Chapter 1 - The Golden Ticket to My Own Execution
The invitation in my hands was heavier than it had any right to be. It was made of thick, cream-colored cardstock, edged in real gold leaf, and scented with a cloying, expensive perfume.
On the front, embossed in elegant, sweeping calligraphy, were the names: Damien Keller & Vivienne Sterling.
I slowly opened it, a cold smile touching my lips as I read the handwritten note slipped inside the pocket:
"Adriana, I want you to be there to witness what a real wife looks like. It’s at the Grand Plaza Hotel. Dress nice—though I know your budget might not allow for much. It’s the least I can do for my past."
"Dress nice," I whispered to the empty room.
Five years ago, I would have cried. I would have torn the paper to shreds, locked myself in my room, and let the ghost of Damien's cruelty haunt me. But five years is a lifetime when you are busy building an empire from the pavement up.
I looked out the window of my penthouse apartment, overlooking the sparkling skyline of Chicago. Below us, the neon sign of Adriana's Kitchen glowed brightly—the flagship location of a restaurant chain that now spanned thirty-two cities and was valued at over eighty million dollars.
"Mommy?"
Two tiny, synchronized voices broke my train of thought.
I turned to see Leo and Chloe standing in the doorway of the living room, wearing matching pajamas. At four years old, they were the absolute center of my universe. Leo had my dark, determined eyes, while Chloe had a head of soft, curly hair and a laugh that could melt glaciers.
They were the children Damien claimed I could never give him. The "barren" wife he cast out onto the streets had given birth to two healthy, beautiful miracles.
"Hey, my little angels," I said, kneeling down and pulling them both into a tight embrace. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"
"We heard you talking," Leo said, his tiny hand reaching up to touch the gold-edged card in my hand. "Is that a party card?"
"Yes, sweetie," I said, my voice softening. "It's an invitation to a party. A very big, very loud party."
"Can we go?" Chloe asked, her eyes shining with excitement. "We want to wear our pretty clothes!"
I looked at the invitation again. Damien wanted to humiliate me. He wanted to show me off to his new, wealthy in-laws as the pathetic, broke ex-wife who couldn't survive without him. He wanted to use my presence to elevate his own twisted ego.
May you like
He had no idea I was the silent majority shareholder of the very hotel chain hosting his wedding.
"Yes, my loves," I whispered, kissing both of their foreheads. "We are going. And we are going to make sure it's a day none of them will ever forget."
