01

Olivia's POV

"Once Olivia drinks that cocktail tonight, she'll be completely out of the picture. The room is booked, and our guy is ready with the camera. As soon as she's knocked out, we'll get everything on video and make sure it goes viral. Your brother's divorce will be a slam dunk after that!"

"Are you absolutely certain this will work, Victoria? We can't afford to mess this up," Natalie whispered.

"Please. When have I ever failed you? This plan is foolproof."

I felt my blood run cold as I stood frozen outside my husband's study, overhearing Victoria's conversation with Natalie, my sister-in-law. Victoria is my dad's adopted daughter, she is slightly older than me and I know she has always hated me right from childhood but not up to the point of killing me.

The hatred in Natalie's voice was unmistakable. Has she always despised me this much? Enough to destroy my life?

I couldn't help myself. I needed to see who else was in that room. Holding my breath, I pushed the door open just enough to peek inside. What I saw shattered my world in an instant. There, standing between the two women with his arms crossed, was my husband, Marcus, his face hard and unreadable.

No... it can't be. Not Marcus. Please, not him.

"What do you think about all this, Marcus?" Natalie asked him. "You've been awfully quiet. Don't tell me you've actually fallen for her? Sophia is coming back from Paris next month. Have you forgotten about her already?"

I held my breath, desperately hoping he would defend me, tell them they were crazy, that he loved me. But his response cut through me like a knife.

"She's just collateral damage," he said, his voice devoid of any warmth. "I don't care what methods you use. I just need those company shares." He ran a hand through his dark hair and sighed. "Just make damn sure none of this can be traced back to any of us."

My legs nearly gave out beneath me. I pressed my hand against my mouth to stifle a sob as I stumbled away from the door, nearly knocking over a vase in my haste to escape. I ducked into the guest bathroom and locked the door behind me.

******

Four years of marriage. Four years of what I thought was love and partnership, all built on lies. Marcus never loved me. He was still in love with Sophia, the woman he dated in business school.

I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, mascara streaking down my cheeks. My whole marriage was just a business transaction to him, a way to get his hands on my family's company.

"Like hell I'm going to let them do this to me," I whispered to my reflection. With shaking hands, I pulled out my phone and called the one person I knew would help me.

"David? It's Olivia. I need you to draft divorce papers for me. Immediately."

"Whoa, slow down," my lawyer and longtime friend replied. "That's not something you just rush into. What happened?"

"I know exactly what I'm doing," I said firmly. "Can you help me or not?"

He sighed. "Of course I can. But Olivia—"

"I'll call you tomorrow with details," I said, ending the call.

I splashed cold water on my face and repaired my makeup as best I could. Tonight's gala was celebrating Marcus's latest business acquisition, a deal worth hundreds of millions. If he wanted to play games, I could play too.

When I returned to the ballroom, Marcus was charming a group of investors with that million-dollar smile that had once made my heart race. He excused himself the moment he spotted me.

"There you are," he said, sliding an arm around my waist and kissing my forehead. "I've been looking all over for you darling."

I smiled tightly, pulling away from his touch. "Sorry, I just needed a moment."

His eyebrows furrowed with what looked like genuine concern. "Are you feeling alright? You seem off baby."

"Just a slight headache," I lied smoothly. "Nothing to worry about."

"If you're sure..." He didn't look convinced, but didn't push further.

I moved away from him, making my way through the crowd of elegantly dressed guests. I could feel his eyes following me, but I refused to look back.

"Olivia!" Natalie's voice rang out as she approached, carrying two glass of champagne. Her designer dress shimmered under the chandelier lights as she thrust one of the glasses into my hand. "A toast to my brilliant brother's success!"

I looked at the champagne, noticing how intently she was watching me, that artificial smile plastered on her face. Was this the drugged drink they had planned for me?

With a sudden decision, I walked directly back to Marcus, who was now speaking with the mayor.

"Darling," I interrupted, holding up the champagne. "Natalie insists we toast to your success."

I watched his face carefully, searching for any sign of guilt or hesitation. He simply smiled and raised his own glass. "To continued success," he said smoothly, taking a sip of his drink.

The pain that shot through my chest was almost physical. So this was what betrayal felt like. I pretended to bring the glass to my lips, then deliberately loosened my grip, letting it slip through my fingers. The crystal shattered on the marble floor with a satisfying crash.

"Oh my God, Olivia!" Natalie exclaimed loudly, drawing attention to us. "Could you be any clumsier?"

Before I could respond, Marcus was at my side, taking my hands in his and examining them closely. "Are you hurt? Let me see."

His touch was gentle, his eyes concerned as they scanned for injuries. Anyone watching would think I had the most devoted husband in the world. If only they knew the truth.

"I'm fine," I said, pulling my hands away. "Please, go back to your guests. This is your night."

He hesitated for a moment before nodding. "You're always so supportive," he said, kissing my cheek before returning to his conversation.

I watched him walk away, my heart breaking all over again at how easily he could switch between caring husband and calculating betrayer.

Natalie grabbed my arm, her nails digging into my skin. "What do you think you're doing?" she hissed.

When I tried to pull away, she pushed me hard. I wasn't prepared for it and stumbled backward toward the terrace doors. The decorative glass panel cracked as I fell against it, then gave way completely.

"Olivia!" I heard her scream, though whether from genuine shock or an act, I couldn't tell.

I landed in the rose garden below. The bushes broke my fall somewhat, but pain shot through my ankle, and I could feel warm blood trickling from cuts on my arms and back.

Guests rushed out onto the terrace and down the garden steps. Marcus pushed through the crowd, his face pale with what looked like actual fear.

He knelt beside me, arms outstretched to lift me up, when Natalie's voice cut through the commotion:

"Marcus! It's Sophia…she's been in a car accident!"

His hands froze in mid-air. "What? When? How bad?"

"They just called. It's serious," Natalie said breathlessly.

Without a second's hesitation, Marcus stood up. Our eyes met for one brief moment before he turned and sprinted through the crowd, leaving me bleeding on the ground.

And in that moment, as I watched him disappear, I knew our marriage was truly over….