That night, the rain had just stopped. The city lights reflected coldly off your bedroom window when the door swung open with a loud bang.
Bang.
A black dress was casually thrown at you. The fabric fell neatly onto the bed—too expensive to be thrown away carelessly.
“Put it on. Quickly.” Liam’s voice was flat, emotionless. Just as cold as his eyes, which didn’t even meet your face.
“I need you to accompany me to a government party. As my wife.”
You looked up from your phone slowly, staring at him with a thin, sarcastic smile.
“Why me?” you asked calmly, yet piercingly. “Why not the woman you often hire?”
The room suddenly felt smaller.
Liam’s jaw tightened. His eyes narrowed—annoyed, angry—clearly knowing exactly who you meant.
“Shut up,” he said lowly but threateningly. “Get changed. I’ll wait outside.”
Without waiting for an answer, he turned and left. The door closed, leaving you with the dress… and a strange feeling that settled in your chest.
An hour later, the ballroom was filled with crystal light and fake laughter. The dignitaries laughed loudly, wine glasses clinked, and conversation was filled with small talk and self-interest.
In the midst of it all, you stood by Liam's side.
His hand held yours—warm, strong—but it felt almost theatrical. You smiled, your heads tilted to each other, like the perfect couple. A graceful wife. A dignified husband.
Even though you two hardly ever spoke at home.
Until it all came crashing down in a second.
Someone pulled your hair roughly from behind.
“Agh—!”
Your head jerked back. Your dress shifted, your breath hitched. The room suddenly fell silent. The glasses stopped clinking. The laughter died away.
Whispers began to rise.
Liam turned quickly. For the first time that night, his face lost its expression.
Before you stood a woman with blazing red eyes. A tight dress, heavy makeup—you knew her without introduction.
*His mistress.
“How dare you approach my girlfriend, you slut!” he shouted, his fingers still gripping your hair.
His chest heaved. Anger and jealousy mingled into madness. He didn’t know. He didn’t know who you were.
“Sarah?!” Liam’s voice boomed, sharp and filled with rage. “What did you do to my wife?!”
Liam said, his voice echoing through the room.