5. "I WANT MY RING"

ARIA

With no means to leave the hospital, I had to call my boss, Josh. He paid for my bone surgery and the doctor insisted I wait until I was fully healed.

I didn't speak a word to anyone, but on the day I was to be released from the hospital, Rowan showed up.

His brows jumped when he saw me. I had lost tons of weight and I was looking slimmer.

He stood beside my bed, looking at me distastefully. “Is this your way of trying to guilt me, Aria?”

I rolled my eyes, and gritted my teeth. “Why would I bother? It is obvious it doesn't matter to you whether I live or die.”

Rowan’s green eyes widened at my tone.

I watched as Rowan’s fingers tightened into a fist at his side like he wanted to hit me. Instead he exhaled. “You're right. You're just a wretched whore. How could you sleep with a man in such a public place?”

I grimaced, looking at the wall instead of into his face. I couldn't bear to look at him when he accused me of such a thing.

“You know I would never do that, Rowan. I've always been faithful to you and never once slacked in my love for you.” I lifted pleading eyes to him.

Rowan stood and sighed. “I came here to get my ring from you. I don't want to be associated with a woman like you. You're a stain on the Zane name. When you come home to pack your things, leave my ring behind.”

With those words, he left me behind, not even waiting to help me home. I wished I could leave behind this body. Or just die.

I knew I couldn't return home to Rowan yet so I went over to my parent's place. It was just as bad, but I didn't want to deal with Rowan throwing me out of his house yet.

I wondered about the man who had molested me, now I was out, I had to find him. But what would I say to him? He had obviously done it thinking I was another woman.

I was surprised by the sound of music at my parent's house. The butler opened the door for me, his eyes widening at the sight of me.

“Mrs. Zane?”

I walked in, greeting Mr. Partridge. “What's happening here?”

Mr. Partridge’s voice was razor-sharp like he would have preferred to throw me out instead of let me in. “You don't know? Today is Miss. Zara’s birthday. Your parents are throwing her a party. Only the most elite have been invited.”

I bit my lip, blinking back salty tears.

They had always forgotten my birthday, but of course they were throwing a party for Zara on the day I was released from hospital.

I decided to ignore the party and just head to my room. The last thing I wanted to deal with was the sight of my sister.

I laid on the bed, closed my eyes and fell asleep. I was harshly woken by a prolonged banging on my door. I crawled out of bed and opened the door, expecting my parents.

Instead, it was my brother, Travis.

I smiled wide, feeling happy for the first time in months. “Travis!” I gasped as I ran into his arms, hugging him tight.

Travis was my elder brother and the only person who always protected me when dad tried using me as a punching bag.

He was also the only one who treated Zara and I as equals in this house.

“Unhand me now. Your existence is a disgrace to the Stanton name.” My brother’s voice pierced my cloud of happiness.

I lifted my eyes, surprised at the words. “Travis, I swear, I didn't…”

“Shut your mouth!” He barked. He lifted his phone and showed me the screen.

My lips parted in shock. It was a photo of me, brightened and edited to twist the truth. My face looked like I was lost in pleasure, not pain. My breasts were out too.

The man's face was hidden, but mine was clear and bold, making it obvious we were in bed together.

“Travis, I swear I can explain.” I cried. If Travis hated me, my life would be officially over.

“What? You're going to explain how you were caught sleeping with a man when you're married to a good man like Rowan? Are you going to explain it to the millions of people who have seen this photo?” He roared at me, his face dark like storm clouds.

“Millions of p…people?” I stammered, my heart sinking through my stomach to the floor.

“Yes. Your face has gone viral around the world. I hope you see what a disgrace you are. I didn't expect this from you. I am disgusted and disappointed.”

With those words, he whirled around and left my world shattered around me. How did that picture get out?

I heard my phone ring inside the room and rushed back. It was my boss.

“Josh?” My voice quivered as I whispered.

“We just lost the contract. The woman saw your photo online and cancelled saying she can't allow an unfaithful woman to shoot her wedding.” Josh sounded tired and dismayed.

“No…”

“You're fired, Aria. I like your work, but I can't be associated with you right now.”

He hung up the phone and my head whirled as I tried to understand what was going on.

I ran out of my room, deciding I would go to the office and beg Josh for my job. I needed it, especially as Rowan had made it clear he was done with me.

I was walking past Zara’s door when I heard moans from inside.

“Fuck!” a man groaned, loud and breathless.

My feet froze.

That voice. I knew that voice.

No… it couldn’t be.

I turned the knob and shoved the door open, and my breath caught in my throat.

My husband was buried between Zara’s legs, thrusting into her without shame.

And Zara? Zara was kissing another woman.

My husband and my step-sister were having a threesome!

My heart started pounding, loud and erratic, like I was about to faint.