Chapter 5

The next day, Vanessa sold off all the jewelry, clothes, shoes, and handbags Scott had given her.

Every dollar went to charities for women and kids in need. His dirty money wasn't going to stick to her.

Over the next few days, Cindy's Bali pics kept popping up on social media. Sunsets, cocktails, poolside selfies—all with Scott's sickeningly sweet comments underneath.

Vanessa printed each one and slid them into the growing pile.

By day seven, Scott finally showed up.

She was halfway through dinner when the front door opened, and there he was. Just seeing him made her stomach turn.

He walked in with a shopping bag. Gifts. Seriously? He set it down on the table and leaned in for a kiss.

Vanessa turned her head.

Nope.

"Have you eaten? If not, sit down and eat first," she said, voice steady.

"No, I haven't. I came home specifically to eat with you."

Vanessa looked up at him. "You're so good to me."

The words dripped with sarcasm. But Scott? Clueless.

In his head, she was still that same sweet, docile Vanessa.

Too bad for him—he didn't realize that even the nicest people will bite when pushed too far.

Scott slid into the chair across from her, beaming. "Of course I am. Who else would I be good to? I promised to take care of you for life. Our anniversary's coming up. Where do you wanna go?"

"We'll see. Depends on how busy the hospital is."

Scott chuckled, his voice dripping with affection. "I've told you a hundred times—you don't need to work so hard. Quit already. I can take care of you."

Yeah, right. Vanessa was glad she'd never fallen for that trap. If she'd given up her job for him, she wouldn't have the guts to walk out now.

She tilted her head, playful but with an edge. "What if I quit, and one day you cheat on me? What would I do then?"

Boom. Direct hit.

Scott panicked, scrambling to reassure her. "That won't happen, Vanessa. You have to believe me. It's only ever been you—I won't cheat. There won't be anyone else."

Vanessa believed him — partly.

Yeah, Scott loved her, in his own selfish way. But love hadn't stopped him from betraying her.

And that was the hardest part to accept. If he hadn't been so good to her at first, maybe this wouldn't sting so much.

And that's exactly why he couldn't know she was leaving. He wouldn't let her go.

Before she could respond, a maid stepped into the dining room.

"Mr. Fabel, Ms. Saun is here."

Scott's jaw tightened. Not exactly thrilled.

Vanessa? Totally unfazed. She casually told the maid to let Cindy in.

Cindy strutted in, rocking a barely-there slip dress. Her skin glowed.

"Mr. Fabel, Ms. Jahn," Cindy greeted, all fake politeness. "Sorry to interrupt. I just need your signature on some office documents... and we should go over a few things."

Vanessa smiled. "Go ahead. Don't mind me."

Cindy seethe with frustration.

She'd walked in, ready to spark a catfight. Maybe push Vanessa into an ugly scene so Scott would have no choice but to cut ties with her. But instead? Vanessa sat there, completely unbothered. Calm. In control

Scott stood. "Let's talk outside. I need to go over a few things with you."

"Sure."

As Cindy swayed toward the door, she shot Vanessa a smug look.

At the villa's entrance, Scott's frustration boiled over.

"What the hell are you doing here? Didn't I tell you not to show up around her?"

Cindy's eyes filled with tears. She cradled her belly, playing the part. "I missed you... I don't want to be alone. You know I'm pregnant."

Before Scott could say more, Cindy looped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

At first, he stiffened, even tried to push her off.

But Cindy grabbed his hand, sliding it under her dress.

"I'm wearing your favorite stockings... Stay with me tonight, okay?"

That was it.

Scott's control snapped. He pinned her against a tree, claiming her with wild, desperate hunger.

Hidden in the shadows, Vanessa stood perfectly still, watching.

She wanted this moment burned into her mind. Only by searing the pain into her memory could she finally let him go for good.