Then we ran into Edith Pruitt in the company's underground parking garage. She was surrounded by a pack of reporters, cornered and terrified.
I knew who she was. Former girl-group member. Years ago, she'd been so lovesick she walked away from her contract, risking millions in penalties just to quit.
She'd chased a man overseas, threw herself at him for three years, and never got so much as a title. In the end, someone else beat her to it, and she became the other woman. Then came the rumors — pregnant and unmarried, a failed power play, and a humiliating return home.
I turned to tell Patrick we should leave, but froze. He'd already gotten out of the car. I hadn't even noticed. He was walking toward Edith with steady, purposeful strides.
I sat there, stunned, watching him take Edith's hand with an intimacy that made my stomach drop. And then it clicked — the rumors before our marriage, about Patrick having a first love he could never get over. It was her. It had always been her.
No wonder he'd leaned over my shoulder that time I was scrolling through gossip about Edith online. The next day, the account that posted it was permanently banned.
A bitter smile tugged at my lips. All the signs had been there all along.
I didn't know how much time passed before the garage fell quiet again.
Patrick and Edith let go of each other's hands at the same moment, then exchanged a smile — the kind that said all was forgiven, water under the bridge.
Edith spoke first, her cheeks flushed pink.
"Patrick, I never expected you'd be the one to come to my rescue."
Patrick looked away, his Adam's apple bobbing.
Just moments ago, his eyes had been full of barely concealed longing when he looked at her. Now he put on an air of casual indifference.
"It's nothing. I would've done the same for a stranger."
"Is anyone coming to pick you up?"
Edith shook her head, her expression dimming.
"What a hassle. Come with me."
She followed close behind him as he walked to the car. When she saw it was a limited-edition Rolls-Royce Phantom, something flickered in her eyes.
She pulled open the passenger door, and her gaze collided with mine.
She let out a gasp.
"And who might this be?"
I looked past Edith's scrutinizing gaze and locked eyes with Patrick, whose pupils contracted sharply.
I was curious how he'd answer.