Nancy Flores sat in the VIP room of the nail salon when the staff awkwardly informed her, "Ms. Flores, your membership card has insufficient funds."

Nancy froze. Last month, her husband Gary Williams had gifted her this card, claiming he’d loaded thirty thousand dollars.

This was her first time using it.

After checking the system, the clerk added, "Ms. Flores, there was a twenty-eight thousand dollar charge last Thursday afternoon."

"Last Thursday?

Twenty-eight thousand?"

Nancy’s fingers stilled. "I was at the office that day."

The clerk stammered, "Mr. Williams brought a lady here. When leaving, she said to keep twenty-six thousand as a tip for one of our staff."

Nancy’s heart raced, her ears ringing.

Last Thursday, Gary had claimed he was meeting clients until 8 p.m., complaining about difficult customers.

She recalled cutting her meeting short to make him sober-up soup.

"Show me the footage."

Her voice was faint, her heart sinking.

The surveillance video showed Gary walking in with a girl in a light blue dress, his arm around her.

The girl looked up, saying something that made Gary smile and ruffle her hair.

Nancy stared—the intimacy made them look like young lovers.

If only Gary wasn’t her husband.

Suddenly, Gary kneeled on one knee, painting nail polish onto the girl’s toes himself.

After finishing, he even kissed her foot with adoring tenderness.

Nancy’s blood ran cold. Gary had stooped to serve someone else.

That same night, he’d kissed her with those same lips.

Nancy gagged uncontrollably.

The video continued: Gary stayed by the girl’s side, casually taking her white handbag when they left.

Nancy’s eyes locked on the screen. That bag matched the one in her closet exactly.

A "gift" Gary brought back from his business trip last week. Clearly, not exclusive to her.

"Email me the video."

Nancy stood, legs weak, snatching her bag as she bolted out.

Back at the manor, she stormed into the study.

Hands trembling, she dialed a private investigator: "I need Gary’s entire recent schedule."

Three hours later, her inbox held a dozen photos.

Gary and a girl named Shirley Lopez grocery shopping, fingers intertwined at the cinema.

The most glaring: a marriage certificate photo dated over a year prior.

Nancy couldn’t stop shaking.

She remembered Gary kneeling at their wedding, vowing: "Nancy, I’ll never betray you."

Turns out his "forever" was this short.

Her phone buzzed—the investigator added: "Shirley, 24, international high school teacher.

The certificate is a phony marriage license Gary paid three hundred dollars for. He visits her apartment every Wednesday and Friday afternoon."

Fingers shaking, she called her father: "Dad, if we pull funding from Gary’s new energy project—"

"What’s wrong?"

His voice turned sharp. "Did Gary hurt you?"

Those words shattered her.

At her wedding, her father—eyes red—had placed her hand in Gary’s: "If you ever make my daughter suffer, I’ll ruin you in the business world."

How could her husband be "married" to someone else?

"Nothing for now," she bit her hand hard to stifle a sob, "wait for my word."

After hanging up, she heard the garage door opening.

Gary walked in holding a file folder, his usual gentle smile in place: "Home so early today?"

"Yeah, got my nails done."

Nancy extended her hand, "Used that membership card you gave me."

Gary's body instantly stiffened. Though he quickly relaxed, Nancy saw it clear as day.

"By the way," she asked casually, "the staff mentioned you brought some girl there last Thursday?"

Gary's expression froze for a second as he studied Nancy's face.

Seeing her unchanged expression, he flashed a tender smile: "Just our neighbor Barbara Wright's daughter. Wanted a manicure but was too scared to go alone, so I recommended your regular spot."

He walked over and hugged her, "Hungry?

I'll cook dinner."

Nancy watched his retreating back toward the kitchen, bitterness flooding her heart.

If she hadn't noticed, would he have kept playing her for a fool forever?

She picked up her phone and texted her father: "Pull the investment next week. I want a divorce."

After sending the message, she looked up toward the kitchen.

Gary was chopping vegetables with practiced ease.

Had he honed those skills over the past year at that girl's place?

Three years ago, when Gary first met her, he was the newly acknowledged illegitimate son of the Williams family. Overlooked at the gala, he'd still mustered the courage to approach her, ears burning crimson as he asked, "Miss Flores, may I have this dance?"

She'd ignored him then.

But he persisted, waiting outside her office daily with homemade lunchboxes she wouldn't even glance at.

