Chapter 2

Late that night, the bedroom lamps were dim.

Cormac leaned against the headboard, his powerful hands now gently stroking my flat stomach.

He had no idea it was already empty.

“We’ll name the boys Leo and Enzo, and the girl Mia,” he said, his eyes full of dreams, already playing the part of a doting father. “I’ve had these names picked out for a long time.”

Ice flooded my veins.

Three days ago, Bianca had posted on her social media: “I want three babies one day. I’ve already picked their names: Leo, Enzo, and Mia.”

My chest tightened, the pain stealing my breath.

Even the names for the children had to come from her wishes.

I closed my eyes, pretending to be tired, unwilling to look at his hypocritical face for another second.

Soon, the man beside me was breathing evenly.

“Bianca…” he murmured in his sleep, his deep voice laced with endless tenderness. “I love you.”

Those three words hit me like a physical blow.

I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling, sleepless for the rest of the night.

The next evening was New York’s annual high-society charity gala.

As always, Cormac put on his designer tux and left me at home.

“Victoria, you’re a proud actress,” he said, adjusting his bow tie in the mirror. “If I take you to these events, people will think you slept your way to the top. I’m protecting you.”

I used to melt when he said that.

To be worthy of him, I had clawed my way up in Hollywood, suffering countless indignities without ever using the Brown family’s influence. I had won my Best Actress award on my own.

Now, his words just sounded like a sick joke.

At 8 p.m., my phone exploded with Twitter notifications.

Top trend: #GodfathersLoverRevealed.

In the photo, Cormac had his arm wrapped around Bianca’s slim waist as they walked the red carpet. Bianca leaned against his shoulder, a triumphant smile on her face.

My agent, Rita, called instantly, furious.

“Victoria! Did you see the news? What the hell is Cormac doing!”

“The second this story broke, three top directors and two luxury brands reached out to Bianca, trying to kiss the Godfather’s ass!”

“Bianca’s just a nobody who got her start as your body double! How could Cormac do this to you?”

I gripped my phone, my nails digging into my palm. “I know, Rita. Let her have her moment.”

I once thought about giving up my career just to stand beside him in public.

Now I saw that all my patience and sacrifice had just been paving the road for someone else.

Late that night, Cormac came home smelling of alcohol and another woman’s perfume.

He saw me staring at the news on my phone, and a flash of panic crossed his eyes.

“Don’t read that gossip,” he said, walking over to hug me. “You know Bianca is just my childhood friend. I’ve always seen her as a little sister. She insisted on coming tonight to see what it was like, and I couldn’t say no. It means nothing.”

I used to believe that excuse without question.

Now, knowing the truth, it just sounded pathetic.

“Besides, Bianca said she’s sorry for the trouble and wanted to send you a gift as an apology.” He produced a huge gift box.

I opened it. Inside was an incredibly frumpy, oversized maternity dress.

“The doctor said you’ll be showing soon with triplets,” Cormac said with a smile, completely oblivious. “She had this custom-made for you.”

My phone screen lit up right on cue.

A text from Bianca.

“Like the dress? You’re about to become a fat, sloppy housewife anyway. It’s perfect for you. Meanwhile, I’ll be wearing the most beautiful designer gowns at the very top of Hollywood.”

I flipped my phone face down on the table and stared coldly at the dress.

“I don’t like it,” I said, my voice flat. “Get it out of here.”

Cormac’s smile froze. He frowned, his tone laced with impatience and anger. “Victoria, you’ve been getting a temper lately. Bianca meant well. Don’t be so ungrateful.”

He expected me to soften up, to take his hand and apologize like I always did.

But I didn’t.

I just sat there, silent.

Seeing my silence, Cormac scoffed and stormed into the guest room, slamming the door.

“I have work to do. You can sleep alone.”

Before, that would have broken my heart.

But now, I didn’t care. In a few days, I’d be gone for good.