“It is a tragedy,” Arthur said, his voice gravelly. He set down his wine glass with a heavy clink. “A damn tragedy. My great-grandson. Gone before he even took a breath.”

He looked at me, his gaze softening. “I am truly sorry, Karylle. I know how much you wanted that child.”

“Thank you, Grandfather,” I said quietly, keeping my eyes on my plate. I pushed a pea around with my fork. I had barely eaten a bite.

Then, Arthur’s gaze snapped to Nathan, and the softness vanished. It was replaced by the cold fury of a titan.

“But what I cannot understand,” Arthur growled, “is how this happened. I was told you were at the company party. I was told there were drivers available. Why in God’s name was your secretary driving my granddaughter-in-law while intoxicated?”

Danica, sitting across from me, shrank into her chair. She was wearing a modest black dress, looking every bit the repentant sinner. She had been invited because she was "family," a decision that made my stomach churn.

“It was a mistake, sir,” Danica whispered, her voice trembling. “I… I thought I was fine to drive. I just wanted to help Karylle get home.”

“Help her?” Arthur slammed his hand on the table, making the silverware jump. “You put her in the hospital! You killed my heir! You call that help?”

“Grandpa, please,” Nathan interjected, leaning forward. His jaw was tight. “Calm down. It’s not doing anyone any good to point fingers. Danica feels terrible. She’s been beating herself up about it for days. It was an accident. The roads were slick.”

“The roads were fine!” Arthur barked. “The driver was the problem. Why didn’t you drive, Nathan? Or hire a car?”

“I had to stay back with the investors,” Nathan said smoothly. “You know how important the merger is. I couldn’t leave.”

“So you sent your pregnant wife home with a drunk girl?” Arthur shook his head in disgust.

“I told her I would drive,” I said.

The table went silent.

I didn’t look up. I kept staring at my plate. “I asked for the keys. I told them I was sober. But Danica insisted. She said no one drives her car but her.”

“Is that true?” Arthur demanded, glaring at Danica.

Danica’s face crumbled. “I… I don’t remember saying that. I was just… I was trying to be nice! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”

She burst into tears, burying her face in her hands. It was a masterful performance.

Nathan immediately reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “See? She’s a mess, Grandpa. Karylle, stop making it worse. She didn’t mean to.”

“She didn’t mean to,” Arthur repeated, his tone dripping with skepticism. He looked from Nathan to Danica, his eyes narrowing. “Just make sure this won’t happen again! I only want a grandchild, with Karylle, no one else,” he said as if warning Nathan of things he knew he was doing.

When the meal finally ended, I stood up immediately. I made it to the foyer before I heard footsteps running behind me.

“Karylle! Wait!” It was Danica.

“Karylle, please,” she panted. “You have to forgive me. I can’t stand you hating me. We used to be friends.”

“We were never friends, Danica,” I said coldly. “You were just my husband’s best friend’s sister.”

Her face hardened for a split second, the mask slipping, before she resumed her pleading look. She reached out to grab my arm.

“Don’t touch me,” I said, pulling away.

I turned to leave, but Danica suddenly stumbled back. She let out a sharp cry and fell to the floor, landing on her hip with a dramatic thud.

“Ouch!” she cried out.

“What the hell is going on here?”

Nathan appeared from the dining room, rushing over. He saw Danica on the floor and me standing over her.

“She pushed me!” Danica sobbed, clutching her ankle. “I just tried to apologize, and she shoved me!”

I stared at her in disbelief. It was so childish. So petty. And yet, so effective.

Nathan glared at me, his eyes blazing. “Are you serious, Karylle? You’re physically attacking her now? In my grandfather’s house?”

“I didn’t touch her,” I said calmly. “She threw herself on the floor.”

“Oh, come on!” Nathan scoffed. “Why would she do that? Look at her! She’s hurt!” He knelt down and helped Danica up, his arm lingering around her waist a little too long. “You’re out of control. You’re letting your grief turn you into a bitter, vindictive woman.”

“You know what?” I said, my voice quiet. “I’m tired of this game, Nathan.” I took a step closer to him. “Just choose, Nathan. Right now. Choose me or her.”

Nathan froze. He looked at me, then down at Danica, who was clinging to his arm like a limpet. He opened his mouth, then closed it. He looked trapped.

“I… Karylle, that’s ridiculous,” he stammered. “I can’t choose between my wife and my best friend’s sister. You’re both important to me.”

“That’s an answer,” I said.

I turned and walked out the front door into the cool night air.

I stood on the porch, taking deep gulps of oxygen, trying to stop the tears from falling. I wouldn’t cry for him. Not anymore.

“Karylle?”

A deep, familiar voice came from the shadows near the driveway.

I looked up. Leaning against a sleek black sedan was Martin—Danica’s older brother and Nathan’s best friend.