Three months later, when she finally agreed to a date, he'd beamed like a child.

He'd stood vigil all night below her apartment just to pick her up punctually the next morning.

On their wedding day, kneeling on the red carpet, he'd clasped her hands and vowed, "Nancy, I'll never fail you in this lifetime."

She believed him.

She thought he truly loved her.

But now?

The door creaked open softly as Gary entered. He sat on the bedside, reaching to touch her face. "Nancy, dinner's ready."

She dodged his hand without a word.

Gary's brow furrowed. "What's wrong? Feeling unwell?"

She shook her head.

"Your eyes are red." His voice tightened instantly. "Headache? Should we go to the hospital?"

Still the same—agonizing over every little thing.

Watching his anxious expression, Nancy felt a sharp pang in her chest.

Was his concern genuine, or just an act?

"Fine," she finally spoke. "Hungry."

Gary exhaled in relief, pinching her cheek with a smile. "Little glutton, let's eat."

The cloying sweetness wafting from the kitchen made Nancy's heart plummet.

She never ate sweet dishes.

Gary knew this.

She lifted her gaze, locking eyes with him. "Why is everything sweet?"

Gary's rice-serving hand stilled mid-air. "Thought you'd need cheering up after work," he offered with a strained smile.

Nancy stared silently.

His expression gradually froze. Setting down the bowl, he stammered, "Should I... make something else?"

"Okay."

She nodded.

He sprang up toward the kitchen when his phone rang abruptly.

Glancing at the screen, panic flashed across his face.

"Office emergency. I have to go." He snatched his jacket. "Eat whatever's here. I'll cook fresh when I'm back."

Nancy set down her chopsticks. "I want your cooking tonight."

Gary halted, his frown deepening. "Must you be so unreasonable? Food is food."

The words hung in the air, startling even himself.

Nancy gaped at him, heart clenched as if by an iron fist.

Gary instantly softened his tone. "Sorry, didn't mean that. It's urgent—I'll return quickly."

Without another word, he strode out.

The door clicked shut with muffled finality, yet to Nancy it echoed like a slap.

In all their married years, he'd never spoken to her like this.

Seated at the table, she surveyed the spread of saccharine dishes—the exact flavors that girl adored.

She rose and walked to the kitchen.

Half-chopped vegetables lay abandoned on the cutting board; water boiled nearly dry in the pot.

She switched off the burner, grabbed her car keys, and followed him out.

The rain began to fall as she followed Gary's car to an unfamiliar apartment building.

The elevator stopped at the twelfth floor. She'd just stepped out when she heard a coquettish voice.

"Darling, you're finally here."

"Silly," Gary's voice remained gentle as ever, "Did you eat properly today?"

"I couldn't bring myself to eat without you."

The girl's voice trembled with tears.

"Well, I'm here now, aren't I?"

Gary coaxed in a low voice, "Even if you won't eat, the baby needs nourishment.

Be good, okay?"

Keys slipped from Nancy's hand, hitting the floor with a sharp clink.

Clink.

Gary whirled around. Seeing Nancy, his face went deathly pale: "Nancy... How did you get here?"

Nancy turned and walked away without a word.

Shirley was already pregnant!

She sat in the car, rain and tears blurring her vision.

Through the rearview mirror, she saw Gary running after her, his mouth moving as if shouting her name.

But she didn't want to hear a single word.

Raindrops pounded against the car window.

He banged on the door, his voice cutting through the downpour: "Nancy!

Let me explain!"

Nancy tapped the steering wheel, watching the two drenched figures outside. A bitter laugh escaped her.

She slowly rolled down the window. Gary's voice rushed in: "How long have you been here?"

"Just arrived."

Her lips curled coldly.

Gary paled, words tumbling out: "She's just the neighbor!

Her power went out—I was checking on her!"

"Sis!"

Shirley suddenly darted in front of the car. Rain plastered her white dress to her skin, amplifying her fragility. "This is all my fault!

Nothing happened—please don't blame Gary!"

Nancy frowned, shifting gears to steer around her.

Thud!

Shirley lunged at the hood, stumbling backward before collapsing onto the wet pavement.

Nancy slammed the brakes, her heart freezing.

"Shirley!"

Gary rushed forward, cradling her as he shot Nancy a look of raw fury.

"I'm fine," Shirley whispered weakly, face ghostly pale. "Gary, go comfort Nancy."

