Chapter 3My Marriage Was His Secret Penance

"I heard they’re childhood sweethearts," another girl sighed. "She was his first love. He’s a billionaire and he’s only ever had eyes for one woman. It’s like a movie."

I reached the executive floor. I stood outside the heavy double doors of his office, but I didn't knock. A familiar voice was already inside.

"Is Harrison treating you well?" Xavier asked. His voice was strained, a low, vibrating chord of suppressed longing.

"Yes, he's great," Gemma replied. I could hear the smirk in her voice. "He just bought me an island for our anniversary. He’s like a child, really, always trying to outdo himself..."

Xavier’s voice dropped even lower. "That’s good. As long as you’re happy... that’s all I need to know."

"You’re too much, Xavier. Why did you send such an expensive gift again? If Nora finds out, she’ll be upset."

Gemma had always been like this. Taking everything and then using it as a weapon to mock me. Five years ago, when Harrison broke our engagement, she was the one who came to the hospital. She stood by my mother’s bed and told her the news, knowing my mother’s heart couldn't take the shock. That was what sent her into the final, fatal surgery.

Xavier and Harrison had both taken her side then, telling me I was being "dramatic" and "immature" for yelling at her.

That day, I lost my mother and my fiancé. Xavier became my only tether to the world.

And now, I realized he was the one who had cut the rope.

A secretary rushed toward the door with a stack of papers, swinging it open before I could move.

Xavier looked up, his eyes widening in a flash of panic. "Nora? What are you doing here? Don't get the wrong idea—Gemma is just here for a meeting. She’s the lead on the Cole project..."

"Nora, it’s been a while," Gemma said, standing up. She was draped in the latest couture, making me feel like a ghost in my own life.

I forced a smile. I pushed down the scream rising in my throat. "It's fine. I was just in the neighborhood shopping and thought I’d drop by. Since you're busy, I'll go."

Xavier chased me into the hallway, explaining himself for ten minutes. Watching him scramble was almost funny. He had intentionally sabotaged his own company’s profits just to secure this contract with the Coles, just to have an excuse to see her. And now he was performing for me?

"Don't worry," I said, cutting him off. "I'm not going to be 'immature.' Do your work. I’ll be at home."

He visibly relaxed. He had the secretary escort me to the elevator.

As the doors closed, I saw the employees looking at me with thinly veiled pity and mockery. They knew. Everyone probably knew.

I went home and started packing. Five years of gifts, jewelry, and clothes went into a large trunk. I dragged it down to the driveway and lit a match.

As the flames began to lick at the silk and velvet, a car pulled up. Gemma stepped out.

She kicked the trunk over, sparks flying onto her expensive shoes. She didn't care. She was smiling.

"Nora, after all these years, you’re still so pathetic."

"You couldn't protect your mother back then, and you can't protect your marriage now. You're a joke."

My blood turned to fire. "You knew?" I whispered. "You knew what he did to my mother?"

She laughed. I didn't think; I just acted. I swung my hand and slapped her across the face. It wasn't even that hard, but she stumbled back, falling toward the burning trunk.