Chapter 1 Josie Watson asked for a divorce for the ninety-ninth time, but Laurence Andrews took a call fromhis first love and told her to get out of the car.

"Go home and think it over. I hope this is the last time you make a fuss," he said.

For Rosalie Harris, heabandoned Josie repeatedly, humiliating her.

Laurence believed Josie couldn't survive without him.

He didn't know Rosalie's brotherwas secretly encouraging Josieto divorce and leave the country.

...

"We should get a divorce," Josie said. She stared out at the storm, asking Laurence for a divorce for the ninety-ninth time.

Rain battered the windows, as relentless as the despair in her heart.

She learned a month ago that Laurence saw her as a stand-in for Rosalie.

Three years of marriage, all the sweetness, turned to nothing.

Her phone lit up with a message. "Josie, has he agreed to the divorce? Is aplane ticket for a week from now okay?"

The one urging her to leave was Chris Harris,Rosalie's older brother.

She knew Chris had feelings for her. If she wanted to escape Laurence, he was the one who would help.

Laurence didn't look at her. He just gripped the steering wheel tighter. "Stop it. I don't have time for this," he said.

She turned to him. The car was dim, her face pale, her eyes hollow as she watched him.

This time, she didn't cry or argue. She was eerily calm.

Laurence grew irritated under her gaze. He pressed the gas, and the car sped through the rain. "I told you Rosalie is just an old friend. Stop being paranoid."

He added impatiently, "I'll cover your dad's next surgery and buy you five new bags."

His tone was like hewas dismissing a clueless subordinate.

She thoughtshe was numb by now.

But Laurence'swords still cut her deeply.

A cheerful violin ringtone broke the silence.

It was Rosalie's special ringtone.

His cold face softened instantly.

Laurence slowed the car and pulled over smoothly. "Rosalie, don't worry. I'm coming right now," he said.

In three years of marriage, Josie never even had her own ringtone.

He hung up, and the warmth vanished. "Rosalie needs me. Go home."

Laurence kicked her out of the car like it was nothing.

He opened the door, letting the storm pour in.

"Go home and think it over. I hope this is the last time you make a fuss," he said.

He didn't even leave her an umbrella.

The Maybach sped off, splashing water onto her skirt.

She pulled a folding umbrella from her bag and opened it, watching the car disappear into traffic.

She let the cold rainhit her face, hoping it would wake her up.

Memories flooded back.

Years ago, when she faced dropping out, Laurence's grandmother anonymously funded her education.

To repay her, when she was ill and wanted to see Laurence married, Josie agreed to the marriage.

Laurence and Josie had an arrangement. She played the perfect wife to ease his grandmother's mind, and he supported her and her sick father.

She became Laurence's all-purpose secretary. Their marriage started without love.

But Laurence gave her a dangerouslyperfect beginning.

He'd go to an old diner in a backalley, waiting in line forever,just to get her a late-night soup.

He remembered her period, always ready with hotcocoa and a heating pad.

Laurence even tore up his outdoor garden to build a greenhouse for her, filled with flowers he planted himself.

He patiently watched artsy movies with her, clumsily handing her tissues when she cried.

Those small acts ofcare wove a tightnet, trapping her.

She fell hard, loving this man who was cold to everyone but special to her.

Then, a month ago, Rosalie returned.

Chris sent her a message saying she wasRosalie's stand-in.

She found a locked photo album inLaurence's study.

The passwordwas Rosalie's birthday.

Inside were photos of Rosalie, from her awkward school days to her elegant adulthood, each carefully preserved.

The album's edges were worn, flipped through countless times.

In one photo, a teenage Rosalie wore a white dress, holding a violin, her smile bright and bold.

Laurence once bought Josie the same dress, saying it suited her.

Notes under the photos listed Rosalie's preferences.

"Rosalie loves soup from the south side diner.

Rosalie gets cramps and needs hot cocoa.

Rosalie loves flowers, especially peonies.

Rosalie loves artsy movies."

...

Every detail matched how Laurence treated Josie.

In that moment,she knew.

A prince wouldn't fall for a nobody.

In reality, princes would end up with princesses.

Rosalie had been abroad fortreatment, and Laurence'sgrandmother couldn't wait.

Josie showed up at the right time, with eyes and a vibe vaguely like Rosalie's.

Laurence shaped her intoa perfect copy of Rosalie, based on her likes.

Now the real Rosalie was back.