"I've spent years comforting her!"

Gary's roar cracked the air. "To her, I'm just a dog!

And you're still thinking about her now?

Why are you so damn kind?"

Nancy sat rigid, knuckles whitening on the wheel.

She'd never heard such venom in his voice.

Harsh. Disgusted. Like he'd finally torn off the mask.

"She threw herself at the car," Nancy stated after a pause.

"Enough!"

Gary cut her off. "You doubt me, now you slander her too?

Do you even know she's pregnant?"

Each word stabbed Nancy's heart.

"Yours?"

She asked flatly.

Gary froze, lips trembling as regret flashed across his face. "Nancy, don't say things like that."

"Ah!"

Shirley suddenly cried out, going limp in his arms.

"Shirley!"

Panic seized Gary as he yanked the car door open. "I need your car!

She needs the hospital—now!"

Nancy sat in the passenger seat, watching Gary's shaking hands clutch the wheel.

Behind them, Shirley lay unconscious—yet her eyelashes fluttered incessantly.

"You're this frantic... Is the child really yours?"

Nancy murmured.

Gary stomped the accelerator, voice strained: "This is life or death! Must you pick now?"

"Well played, Gary,"

Nancy leaned wearily against the window.

Gary honked violently, swerving past another car. "We'll talk at home!"

At the hospital entrance, the car barely stopped before Gary burst out, scooping Shirley into his arms.

"Move it!"

He barked, his elbow bumping Nancy's shoulder as he charged inside.

She plunged onto the damp ground, palms scraping against the rough pavement.

Looking up, she only saw Gary carrying Shirley disappear into the ER.

A nurse rushed over to help her: "Ma'am, are you alright?"

Nancy shook her head, pushing herself up against the wall.

Her knees burned fiercely, but nothing compared to the gaping hole torn through her heart.

Gary's tearful voice carried from the ER: "Doctor!

How is she?

Is the baby okay?"

The nurse offered tissues. Only then did Nancy realize she was crying.

She took the tissues but couldn't stem the relentless flow of tears.

So even when your heart dies, your body still feels the pain.

The ER doors swung open. Gary burst out, freezing the moment he saw her.

His mouth opened, gaze fixed on her bleeding palms: "Go home first. I'll explain."

Nancy nodded silently. But as she turned, the world spun, and she collapsed.

When Nancy opened her eyes, blinding white light made her instinctively raise a hand to shield them.

"Nancy!"

Gary's face suddenly filled her vision, his eyes lit up with excitement, "You're pregnant!"

She froze, fingers unconsciously drifting to her flat abdomen.

"It's all my fault, Nancy."

Gary sat by the hospital bed, gingerly holding Nancy's hand. His voice softened, "You misunderstood. Shirley's baby belongs to her ex-boyfriend—that bastard. I just felt sorry for her being alone."

Nancy yanked her hand back, letting out a cold laugh without responding.

Gary sighed and stood up. "Get some rest. I'll grab you something to eat."

He turned and left, his footsteps fading down the hall.

Nancy stared at the closed door, her fingers unconsciously drifting to her abdomen.

Suddenly, a tinkling laugh floated from the next room—Shirley's sugary voice.

Then came Gary's low murmur, laced with the gentle tone Nancy knew too well.

Nancy picked up her phone and dialed security. "Bring the divorce papers from the study drawer."

Thirty minutes later, a bodyguard materialized silently in her room, handing her a document envelope.

Nancy flipped open the agreement, her fingertip hovering over the signature line.

She knew Gary wouldn't sign it willingly now.

The door burst open. She swiftly hid the papers.

Gary strode in, beaming. "Nancy, I apologized to Shirley for you. She forgives you."

Nancy lifted icy eyes. "I need her forgiveness?"

Gary's smile faltered for a split second before melting back into warmth. "To make it up, I got theater tickets. Let's go with Shirley tonight, okay?"

Nancy studied him for several heartbeats, then curled her lips. "Sure."

Inside the theater, Shirley trailed behind Gary in a white dress, stealing triumphant glances at Nancy.

Nancy stood frozen at the entrance, staring at the empty auditorium. Her heart lurched violently.

"Mr. Williams booked the whole place," the manager fawned, guiding them. "Said crowds might bother you. Your favorite spot—just like seven years ago."

Center front row. Identical to when Gary was just a low-level employee at his family firm.

