Chapter 1 Caspian Vale and I used to be Manhattan's golden couple. Childhood sweethearts turned power couple after fifteen years together. Until our families' business feud exploded. His father shot mine. My father pulled his father's life support. Half our families ended up dead. The other half destroyed. Our love turned to poison overnight. But neither of us filed for divorce. Instead, we made destroying each other our full-time job. He threw birthday parties for his mistress? I set up funeral shrines next door. brought male escorts to galas? He announced "wife auditions" to entire ballrooms. he Manhattan elite loved it. "They're obsessed with each other," "Can't live without each other." intil our seventh wedding anniversary. He sent me photos from his celebration with Rosalind. is text dripped venom: No scene tonight? Too busy getting railed by your boy toy?] stared at the blood I'd just coughed up. Smiled. His stamina puts you to shame. I'm having the time of my life.] Speaking of which-wrap up your little party. We need to discuss divorce.] 'm ready to give him a real home.] he silence stretched for a full minute. Then my phone buzzed with his bitter laugh through the speaker. Divorce? Perfect. Adultery means you get nothing. Not a single fucking penny." aspian knew me better than anyone after twenty years. le knew I'd rather die than walk away empty-handed. ut as I clutched my phone, remembering the doctor's words-one week left to live-my heart felt like it was tearing apart. Deal." he word came out barely a whisper. Dead silence on his end. When he finally spoke, his voice was raw. You actually love him?" "Why not? Don't tell me you're having second thoughts? That you still love me?" My chest tightened. For one desperate moment, I waited. Waited for him to say the words he used to whisper every night before our world went to hell. Then I heard her-Rosalind's sugar sweet voice in the background: "Caspian, babe! These roses are literally perfect! You spoil me so much-come take pictures with me!" The line went dead. I stared at my phone, something hollow opening in my chest. Caspian used to spoil me rotten-designer everything, exotic trips, jewelry that cost more than most people's houses. 3ut after we imploded, he couldn't even send me gas station flowers for my birthday. Jut Rosalind? Rosalind got enough roses to fill a penthouse suite, ler Instagram story popped up instantly: presidential suite, silk lingerie, hickeys displayed like trophies. ven more obvious than that ridiculously oversized bouquet. he caption made my stomach turn: [Seven amazing years with my future husband! PS: babe, when did you become such an incredible photographer?] almost laughed. Almost. ack when we were happy, Caspian's photography skills were a running joke between us. very expensive meal looked like cafeteria food through his lens. Every designer dress turned into a Walmart clearance rack disaster. fter I cried over one too many terrible photos, he secretly took classes from a professional photographer. ventually, his shots were so good they went viral on Instagram. ollowers used to beg for his contact info in my comments. I'd glow with pride: hat's my boyfriend behind the camera." Then was the last time Caspian photographed me? y phone screen went black, showing my lock screen-me in my wedding dress, radiant with joy. The bitterness was overwhelming. even years ago. Our wedding day was the last time. used to change my lock screen weekly, documenting every moment of our life together. ow I'd been staring at the same photo for seven years. ly Instagram had been dark for just as long, while some influencer named "Rosalind" had taken my place. The man who swore he'd only ever photograph me ad found a new muse. athetic. Here I was, stuck in the past while everyone else moved forward. My phone rang-Caspian again, His voice was rough, but confident: You're right. I don't love you anymore either." 'Divorce is the best thing for both of us. I want to give Rosalind a real future." Six months ago, I would've booked the next flight to wherever he was and burned his world down. Now I could barely sit up without help. "Fine. Tomorrow then. After you finish playing house with Rosalind, come sign the papers." The door opened as I spoke. Orion walked in carrying soup, his face creasing with concern. "Drink this while it's hot. I just made-" "Jesus Christ, Ophelia." "You're really something else." Caspian hung up again. (0) (0)