Chapter 3

When Victoria returned home, the residence was still cold and empty.

This time, Adrian was the one to start the conversation.

"Tomorrow is the hospital's charity gala. I'm sure you remember. Don't forget that you're supposed to accompany me."

Ever since Francesca had been hospitalized, Adrian had become one of the medical center's main benefactors. No matter how busy he was, he organized the gala every year to raise funds for the hospital.

"I'll be there."

As Adrian's legal wife, she had no choice but to agree. The following evening, Victoria entered the ballroom with her arm linked through her husband's. From the outside, anyone would have thought they were an elegant, stable married couple.

Adrian wore an impeccable black suit, as always. Victoria had chosen a simple, formal blue dress that was appropriate without being attention-grabbing.

She had long since learned how to blend in without drawing too much attention to herself, careful not to overshadow the presence of the Montgomery family.

"Mr. Montgomery, it's a pleasure to see you," the hospital director said.

Adrian shook his hand, then glanced toward Victoria.

"My wife, Victoria Altomare."

She smiled at the introduction, though she noticed that Adrian hadn't used the Montgomery name when introducing her. She didn't know whether he did it out of respect for her family or because he still found it difficult to think of her as part of his.

"Mrs. Montgomery has been instrumental in supporting the hospital," the director commented. "Thanks to her, we were able to confirm the attendance of numerous guests and secure some significant donations."

"Thank you. I was only doing my part," Victoria replied politely.

Adrian behaved like an attentive husband. He poured her a drink and pulled out her chair before she sat down. When a small amount of the drink accidentally spilled onto Victoria's dress, she excused herself to the bathroom to clean it up.

When she returned, Adrian was still speaking with the director and two of the benefactors.

During the conversation, Francesca's name came up. Adrian listened with complete focus, asking about every neurological development, every test result, and every specialist involved. Whenever someone spoke about Francesca, his expression changed.

Maybe no one else noticed, but Victoria did. She had spent years studying every subtle change in Adrian's face.

When the group dispersed, a short-haired woman approached her.

"It can't have been easy for you."

It took Victoria a few seconds to recognize her.

"I'm sorry. I don't remember your name."

"Marie Johnson. I went to college with Francesca."

"Of course. Good evening."

Marie glanced at Adrian, who was still speaking with the director.

"They were inseparable. We all thought they would end up getting married."

Victoria held her glass without drinking.

"Circumstances changed."

"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. Either way, you've been very lucky. A woman doesn't meet a man like Adrian Montgomery every day."

Victoria felt the words like a carefully disguised shove.

'You've been very lucky.'

As if she had somehow benefited from her sister's tragedy.

As if her marriage hadn't been built on a sacrifice that no one truly appreciated.

"Adrian is a good man," she replied.

"Especially because he never abandoned Francesca."

Victoria said nothing.

She looked toward the stage, where the hospital's latest developments would be presented later that evening. Francesca Altomare's name appeared on a screen, listed among patients whose treatments had contributed to new medical research.

Victoria felt guilty for the ache that pierced her chest.

She wanted Francesca to recover.

She was her sister.

They had grown up together, sharing birthdays, celebrations, and all the silences that filled their family. Victoria could never wish anything bad upon her. And yet, deep down, she was afraid of her return.

There was a small, shameful part of her that wondered what would happen to her marriage when Francesca opened her eyes and Adrian looked at her again with the tenderness he had never shown Victoria.

"Are you all right? You're pale."

Adrian's voice startled her.

Victoria turned toward him.

"I'm just tired."

Adrian glanced at the untouched drink in her hand.

"Do you want me to take you home?"

The question caught her off guard. It wasn't a declaration of love, nor was it enough to make up for everything else, but it was still a gesture. And despite everything she knew, Victoria found herself wanting to cling to that small show of consideration.

"I don't want to interrupt your conversations."

For a moment, she wanted to believe in him. Adrian reached out as if he intended to touch her arm, but his phone vibrated before he could.

He looked at the screen, and Victoria caught a glimpse of Dr. Robinson's name.

Adrian's expression changed. He answered the call and stepped a few feet away.

"Doctor, tell me."

Victoria could only make out a few words.

Francesca.

Signs.

Observation.

Further tests.

Adrian began firing off questions one after another, completely focused. The concern on his face came so naturally, an emotion Victoria had never managed to draw from him. Adrian returned to her side, but his attention was already elsewhere.

"I need to speak with the medical team," he said. "This could be important."

Victoria nodded.

"Go."

He hesitated for a moment.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

The question had come too late, but it still managed to hurt.

"Yes, Adrian. I'm fine."

He nodded and went to find the hospital director.

Victoria was left alone beside a cocktail table, still holding her glass between her fingers.

Around her, the gala continued. Soft music, quiet conversations, toasts, and speeches about generosity and hope.

A couple passed nearby.

"Poor Adrian," the woman murmured. "It must be difficult having to deal with his current wife and the love he lost."

The man replied in a low voice, but Victoria heard him.

"At least Victoria knows her place."

Victoria remained motionless because she didn't need to defend herself. Not there. Not in front of people who had already judged her before ever getting to know her. She set her glass on the table and watched Adrian from across the room.

He was surrounded by doctors and benefactors, listening intently to every update about Francesca. Victoria felt that quiet guilt again. She wanted to be chosen. She wanted Adrian to see her without needing Francesca to disappear from his life first.

But she no longer knew if both things could exist at the same time. She took a steady breath and straightened her posture. When one of the guests approached to greet her, she put her smile back on.

"Mrs. Montgomery, what an important evening."

Victoria inclined her head slightly.

"Yes."

She remained there, polite and gracious, visible to everyone except the one man whose gaze she had been waiting for all these years. And as she sat there, she unexpectedly received a message from Laura, a friend from college.

"Darling, I need your help with a design project. Can we meet at your little studio?"