He looked different than I remembered. He had been away in London for the last year managing the overseas branch. He looked tired, his tie loosened, a cigarette in his hand.

“Martin,” I breathed.

He dropped the cigarette and crushed it under his heel. He walked over to me, his expression full of concern.

“I heard about the baby,” he said, his voice low and rough. “I… I don’t even know what to say. I’m so sorry, Karylle.”

Seeing him—someone who actually knew me, someone who had been kind to me in the early days before Danica poisoned everything—broke my composure. A single tear escaped.

“It’s… it’s been hard,” I whispered.

Martin didn’t hesitate. He pulled me into a hug.

It wasn’t like Nathan’s hugs. It was solid. Safe. He smelled like tobacco and expensive cologne. I buried my face in his shoulder for a moment, allowing myself to be weak.

“I’m sorry about Danica,” he murmured into my hair. “I heard she was driving. I swear to God, Karylle, if I had been here, I never would have let her behind the wheel. She’s… she’s a mess sometimes.”

We stood there for a moment, two people grieving in different ways.

Later that night, back at our house, I was sitting at my vanity, taking off my earrings. The reflection in the mirror showed a woman who looked ten years older than she was.

The door banged open.

“What the hell was that?” he demanded, slamming the door behind him. “...outside my grandfather’s house! With Martin!”

I frowned, turning to face him. “We were talking. He was offering his condolences. Unlike you, he actually seemed to care for our baby.”

“Condolences?” Nathan let out a harsh laugh. “Is that what you call it? You were practically climbing him! I saw you hugging him. I saw how you looked at him.”

He marched over to me, gripping the back of my chair. “Are you flirting with Martin? Is that it? You’re trying to get back at me by throwing yourself at my best friend?”

“Flirting?” I stood up, pushing his hand away. “He hugged me because I was crying, Nathan! Because my husband was too busy coddling the woman who killed our child to comfort me!”

“Don’t turn this around!” Nathan yelled. “I saw you! You’ve always had a soft spot for him, haven’t you? Is that why you’re so eager for a divorce? So you can run to him?”

The hypocrisy was suffocating. It was so thick I could taste it.

I looked at him, my eyes narrowing into slits.

“You’re asking me if I’m flirting with Martin?” I asked, my voice deadly calm. “Just because I hugged him? I was being comforted by him?”

I took a step forward, invading his space.

“Well, with what you’re saying… are you admitting that you’re also flirting with Danica?”

Nathan blinked. The anger in his eyes faltered, replaced by a flicker of panic. He took a step back, his defensive posture crumbling into something that looked pathetically like guilt.

“What? No! Of course not!” he sputtered, running a hand through his hair. He let out a nervous, incredulous laugh. “God, Karylle, you’re twisting everything. I’m just… I’m protective, okay? I saw you with another man, and I got jealous. It’s because I love you.”

He reached out, his hands hovering near my shoulders before he pulled me into a hug. I stood rigid in his arms, feeling the rapid beat of his heart against my chest.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured into my hair, his voice dropping to that soft, persuasive tone he used to get his way. “I’m just stressed. We both are. I shouldn’t have yelled. I’m sorry, baby.”

“Let’s forget about this,” he said, wiping a stray tear from my cheek with his thumb. “Let’s focus on us. Let’s go prepare something for our baby. A memorial. Something beautiful. And then… when you’re ready… we can try again. We can build the family we always wanted.”

I looked at him, marveling at his audacity. But I was tired. My body ached, my heart was hollow, and I didn’t have the energy to fight him.

So, I forced the corners of my mouth up. It felt like cracking dried clay.

“Okay,” I whispered. “Okay, Nathan.”

He exhaled, his whole body relaxing. He kissed my forehead. “That’s my girl. Get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I locked the door and slid down against it, burying my face in my knees.

The next morning, the sun streamed through the sheer curtains, mocking the gloom in my heart. I was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at nothing, when my phone buzzed.

“It’s done,” my mother’s voice came through, crisp and efficient. “The immigration papers are processed. Your visa is approved. I pulled every string I had, Karylle. You have a flight booked to Zurich in three days.”

My heart skipped a beat. Three days.

“Zurich?” I breathed.

“It’s quiet. It’s far. And we have a chalet there no one knows about,” she said. “Are you sure about this? Once you leave, there’s no turning back.”

“I just want out. Thank you, Mother. I will leave as soon as possible.”

The door handle turned.

I froze, hanging up the phone.

“Who was that?” Nathan asked, setting the tray down on the bedside table. His voice was casual, but his eyes were alert. “And what did you mean, ‘I will leave’?”

He walked over to me, his expression darkening. “Are you leaving me, Karylle? Is that what this is? You’re planning something behind my back? Didn’t I say no divorce again? We’re—”

“No, silly,” I said, keeping my voice light. “I was talking to… a travel agent.”