Josie, the flawed imitation, had to go.

Her phone lit up. Chris. "He refused again?"

She replied. "Yeah, but Ihave a plan. Book the ticket for a week from now."

Chris responded instantly. "I'll come to Bayside to get you in a week. That okay?"

"Fine, if it's not too much trouble," she said.

She deleted thechat and walked into the rain.

Chris had been abroad for two years. He'd have to fly ten hours to pick her up, then ten more to take her back.

After betrayal, she didn't trust men's kindness.

She was just using Chris's feelings for her.

Karma worked in circles. The man she wanted to escape loved Rosalie, but the one helping her escape was Rosalie's brother.

Chapter 2 Josie returned home soaked, stepping into the bedroom.

She opened the closet,filled with clothes Laurence had bought her.

Every piece was expensive and beautiful, but none matched Josie's true style.

She preferred bright colors and lively designs that made her feel vibrant.

But Laurence said she looked best in muted dresses, more elegant.

Now Josie understood why-because it was Rosalie's style.

She pulled out her suitcase and beganpacking her things.

Laurence only noticed the clothes and itemsthat mimicked Rosalie.

Three years of marriage left Josie with few personal belongings, easily fitting into one suitcase.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Chris. "Josie, I've arranged an invitation to Eldoria Fashion Academy and an apartment for you."

Eldoria had beenJosie's dream since childhood.

She loved fashion design and wanted to make it big there.

But after marrying Laurence,she gave up that dream to become his personal secretary.

Josie hadn't expected Chris to gothis far for her.

He'd even secured a job and aplace to live.

Knowing he was Rosalie's brother, she accepted without hesitation.

What could be more satisfying than Rosalie thinkingshe'd won, only for Josie to turn around and charm her brother, maybe even become her sister-in-law?

Whether she'd actually become Rosalie's sister-in-law, she'd decide after leaving the country.

For now, it wastime to reclaim her own life.

Her phone pinged again. Chris sent a photo.

Josie opened it,seeing the apartment's interior.

In the center stood a handsome, refined man, bathed in sunlight, his figure glowing with a golden sheen that drew the eye.

The photo wasclearly staged by Chris.

If he only wanted her tosee the apartment, he could've taken it himself.

This was just a way to make sure Josie saw him.

At midnight, Laurence finally came home.

He carried a faint jasmine scent, nothis usual cologne.

Josie didn't needto guess-it wasRosalie's perfume.

He seemed in a good mood, a gentle smile lingering on his face.

"Still up?" Laurence asked, loosening his tie.

"Waiting for you," Josie replied.

She didn't help him like she usually did.

"I was foolish before. I won't mention divorce again," she said.

Laurence paused, surprised. "Really?"

"Really," Josie said, her eyes innocent. "I realized marriage doesn't need love. As long as we respect each other and get what we need, that's enough."

Laurence heard theanswer he wanted, but felt no joy.

He frowned. "I married you, so I won't abandon you easily. Rosalie's just been abroadfor years and isn't well. She needs my help."

Josie smiled faintly,not arguing.

What was Laurence thinking? She'd asked for a divorce ninety-nine times to make way for Rosalie, but he refused.

Now she suggested returning to a marriage of convenience, letting him pursue Rosalie openly.

Yet he claimed she misunderstood his relationship with Rosalie.

Did he think she was stupid?

Rosalie had her own family-why would she need him to care for her?

Was it because Josie knew about his company's confidential projects, and he feared she'd leak them?

Was that why he wouldn't let her go easily?

Laurence stepped closer, displeased."You don't believe me? Let's skip protection tonight and try for a kid."

Josie was stunned. "You..." Was he out of his mind?

Luckily, Rosalie's callinterrupted.

Laurence answered, chatting briefly before explaining an investment project to her in detail.

Josie handed him the meeting documents she'd prepared.

This was their usual work routine.

Laurence glanced at the first page, saw nothing unusual, and signed while talking on the phone.

Josie showed only the last pages. "Here, here, and here, you need to sign."

Her heart pounded, but she kept her face neutral, flipping pages quickly.

Laurence's focus was on the call. He signed rapidly, not noticing onepage was titled "Divorce Agreement."

Josie watched him sign, a weight lifting from her heart.

Tomorrow, she'd submit the divorce agreement to the lawyer.In seven days, she'd be free.

Chapter 3 Josie went to work at the company as usual.

To avoid arousing Laurence's suspicion, she planned to perform her secretarial duties perfectly in her final days.

