But then Ethan spoke. “I’m glad you told me.”
My vision blurred, the edges of the room dimming. I stood there, frozen, listening to the echo of my own heartbeat thundering in my ears.
I didn’t hear what came next. Didn’t even want to.
Because nothing he could say after that would matter. No explanation would soften the blow. The damage was already done, especially since I was already aware of how Sophie fit into his world more easily than I did. She’d been born into it and looked the part with her straight blond hair and stick-thin figure. My complete opposite.
I stepped back slowly, careful not to make a sound. The legs felt unsteady as I turned away from the terrace doors and walked blindly down the hallway. The laughter and music from the ballroom blurred together, fading into a dull hum as I pushed through the crowd.
No one noticed me leave. Not even the man who’d promised to cherish me ‘til death do us part a little less than a year ago.
I slipped my phone from my clutch as I made my way to the club’s entrance. Walking outside, I requested a rideshare.
It took only five minutes for the car to arrive, but I barely noticed the time pass by. I felt empty. Hollowed out in a way that scared me more than any rush of tears could have.
When it pulled up to the curb, I climbed into the back seat without looking back at the glowing entrance behind me. As the street lights blurred past the window, I tried to come to terms with the mess that my marriage was.
I refused to beg for a man, not even the one I’d given my heart to. And I wouldn’t fight for scraps of reassurance. Not anymore.
10
ETHAN
Ididn’t wait for the music to end before I cut across the dance floor. The moment I spotted Gage across the ballroom, I cut through the crowd, tension rolling off me in waves.
I tapped my friend on the shoulder and leaned in. “I need a word.”
One look at my face was enough. Gage’s expression shifted, the easy smile dropping as he nodded and followed me toward the edge of the room, away from the swirl of guests.
We stopped near a column partially hidden by a tall floral arrangement, just out of earshot, and Gage asked, “What happened?”
I dragged a hand through my hair. “Sophie.”
Gage’s brows knit together. “What about her?”
“She cornered me a few minutes ago.” I exhaled, my jaw tightening. “Told me she has feelings for me.”
Gage’s eyes widened a fraction. “You’re kidding.”
“I wish I were.” I shook my head. “I shut it down immediately. Told her it was inappropriate. That I’m married and her boss. But—” I scrubbed my palm down my face, myfrustration bleeding through. “It caught me off guard. I didn’t see this coming.”
Gage studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he let out a low breath. “You did the right thing.”
“I know.” My voice came out rougher than I intended. “But it shouldn’t have happened at all. I should’ve seen the signs sooner. And shut that shit down before it got to this point.”
“You’re not responsible for someone else crossing a line,” Gage pointed out. “But what happens next is on you.”
I nodded, in complete agreement with his assessment. “Which is why she can’t keep working with me.”
“Agreed.” Gage didn’t hesitate. “I’ll move her. Vanessa goes through assistants like water. Sophie can learn fast or flame out like the others. Either way, she won’t be your problem.”
Being friends with the CEO had its advantages, although I rarely traded on our relationship. “Thank you.”
Gage studied me again, more closely this time. “Is this going to cause more problems with Callie?”
“I hope not.” A slight chill raced up my spine. “I almost lost her once already. I’m not letting that happen again. Not because a spoiled brat crossed a line they shouldn’t have.”
Gage clapped me on the shoulder. “Then you’d better make damn sure she knows that.”
