Chapter 3

I waited ten minutes before Lewis stepped out of the elevator.

At the same time, the banquet hall doors opened.

Julian walked into the corridor with Mia on his arm just as Harrison arrived.

Lewis spotted the pin and went over to greet them. "Mr. and Mrs. Moretti, good evening. Ms. Bennett is grading my next parcel tonight. Since we're all here, why don't we sit together?"

He clearly wasn't about to pass up a chance to win Julian's favor.

Julian glanced at me but said nothing. He led Mia into the restaurant and pulled out the chair across from me for her.

Lewis had already assumed she was Julian's wife, and I couldn't correct him without exposing the truth.

If he found out I was the real wife, the past six months of using Mia as my double would be for nothing.

When we finished discussing the diamonds, Lewis asked a waiter to open a bottle of champagne.

"To Mrs. Moretti. And to Ms. Bennett, who identified that parcel of treated stones for us."

Mia picked up two glasses and placed one in front of me.

"People keep saying Vivian and I don't get along. Let's have a drink and put those rumors to rest."

I looked at the glass and remembered my doctor's words.

"The attack in the parking garage five years ago—was that when you miscarried? Bring me those records. We need to be especially careful with this pregnancy."

I didn't touch the glass.

Julian looked at me and said in a low voice, "Mr. Harrison is watching. Just one sip."

"I can't drink. I saw a doctor, and he said I—"

"Vivian, if this is difficult for you, I apologize."

Before I could answer, Mia grabbed my glass and downed both drinks one after the other.

By the time Julian tried to stop her, both glasses were empty.

"Mia, you're pregnant."

She covered her mouth and started coughing. Tears quickly filled her eyes.

"I'm sorry. I just didn't want anyone to get suspicious."

Julian steadied her and held a glass of water to her lips.

Then he turned to me.

"You know she has to play this role. Why embarrass her in front of everyone? She puts herself in danger for you. Now she even drank in your place."

Under the table, I clenched my fist, then slowly relaxed it.

"Think whatever you like."

I apologized to Lewis and got up from the table.

Julian followed me into the corridor and pulled the fire door shut behind us.

"Remember your place, Vivian. My family is the reason you can live safely and work as an 'appraiser.'"

He looked down at me and said calmly, "I can protect you, and I can replace you. Stop challenging my decisions."

Whatever warmth I still felt for him disappeared.

"I'll remember."

I pushed through the fire door and headed down to the parking garage alone.

As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, I called my lawyer.

"Are my divorce papers ready yet? What about the agreements I need to sign to leave the Moretti business?"

I'd just hung up when the fire door behind me opened.

Julian had followed me.

"My secretary says a lawyer has been requesting our marriage records. Are you divorcing me?"

I didn't turn around and kept walking toward the exit.

"I've said everything I have to say."

He caught up and reached for me. I stepped aside, leaving his hand hanging in the air. His expression darkened.

"Vivian. Stop."

I kept walking.

His armored car was parked in its reserved spot nearby. He stared after me for a few seconds before turning and yanking open the door.

The engine roared to life, the sound echoing through the enclosed garage.

A second later, the black armored car sped up behind me and swerved across my path, blocking the exit.

I stopped and tried to walk around the back.

Julian slammed his foot down on the gas.

The car shot straight toward me.

Five years ago, it had happened in another underground garage.

Julian's half-brother had driven a car straight at him.

I'd rushed forward and shoved Julian out of the way, only to be hit instead.

At the hospital, I learned I'd been four weeks pregnant. I'd lost the baby.

The screech of brakes dragged me back to the present.

I tried to move, but my legs wouldn't obey me.

The car screeched to a stop less than two feet away.

I stumbled backward. My heel gave way beneath me, and I crashed onto the concrete.

A sharp cramp tore through my abdomen.

Julian stared at me from behind the windshield.

"Will you stop and listen to me now?"

I braced a hand against the ground but said nothing.

He must have thought I was just scared.

A few seconds later, he reversed the car, turned around, and drove away.

Only after the sound of the engine faded did I realize I'd been clutching my stomach the entire time.

The pain was getting worse.

Then something warm trickled down my thigh.

Lewis happened to be passing by. The moment he saw me on the ground, he rushed over.

"Ms. Bennett?"

He draped his coat around me. Then his eyes fell to the hem of my dress, and his expression changed.

"You're bleeding. I'll call the Moretti hospital now."

"Don't."

I grabbed his arm.

"Take me to the nearest public hospital."

When the ER nurse asked for an emergency contact, I didn't give her Julian's number.

I gave her my lawyer's instead.