She stopped short at the door of the president's office.

The door was slightly ajar, andRosalie was laughing, leaningher head on Laurence's shoulder.

Her body practically draped over him.

Laurence looked down at Rosalie, his eyes filled with an indulgence Josie had never seen.

Josie pushed the door open, and both turned to look at her.

Rosalie shook Laurence's arm and said, "Is that your secretary? Get me a hand-brewed coffee."

Her tone was like giving orders to a household servant.

The possessiveness in her voicewas unmistakable.

Laurence hesitated, unsure how to explain, but Josie responded calmly, "Sure, just a moment."

With the divorce agreement in hand, she was merely his secretary now.

In the break room, the aroma of grinding coffee beans filled the air.

Josie focused on each step, her head lowered.

She recalled a note from the photo album: Rosalie likes Yirgacheffe with a hint of fruity acidity.

No wonder Laurence's office always had Yirgacheffe beans.

To match his "preference," Josie had grown accustomed to the fruity tang.

Her life, tastes, and habits had been quietly molded into another woman's image.

The steam from the coffee misted Josie's eyes, but she didn't cry.

Her heart had gone cold, and tears no longer came.

Josie carried thetray steadily toward the office.

As she approached the sofa, Rosalie, who had been sitting, suddenly stood up as if tomeet her but stumbled, crashing into Josie.

"Oh no!" Rosalie exclaimed.

The tray tilted, and a full cup of scalding coffee splashed onto the back of Josie's right hand.

A sharp, burning pain hit instantly.

Josie stifled a groan, instinctively pulling her hand back asit visibly reddened and swelled.

Laurence immediately yanked Rosalie behind him."Rosalie, are you burned?"

Rosalie hid in his arms, her eyes teary."I didn't mean it. Your secretary walked too fast, and I didn't see her coming."

Only then did Laurence glance at Josie, who was hunched over,her fingers trembling from pain.

"How could you be so careless?" he snapped, seemingly blind to her red, swollen hand. "Whatare you standing there for? Go take care of it!"

In that moment, Josie's heart felt as if it had been doused with the scaldingcoffee and then thrown into an icebox.

She said nothing and turned to the bathroom.

Cold water rushed over her hand, the pain searing, but it paled compared to the chill in her heart.

Laurence knew her hands were vital to her.

When she wasn't working, she practiced sketching fashion designs at home,and he'd even found resources for her.

If he'd paid attention, he'd have seen Rosalie's stumble was deliberate.

Rosalie knew Josie wasn't just a secretary but Laurence's wife.

Yet she acted anyway,banking on Laurence's affection for her.

Thishand...

Josie needed it to draw fashion sketches and chase her dreams in Eldoria.

If Rosalie dared to cross that line, Josie wouldn't hold back.

She looked up at the mirror,seeing a woman radiating newfound resolve and freedom.

Back at her desk, Josie placed her burned hand on a copy of the divorce agreement, snapped a photo, and sent it to Chris. "Chris, I've got the signed divorce agreement. It's with the lawyer now. Everything's on track."

Chapter 4 Chris replied instantly. "What happened to your hand?"

Josie Watson smirked. "Just a coffee-making mishap for someone else. By the way, your sister's at Laurence's company. Is your family working on a new project with him?"

Chris was sharp and caught her meaning. "No collaboration. Rosalie's been abroad these three years, not studying, just dating and partying."

"What? Doesn't she like Laurence?" Josie asked.

"She likes him a bit, I guess. She's had dozensof boyfriends, traveled the world, and now she's back, ready to settle down," Chris replied.

Josie hadn't expected Chris to spill somuch about Rosalie.

Laurence thought Rosalie had been abroad for treatment.

But her world travels proved she'd been faking illness.

She'd hidden it from Laurence to play the field whilekeeping him as a fallback.

Poor Laurence, treasuring her every word and action.

Little did he know, she'd fooled him for three years, treating him like a safety net.

With this explosive information, Josie didn't plan to expose Rosalie yet.

She wanted Laurence to learn the truth after she left.

She pocketed her phone andreturned to the office as if nothing had happened.

Laurence and Rosalie were laughing together.

The earlier incident seemed forgotten.

Laurence's glance caught the bandage on Josie's hand.

He didn't even frown. "Clean up the coffee stain on the floor," he said.

Josie nodded obediently. "Yes, Mr. Andrews."