“A travel agent?” He looked skeptical.

“Yes. I was thinking… after everything that’s happened… maybe we need a break. A vacation. Just the two of us. Like you said last night.” I squeezed his hand. “I was thinking we could go away. Somewhere romantic. Maybe Paris? Or Italy?”

The tension drained from his face instantly. A wide smile spread across his lips.

“Oh,” he exhaled, laughing a little. “Oh, thank God. You scared me for a second. I thought… never mind.” He kissed my knuckles. “That’s a wonderful idea, baby. Go on. Let’s leave whenever you want. Book it. Anywhere you want to go. I’ll clear my schedule.”

“Really?” I asked, widening my eyes.

“Really,” he promised. “Anything for you.”

For the next two days, I played the part of the recovering, hopeful wife perfectly. I talked about Italy. I looked at hotels with him. I let him hold my hand.

On the second night—my last night before the flight—Nathan surprised me.

“Get dressed,” he said, coming into the room with a velvet box in his hand. Inside was a diamond necklace. “I got us tickets to The Phantom of the Opera. I know it’s your favorite.”

I stared at the necklace. It was beautiful. Expensive. And it felt like a shackle.

“Thank you,” I said, letting him clasp it around my neck.

We went to the theater. We sat in a private box. The music swelled, the chandelier rose, and for a fleeting moment, I let myself get lost in the story. I remembered when we first saw this show, years ago. I had cried during the final scene, and Nathan had held my hand, wiping my tears.

I looked at him in the dim light. He was watching the stage, his profile sharp and handsome.

Do you love me? I had asked.

Of course I do, he had lied.

Halfway through the second act, during the masquerade scene, Nathan’s phone buzzed in his pocket.

He ignored it.

It buzzed again. And again.

He frowned, pulling it out. The screen lit up, illuminating his face. I saw the name. Danica.

He read the message, and his jaw tightened. He glanced at me, then back at the phone. He started typing rapidly.

Then, another buzz.

He sighed, a heavy, irritated sound. He turned to me, putting on a regretful face.

“Karylle,” he whispered. “I… I have to go.”

“What?” I asked, though I wasn’t surprised. “Now? In the middle of the show?”

“It’s work,” he lied smoothly. “Emergency with the merger. The investors are freaking out. I have to go handle it.”

“Can’t it wait?” I asked, testing him. “It’s our date night. You promised.”

“I know, baby, I’m sorry,” he said, standing up and grabbing his coat. “I’ll make it up to you. I promise. Stay and finish the show. I’ll send the driver back for you.”

He kissed my cheek—a quick, distracted peck—and hurried out of the box without looking back.

I watched the heavy velvet curtain swing shut behind him.

I turned back to the stage. The Phantom was singing about the music of the night, about darkness and despair.

I sat there alone in the private box, the diamond necklace feeling heavy and cold against my skin. The empty seat beside me was a perfect metaphor for my marriage.

I didn’t cry. I was done crying. I reached into my purse and pulled out my phone. I had one more call to make before I left for Zurich.

I dialed the number of the shark lawyer my mother had recommended.

“Hello?” a gruff voice answered.

“This is Karylle,” I said, my voice steady and clear over the soaring music of the orchestra. “I’m ready. Draft the divorce papers and send them to me tomorrow.”

Before leaving, I had to attend the night of the merger celebration, otherwise, they’re going to think something was wrong. I had to pretend to be a good wife for the last time.

I smiled until my cheeks ached. I shook hands with investors, accepted condolences about the "miscarriage" with a graceful nod, and played the part of the supportive partner perfectly.

“You look stunning, darling,” Nathan murmured, his hand resting possessively on the small of my back. He looked dashing in his tuxedo, the picture of the successful young CEO.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice smooth. “You’ve done well, Nathan. Everyone is impressed.”

“We’ve done well,” he corrected, clinking his champagne glass against mine. “I couldn’t have done it without you by my side.”

It was almost laughable. He actually believed it. He believed that after everything, we were back to normal. That the trip to Italy he thought we were taking tomorrow had fixed everything.

“Excuse me,” I said, spotting a waiter. “I need some water.”

I slipped away from him, weaving through the crowd. I needed a moment to breathe. I needed to escape the suffocating weight of his lies.

I found a quiet corner near the terrace doors and took a sip of water. From my vantage point, I could see the entire room.

And I saw her.

Danica was there, of course. She was wearing a dress that was a little too short, a little too red, and a little too loud for a corporate event. She was standing by the bar, laughing uproariously with one of the junior partners from the acquiring firm.

She touched his arm. She leaned in close, whispering something in his ear. The man laughed and placed a hand on her waist.

Then, right there in the middle of the room, she kissed him.

It was sloppy and brazen.

