The Lie He Fed Me

Vincent came home early for once, at seven. Usually, he'd claim he was tied up at the casinos or the docks, or wining and dining some politician—now I knew those were just excuses."Elena? You're home," he said, shrugging off his suit jacket. His voice had a gentleness I hadn't heard in a long time. "How was your day?"I didn't even look up from the sofa."Elena?" He walked over, about to sit beside me. "You don't look so good. Are you feeling sick?"He reached out to touch my forehead. I flinched away."Don't touch me."Vincent paused, then chuckled. "What's wrong? Who pissed you off?"I finally looked at him. The face I'd once adored now looked like a stranger's."Did you see the group chat?"His expression froze for a fraction of a second before returning to normal. "Oh. That. Yeah, I saw it."That's it? I saw it?"That's it?" I stood up, my body shaking. "Sophia is pregnant with your child, and all you have to say is 'I saw it'?"Vincent loosened his tie, a familiar gesture that no

I opened my email history with Marcus.For five years, he’d sent at least one a month. Sometimes it was a photo of a beautiful sunset, sometimes a book recommendation, sometimes just a simple "thinking of you."An email from a year ago: Elena, I walked past a small gallery today and saw a painting that looked just like your style. Are you still painting?Two years ago: Heard it’s snowing in New York. Stay warm. The winters there can be damp, but they have their own kind of romance.Three years ago: Happy birthday, Elena. I hope all is well.I’d read every single one, but never replied. Not because I didn't want to, but because I didn't dare.Reading them now, I could feel the careful, deep affection in every word. Marcus never crossed the line, never asked about my marriage. But he never stopped caring.I had held up my end of the deal. What about Vincent?My phone buzzed. A bank transfer notification: Vincent Romano has sent you $5,000,000.The note attached: For your trouble.Five mi

I saw Marcus the second I stepped into the arrivals hall.Five years, and he was still as tall and handsome as I remembered. There were a few new lines around his deep blue eyes, which were now wide with a mix of shock and pure joy."Elena…" he whispered my name, like he was afraid I was a dream that might disappear.I didn't say a word. I just threw myself into his arms.That long-lost feeling of safety washed over me. The familiar scent of cedar and coffee from his jacket filled my senses, and I finally let the tears come."I'm here, Marcus. I'm really here."He held me tight, his body trembling slightly. "Welcome home, Elena."On the way to his place, I turned my phone back on.It exploded.Vincent: 47 missed calls, 73 texts.Sarah: 12 texts.My mother, Isabella: 8 missed calls.And dozens of messages from various Romano family members.I skimmed a few of Vincent’s texts.Elena, please come back. We can talk about this.I know I was wrong. Just give me a chance to explain.I don't c

At the hospital, the X-ray showed a cracked rib. I'd need to rest for a few weeks.Marcus sat by my bed, gently stroking my hair. "I'm sorry, Elena. I should have protected you.""It's not your fault," I whispered. "Vincent has lost his mind."When the nurse came in, she told us the lobby was swarming with reporters. A man named Vincent Romano was also there, demanding to see me, but hospital security had refused him entry."Did he say anything?" I asked."Just that he's your husband," the nurse said, glancing at Marcus. "But we checked your file. Your emergency contact is listed as Marcus Thompson, not Vincent Romano. Your friend has already taken care of everything."I looked at Marcus with gratitude. He was always like that, quietly handling everything for me.The next day, I insisted on being discharged. As Marcus helped me out the main entrance, we both froze.Vincent was standing in the snow outside the hospital doors.It looked like he’d been there all night. He was covered in a

Sophia's exposé was an atomic bomb.#VincentRomanoIsAMonster, #JusticeForElena, and #SophiaIsAVictimToo took over the top three trending spots. The stock price of Romano-owned businesses plummeted 15%.Vincent was immediately summoned back to New York for damage control.At two in the afternoon, my doorbell rang. Thinking it was Marcus, I opened it to find my parents, their faces etched with anxiety."Elena!" My mother rushed in to hug me. "Pack your things. We're going back to Italy. Now.""I'm not going back," I said, stepping away. "I'm fine here.""Fine?" my mother's voice grew shrill. "Elena, even if you don't marry a Romano, you need a husband of equal standing! Not some marine biologist! What will people say?"I could only laugh bitterly. Even with all of Marcus's awards and recognition in his field, in the eyes of my parents, he would never be good enough."Vincent made a mistake, but you are still his wife!" my father said, trying to grab my arm. "Elena, you can't destroy our