Chapter 4

Grace turned slowly, her body stiff with shock. Aiden stretched his hand toward her, concern flickering in his eyes. "Are you hurt?"

She stared at him for a long moment, then asked, her voice barely steady, "What were you two talking about?"

"Nothing." Aiden's answer came quick. Too quick. "The Christmas Eve party is about to start."

Mason, who'd been caught off guard, stepped back and tugged at his collar, his hand covering the chain barely visible around his neck. The chain they use for their games. "Right, right." He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Don't be late." Then he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

Grace stood there, her nails digging into her palms. Tonight, I'll make these two cheaters pay. Her skin stung from how hard she was pressing, but she didn't care. The anger burned hotter than the pain.

Hours later, Grace stepped out of the room in a stunning silver gown that hugged her curves perfectly. The fabric shimmered under the soft lighting, and her hair was swept up in an elegant twist. She looked like someone who belonged on a magazine cover. Aiden was waiting outside the door, dressed in a sharp black suit. He looked at her, and for a second, his expression softened. He offered his arm, and she took it, playing her role.

They walked together toward the resort's main ballroom, where the Christmas Eve party was in full swing. The space was decorated with golden lights, evergreen garlands, and a massive tree in the center that sparkled with ornaments. Music played softly in the background, and guests mingled with champagne glasses in hand.

But Grace's eyes locked onto one scene immediately.

Sophia was sitting on Mason's lap. Right there in the middle of the lounge area. Her arms were draped around his neck, and she was kissing him like they were the only two people in the room. Slow, deep, shameless. Mason's hand rested on her thigh, squeezing gently.

Unbelievable.

Grace's legs almost gave out. Aiden caught her by the waist, steadying her. "Careful," he murmured close to her ear. "I'm here."

Mason's eyes flicked up at that exact moment. He saw Grace. Really saw her. The way the dress clung to her body, the way her skin glowed under the lights. His jaw tightened. Seven years, and all it takes is a damn dress to get my heart racing again. His gaze lingered too long, hungry and possessive.

Sophia noticed. Of course she noticed.

She immediately tightened her grip on Mason and purred loudly, "Babe! Did the vibrator battery run out?" She laughed, trailing her fingers down his chest. "That toy barely makes me moan. I want something that makes me scream." Then she bit his lower lip, tugging it between her teeth, doing everything in her power to pull his attention back to her.

Grace looked at them again. Her stomach churned. She thought she might actually throw up. These scumbags.

"Easy," Aiden said softly, his hand still on her waist. "I got you."

She nodded, swallowing the bile rising in her throat.

Sophia finally pulled away from Mason, her lips swollen and red. She snapped her fingers at a passing server and ordered a tray. Then she turned, her smile bright and fake, and called out, "Grace! Do you mind joining us for our little holiday challenge?"

Grace looked at her. At Mason. Disgust twisted in her chest, but she forced a smile onto her face. She turned to Aiden, keeping up the act. "Can I join?"

Aiden looked down at her, his eyes searching hers for a moment. Then he nodded. "Sure."

That's a good wife, Mason thought smugly. Asking permission from her husband.

Sophia clapped her hands together. "Good! After all, we're college besties." She tilted her head, her smile sharp. "Or wait, did the amnesia make you forget that too?"

Grace smiled back, her voice sweet as honey. "Oh, I believe you."

She walked toward the table, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She sat down gracefully, crossing her legs. "I'm in."

Aiden gestured to the bartender, who brought over drinks to their table. Sophia picked up a deck of cards and shuffled them dramatically, her fingers moving with practiced ease. She drew the top card and read it aloud, her voice dripping with seduction. "Pick a toy from the tray and show, in the sexiest way possible, how long you've been together."

She reached into the tray sitting on the table and pulled out a silver chain. Short and delicate. She held it up and pouted. "Mmm, this is too short." Then she grinned wickedly. "We've been together for... seven years."

She wrapped the chain around her fingers and used it to pull Mason closer, dragging him toward her by the collar of his shirt. Their faces were inches apart. "Does this look like seven years to you?" she whispered, then kissed him. Hard. Passionate. Her tongue sliding into his mouth like she was claiming him in front of everyone.

Grace's blood ran cold.

Seven years.

The exact same length as my marriage.

Her mind raced, piecing it together. The timeline. The lies. The betrayal. Does this mean he was already cheating when we got married?