I watched, not with jealousy, but with a detached curiosity.

Then I saw Nathan.

He was across the room, talking to his grandfather. But his eyes were glued to the bar. I saw his jaw clench. I saw the vein in his neck throb. He excused himself abruptly, leaving Arthur mid-sentence.

He marched across the room, his stride long and angry. He didn't make a scene—he was too careful for that—but the way he grabbed Danica’s elbow was anything but gentle.

He whispered something in her ear, his face dark. Danica pulled away, looking annoyed. He grabbed her again and steered her toward the side exit that led to the gardens.

I waited a beat, then set my glass down.

I followed them.

The garden was dark, illuminated only by the fairy lights strung in the trees. I stayed in the shadows of the hedges, moving silently on the grass.

I heard their voices before I saw them. They were near the fountain, hidden from the main terrace.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Nathan hissed. His voice was shaking with rage. “In front of everyone? Are you insane?”

“I’m having fun, Nathan!” Danica’s voice was slurred. She was drunk. Again. “It’s a party. Or am I not allowed to have fun anymore?”

“You were kissing him!” Nathan shouted, though he kept his voice low. “You were practically eating his face! Do you have any idea how that looks? You’re my assistant!”

“I’m your mistress, Nathan!” she spat back. “Let’s call it what it is. And I’m tired of waiting. I’m tired of being the dirty little secret while she gets to play the grieving wife and the perfect hostess!”

“Keep your voice down!” Nathan looked around frantically.

“No!” Danica shoved him. “I gave you an ultimatum. You either divorce her, or you give me a child. A real heir. Not like that… mistake she lost.”

My breath hitched. Mistake. She called my son a mistake.

“Danica, stop,” Nathan pleaded, reaching for her.

“No!” She slapped his hand away. “If you won’t give me what I want, then I’ll find someone who will. Maybe that guy at the bar. He seemed interested. Maybe I’ll let him take me home tonight.”

“You will not,” Nathan growled.

“Watch me.” She turned to leave.

Nathan lunged. He grabbed her by the waist and spun her around, pinning her against the stone rim of the fountain.

“You aren’t going anywhere with him,” he snarled. “You’re mine. Do you hear me? You’re mine.”

“Then prove it,” she challenged, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. “Prove I’m the only one you want.”

“Fine,” he groaned. “Fine. I’ll divorce her. I’ll figure it out. Just… don’t look at another man. I’ll give you a child now.”

He crashed his lips onto hers. It wasn’t a gentle kiss. It was hungry, desperate, and possessive.

I stood there in the shadows, my phone raised in my trembling hand. The red recording light blinked steadily in the darkness.

I stopped the recording and saved it to the cloud. Then, I turned and walked away. I went back into the ballroom, retrieved my clutch, and walked out the front door. I didn’t say goodbye to Arthur. I didn’t say goodbye to anyone.

I hailed a taxi. We stopped at the house first. I grabbed the suitcase I had hidden in the back of my closet. I walked into our bedroom.

On the pillow, right where he would see it, I placed a large, velvet-wrapped gift box. Beside it, I placed an envelope.

Inside the envelope were two tickets to Italy—a fake itinerary I had printed out.

Inside the box were the divorce papers, wedding ring, and also the proof of his affair.

Two hours later, I was standing at the gate, clutching my passport. The boarding announcement for the flight to Zurich echoed through the terminal.

My phone rang.

It was Nathan.

I stared at the screen for a moment. Then, I answered.

“Karylle?” His voice was breathless, panicked. “Where are you? I’ve been looking everywhere. You just vanished from the party.”

“I’m leaving now, Nathan,” I said, my voice calm.

“Leaving? What do you mean? Leaving the party?”

“No,” I said. “I’m leaving for our vacation. I couldn’t wait. I took an earlier flight.”

“What?” He sounded confused. “Without me? But… we were supposed to go tomorrow. I haven’t even packed.”

“I know,” I said, injecting a note of sweetness into my voice. “But I wanted to surprise you. I left your ticket and a gift on the bed. It’s all arranged. Just go home, get your things, and follow me. I’ll be waiting.”

“Oh,” he exhaled, the relief palpable. “Oh, okay. You crazy girl. You scared me again. Grandpa thought we fought, so tell him we didn't, so he would also talk about the inheritance.” He laughed. “I’m leaving the party now. I’ll head straight home, grab the ticket, and catch the next flight out. I’ll see you soon, baby.”

“Sure,” I said. “Goodbye, Nathan.”

“I love you,” he said.

I didn’t respond. I pulled the phone away from my ear.

I walked over to the nearest trash bin.

I looked at the device one last time—the connection to my old life, to his lies, to the pain. I dropped it in. It landed with a dull thud among the coffee cups and wrappers.

I turned around, straightened my spine, and handed my boarding pass to the attendant.