Rosalie covered her mouth, smiling smugly. "Sorry, Josie. Should I clean it instead?"

She stepped closer to Josie, lowering her voice. "Your hand is so pretty. Better protect it. Or how will you draw your designs?"

Rosalie knew everything.

She knew Josie dreamed of fashion design and how vital her hands were.

That was why she'd deliberately scalded her.

Josie met her gaze, her eyes cold.

The chill in her stare madeRosalie flinch.

Laurence, hearing Rosalie's words, thought she was kind and thoughtful.

"Rosalie's just being sweet," he said to Josie. "Get the cleaners to handle it."

Josie found it laughable.

Laurence was blind in both eyes and heart.

That evening, Laurence didn't stay with Rosalie and returned to the villa.

He tossed Josie a velvet box. "There's a charity gala tomorrow night. Get ready. You're coming with me."

Josie opened the box to find a dazzling diamond necklace.

Laurence, seeing her lack of reaction, grew impatient. "You've been sensible lately. This is your reward."

Sensible?

Did he mean herpoliteness toRosalie earlier?

Josie laughed coldly inside.

"Got it," she said calmly, accepting the necklace.

She treated it as his final severance payment.

The next day, as Josie prepared to change into her gown, her phone rang.

It was her father's doctor. "Miss Watson, your father'snext surgery payment is due."

Josie's heart sank.

Laurence had promised that morning to cover the medical fees.

She dialed his numberimmediately.

It rang for a long time before he picked up.

Rosalie's saccharine voice came through."Is that Josie? Hi! Laurence is helping me pick a gown for the gala. What's up?"

Josie gripped herphone tightly. "Put Laurence on."

After a moment, Laurence'sirritated voice came through. "What is it? I'm busy."

"My dad's medicalfees. You promised," Josie said.

"I know. I'll transfer it later," he replied.

"No, you can't..." Josie started, but Laurence cut her off. "Rosalie's attending the gala tonight. Take a cab and get there yourself."

He hung up without giving her a chance to respond.

The busy tone echoed in Josie's ears, panic rising.

Laurence was always meticulous,never delaying.

Only Rosalie could make him break a promise.

She must have deliberately stopped him from helping.

If Josie's father faced delays because of money and something went wrong, the betrayal would ensure Josie and Laurence could never stay married.

Josie sensed something off. Rosaliehad only been back two days but was already targeting her repeatedly.

It felt like Rosalie was racing to ruin Josie's relationship with Laurence.

Josie opened her chat with Chris. "Chris, can you lend me five hundred thousand? Laurence suddenly won't pay my dad's medical fees. I've got two hundred thousand, but I'm short fifty."

Despite the time difference, Chris replied instantly. "Don't worry, Josie. I'll transfer it now. But I have a better idea. Why not move your father to a hospital abroad? That way, you'll have no ties when you leave. I can cover the costs for now."

Josie knew taking her father abroad would be better but far more expensive.

Sensing her hesitation, Chris dangled another offer. "Those design sketches you sent me? I've found a buyer. Trust me, Josie, you're talented enough to earn plenty to treat your father. Laurence has been holding you back."

An unknown designer's work wouldn't sell easily.

Josie knew Chris must have pulled strings.

Thinking of Rosalie's cruelty, she didn't hesitate. "Chris, you're right.I don't know how I'll ever thank you."

"Josie, all I want is for you notto push me away."

Chapter 5 Chris's five hundred thousandarrived quickly.

Josie added her own savings, gathered the full amount, and sentit to the hospital immediately.

With her father's care secured, she had no more worries.

She wished time wouldmove faster.

Josie turnedto the walk-in closet.

The gala gown Laurence had chosen for her hung there, a white long dress.

It was Rosalie's style, as always.

Josie ignored it and dug through the closet's depths, pulling out a bold red backless gown.

It was a dress Laurence's grandmother had arranged for her when she first married.

Vibrant and defiant, it pulsed with life.

It was her.

The gala was heldat Bayside's most luxurious hotel.

Josie arrived by cab, but a server stopped her at the entrance. "Ma'am, please show your invitation."

Josie froze. She'd always attendedwith Laurence and had forgotten galas required personal invitations.

Invitations were sent forcouples, not anticipating a wife arriving alone.

She stepped back, reaching for her phone to call Laurence.

A few wealthy women passed by, their eyesdripping with disdain.

"Another woman tryingto sneak in to snaga rich guy," one said.

