"Miranda. Learn to be grateful."

Grateful.

What a beautiful word.

I looked at this man standing before me, so utterly convinced of his own righteousness, and realized—three years of my youth had been thrown to the dogs.

For him, I'd given up my chance to study abroad.

For him, I'd agreed to be invisible, a secret kept in shadows.

For him, I'd set aside my ambitions, learned to cook, softened every sharp edge I had.

And after all that? In his eyes, I was nothing but a charity case. A beggar surviving on his scraps.

"Aiden."

I drew a deep breath, forcing down the agony clawing at my chest.

"Let's get a divorce."

The hand flicking ash went still.

Then—slowly—he laughed. A low, incredulous sound, like he'd just heard the joke of the century.

"Divorce?"

He rose and moved toward me, step by deliberate step, until my back hit the wall.

His hand shot out to grip my chin, fingers digging in hard enough to grind bone.

"Miranda, what makes you think you have the right to ask me for a divorce?"

"You think you can survive without me?"

"Stop being ridiculous. Be good."

He patted my cheek—the way you'd calm a disobedient pet. "As long as you behave, the position of Mrs. Stephens will always be yours."

"As for those women outside—they're just entertainment."

"You keep your place, stay out of trouble, and I'll make sure you never want for anything."

He released me and turned to head upstairs.

"Oh—there's a charity gala tomorrow night. You're coming with me."

He didn't bother turning around. "Dress properly. Don't embarrass me."

I watched his retreating back, and the last flicker of light in my eyes died.

Proper?

Fine. I'd show him proper.

The next evening.

Capital City's grandest charity gala.

Elite gathered. Cameras flashed. Stars glittered under crystal chandeliers.

Aiden swept in wearing a bespoke suit, the soft-spoken girl from the bar draped on his arm.

She wore a white mermaid gown—stunning, luminous, like a rose in full bloom.

My gown. The one he'd had made for me.

Now clinging to her curves.

Whispers rippled through the crowd. Envious glances followed the "golden couple."

Aiden seemed to have forgotten he'd told me to attend. Or perhaps he simply didn't care whether I showed up at all.

He leaned down to murmur something to her. She covered her lips, giggling.

Then the emcee's voice cut through the hall.