Back then, his eyes hadn't left her face the entire performance.

"Shirley should sit with us," Gary nodded.

Shirley twisted her skirt hem in the corner. "I'll visit the restroom."

Her eyes were red-rimmed, radiating wounded innocence.

Stage lights flooded the theater as actors began.

Gary held Nancy's hand at first, but within minutes, his fingers drummed restlessly on the armrest.

"Shirley's taking too long," he checked his watch for the third time. "I'll check on her."

Nancy sat alone in the hollow silence.

Actors' voices swirled around her, meaningless as static.

She rose and followed.

Dim hallway lights gloomed outside the restrooms.

Nancy paused at the corner. Soft gasps leaked from within.

"That stage show was for her benefit," Gary chuckled darkly. "Right now, this performance is just for you."

Nancy's fists clenched until her knuckles whitened.

She made no sound, retracing her steps to the empty seats.

Gary and Shirley returned separately, carrying identical traces of scent.

"What kept you?" Nancy asked without turning.

"Shirley wasn't feeling well," Gary replied. "I stayed with her."

Gary casually sat down, but his right hand surreptitiously inched toward Shirley.

Nancy caught their fingers entwining in the shadowed gap between seats out of the corner of her eye, before they jerked apart when she turned.

"Nancy."

Gary leaned in to kiss her.

She pulled away, drawing divorce papers from her bag. "You promised. Sign it."

Under the dim light, Gary's expression froze for a moment.

His eyes swept hastily over the paper, Adam's apple bobbing: "What's this?"

"A promise note."

Nancy said calmly, "Just like before."

Gary's shoulders visibly relaxed, even carrying a hint of indulgent smile: "You."

He pulled out a pen and signed his name with a flourish.

"You're a mother now, still so childish."

Nancy stared at that familiar signature, recalling how over the years, Gary had signed every impulsive promise note she wrote.

【Promise to love only Nancy forever】

【Promise to say good morning and good night every day】

Back then, he'd always sign while laughing at her childishness, then pull her into his arms saying: "I'm yours for life. I'll sign as many as you want."

Now, he signed without even seeing what it was.

"Done."

Gary handed the agreement back, casually pinching her cheek, "When have I ever broken a promise to you?"

On stage, the heroine was screaming her heart out: "You have no idea what you've lost!"

Nancy chuckled softly, tucking the document into her bag.

After the play, Gary and Shirley had long vanished.

Nancy's heart soured, her face blank as she hailed a taxi home.

Back home, Nancy started packing when her phone suddenly rang.

A message from her father: "Withdrawal paperwork's done. Takes effect in three days. I'll send someone for you then."

She replied "Okay," and kept folding clothes into the suitcase.

All night, Gary never returned.

Just one text: "Emergency. Sleep early."

Next morning, just as Nancy finished freshening up.

The door burst open.

Gary charged in, eyes bloodshot, grabbing her wrist: "Come with me!"

"What are you doing?"

Nancy stumbled as he dragged her.

Gary stayed silent, roughly shoving her into the car.

The car raced down the road, Nancy recognizing the route to Shirley's school.

A crowd gathered at the school gate.

Shirley sat on the ground, clothes filthy, tears streaking her face.

Spotting them, she scrambled up and knelt before Nancy: "Nancy, I swear I never seduced Gary. Please let me go."

"Nancy, what's your excuse now?"

Gary's voice burned with rage.

"I did nothing."

Nancy shook off his grip.

Gary snorted coldly, yanking over a bespectacled boy: "Talk. Who put you up to this?"

The boy peeked timidly at Nancy: "Th-this lady paid us to dump ink on Teacher Shirley."

"That's a lie!"

Nancy trembled with fury, "I've never seen you before!"

"Enough!"

Gary cut in sharply, "Apologize to Shirley."

Nancy shook her head, "Why apologize for something I didn't do?"

Gary dragged Nancy to the schoolyard, the sun beating down.

Gary's eyes locked onto Shirley's bruised knee, fingers tightening: "Nancy, did you know she's pregnant?

You should taste that too."

"You wouldn't dare?"

Nancy's voice spiked, "My father will destroy you!"

"Some lady you are!"

Gary suddenly exploded, grabbing her collar. "Think you can do whatever you want just because your maternal home backs you?"

He barked at the bodyguards: "Hold her down!"

Two bodyguards immediately clamped down on Nancy's shoulders.

She struggled violently: "Gary!