"Wearing last season's style. Probably some D-list actress," another Ascot another.

"I've seen her type before. No real talent, just banking on their looks for a come-up."

Their sharp words made Josie's face flush.

She gripped her purse tightly, the sting of their remarks cutting deep.

A commotion stirred nearby.

The crowd parted, flashbulbs popping.

Laurence had arrived.

He wore a tailored black suit, standingtall and commanding.

Rosalie shimmered in a white diamond-encrusted gown, glowing under the lights.

She clung to Laurence with a sweet smile, posing for the cameras.

They looked perfect together, a match made in heaven.

Josie stood at the crowd's edge, an outsider in this glittering world.

She watched her husband play the doting partner to another woman.

Laurence's gaze swept over,catching the bold red of her dress. His brow furrowed.

He let go of Rosalie and strode toward Josie.

Rosalie's facetightened ashe walked away.

"Why are you dressed like that?" Laurence asked, his tone thick with reproach.

His eyes flicked to her bare neck. "And where'sthe necklace I gave you?"

Josie's expression stayed cool. "Wearing it or not is my choice."

Rosalie caught up, muttering softly, "Laurence, doesn't she know you hate red? And that olddress? It's like she's trying to embarrass you."

Laurence's look turned colder,his disgust clear. "Forget her. Let's go inside," he said.

With a darkened face, Laurence held Rosalieand brushed past Josie.

He handed the server their invitation, and the server bowed. "Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews."

Rosalie handed over her own invitation. "You got it wrong. Mrs. Andrews is the one in red back there."

All eyesturnedto Josie.

The CEO was cozying upto another woman, leaving his wife behind.

Cameras clicked furiously, capturing the trio's awkward positions and expressions.

The mistress wore a million-dollar couture gown, while Mrs. Andrews sported an outdated dress.

Was a divorce looming for theAndrews family?

Josie's flushed face paled under the flashing lights.

The server's rejection and thewomen's insults paled compared to Laurence's indifference.

Her scarred heart, torn open again, bled anew.

Ten minutes later, Josie composed herself in the restroom, touched up her lipstick, and returned to the banquet hall.

A few familiar women approached her.

"Mrs. Andrews, you look stunning! That red dress suits you perfectly," one said.

Josie smiled graciously, engaging them inpolite conversation.

Her elegance and poiseshone as she navigated the crowd with ease.

Laurence stood nearby, watching his familiar yet distant wife, a strange irritation rising within him.

Josie had always loved the gifts he gave her.

Her eyes used to hold admiration whenshe looked at him.

But these past few days-since she first mentioned divorce-that light seemed to fade.

Was she jealous of Rosalie?

That thought erased Laurence's unease.

Josie was just using divorce talk to get his attention.

Her father needed his money, and she was love-struck for him. She'd never leave.

"Rosalie, the gala's starting. I need to joinmy wife," Laurence said.

He grabbed a wine glass, wove through the crowd, and reached Josie's side.

The women around her smiled warmly.

"Mr. and Mrs. Andrewsare so sweet, always together," one said.

They hadn't seen the drama at the entrance.

Josie recoiled from the jasmine perfumeclinging to Laurence.

As she stepped away, he anticipated her move, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Stop being petty. You know I don't like it."

Josie laughed coldly inside.He didn't dislike her attitude-he just didn't allow it.

If Laurence had stayed withRosalie all night, rumorsof a split would've spread.

By morning, his company's stock would've tanked billions.

He was only here to fix his earlier mistake at the entrance.

Josie didn't want to clash with him at this critical moment before her departure.

She played the loving wife, mingling with the guests.

Across the room, Rosalie watched Laurence gently fix Josie's hair, his expression soft.

Her sweet face twisted with something darker.

She slipped to a corner and made a call. "Josie Watson's sick father-make sure he's taken care of."

Chapter 6 Josie received a sudden call fromthe hospital, saying her father's condition had become unstable.

She rushed to the hospital,only to find an intern doctor struggling to save him.

He was sweating profusely. "We need the chief surgeon now. His blood pressure's out of control."

Josie grabbed a nurse. "Where's my dad's primary doctor?"

The nurse replied, "A VIP camefor a full checkup today. All the doctors were called away."

"How could this happen? Lives are at stake!" Josie exclaimed.

She knew the top floor had the best VIP wards.

She bolted upstairs but found security guards blocking the hallway.

"This floor's reserved today. You can't enter," one said.

