The frosting was still on my hands when Ryan grabbed my wrist.
“Have you completely lost your mind?”
A hundred people watched. Cameras. Champagne. My anniversary party.
Jessica’s face was buried in the cake I had chosen. Her hair was covered in white buttercream. Around her neck hung the diamond necklace my mother had given me.
Ryan had introduced her as his future wife.
At our anniversary party.
He had insisted we host it at an elegant Chicago hotel. A hundred relatives, friends, and business associates watched as we walked into the ballroom side by side.
I thought he was finally ready to apologize for the months of cold distance between us.
Instead, he stepped onto the stage with another woman’s hand in his.
Her name was Jessica. She was his assistant.
Ryan tapped his glass and smiled.
“Emily and I are ending our marriage.”
The ballroom fell silent.
Ryan continued as if he had rehearsed every word.
“Tonight, everyone can finally meet the woman I really love.”
His mother laughed. She raised her champagne glass toward Jessica.
“Jessica will be a much better wife.”
I stayed beside our anniversary cake. My hands were shaking, but I tried to remain composed.