There are cameras everywhere!"

Gary sneered, "Shut off long ago."

Leaning close to her ear, he hissed: "You hurt Shirley. Don't blame me."

Shirley feigned intervention: "Gary, don't do this."

"Stay out of this, Shirley."

Gary gently pushed her aside before snapping: "Push her down!"

The bodyguards slammed Nancy forward.

Her knees slammed against the ground, pain exploding behind her eyes.

"This is fair."

"One hour."

Gary ordered the guards: "Keep her here. Shirley's delicate—I'll help her to the car. Consider this your charity work for our child."

Pressed against the floor, Nancy felt stabbing pain in her abdomen. Cold sweat drenched her back.

"Gary," she gasped weakly, "My stomach... it hurts."

Gary glanced back, hesitation flickering in his eyes.

Shirley slumped against him: "Pregnancy makes one fragile. Nancy isn't like me."

Gary's expression hardened. "After what she did to you? I'll get justice today."

He turned and entered the car.

Through the window, Nancy saw Gary's protective hand resting on Shirley's belly.

Her vision blurred, then everything went black.

Nancy woke to the pungent antiseptic smell, a dull ache still throbbing in her lower abdomen. Her fingers instinctively brushed her belly, grazing the cold IV needle.

"You're awake?"

Gary' voice came from her right.

She turned to find him seated bedside.

He leaned in to touch her stomach but froze midway.

"Learned your lesson?"

He asked.

Nancy closed her eyes.

When she stayed silent, Gary cupped her face: "Should've been this obedient earlier."

His thumb brushed her chapped lips, voice soft. "Would've spared you this."

"Making your pregnant wife kneel for the girl next door."

Nancy turned from his touch. "Sound right to you?"

Gary's hand hung suspended, brow furrowed. "I deal in right and wrong, not feelings."

"I need rest."

Nancy pulled the blanket higher. "Leave."

Gary visibly stiffened.

He studied her for seconds, glanced at his phone. "Company emergency. I'll be back."

At the door, he whirled abruptly: "What tests tomorrow?

Heard you talking to the doctor."

"Routine prenatal."

Nancy paused.

Gary's eyes swept her face before doubling back to snatch her phone from the nightstand. "Passcode?"

"Birthday."

Nancy laughed coldly. "Remember it?"

Gary failed twice before unlocking it.

He scrolled through call logs, tossed the phone onto the bed. "Shirley's next door. Don't bother her."

When she didn't respond, he chuckled. "Little jealous thing. She's just the girl next door."

Nancy's lips curled mockingly as she nodded.

The door clicked shut. Nancy immediately hit the call button.

"Abortion procedure confirmed for nine tomorrow?"

The doctor flipped through charts.

"Yes."

Nancy's voice was featherlight. "No need to tell him."

The doctor had just left when the door burst open.

Shirley charged in, hospital gown askew, limping yet eyes blazing: "You're killing Gary's baby?"

Nancy slowly sat up.

Shirley showed no trace of fragility now.

"Get the abortion and divorce papers ready."

Shirley gripped the bed rail. "Or you'll get nothing when Gary dumps you!"

Nancy suddenly smiled. "Gary didn't tell you who funds his company?"

"Liar!"

Shirley shrieked. "Gary told me himself he never loved you! Married you for the Flores family! If not for that project, he'd have—"

Smack!

The slap cracked like ice.

Shirley's head snapped sideways, cheek flaming red.

"That's for knowingly being the other woman."

Nancy shook her stinging palm.

Smack!

The second slap sent Shirley staggering. "That's for setting me up."

Shirley covered her face, retreating with fury in her eyes.

But spotting movement outside, her expression crumpled. With a sharp cry, she hurled herself against the wall before collapsing limply.

The door flew open.

Gary charged in, car keys still in hand.

He stared wide-eyed at Shirley lying on the floor, then stormed to the bedside: "Nancy!

If anything happens to Shirley, you'll pay with your life!"

"You should first ask what she said."

Nancy replied calmly.

Gary had already scooped Shirley up, snorting coldly: "What could she possibly say in her condition?"

His gaze swept over Nancy's swollen palm, "But you—that was brutal."

Medical staff flooded in, hastily loading Shirley onto a gurney.

Gary followed them out, pausing at the doorway: "Guards, watch her."

His eyes turned venomous, "If Shirley or the baby comes to harm, you'll regret it."

