“He loves me. But when it came down to it, his family needed the win. And what it did to my family? That didn’t even make the shortlist.”
Lillian’s hands were wrapped tightly around her teacup. “Is that the limit of love?”
No one said anything for a moment.
“Mason said he tried to raise it internally but it wasn’t something he could influence.”
“Do you believe him?” Georgie asked.
“I didn’t need him to spurn his family. I just need to feel that he fought for me and was willing to leave if that’s what it took.”
Bea swallowed, but it felt thick. The words scraped too close to something she had been trying not to name.
Gage wouldn’t do this. Would he? He wouldn’t let her be collateral. But if it ever came down to her and his legacy…would he waver?
Georgina looked at Bea. She didn’t say anything. Just looked at her. And Bea knew it meant:You’re not saying it, but I know you’re thinking it.
“Do you want me to key his car? I’m serious,” Naomi offered. “I have heels in my trunk with actual steel tips.”
Isabel let out a dry laugh. Naomi reached over and squeezed her shoulder.
“So did you break up?” Georgie asked.
“I didn’t break up with him. I just told him I knew. He looked…broken. But he didn’t stop me when I left. So I think we’re done.”
Lillian finally reached out and touched her hand. “He let you go.”
Bea didn’t move. It was like a pane of glass had dropped between her and the room. She could hear everything, but it all rang with a low, echoing pressure.
Mason hadn’t lied. He hadn’t cheated. He’d simply chosen legacy over love.
And just like that, Gage’s words clicked into place. Cold, and terrifyingly true.
This life only works if you commit to it.Not just to each other. Toit.
In the long run, you only survived if you were his wife. If your life was welded to his. Because once your futures were bound, the empire answered to both of you. Until then, anything,anyone, could be sacrificed on the altar of shareholders, employees, and economies.
Her chest felt hollowed, carved out and left open to the air.
“You did the right thing,” Georgie said.
Bea rose slowly, legs heavy. She crossed to Isabel, lowered herself to the floor without a word, and leaned in. “I’m so sorry, Iz.”
For her. For Mason.
For the impossible burden every one of them carried.
Isabel tilted her head to rest against Bea’s. Her eyes slipped closed, and two tears fell silently down her cheeks.
Bea was halfway through folding laundry when her phone lit up with a number she didn’t recognize.
Incoming call: international
She almost let it go. She didn’t feel like talking to telemarketers.
Something made her swipe. “Hello?”
There was a brief stutter, as if the connection were stabilizing, then a crisp voice. “Bea. This is Elena King.”
