Chapter 11

The suitcase felt heavier than it should as Vivian Hartley dragged it across the marble floor of the penthouse. She had arrived at Crestwood with nothing but dreams and this single piece of luggage. Now she was leaving with neither.

A humorless laugh escaped her lips.

If only she hadn't fallen so deeply for him. If only she'd stuck to their original agreement - one year of marriage, then a clean break. But no, she had to go and lose her heart to Adrian Blackwood.

Serena Whitmore hadn't even needed to lift a finger. Vivian had destroyed herself all on her own.

Across town, the Mirage Lounge pulsed with energy. The most exclusive club in Crestwood was hosting its most elite guests tonight in the VIP section.

The air smelled of expensive perfume and ambition as the city's elite lounged on velvet couches, their laughter mingling with the bass-heavy music.

Then the door swung open.

Adrian stood framed in the doorway, his presence immediately silencing the room. "Blackwood!" several voices called out in greeting.

Before anyone could say more, a slender figure stepped out from behind him.

Serena removed her wide-brimmed hat with practiced grace, revealing her delicate features. She slipped her arm through Adrian's with the ease of long familiarity.

"My assistant had a family emergency," she explained with an apologetic smile. "I didn't want to spend the evening alone, so I convinced Adrian to join me. I hope that's alright?"

The room's occupants exchanged glances. Serena was undeniably beautiful - her porcelain skin, rosebud lips, and large doe eyes gave her an almost ethereal quality. Next to Vivian's striking, bold beauty, Serena was like a delicate watercolor painting.

But everyone here knew the truth. While Adrian and Vivian were legally married, theirs was a marriage in name only. Adrian never included his wife in these private gatherings.

After an awkward beat, the host recovered first. "Of course! The more the merrier!" He gestured them toward the center of the room where the best seats had been reserved.

As they made their way through the parting crowd, the host pressed a crystal glass of champagne into Adrian's hand. "We owe you big time for today, Blackwood. That negotiation was masterful. Without you, we'd never have landed the PrimeCart deal!"

Tonight's celebration marked the successful launch of their new e-commerce platform, a project that had been in development for months. The contracts signed today would make them all very wealthy men.

Vivian knew none of this as she stepped into the elevator, her suitcase the only witness to her quiet exit. The doors slid shut with finality, carrying her away from the life she'd foolishly dreamed could be hers.