Nancy watched them vanish around the corridor corner before slowly lying back.

Waves of abdominal pain crested, yet sharper still was the tearing ache in her chest.

Five years of marriage, and it all amounted to nothing.

Nancy was shaken awake roughly.

Her eyes opened to Gary's icy face hovering inches away, his gaze devoid of warmth.

"Shirley's lost too much blood. She needs a transfusion."

His voice was low, "You share her blood type. Go now."

Nancy froze, then shook her head: "I'm anemic already. Donating could be dangerous."

Gary sneered: "Did you consider consequences when you harmed her?"

Her eyes widened in disbelief: "I harmed her?"

"Stop playing dumb."

Gary waved impatiently. Two bodyguards seized her arms, "After the transfusion, we're even."

Nancy struggled futilely against the burly men.

Dragged from bed, she stumbled toward the transfusion room.

He watched coldly as she was forced into the donation chair.

The needle pierced her vein, crimson blood snaking through the tube into the bag.

Her pallor deepened, lips losing color, fingertips turning icy.

The doctor frowned, whispering to Gary: "Mr. Williams, Mrs. Williams is too weak. Continuing could be critical."

Gary studied Nancy's ashen face, brows furrowed briefly.

Then came the icy command: "Draw it."

Nancy closed her eyes, heart feeling like it was being crushed.

So this proved it—he truly didn't care if she lived or died.

After the blood draw, Nancy nearly collapsed, dark spots dancing before her eyes.

Seeing her wobble, Gary reached out to steady her, his tone softening slightly. "You look awful."

She remained silent, pushing his hand away before bracing herself against the wall to move forward.

A doctor rushed over. "Mr. Williams, Miss Shirley’s hemorrhaging again! The blood we drew isn’t enough!"

Nancy’s pupils constricted. She instinctively stepped back. "No. I can’t give more."

Gary’s eyes flickered with conflict as he took in her pallor.

But swiftly hardening his resolve, he ordered the doctor, "Proceed."

An icy dread seeped into Nancy’s bones, as if she’d plunged into a frozen cellar.

Her whisper was barely audible. "Gary, I’ll die."

He averted his gaze. "You won’t."

After the second draw, Nancy hovered at the edge of consciousness.

Slumped in a chair, her breathing shallow, darkness pulsed at the edges of her vision.

Seeing her bloodless face, Gary finally showed a flicker of panic. He moved to embrace her. "Nancy."

She shoved him away violently. Leaning heavily on the wall, she inched toward her ward with agonizing slowness.

Gary watched her receding figure—frail as a withered leaf, yet she never glanced back.

Rooted in place, an inexplicable unease coiled in his chest as she disappeared.

The doctor reported, "Mr. Williams, Miss Shirley’s stabilized."

Gary snapped back to attention, nodded, but didn’t follow her.

Alone in her hospital bed, Nancy felt chilled to the marrow.

A knife-like agony twisted in her lower abdomen.

Gritting her teeth, she rasped, "Doctor."

The physician entered, paled at her ashen face, and yanked back the sheets. His expression turned grave.

Blood saturated the bedding.

"Excessive blood loss is life-threatening for an anemic patient, especially after forced donation!" His voice tightened. "Immediate surgery—or you’re in danger!"

Nancy closed her eyes. "Alright."

After a pause, she added softly, "Don’t tell Gary."

On the frigid operating table, drifting in haze,

The baby was gone.

So too ended five years of marriage.

Post-surgery, Nancy was wheeled back to her room.

A nurse tucked in her blanket, murmuring, "Rest well, Ma’am."

Nancy asked weakly, "Did Gary come?"

The nurse hesitated, then shook her head. "No."

Nancy’s lips curved bitterly. She’d expected nothing less.

Summoning her strength, she shuffled to the window.

Below in the garden, Gary supported Shirley’s slow stroll.

Shirley, cheeks flushed, leaned against his shoulder coquettishly while he gazed tenderly down at her.

Nancy watched silently, feeling her heart sliced open blade by blade.

Once, he’d cared for her with that same gentleness.

Turning away, she retrieved the signed divorce papers from her bag and placed them gently on the bed.

Then walked away without a backward glance.

At the corridor’s end, her father’s men stood waiting.

"The car’s ready, Miss."

Nancy cast one final look back—where Gary now helped Shirley ascend the stairs.

She stepped into the elevator and never looked back.