Outside, his phone vibrated. A message from Kira informed him she wanted no further contact. Another message followed, this one from Daphne, confirming the cancellation of the credit card he had used.
Months later, the Aurora Grand hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its expansion. Daphne stood at the center, composed and confident, cameras flashing as she addressed investors and guests. Among her team was Kira, now employed openly and with dignity, her talent recognized without secrecy.
As the applause faded, Daphne felt something she had not felt in years. Not triumph, not revenge, but relief.
She had chosen herself.
And that choice, she knew, would carry her farther than any marriage built on lies ever could.
