8

"Psst."

I scanned the café to make sure we were in the clear.

There was no one listening.

"Jack Harper's stepping out!"

Maddie, my bestie, coolly put down her iced coffee, "Seen any proof?"

"It's legit this time!" I was dead serious.

I added, "I trust my gut—woman's intuition!"

Before I could even finish, she cut in, "Enough already."

"You've been harping on about Jack cheating like thirty-eight times this month."

9

"If it's the real deal, why not just ditch him?"

"Thought you said cheating's a dealbreaker?"

I bit my lip, kind of stuck, "But he's got that charm, you know?"

"And he drops a cool million on me every month..."

"Can't throw away good money over pride, right?"

10

Maddie glanced at me, then quickly looked away.

"It wasn't always like this with you two."

"You used to be all over each other, everyone thought you were the perfect match."

From prom to our wedding, it's been a solid decade.

From a crummy studio to our swanky villa now.

Back in our rough days, we didn't even have a place to call home.

Young Jack, all fresh-faced and eager, full of youthful zest, promised, "Ella, it's gonna be just you and me, till the end."

"Once I'm rolling in it, you'll never have to struggle again."

"All my dough? It's yours to blow!"

...

I had to snap myself out of the memory lane.

I was lost in my thoughts when I stared at the coffee.

Once, just because I mentioned liking it, he'd scour the city to fetch it for me.

Even on the coldest days, whatever he brought back was always piping hot.

I took a sip, same old taste.

Same old sweet taste.

Sweet enough to make your teeth ache.

11

I was just zoning out with my coffee.

Maddie watched me, treading lightly.

She was scared to hit a sore spot.

"Thinking..."

"...maybe having a few pretty guys over tonight might be a better idea."

Maddie: "...Okay then."

12

Bummer.

Before getting around to inviting the guys, I barely walked in when—wham—body checked hard.

I hit the deck, and got soaked in booze.

Then, out of nowhere, killer cramps ran up my stomach.

"Oh, sorry, miss... totally didn't mean to..."

She scrambled to help me up, but froze mid-gesture when our eyes locked.

Then, Mr. Late-to-the-Party makes his entrance.

He pulls her in, all worry and furrowed brows, "Vanessa, you good?"

He then turned to me, icy as hell, "What's your deal? Walk much?"

But he did a full double-take when he saw it was me.

I couldn't help but smirk

This whole mess was straight out of a freakin' drama.

"Babe."

"This the 'overtime' you've been racking up?"

13

Before this mess blew up,

I thought I could brush it off.

So I kept everything calm and cool.

Not now.

It's glaringly obvious.

I can't do it.

I can't just smile and wave it off.

I can't act like it doesn't cut deep.

14

The drive home? Cold as a freezer.

I just stared out at the city lights, all lit up.

This city's done a total 180, with no trace of its gritty past.

Today, it has descended into sheer decadence, a stark departure from its humble origins.

"She and I ain't a thing."

"Don't sweat it."

Jack shattered the silence.

He sat quietly, waiting for me to bite.

"And?"

What am I supposed to say?

Play the fool, act like all's well, spewing lies I can't stomach?

Or go nuclear, demand he kicks her to the curb?

15

I mean, come on, I've always had a bit of a spark, a total diva at times.

Jack's had me on cloud nine forever.

How could I not snap sometimes?

He pulled me in close, his grin all lovey-dovey, "Honey, you'll always be my princess."

So when Jack started those marathon work nights, I threw tantrums and sobbed my heart out.

I did whatever to pull him back early.

I wanted more of him.

But I'll never shake off that look he gave me when he was plastered.

No warmth, no softness.

Just an icy dismissal.

At that instant, He felt like a stranger.

"Ella, you ain't a princess anymore."

See?

When you're not cherished, you don't even get to be headstrong.

Just like right now.

16

I shifted gears, "Stomach's in knots."

"Get me to the ER."

Jack paused but then got it, and turned the car toward the ER, "Time of the month?"

"Got some sweets in the car, try one."

I kept mum, unwrapping and popping the candy.

Eh.

My period had gone for days.

Besides, I'm not one for sweets.

17

We never made it to the hospital, and pulled over halfway.

I bailed out.

A hint of guilt flickered in Jack's eyes, but his phone rang, and he steeled up.

"Trouble with Vanessa."

"Need to check on her."

"What about me?" That was my follow-up.

Jack didn't expect that.

His brow creased, his tone chilled, "Ella, this ain't the time for your drama."

I was dumbstruck, barely squeezed out, "So, for another gal."

"You'd strand me roadside."

"Right?"