escape.


Fueled by the wine, I tore our wedding photos to shreds and cut up our marriage certificate.


At daybreak, Damian appeared in my room, as if bestowing a great favor.


"Amber said she's worried about you living here alone, so she asked me to come and pick you up."


"She’s become quite sensible. You, on the other hand, should remember your place."


Of the marriage certificate, burned to ashes, only a corner with a photo remained.


Damian spotted it instantly, and an inexplicable wave of possessiveness made his expression harden once more.


He gripped my chin, his voice laced with a threat.


"What, is the Blackwood mansion no longer grand enough for a 'goddess' like you?"


Chapter 5