Chapter 5

I slowly turned to see Alessio's ashen face, his voice trembling.

"What deal?" he asked again.

My heart skipped a beat, but I forced a faint smile, my mind scrambling for an excuse.

"It's not my deal. A friend's gallery is looking to acquire some European collectibles. She just called and asked me to help contact a broker."

For a moment, he just stared at me, as if he didn't quite believe me.

Then suddenly, he pulled me into his arms and swept me off my feet.

In the car, Alessio was silent.

I stole a glance at his profile. His jaw was clenched, clearly suppressing something.

"Blair," he said abruptly. "What's been wrong with you lately?"

"What do you mean?"

"You've been different ever since we lost our daughter." He gripped the steering wheel. "You've changed."

I grew nervous, afraid I'd give myself away. "I haven't changed."

"Then why are you always doing things behind my back?" He stopped the car and turned to look at me. "Why do you look at me like I'm a stranger? Why don't you tell me things anymore?"

He suddenly pulled me into a hug, so tight I could barely breathe.

"I'm afraid of losing you, Blair." His voice trembled. "I've already lost our daughter. I can't lose you, too."

"When I couldn't find you at the villa, I was terrified. Please, promise me you won't just leave without a word, okay?"

"You won't lose me," I lied, patting his back.

"Really?" He released me, looking into my eyes. "Promise me."

"I promise." He kissed my forehead and started the car again.

I smiled and nodded, needing to calm the raging man beside me.

But I knew this was the last lie I would ever tell him.

That evening was the Greco family's charity gala.

Everyone was there. Politicians, business partners, allied families. The ballroom glittered with chandeliers and sparkling champagne glasses.

I wore the simplest, plain-colored dress. At this point, I didn't want to draw any attention.

Guests whispered in my ear constantly, telling me how lucky I was, how much Alessio doted on me, calling me the object of every woman's envy in the room.

"The way Alessio looks at her… that's what real love looks like."

I smiled bitterly. True love. Perhaps there had been a little, once upon a time.

The ballroom lights dimmed, and a spotlight hit the stage. Sophia emerged, gliding out in a golden gown. As she approached us, she deliberately raised her arm to adjust her necklace.

I saw it on her wrist, a small, delicate new tattoo. Identical to the one on Alessio's arm.

She noticed my gaze and gave me a triumphant, provocative smile.

When Alessio saw her raise her right hand, his face went pale. As Sophia started walking toward me, he grabbed her and pulled her out of the room.

I followed them quietly until they entered a private room behind the ballroom. The door was ajar, and I took out my phone.

"Are you crazy?" Alessio sounded agitated. "Showing off your tattoo here? If Blair finds out..."

"Finds out what?" Sophia's voice was coquettish. "Finds out you care about me more? Finds out you're going to get me pregnant with the true Greco heir?"

"Sophia, you know I have to be careful. It's not the right time..."

"When will it be the right time?" she cut him off, her voice sharp. "I'm tired of hiding. I want everyone to know I'm your woman. Get me pregnant, Alessio. Get me pregnant right now."

"Tell me," Sophia's voice turned seductive. "Who's your number one?"

"It's you, silly. You never have to ask that question again. Blair is just a tool, a stepping stone for me to climb higher."

My phone nearly slipped from my hand. My stomach twisted as I captured every cruel word of his betrayal.

They kept talking, but I couldn't hear them anymore.

I stopped the recording and staggered away.

Back home, I took out my suitcase. I packed all my essentials, leaving the divorce papers, my wedding ring, and the USB drive with the recording on the nightstand.

Two hours later, I was sitting in the lounge at JFK Airport, my new passport and boarding pass clutched tightly in my hand.

My phone rang. Of course, it was Alessio. I took a deep breath and answered.

"Blair? Where are you? I've been looking everywhere for you."

"I'm on my way home," I told my final lie. "I wasn't feeling well, so I left early."

"Do you want me to come back and be with you?"

"No need." I looked out at the city lights. "You just handle your business."

"Alright, sweetheart. I have to deal with a traitor tonight, so I'll be home late," he said. "Get some rest."

Then I heard Sophia's laughter, right behind him.

"I love you, Blair," he said.

"Goodbye, Alessio," I whispered, my voice hollow.

I hung up. Then I snapped my SIM card in half and dropped the pieces into an airport trash can.

As I stepped onto the plane, I finally felt free.