Josie dropped to her knees, begging. "Please, let me find a deputy doctor. My dad needs surgery now!"

The four guards remained stone-faced. "The dean gave strict orders.Letting you in costs us our jobs."

"Miss, try transferring him. The checkup will take all day," another added.

"Please, I'm begging you! His condition is really urgent!" Josie cried, banging her head on the floor until blood appeared.

Two guards, unable to watch, pulled herup. "There's an ambulance downstairs.Hurry and transfer him. What a tragedy."

This was Bayside's best private hospital, with guards paid better than most.

Seeing their resolve, Josie ranback downstairs.

As she ran,she called Laurence.

The call connected, but Rosalie's voice came through. "Laurence, I'm scared of needles. Come cover my eyes."

"Okay," Laurence replied. "Josie, I'm busy. I'll call you back," he said, hanging up before she could speak.

Josie laughed bitterly, not bothering to call again, and focused on transferring her father.

But as the ambulance pulled out, a truck slammed into it.

The rear door wastorn off.

Luckily, the vehicle still ran. Theinjured driver pushed through, getting them to the nearest hospital.

It took ten extraminutes.

Josie's father reached the ER, but it was too late.

The doctor, after hours of effort, delivered the grim news. "If he'd arrived twenty minutesearlier, there might've been hope. I'm sorry."

Josie collapsedto her knees,her mind blank.

Her last family member was gone.

Her phone buzzed. Laurence was calling back.

Her trembling hand rejected the call.

Laurence, hung up on, didn't try again, likely busywith his precious Rosalie.

For the next four days, Josie handled her father's funeral like a ghost.

Laurence, caught up biddingon a project with Rosalie, didn't notice her absence.

He didn't even realize she hadn'tshown up to work.

After collecting her father's ashes, Josie chose not to buy a plot in Bayside.

She decided to take the ashes with her.

Before leaving, she visited theprivate hospital.

Using her rapport with the nurses, she learned who the "VIP" was that day, demanding a full checkup.

It was Rosalie.

A healthy woman had pulled all the doctors for a pointless exam?

Without Rosalie's prior provocations, Josie might've believed, like others, it was a coincidence.

But Rosalie had done iton purpose.

She'd deliberately ensured Laurence cut offher father's lifeline.

Rosalie wanted Josie to carry the weight of this blood feud, ensuring no chance of reconciliation with Laurence.

Laurence went all out for an outsider, while his wife's father died from delayed treatment.

The next day, as Laurence left for work, Chris's car pulled up to the Andrews' doorstep.

He looked at Josie, holding her father's ashes, his eyes full of regret and sympathy. "Josie, I'm so sorry I came too late."

Josie's face was stern."Chris, how much are you willing to do for me?"

Chris knelt on one knee, reverently kissing the back of her hand. "The momentyou pulled me from that cliff, I fell for your courage and strength. I'll give you everything. The entire Harris family is yours to command, my princess."

Josie didn't fully trust Chris.

But since Rosalie used Laurence to hurt her, she wouldn't hesitate to wield Chris as her weapon.

They headed to the airport.

After the plane tookoff, Josie sent a message to her lawyer.

"Liquidate all the assets Laurence transferred to me in the divorce agreement. Do it fast, no matter the cost."

Laurence. Rosalie.

She'd make them taste herpiercing pain.

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The rain slashes sideways as I stand on the curb, drenched in cold and silence. Laurence doesn’t look back when he speeds away, leaving me with nothing but the echo of his words: Go home and think it over. For the ninety-ninth time, I asked for a divorce—and for the ninety-ninth time, he walked out on me. But tonight’s different. My phone glows in my palm, a message from Chris Harris blinking like a heartbeat: Is a plane ticket for next week okay? I stare at the screen, numb. Three years of marriage, all built on lies. I wasn’t his wife. I was her replacement. Rosalie’s. And now she’s back.

I remember finding the album—hidden in his study, password protected with her birthday. Inside, photos of her from childhood to womanhood, each annotated with preferences… preferences he used to shape me. The soup I loved? Hers. The flowers in our greenhouse? Peonies—her favorite. Even the movies we watched were chosen for her, not me. I became a flawless imitation. Until the original returned.

My fingers tighten around the umbrella. I won’t beg anymore. I won’t cry. I’ve already packed my suitcase. I’ve already sent the divorce papers to the lawyer. And when I leave, I won’t just take my freedom—I’ll take everything he thinks is untouchable.