Chapter 5

A few days had passed since I told Lucas I wanted a divorce.

He hadn't agreed to it.

He still slept in our bedroom, still asked what I wanted for dinner, and still kissed my cheek whenever someone was around to see it.

I stopped correcting him.

There was no point arguing with a man who refused to hear me.

On Friday evening, he came into the dressing room while I was getting ready.

“Wear the black dress,” he said, looking at the options laid out on the bed.

I glanced at him through the mirror. “Why?”

“The Vantage Group event. I told you about it.”

“You told me you were attending.”

“And I want you there with me.”

“I don't feel like going.”

“It's important, Avianna.”

“Then go.”

His jaw tightened. “People are expecting to see us together. We can't afford to have everyone asking questions about our marriage.”

There it was. Making an appearance is all he cares about.

I looked back at the mirror. “Fine.”

His expression relaxed immediately. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

The event was held in one of the city's most expensive hotels. Lucas spent the first half hour shaking hands and introducing me to people.

Then I saw Sypher.

He stood near the bar in a dark suit, holding a glass of something I couldn't identify. Lucas's stepbrother had a way of making a room feel smaller just by being in it. Their business rivalry was no secret.

I'd met Sypher several times at business events, but we'd never spoken for more than a few polite words. No outsiders knew they were brothers.

His eyes found mine across the room.

He said something to the man beside him, set his glass down, and walked over.

“Mrs Vica.”

“Sypher.”

His gaze moved briefly over my dress before returning to my face. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“Does Lucas know how lucky he is?”

I almost laughed. “You'd have to ask him.”

A faint smile touched his mouth. “I might.”

Before I could respond, Lucas appeared beside me.

“Sypher.”

“Lucas.” Sypher's smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. “I didn't realise you were bringing your wife tonight.”

“She's my wife. I don't need to announce when she accompanies me.”

“Of course.” Sypher looked at me again. “I was only saying hello.”

“Then you've done that,” Lucas replied.

I felt Lucas's hand settle firmly against my lower back. Sypher noticed. His eyes flicked down to it, then back to Lucas.

“Try to enjoy the evening,” Sypher said to me. “It's a shame to spend it looking uncomfortable.”

Lucas's fingers pressed into my back.

“Don't you have someone else to bother?” he asked.

“I'm sure I do.” Sypher picked up his glass. “Have a good night, Avianna.”

He walked away without waiting for an answer.

Lucas leaned closer. “I told you to stay away from him.”

I looked at him. “I was standing here. He came over.”

“And you entertained him.”

“We exchanged a few words. Is that a crime?”

“Don't play games with me.”

I stared at him for a moment. The audacity almost made me laugh. He had been sleeping with someone else for months, not just someone, a man, but somehow I was the one who needed to be careful.

“I think you should worry about yourself, Lucas.”

His expression hardened. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly that.”

I turned towards the guests before he could demand an answer. For the rest of the evening, I kept my distance from both men.

On the drive home, Lucas was quiet until we reached the main road.

“Sypher is not someone you should get involved with,” he said.

“I wasn't aware I was getting involved with anyone.”

“I'm serious, Avianna.”

“So am I.”

“He doesn't do anything without a reason. If he's being friendly, it's because he wants something.”

I looked out of the window. “You should know all about that.”

He glanced at me, but I didn't explain. He spent the rest of the drive in silence.

At home, he went upstairs to shower. I stayed in the living room, thinking about Sypher and the way Lucas had reacted.

The next morning, I woke up before him.

I went downstairs and prepared breakfast. Eggs, toast, and coffee.

When Lucas came into the dining room, he was already dressed for work.

“Morning, beautiful.” He bent to kiss my cheek. “You made breakfast?”

I nodded and placed his plate in front of him.

He smiled. “I missed this.”

I sat opposite him and watched as he picked up his fork.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

“No. Why?”

“You're staring.” I didn't answer.

"This tastes amazing, baby," Lucas said, taking another bite.

I barely cared about what he was saying. I just kept watching him as he lifted his fork again.

"Do you feel dizzy, Lucas? Any strange movements in your stomach?"

He paused, staring at me in confusion.

"Why, baby? I'm fine."

"Hmm..." I tilted my head, still watching him. "I wonder when it'll kick in."

"What will kick in?"

"The poison."

His fork stopped halfway to his mouth.

I smiled.

"I poisoned your food, Lucas."